Else Baker

Two active seniors are contemplating an early December trip to Jamaica for the sole purpose of snorkeling. We limit ourselves to places where we can snorkel from shore and are looking for easy entry and exit from the water (no rocks); easy swimming distance to live reef with tropical fish in residence and calm waters. Shallow water requiring long water walks to swimming depth is not good. All this we want within walking disatance of accommodations. Does such a place exist or are we dreaming? Would consider other Caribbean locations. Thanks for input! Else

ohliz

While snorkeling in JA is probably not as great as, say, the Caymans, there's lots to see down there, plenty of fish/manta rays/coral etc. and the water is VERY accessible from both the beach and cliffs in Negril. When I say "cliffs" I mean the west end - you don't necessarily have to clamber down a cliff, very often there are platforms carved into the cliff you can jump from and ladders to take you back up and out of the water.

There's a decent reef off the beach in Negril too but it is pretty shallow water and could be a bit of a walk - not so shallow that you couldn't swim if you wanted to.

If the cliffs sound good, I think the water access is best (not such high cliffs) at Rockhouse or Xtabi. You can snorkel at Xtabi even if you don't stay there, same for the Pickled Parrot (it's a restaurant).

I hope that helps....
Liz

Rich

My wife and I snorkeled off the beach at a couple of resorts in the Runaway Bay area. Very easy access, lots of fish and beautiful coral, all within 50 yards of the beach.

Else Baker

Thanks Liz and Rich for your input on snorkeling in Jamaica. At 79 and 84, the thought of jumping off platforms and climbing up ladders to get out of the water, does not appeal but Runaway Bay sounds like a possibility which I will explore further. Else

Jace

An alternative in Negril would be to stay at a place like Swept Away, which is mainly for couples of all ages. Their all-inclusive price includes unlimited snorkeling trips.

cathy

Although we enjoyed Jamaica despite all the negative reports you hear about it, there are some other places that are a lot more appealing and safe for seniors besides Jamaica if you are only going to snorkel. The first one that comes to mind is St. John. A lot a lovely coves right off the beach and also lots of choices for day trips, such as to St. Thomas and the British Virgins islands. It is safer and you will not be hassaled nearly as much as on Jamaica

Else Baker

Thank you Jace and Cathy but we have just about decided to go back to Fiji with which we are very familiar. It is a long flight but in some ways easier for us to get to than the Caribbean. Else