10 Awesome Spots to Snorkel in the Caribbean

If you love snorkeling, then you will want to check out this week’s guest post from Tim Fox, co-founder and writer at the Elite Blog, who gives his picks for the best spots to snorkel in the Caribbean. Have you explored any of these destinations?

Snorkeling is one of the most exciting sports if you are an ocean lover. Snorkeling allows you to explore the fantastic and diverse creatures and ecosystems that exist just below the surface. The life under the waters of the Caribbean is filled with pristine reefs and tropical fishes waiting for you to discover. Find the best places to begin your journey with this list of the ten best spots to snorkel in the Caribbean that you need to explore on your next cruise.

10 Awesome Spots to Snorkel in the Caribbean

Cayo Diablo National Park, Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Cayo Diablo National Park is known to straddle the border of the Caribbean and the Atlantic, which is located twenty minutes away from the Fajardo shores in the eastern regions of Puerto Rico. Snorkelers gravitate to the park for the giant sea turtles, including the hawksbill and green turtles, that are known to populate the area. What’s better, they might even swim alongside you! Snorkelers can also spot the Elkhorn and the staghorn corals, which are home to a huge number of tropical fishes.

The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands is a collection of some smaller Islands. These islands each have their unique topography and vibe. The Baths at Virgin Gorda is famous for the pristine white sand beaches that are framed by the huge granite boulders. Many grottoes have been created by these boulders, which makes this place an extremely photogenic spot. Snorkelers should follow the trail of the Devil’s Bay, located within the caves on the southern side, where they can spot the multi-colored sponges as well as the cup corals in the shallow depth of around 12 feet.

Champagne Reef, Dominica

The Champagne Reef is one of the most unique spots in Dominica. It is an amazing island of the Caribbean, which is filled with natural wonders. There are some hot springs and waterfalls found in this area. Apart from snorkeling, tourists can relax and indulge in the beauty of these spots. When you snorkel in these warm and beautiful waters, you will spot frogfishes, seahorses, lobsters, and parrotfishes scattered throughout the colorful gardens of the soft and hard corals.

Pigeon Cay, Roatan, Honduras

Pigeon Cay is a tiny uninhabited island that can be reached by boat from Roatan, the largest of the islands in Honduras Bay. On one side of this island lies a beautiful beach of white sand, and on the other side, there are coconut trees which provide shelter and shade. The waters here are one of the best for snorkeling activities. The coral reef starts from around 15 feet, and it surrounds the entire island. One can find the iridescent damsels and the parrot fish here.

Beaches on Roatan, Honduras

Tobago Cays

The Tobago Cays are famous for the amazingly soft and hard corals, whips and fans. It is also the home to turtles, eagle rays, and nurse sharks. These creatures are known to swim calmly alongside snorkelers in the beautiful, blue waters. The Horseshoe Reef is known to protect the uninhabited islands which are a part of the Tobago Cays Marine Park. This area is carefully watched by the marine rangers who make sure that the coral reef thrives. There are numerous tropical fishes found in this region as well.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Isla Mujeres is located on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. This place is considered to be one of the best places in the entire world to snorkel with the sharks. They are spotted mostly during June, July, and August as they gulp the local fish spawns. You can also see the dolphins or the manta rays if you are lucky enough.

Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia

Anse Chastanet is comprised of the dark and silvery sands which are around 500 feet in height. It is one of the most amazing places for snorkeling on the coral reef which teems with a vast number of fishes. You can also spot the needlefishes, the octopuses, the turtles, and the peacock flounders. If you dive deeper into the water, you may also be lucky enough to spot the parrot fish, moray eels, seahorses, and puffers.

The Pitons in St. Lucia

Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, Belize

Glover’s Reef lies around thirty miles off the coast of one of the most interesting places, Belize. It is known to form a huge and protected link in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. This reef is known to provide endless opportunities for snorkeling with the sightings of the sharks, rays, and turtles.

Bonaire

Bonaire is located off the coast of Venezuela. This place is another premium snorkeling location. Here, you don’t have to select any particular spot. Rather, you can walk up to anywhere, and jump into the water. You will find yourself in the underwater paradise with the terraces that teem with the colorful and attractive fishes.

Off the Rocky Coasts of Bonaire

Bloody Bay Marine Park, Little Cayman

Little Cayman is only ten miles in length and width, and it is one of the best locations for snorkeling all across the globe. The population of this reef is around two-hundred, and therefore, no harm has been caused to the coral reef here. Snorkelers can experience the best undersea panoramas here. They can float in the transparent waters of the Three Fathom Wall and witness the fishes swimming. They can also spot the hawksbill turtle. The Bloody Bay teems with the rope sponges, the webs of the soft corals, and the giant barrel sponges.

All ten snorkeling areas in the Caribbean are a must for all the underwater sports lovers. Visit your favorite destinations among the list mentioned above and enjoy this underwater sport to the fullest!

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://s.gravatar.com/avatar/b5dc7779fad4111f1623ebc9592f32d2?s=80[/author_image] [author_info]Tim Fox is a co-founder and writer at the Elite Blog. He enjoys seas in the summer and mountains slopes in the winter. [/author_info] [/author]

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Do you love to snorkel? What is your favorite place to snorkel in the Caribbean? Drop us an anchor below with your preferred spot to explore the tropical life while cruising the Caribbean.