SiteC_er

We've been to all three and for the money Mexico (Cozumel or Akumal) are hard to beat.

volcanogirl

I've never heard much about Akumal, but it sounds great. My to-do list is getting longer - lol.

hopefulist

Just a few notes. I'd still consider Roatan. The snorkeling from shore is very good and you can stay in West End with great restaurants and still access gorgeous West Bay beach (or visa versa). I have friends with a nice new condo that rents for about $1000/week and I'm sure there are lots of other options.

You're going to have to pay big bucks to snorkel from shore in Belize unless you're willing to basically camp without running water or electricity on Glover's (paradise for us but not for everyone). We really enjoyed Caye Caulker but you pay for snorkeling trips there.

We snorkeled one day at Akumal when we were staying in Tulum. We saw dozens of beautiful sea turtles and a few bonefish but not much else (not complaining).

We couldn't find any decent snorkeling from shore on Isla Mujeres but weren't there long enough to know for sure; the places that were recommended to us off Playa Norte didn't offer much to see when we were there a few weeks ago. For what it's worth, if anyone happens that way between June and September check out the WHALESHARKS. Snorkeling with them was a highlight of our vacation. Happy trails!

janenicole

Akumal Beach has more than just turtles to see, but it's a bit of a swim to get out to the coral and tropical fish. There is a link to a map of the bay and the best snorkeling spots on Trip Advisor if you go to the forums section and search.

gmoney

For snorkeling and ruins, Akumel and Tulum would be hard to beat. Also in that part of Mexico there are many cenotes (fresh water underground springs/caves) that provide truly wonderful snorkeling as well.

Idahospud

We have snorkeled all over & would say Fiji was our favorite out in the Yasawas but we've also loved Cancun area. Belize was one of our favorites. We stayed 10 miles out of San Pedro at Costa Maya Reef. Though it wasn't a fancy place, we were comfortable, snorkeled every day right off the pier, took a trip to Lamunai ruins by boat, snorkel trip to Shark Ray Alley & loved it all. Last year we spent in Roatan & found it great. We stayed in the West End & could walk to town, get fresh veggies & fish from trucks, eat at some great restaurants. Half Moon Bay has some cute bungalows near the water or Anthony's Key resort was extremely nice & had a wonderful restaurant & some of the best views. The botanical gardens are good. Most of our snorkeling was getting in at Half Moon Bay but also took a water taxi to West Bay as well. Had one of the best Thai Yoga massages there. This year we went to Grand Cayman & must say didn't like much about the place especially the snorkeling--some of the worst we have seen so if that's what you're gaging from, I'd say any of the choices above would beat it hands down. We spent our 25th in Moorea & found that to be gorgeous, no waves within the reef & special times.