15 Must-Visit Caribbean Snorkeling Spots for Your Next Adventure

For many travelers, there is nothing like a trip to the Caribbean. There is so much to see and do. It’s home to some of the most gorgeous beaches and clear blue water anywhere. There are also lots of restaurants, shops, and sites to see.

If you are an avid thrill seeker looking to explore life under the sea, you won’t be disappointed in the Caribbean. One of the highlights of a Caribbean vacation is enjoying the sights that live under the water.

We’ve listed 15 of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean for your next adventure. Next time you think about spending a week on a cruise or lounging on the beach, check out these spots for breathtaking snorkeling excursions.

1. De Palm Island, Aruba: Caribbean Snorkeling Spots

De Palm Island is the gem of Aruba for snorkeling enthusiasts. The island is a private resort with world-class dining and stunning beaches, but the natural beauty lies under the water. Just offshore is a shallow reef allowing beginner snorkelers to catch glimpses of the beautiful parrotfish in as little as three feet of water. Enjoy a solo swim or join a group tour; this will surely be a highlight of your vacation.

2. Bonaire National Marine Park, Bonaire

Bonaire is a famous spot for scuba divers from all over the world. Luckily, you don’t need an oxygen tank to enjoy its underwater life. The island has over 6,700 acres of explorable waters, home to more than 300 species of fish and endangered sea turtles. To spot these beautiful creatures, book a tour of the sandbanks too far offshore for swimming.

3. Caracas Bay, Curaçao

Just a few hours away from Bonaire is the island of Curaçao. Head on over to Caracas Bay for some fantastic snorkeling adventures. One of the coolest sites is a well-preserved sunken tugboat. Snorkelers can get up close and personal with this sunken ship covered in reefs, crabs, and other sea life.

4. Cozumel National Marine Park, Mexico

Snorkelers, scuba divers, and freedivers can dive all day in Cozumel National Marine Park waters. The site has many sandy bottom sights with multiple schools of migrating fish. If you are ever tired of underwater life, the site is also home to Mayan Ruins and is a world-class resort and spa.

5. Turtle Bay, Barbados

Imagine coming home and being able to tell the story of diving with 100-year-old sea turtles. That’s exactly what you will get when you snorkel in the waters of Turtle Bay. The bay is a natural feeding area, so tourists will likely be able to watch these majestic animals wade in the shallow waters. Make this magical memory if you plan to visit the Caribbean.

6. Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas

Sapphire Beach is a fantastic tourist spot due to its relaxing sandy beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Just 50 feet offshore, there is a reef and grassy bottom home to many species of fish, sea turtles, sea rays, and nurse sharks. Don’t worry—the sharks may look dangerous but harmless.

7. Buck Island, St. Croix

The snorkeling on Buck Island is so special that the United States made it a National Monument protected by the Parks Department. A famous trail follows the Carribean coral reef, where plaques share information about the surrounding environment. The course brings you to beautiful underwater caverns and caves made by these colorful coral reefs that will leave you and your crew in complete awe.

8. Creole Rock, St. Maarten

Creole Rock is an island completely encompassed by an intricate coral reef. The reef attracts many tourists looking to catch a glimpse of life underwater. Here, you can find hundreds of fish and the many predators that prey on them. That may sound scary, but the reef is safe and one of the island’s most prominent tourist sites.

9. Pigeon Island National Park, St. Lucia

If you want to feast your eyes on some of the world’s most beautiful fish, St. Lucia is your ideal destination. Here, you can find over 500 different species of fish, including rainbow parrotfish, Spanish hogfish, and scorpion fish. When you dive, grab a fish ID chart and see how many kinds of fish you see on your next adventure.

10. Escambrón Marine Park, Puerto Rico

The next time you find yourself in Puerto Rico, venture to Escambrón Marine Park for some epic snorkeling. There is an entire miniature city under the waters here. Over 200 artificial reefs, shrunken statues, and columns make up an “ancient city” inhabited by beautiful fish. It’s a fun dive and an underwater photographer’s dream.

11. Cades Reef, Antigua

Cades Reef is a great snorkeling spot due to its exceptional visibility. In some spots, you can see as far as 100 feet below the sea level. The mild waves offer perfect conditions for seeing parrotfish, eels, rays, and an occasional reef shark. It is a great spot for experienced and novice snorkelers to enjoy a day in the water.

12. Green Island, Antigua

On the other side of Antigua, sandy beaches and grassy bottoms are ideal homes for sea turtles. Green Island is a short boat ride offshore, but it is an excellent spot for swimmers of all levels. Tourists can view sea life from waters ranging from 15 feet to as shallow as 1 foot.

13. Grand Anse Beach, Grenada

Grand Anse Beach is one of the most touristy parts of the island of Grenada. Those who avoid the shops and restaurants can head to the beach for some fun in the water. Just offshore, snorkelers can find a variety of fish and an occasional turtle. The real treat is watching the abundance of eels poke their head out of the underwater sand.

14. Stingray City, Grand Cayman

The name says it all. This is where people can get up close and personal with these majestic rays. Don’t be afraid; these rays are beyond friendly and enjoy human interaction. Have your camera ready because you will want to snap a picture of the “smiles” on the bellies of these marvelous sea creatures.

15. Baths of Virgin Gorda, Tortola

These natural pools are separated by giant boulders, making them a perfect home for fish and snorkelers. It is an astounding place for adventures to climb over the rocks and explore hidden crevices. You never know what you might find in one of those hidden pools.

Source: Celebrity Cruises. 

16 Coolest Small Towns in the U.S. You’ve Never Heard Of

One of my favorite things about this country is the differences in each state. A cross-country road trip can take you from the mountains to the desert, coast, and swampland, with each region representing its unique charm and culture. I’m an avid road tripper and have spent some time in these small towns. They left their mark on me in the best way possible.

17 Underrated U.S. Destinations Every Traveler Should Explore

Finding new and exciting destinations can be difficult for seasoned travelers. Many have their favorite places and go back to them time and time again. Some of the better destinations—hidden gems, if you will—are outside the mainstream. We have some top-notch places to try if you want to get outside mainstream locations. These destinations are not tourist hotspots like Las Vegas, San Francisco, or Martha’s Vineyard. These spots are unique and quiet, making them some of our favorite hidden gems in America. These destinations offer rich, memorable experiences for every traveler, from families to couples to solo explorers.

12 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations You Thought You Couldn’t Afford

Just because you’re watching your money doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a trip abroad. All it takes is a little sifting through countries with the lowest exchange rates. Located in the Americas, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, these hot spots offer dynamic cities to explore and stunning landscapes to escape it all. These exotic locations allow you to splurge without blowing a stack of cash. These destinations were chosen by sorting through the lowest exchange rates for each country against the U.S. dollar. Then, the final selection was made by examining features, including safety, the quality of cultural and outdoor activities, and easy accessibility to natural beauty, such as mountains, rivers, and the ocean. So, if you’ve avoided international travel due to cost, we think the places on this list represent a great opportunity you probably didn’t know about.