Where is best snorkeling in the Caribbean?

[billie5]

I am not sure where to post a topic about all Caribbean ports of call. Since the ports board seems directed at single ports, and not all of them together, I though I would try it here.

 

What are the best islands for snorkeling?

 

The question is not academic. We are going on a 2 week cruise on the Sea Princess in March, which will include Bahamas, Tortola, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Bonaire, and Aruba. That is to say, just about the whole western Caribbean except Dominica, and two of the Dutch Caribbean islands. I would like to snorkel in two or three of the best locations, but which ones?

 

Bonaire, I believe, would be on anyone's list, but beyond that I am really not sure. I would appreciate any advice from someone who is more experienced.

 

Thanks.

[CoNEY46]

St Thomas - coki beach

Aruba - baby beach

[Middleager]

You're really asking about South Caribbean. West Caribbean is talking about Cozumel, Belize, Costa Maya, Cayman, etc.

 

Sounds like an excellent snorkeling/diving itinerary. Have fun.

[Stevesan]

Barbados:

http://oceanadventures.bb/sailing.htm

 

Tortola:

http://www.patouche.com/

 

Bonaire:

http://www.diveinnbonaire.com/index.htm

 

Aruba:

http://www.jollypirates.com/main.htm

Don't let the name mislead you. It's NOT a booze cruise. Yes, it's a large boat with lots of other people, but the snorkeling is great and the crew very professional.

 

St Maarten:

find another activity. Snorkeling is only fair to poor.

 

St Lucia: Great if you can get a trip to Anse Chastenet.

 

St Kitts, St Vincent, Trinidad: I dunno. Never been there.

 

Have you visited the CC Scuba and Snorkel board?

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=40

[billie5]

Sorry. Of course, I meant the eastern Caribbean.

Thanks for the comments.

 

Bill

[TRESE]

I agree.....Aruba, Baby beach........Tortola, Norman Island or Brewers bay.......St Thomas, Coki Beach

[_anamarieus_]

I don't know if it is the best, but Roatan - Tabayana Beach on my first cruise - so beautiful. I loved that reef. Something so special about that place...:cool:

[DeepWaterMariner]

It's not on Billie5's itinerary, but I agree with you anamarieus, Tabayana beach in Roatan would be on my list of the best snorkel spots in the Caribbean. Others that I like are Buck Island in St Croix (a national park), NCL's Great Stirup Key, and Cheeseburger reef in Grand Cayman.

[cruzecrittor1]

Is your ship stopping at ST Thomas? If so, check out

www.interlinesail.com

 

Book their snorkel tour from St Thomas over to St John, which, imho, has the BEST snorkeling. You will never forget St John once you have been there!

[green27]

i have no clue.. but my last name is greenberg too!=]

[Luvsnorkeling]

BONAIRE hands down!!