Casual snorkeling: Roatan or Belize?

[MisterOJ2]

So I have an upcoming cruise that goes to Belize and Roatan (and Cozumel, but not concerned with the snorkeling there) on the Carnival Dream and my daughter (who will be 13 at the time) and I would like to go snorkeling at one of those ports. Here is what we're looking for.

 

My wife (who likes snorkeling okay, but doesn't mind if she misses out) and younger daughter (11 when we cruise and will not snorkel) will be with us. Now, they don't necessarily have to go with us wherever it is we wind up snorkeling; but this is a family vacation, so we like to stay together as much as possible. On past cruises, we've generally found a beach we can go to that has decent snorkeling that we can just swim to from the beach while the wife and younger daughter hang out on shore.

 

The snorkeling doesn't have to be great, just decent. But, if there's a spot at either Belize or Roatan that fits that bill, that would be perfect.

 

One other caveats is ideally, I'd just like to be able to grab a taxi and get there and have it be preferably somewhat close to port. I'd rather not take a 45-60 minute cab or bus ride to get to wherever we're going.

 

Thanks!

[Armedaneian]

In Belize, you'll need a 45 minute boat ride to get to the reef. In Roatan, there are many spots to snorkel from shore, like Maya Key, Little French Key, and West Bay Beach (the ship will call it Tabyana). West Bay Beach has exactly what you need: a world class reef right at the beach. And, as a resort-lined beach, it has something for everybody, whether they want to snorkel or not. Unfortunately, it's about a 30 - 45 min. ride from Mahogany Bay... but, well worth it in my book! :cool:

[Podie]

Last month I did the Ho Chan/Shark Ray Alley/Caye Caulker tour in Belize with Coral Breeze Tours. I was very impressed. People who didn't want to snorkel could stay at the Caye Caulker restaurant or walk around the cute little town. You can also rent a golf cart for an hour for about $20 American. Hanging out at the restaurant is nice too, with free wi-fi. The snorkeling was great.

[thinfool]

Carnival has a bulldozer created beach beside the pier where you will dock. Easy 5-10 minute walk. Snorkeling, some say is good.

 

Sorry....we take a taxi 40 minutes to West Bay Beach...sand like powdered sugar, adequate venues for sunning, eating, restrooms, etc. and 'walk in the water' to begin snorkeling in what is arguably some of the best in the Caribbean.

 

Do a search on Roatan and snorkeling on You Tube. Prepare to be amazed!

[Host Star]

roatan from the beach... .amazing snorkeling right from the beach