There are few places in the world that are better for snorkeling than the Caribbean. From the pristine and tranquil waters, to the vibrant and abundant coral reefs, there are many factors that conspire to make for memorable underwater experiences in every corner of the sea. Whether you are a snorkeling enthusiast, or a first time diver, this is an experience that you owe it to yourself to have. If you are planning a trip to the Caribbean and want help picking out a good spot to snorkel, then we’ve got just the thing for you. Here are our picks for the top 5 places to go snorkeling in the Caribbean.
Buck Island Reef National Monument, U.S. Virgin Islands
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First on our list of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean is the Buck Island Reef in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Two thirds of the island is surrounded by an elkhorn coral barrier reef, which is teeming with a diverse marine life population. The entire island and surrounding ocean is a protected marine area, which helps to preserve this gorgeous ecosystem. Here you can follow the underwater trail known as “Snorkel Trail” for a tour through vibrant coral reefs filled with colorful fish and majestic sea turtles. The waters here are clear as glass, allowing you to take in the beauty unobstructed, regardless of whether you are in shallow or deep waters.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize
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For our next prime snorkeling spot, we head to Belize in Central America. At the Hol Chan Marine Reserve you can swim among the Great Mexican Reef, which happens to be the second-largest barrier reef dwarfed only by the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. With such a reputation, you will likely be unsurprised to learn of its incredible diversity of marine life and coral species. Here you can encounter nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and tons of tropical fish swimming in schools. Check out “Shark Ray Alley” for your best opportunity to swim amongst stingrays and nurse sharks. Don’t worry; these sharks are not the aggressive monsters you see in the movies!
The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
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Back at the Virgin Islands, but this time on the British side, we have the Baths on the southwestern tip of Virgin Gorda. This area of beach is littered with giant granite boulders across the beach and in the water, which create a maze of underwater caves and tunnels. Exploring the tranquil waters that flow through this natural labyrinth will remind you of playing on the beach as a kid, only this time you won’t have to use your imagination to feel a sense of wonder. Among these stunning rock formations, be on the lookout for tropical fish, sea fans, and even octopuses. This is arguably one of the most surreal spaces to explore in the entire caribbean, easily justifying its place on this list.
Stingray City, Grand Cayman
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Well known among snorkeling enthusiasts, Stingray City in Grand Cayman is exactly what it sounds like; a group of shallow sandbars where numerous stingrays gather. It is said that they originally started gathering here because fishers would dump fish guts, causing the rays to associate the sound of boats with feeding time. Now, snorkelers and divers can book excursions where they can swim with the stingrays and even feed them by hand. These animals are completely free and wild, as well as completely harmless, so it is the perfect way to interact with the natural world in an ethical and safe way. It’s pretty easy to see why this is a favorite spot for snorkelers from all over the world!
Tobago Cays Marine Park, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
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Finishing our list is Tobago Cays Marine Park on the southern end of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This picture-perfect marine park is made up of five uninhabited islands that are surrounded by vibrant coral reefs in pristine turquoise waters. The coral gardens under the surface provide a kaleidoscope of colors and are home to a diverse range of marine species from eagle rays to sea turtles. The crystal-clear waters allow for incredible visibility, creating one of the best opportunities in the world to take in vast and sprawling underwater landscapes.
