People always say that internal beauty is what’s most important, and the same logic applies to beaches. Before you start hurling Bloody Mary’s our way, hear us out! The Caribbean Sea is home to phenomenal marine life and has even swallowed plenty of historic artifacts through the years. So, while sunsets and white sand coastlines do look stunning, taking a look underwater wouldn’t be a bad idea. Explore underwater life at these best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean!
The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Colorful coves and crystal-clear water make The Baths one of the most picturesque destinations in all of BVI. You’ll need to scale a few granite boulders to get to Devil’s Bay, but the stunning beach on the other side is perfect for light snorkeling, packed with cup corals and multicolored sponges.
Snorkeling in The Baths (Photo by: @frankie_shae)
Cayo Diablo National Park, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Nemo isn’t the only one who gets to swim with sea turtles. Head to Cayo Diablo National Park in Puerto Rico, where the friendly sea creatures (mainly hawksbill and green turtles) can always be found gliding through shallow waters. You’ll also come across countless tropical fish as well as elkhorn and staghorn coral.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
The Yucatan Peninsula is renowned for its diverse snorkeling and scuba diving options–you can have your pick between pristine coral reefs, a kaleidoscope of fish and buried historical artifacts. But what makes us really want to jump in, is the chance to swim with the “puppy dogs of the sea,” also known as whale sharks, who make their way to the island from June to August.
Making friends in Isla Mujeres (Photo by: @ffguy86)
Bloody Bay Marine Park, Little Cayman
Little Cayman may be the smallest island in the Caymans, but that’s precisely what makes it one of the premier snorkeling destinations in the world–there is virtually no human-caused damage to the marine ecosystem! You’ll want to dive into Bloody Bay, where you’ll find a drop-off that will leave you breathless, as well as Three Fathom Wall, home to a wide variety of fish, turtles, sponges, corals and more.
Curacao Underwater Marine Park, Curacao
Coral gardens, schools of nurse sharks, vast marine life and even sunken ships can be found throughout the 12-mile long Curacao Underwater Marine Park. If you find yourself overwhelmed by all the options, don’t fret: there are marked trails and signs to help guide your underwater adventure.
Snorkeling finds in Curacao (Photo by: @dageessens)
Antigua
If you’re a first-time snorkeler or looking to introduce someone to snorkeling, look no further than Antigua. Its marvelous beaches have little to no current, making it easy for anyone to dip their head in the water and look around for hidden treasures like wrecked ships, vibrant corals, underwater walls and many vibrant, tropical fish.
Gran Cenote, Tulum, Mexico
Perhaps a favorite of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean, this underwater haven is unlike the others, mostly because you’ll be exploring caves. Dive into one of the various cenote caves and explore the underwater stalagmites and stalactites while turtles swim around you. The water is clear enough so that young ones can see the turtles without going underwater. The bats flying around overhead make this a memorable cave experience, too!
(Photo by: @juanqui.martinez)
