7 Best Places to Snorkel in the Caribbean and Mexico

1. Antigua. This underwater haven has long been considered to be a Snorkeler’s Dream Spot. Here, you’ll not only get to dive into clear, calm water, you’ll also see colorful sea anemones, plus different kinds of elk and brain coral. While there are 360 beaches on the island, two of the 7 best places to snorkel in the Caribbean and Mexico are Bird Island and Cades Reef. You in?

(Jolly Beach Resort, Antigua, photo by: one of our True Beach Lovers.)

2. Trunk Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. How does an underwater, self-guided, 673-foot-long trail sound? That’s exactly what you’ll find here at Trunk Bay. As you swim along this magical path, you’ll see signs that identify the coral and other fascinating marine life. Best of all, this place is a one-stop shop: the beach has showers, changing rooms, equipment rentals and a lifeguard. It’s no surprise that it’s known as one of the 7 best places to snorkel in the Caribbean and Mexico.

(Trunk Bay, St. John, USVI, photo by: instagram.com/andrea.milam)

3. Caye Caulker, Belize. Caye Caulker is a small Caribbean island off the coast of Belize. It’s divided by a narrow channel called the Split, where there’s a bar and a sandy beach.  Here, you can ogle spectacular coral along with turtles, rays and sharks. Dive in!

(Caye Caulker, Belize, photo by: instagram.com/marikamarchand.)

4. Stingray City, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Gentle stingrays? Yes, they exist, and no, these words–gentle stingrays–are not a contradiction. In this calm, shallow 13-foot diving spot, you can meet, greet and play with tame stingrays. You can get lots of great snaps and Selfies as they glide around you in the warm, crystal-clear water.  Put on your sunscreen and head to Stingray City, one of the 7 best places to snorkel in the Caribbean and Mexico. Pinky promise.

(Sting Ray City, Grand Cayman, photo by: Facebook/Mary L. Kutzko.)

5. Buck Island, St. Croix, U.S.V.I. It’s a fish show! Yes, here on this two-mile long stretch, you’ll see more than 250 types of colorful fish along with a variety of sponges, corals and crustaceans. The island is 840 acres and the reef system is protected by the U.S. National Park Service, but it’s open to snorkelers and divers. Grab your gear and head to the north shore for some beauteous fish gazing.

(Buck Island, St. Croix, photo by: instagram.com/harley.quinnocent.)

6. Riviera Maya, Mesoamerican Reef, Mexico. Located a half a mile to a mile off shore, this snorkeler’s retreat has gorgeous waters full of ocean eye candy. Akumal, which means “place of the turtles,” is to see and be seen with the turtles. Coco Beach in Playa del Carmen also boasts some uniquely colored coral and fish. Paamul Beach offers a bit more–in addition to fabulous marine life, you can not only see lobster, rays, and larger fish. On this world-famous reef, you’ll find wave after wave of things to do and see.

(Sea Turtle, Akumal, Mesoamerican Reef, Mexico, photo by: instagram.com/aubolio.)

7. Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, you can snorkel with whale sharks or rather, “the puppy dogs of the sea.” From June to August, they show up to feast on the local fish spawn. But there’s more: you can also get a glimpse of dolphins and manta rays.

(Isla Mujeres, Mexico, photo by: instagram.com/chubbs.photography.)

Whose ready to take the plunge? You are? Of course you are. And we’re here to help. Just dial 1-800-915-3162 and one of our Beachologists will put together a snorkeling adventure of a lifetime. If you want to get a lay of the sand on your own, check out our vast menu of all-inclusive vacation packages to the Caribbean and Mexico. There’s no better time than now to get your snorkel on.

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