Hi friends,

I’d love your advice on a good place in the Caribbean for walk in snorkeling (think: calm, family-friendly water) and rustic lodging/resort. I’m thinking about Grand Cayman or Providenciales, but all I’m finding are fancy resorts.

I LOVE the look of Tobacco Caye in Belize, but it’s so hard to get to from the US. Am I asking for an impossible combo?

Thanks in advance!

You’ll find very good walk-in snorkeling on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. If your budget allows look at rental villas on Mahoe Bay, a 1/2 mile long golden sand beach with a triple reef that begins about 50’ off shore and runs the entire width of the beach. As an added plus the beach has a western exposure which gives excellent views of sunsets and neighboring islands and cays. There are several other beaches around the island with very good snorkeling.

Also, look at St. John in the USVI’s. The island boasts several beaches with walk-in snorkeling.

Another area on Virgin Gorda to consider are villas at Guaveberry Spring Bay ( Villa Rentals for holiday in the British Virgin Islands).

we’ve also found some good walk-in snorkeling on Anguilla and Bonaire.

West Bay Roatan has very good walk-in snorkeling. We normally stay at Infinity Bay Resort that has higher end condos, but there are several more rustic choices like Fosters, Bananarama, Coconut Tree, Las Rocas. Have not stayed at any of the others, but all are well located and look OK.

We like St John as well for walk-n snorkeling, but not aware of many rustic lodging choices.