Are you ready to discover the best places to snorkel in the Caribbean? Grab your fins and get your mask fog-proof ready because we are going to flutter kick our way through some of the top islands for snorkeling.
The Caribbean is considered one of the most beautiful places on earth, thanks to its crystal-clear aquamarine waters, powdery white sand, and underwater wonders. And snorkeling in the Caribbean is one of the main reasons people like to vacation on the islands.
One of the easiest, most affordable, and pleasurable ways to experience the beauty of life under the sea is by snorkeling. Many beaches have shallow and calm waters in the Caribbean, which means you can see fish and other sea life without having to venture too far from the shoreline.
St. John, US Virgin Islands
One of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in the world today is St. John Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. And one of the most popular snorkeling spots, Trunk Bay, features a 650-foot self-guided underwater snorkeling trail. There are even submerged signs depicting the different kinds of coral and sea life that you will surely see around you.
A bonus to visiting St. John, you can easily hop to the nearby sister island, St. Thomas. Here you’re sure to spot plenty of brightly colored tropical fish darting through the coral reefs. If you’re lucky, you might get the chance to participate in the famous snorkel booze hunt at Bolongo Bay. This is a unique snorkeling meet treasure hunt experience you won’t want to miss.
Aruba
Aruba boasts incredibly shallow waters and a wealth of underwater treasures, making it a snorkelers paradise. One of the island’s most impressive snorkeling spots is the 400 foot long Antilla shipwreck from the Second World War. It rests in only 60 feet deep water and is the largest shipwreck dive in the Caribbean. Snorkelers will be able to take in the resident moray eels, octopus, groupers, and schools of tropical fish as they explore the wreckage.
Aruba boasts many superb snorkeling beaches for you to enjoy. Some of the most popular spots are Baby Beach, Boca Catalina, Arashi, and Malmok, with breathtaking sponges, coral, and tropical colored fish.
Cayman Islands
Featuring small coves and shallow-water coral reefs, Grand Cayman is one of the best places to snorkel in the Caribbean.
Lying only 150 yards off the beach, Cheeseburger Reef offers snorkelers a wide variety of sea creatures. Here you can find sea turtles, butterflyfish, and even nurse sharks.
Of course, no visit to Grand Cayman would be complete without a stop at Stingray City! Only accessible by boat, this is an absolute must for snorkelers! Here dozens of stingrays will surround you as they gracefully brush past you with their silky wings looking for food.
Antigua and Barbuda
Surrounded by coral barrier reefs, Antigua and Barbuda make for amazing snorkeling. There are many shipwrecks to explore, including the very popular Wreck of the Andes (a ship that sunk in 1905 and came to rest in Deep Bay.)
You can reach many of these popular spots directly from the shore. Galley Bay, which is bordered on either side by two small coral reefs, is the perfect spot for beginners. But to discover the country’s most beautiful underwater spots, you will want to take a boat out to one of the many reefs emerging from the crystal blue water.
So there you have it, some of the best places to snorkel in the Caribbean. And whether you are new to snorkeling or a seasoned pro, you will want to make sure to add these islands to your bucket list.
If you’d like to start planning your next underwater adventure, Endless Shores Travel would love to help!
Until next time,
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