IT’S ONE OF THE Caribbean’s most popular pastimes – snorkeling. And, thankfully, there are more than enough terrific snorkeling destinations to go around. While these lists always lead to difficult choices, we present to you Caribbean Journal’s inaugural Snorkeling List — the Caribbean’s Top 10 Snorkeling Destinations for 2013. Some are specific snorkeling sites, while others give visitors a wider berth and an entire destination — from snorkeling mecca Bonaire to up-and-coming Vieques. Of course, these are but a small slice of a world of wonderful snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean — we can’t mention them all. Do you have favourite snorkeling sites we didn’t mention? Let us know your top picks in the comments section at the end of the article.
Bonaire
The beauty of Bonaire is that you don’t have to choose just one site — you can pretty much walk towards the water, jump in, and find yourself in the middle of a superb snorkeling site, thanks to the Bonaire National Marine Park, which surrounds the island (just make sure you buy a pass). Bonaire is often called the Caribbean’s unofficial snorkeling (and diving) capital, and that’s because, well, it is.
Saona Island – Dominican Republic
Saona Island is often cast in film and on television as the quintessential island paradise. The island has epic beaches in its own right — but the snorkeling is equally good.
Champagne Reef – Dominica
This spot is unique in the region — Dominica’s subterranean geothermal activity pushes up through small cracks on the sea floor, filling the water with small, warm bubbles – hence the name. But the underwater scenery, particularly the sponges, makes it a particularly tasty snorkeling cocktail.
Underwater Sculpture Park — Grenada
Grenada is looking to highlight its dive and snorkeling sector, and it’s clear why — this island in the Eastern Caribbean has some spectacular snorkeling destinations, including the Underwater Sculpture Park, which was launched in 2006 by sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor (more from him below).
Southeastern Peninsula, St Kitts
To snorkel off the coast of the southeastern peninsula of St Kitts (best accessed by boat from St Kitts or from nearby Nevis) is to experience some of the Caribbean’s clearest waters and a cornucopia of sea life. (And maybe even spot a sea turtle.)
Museo Subacuático de Arte – Cancun
Founded in 2009, the Underwater Art Museum includes more than 450 sculptures, including installations by the aforementioned Jason deCaires Taylor. It’s a not-to-be-missed destination in the Mexican Caribbean.
Thunderball Cave, Staniel Cay, Exumas, Bahamas
While Ian Fleming preferred Jamaica, the Bahamas has been a favorite haunt of James Bond for decades, beginning with Thunderball in 1965. And it was off Staniel Cay in the Bahamas’ Exumas island chain where James Bond battled Ernst Stravro Blofeld’s henchmen. Here, you can do it just like Bond did (minus the speargun fight, above).
North Sound, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
The North Sound of Virgin Gordon in the British Virgin Islands is comprised of a series of exceptional snorkeling spots, from Mosquito Island (above) to the west to Deep Bay to the northeast, particularly if you take a sailboat.
Gringo Beach, Vieques, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s island of Vieques is quickly becoming one of the Caribbean’s up-and-coming destinations — and with two dozen beaches, great snorkeling is within easy reach. We like Gringo Beach, just down the road from the tony W hotel.
Stingray City, North Sound, Grand Cayman
One of Caribbean’s more popular snorkeling sites, Stingray City offers a unique opportunity to interact with rays on a group of sandbars on Grand Cayman’s North Sound. It’s worth the trip.
Tell us your favourite snorkeling spots below!
— CJ