I am looking for really good snorkeling right off the beach. We plan to go next April during my 17-year-old's spring break, which would be 1 week. I am not really sure what to expect as far as cost.
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Cat:Caribbean and the AtlanticForum:0EE6B316
Cat:Caribbean and the AtlanticForum:0EE6B316Discussion:8836fe1e-2a9d-4dee-820c-c8630e9adaa2
I am looking for really good snorkeling right off the beach. We plan to go next April during my 17-year-old's spring break, which would be 1 week. I am not really sure what to expect as far as cost. I'd like to stay somewhere nice although it doesn't have to be super luxurious. Thanks so much for any guidance!
On the island of St John it is rumored to have very good snorkeling. It is only a short boat ride from St Thomas. You can stay at either island, and Carnavil is in April, and might be when you are planning to go. The other goody is that either island is USA owned so you don't need a passport.
The very best snorkelling is on Grand Cayman Island...Eden Rock...no boat or guide needed just straight into the water. Fantastic. I believe there is no charge to use the area.
My recommendation would be Roatan. I have snorkeled all over the caribean from Barbados to Cozumel, with the exceptions of Bonaire, Curacao, and Aruba. The snorkeling in Belize and Roatan, Honduras_is on the same reef. The difference is you can snorkel right of the beach in Roatan but it takes a boat to get to the reef in Belize. Also I think Roatan is a much nicer island than the Cayes off of Belize. The snorkeling on that reef (as mentioned above the second largest barrier reef in the world) is excellent in both places, just more convenient and the local a little nicer in Roatan. In my experience the snorkeling in Grand Cayman is very good but not comparable to Roatan or Belize. I have heard very good things about the snorkeling in the ABC islands but have not yet had the pleasure of trying it so I can't comment on it. Hope this is helpful.
I agree with the post from Rob. I have snorkeled in many Carribean locations, and believe Roatan would fit you and your daughter best. Stay at the West Bay area near the BananaRama or the Island Pearl and you will be able to have excellent snorkeling right off of the beautiful beach there.
Belize, Bonaire, Roatan, in that order. I havent been to the Caymans yet. Glover's Atoll blows away anything Ive seen in the rest of Belize and Roatan, but it's not close to the coast - you either do a day boat trip, or stay out there on one of the atoll islands.
So, that leaves Bonaire, which has 40+ major shore snorkeling sites.
I was in Bonaire in March and Belize in June - lots of underwater shots on my site. Check them out and compare!
Grand Cayman has very good snorkeling from the beach. Curacao does as well, but you drive to the best beaches. The Curacao beaches will have full facilities and restaurants. Both islands have very good restaurants. Aruba snorkeling is not very good.
