Discover the 10 Best Snorkeling Spots in the Caribbean!

Looking for the best underwater adventure? Discover the 10 best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean. Here, crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life await for you!

We used to hear, “You can snorkel”, and “Snorkeling is allowed”.

Do you know this adventure activity is known as ‘snorkeling’ while the word ‘snorkel’ is the breathing device worn by the snorkelers.

Of late, the term “snorkel” is also referred to the activity itself.

The snorkel mask as it is also called consists of a tube whose one end is above the water surface and the other end is attached to the mouthpiece you hold in your mouth to breathe.

More than the myriad fishes in all possible colors, and shapes, it is the brightly-colored coral reefs that attract the snorkelers more.

Don’t these coral reefs look amazing?

Have you ever tried snorkeling, or are you planning to? If so, visit these 10 astounding places in the Caribbean Islands that are considered ‘snorkeler’ havens’.

Discover the 10 Best Snorkeling Spots in the Caribbean!

Roatan Island

Is the sand slightly pinkish?

I think this is the first time you are coming across this Caribbean Island. It is so for me too. The rarity is due to the fact that Roatan Island is off the shores of Honduras, the less-visited Central American country.

This island’s magnificent coral reefs and marine species invite passionate snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world.

Though Honduras is not a big touristy nation, its Roatan Island is highly popular because the underwater reefs are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

You might have heard the common term ‘coral’ but do you know there are umpteen species of corals that are identified by their size, color, and shape?

Here are some examples:

Elkhorn Coral

Yes! It looks like the horn of the Elk.

For your information, here is a photo of the Elk.

Can you see the resemblance of the animal’s horn with the Elkhorn Coral?

Brain Coral

Ah, there is no need to describe. The picture is self-evident.

Staghorn Coral

These three are only examples of coral species. I am sure, there are many more. I think there are around 850 coral species in the world.

The Roatan Island has a few siblings that are much smaller. All of them are part of the Bay Islands.

Reaching Roatan Island

It is a well connected island with several major American cities that include, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, and Houston.

Even the Canadian cities of Montreal, and Toronto connect with the island aerially.

The small and big cities in Honduras operate domestic flights.

You can quickly trace the location of Roatan, off the north coast of Honduras.

The Roatan Marine Park was established to protect the precious coral system. Do you know the park authorities are patrolling the coral reef area? What an enviable job!

John Island

As one of the U.S. Virgin Islands,

St. John Island is very popular among passionate snorkelers. The island is blessed with exceptional spots for getting into the water wearing the snorkel.

The island’s marine life is also described as ‘vibrant’.

Here a few of the snorkeling spots to where the boat from the shore will take you to. Since the water is rather shallow, it is ideal for even novices to go snorkeling.

Waterlemon Cay
Maho Bay Beach
Pelican Rock
Salt Pond Bay
Haulover Bay

Pelican Rock Snorkeling Spot

Did you recognize the corals from their shapes?

How to reach St. John Island?

It comprises of all the 53 islands. Spot St. John at the extreme right. It is the smallest of the three major islands namely, St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.

Your first destination should be St. Thomas. You can fly from several big cities in the U.S.

Then, hire a cab to Red Hook town, at the southeast end of St. Thomas.

Board a ferry here and reach Cruz Bay in St John’s west end. The sea passage involves only 20 minutes.

Red Hook itself, apart from being a gateway to St. John, is a place with bustling life and long nighttime fun.

Cayman Islands

Three islands constitute the Cayman Islands. They are:

Grand Cayman
Little Cayman
Cayman Brac

All of them or located south of Cuba and floating in the Caribbean Sea.

The Grand Cayman is known for its stunning marine life which includes large coral reefs.

There are 3 ideal spots for getting into the water, and wearing the snorkel.

Smith Cove
7 Mike Beach
Cemetery Beach
Rum Point-additionally, this beach is known for bioluminescent microorganisms that make the water a dreamy, glistening blue that can be seen only at night.
Eden Rock
Governos Beach
Devil’s Grotto
Cheeseburger Reef
Rum Point

It is a very popular hangout for the visitors. Hotels and bars are in the vicinity.

Hammocks tied between coconut trees are let out for hire. Moreover, Rum Point Beach in Grand Cayman offers jet skiing and standup paddling, paddleboarding, and even parasailing.

Land Crab

While you are touring the Cayman Islands, you will come across a species of crabs that live on the shore only.

All three Cayman Islands are great for beginner snorkelers because one can watch abundant marine species near the beach itself,

How to reach Grand Cayman Island?

There are no worries, buddy. Many big U.S. cities serve direct flights to George Town, the capital city of the Cayman. It is located in Grand Cayman.

Even London also operates flights; after all, the Cayman Islands are part of their overseas territory.

Toronto joins the tourism and offers flights directly to Grand Cayman.

Here is wonderful news. From Grand Cayman, you can fly to the other two smaller Cayman by flight! The duration of the flight is only 30 minutes for both the siblings.

Cozumel

The name indicates it is a Mexican Island located in the Caribbean Sea. Cozumel is one of the highest-visited Caribbean Islands for its extraordinary beauty, gorgeous beaches, delicious Mexican food, and diverse marine creatures.

It is the nearest island to the famous Playa del Carmen, the well-known resort city on the east Mexican coast.

Only 47 km separates them.

Cozumel is a popular haven for snorkeling.

Below are some of the top dive-off points that are thronged by both the scuba divers, and snorkeling divers.

El Cielo

There is a sandbar, a bit of land with sea on either side. Sandbars are very beautiful and make an excellent filming location.

El Cielito
Villa Blanca Reef
Chankanaab National Park
Playa Corona

There are ten best snorkeling locations in Cozumel.

Reaching Cozumel Island

The island is equipped with an international airport Most of the big cities in Canada, the U.S., and the UK operate flights to Cozumel Island, Mexico.

The international airport is located in the capital city San Miguel de Cozumel. In addition, Cozumel is a major port of call for the cruise ships that roam the Caribbean Sea,

ABC Islands

The three ABC Islands are administered by the Dutch. The islands are floating in the Caribbean Sea. They are part of the Lesser Antilles Island group. Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao (ABC Islands) can be found just north of Venezuela, in the world Atlas.

Here are a few sought-after points for snorkeling.

Catalina Cove
Boca Catalina
Tres Trapi
Toris Reef
Klein Bonaire
1000 steps
Playa Funchi
Playa Forti
Jan Thiel Beach

How to reach ABC Islands?

All of them have international airports.

You can also fly from Venezuela, a South American country. The duration in the air will be 2 to 3 hours.

Belize Barrier Reef

Obviously, this is truly snorkelers’ haven-right? I could identify several coral reef species.

The Belize Barrier Reef system is one of the longest chains of barrier reefs, stretching up to a whopping 300 km!

After seeing the video above that shows all species of coral reefs, you will admit it is the best snorkeling spot in the entire America, including Mexico.

The long reef barriers are located close (120 km) to the capital Belize City. Belize is one of the Central American countries and is known for its Great Blue Hole.

Though the entire 300 km long beach is ideal for snorkeling, there are some spots that are too good to dive and they are located a little distance further from the shore.

Goff’s Caye
Shark Ray Alley
Coral Garden
Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The water is clear, and warm, thus offering ideal conditions to dive and snorkel.

Even one can dive into the Blue Hole.

The Great Blue Hole with its diameter measuring around 1050 feet!

Akumal

I have never seen a more beautiful beach than Akumal, a beach in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, which is part of Quintana Roo province.

The water is rich with coral reefs, turtles, and numerous marine life.

The added attractions are a few Cenotes (sinkholes) that we can see, dive in, and snorkel.

The clarity of the water is helpful for underwater adventure enthusiasts. Incidentally, the water in the cenotes is fresh.

Cenotes apart, there are several underwater caves in this part of the Caribbean Sea. The caves are interconnected. Only scuba divers, with the oxygen cylinders on their backs, can explore the marine caverns.

Kayaking is widely practiced because of the near-waveless sea. And so is the Stand-up paddling that you can manage rather easily, without any fear.

If you are staying in the luxurious Playa del Carmen, you can drive to Akumal in about 30 minutes.

Reaching Akumal

If you want to reach Akumal quickly from wherever you are, you can either fly up to Cozumel or Cancun international airports.

Gateway City to Akumal Beach.

The gateway to Akumal Bay is Ciudad Chemuyil town. From here, Akumal Brach is only 4 kim away.

Lucia

It is a fairly large island that is located in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the Lesser Antilles and classified under the Windward Islands category.

Though it is surrounded by several West Indies islands, St. Lucia also is known as an excellent snorkeling haven.

A few top snorkeling diving spots in St. Lucia: