Looking for good snorkeling directly from beach at upscale resort. We're thinking about Peter Island. We've been to Caneel but want a change. Any ideas?

Recommend Little Dix Bay in BVI, or for better snorkeling, Plaza Resort in Bonaire.

Hi,<BR><BR>Coral Gardens in Turks and Caicos has fabulous off shore snorkeling, just a few feet off shore in fact. The reef is roped off in parts but there is plenty of reef to explore. We saw amazing fish, coral, a turtle and a sting ray, as well as many other beautiful sights.<BR><BR>I didn't stay at Coral Gardens but the grounds looked lovely, and the guests we spoke to when we snorkeled there were extremely pleased.<BR><BR>They are also having a special right now on aavacations.com. Prices are very reasonable.<BR><BR>Best of luck to you. Isn't planning and doing research half the fun? <BR><BR>Denise

Thanks for the input. I have a few questions. I have heard that the snorkeling is great on Bonaire but that the hotels aren't really high-end. Do you know much about Plaza Resort? Also, I didn't think that there was much good snorkeling right at Little Dix but that you could be dropped off by boat to nice snorkeling locations and picked up later. Seems a bit of a nuisance. Can you just snorkel right at the beach at Little Dix? Final question, I've thought about going to Turks and Caicos but thought the water temperature would be too cold in the winter compared to the rest of the Caribbean (especially in February- (we're thinking of this for next winter-can't plan too early at popular resorts!) What's your opinion?<BR><BR>Thanks!

While many people snorkel in the cove at Little Dix Bay, there is no question that the snorkeling is better by boat. On Bonaire, the snorkeling is great right off the beach. The Plaza Resort and Harbor Village are probably the two top resorts there. Here is the link to Plaza's web site. We found the Plaza to be very nice, huge rooms, and a nice beach. http://www.plazaresortbonaire.com/accom1.htm<BR><BR>Never been to T&amp;C, we debated it last fall and chose Bonaire instead.

Have you considered Cozumel? In my humble opinion, the snorkeling at the beach at the Presidente Hotel is among the best that you can find. The hotel sunk a barge about 50 - 75 feet off the beach and it has become a haven for every tyoe of fish that you can imagine. Although I wouldn't put this hotel in the same category as Caneel, it's still excellent. The best rooms are the oceanfront first floors that have huge patios that open out onto the beach.

Beaches Turks &amp; Caicos or HYATT in Grand Cayman

Peter Island's best is off White Bay or by boat also. I found excellent snorkeling at Biras Creek and on Anegada.

Snorkeling is also good off of the beaches at Guana Island, a private island resort in the BVI. www.guana.com<BR> I haven't stayed at Little Dix, Peter, or Caneel, so I can't compare them to Guana.

I second the President in Cozumel. It was rough (rare we bring it with us), but it was truly grat with lots of fish, great small beach, and clear water!