ABC Islands- which one has the best snorkling

[globalwife]

Which of the three islands (Aruba, Bonair, or Curacao) has the best snorkling right off the shore of the main island? We are stopping in all three islands and I don´t wnat to snorkle on all three but want to make sure I see the best. Thanks in advance!

[bruce-r]

In this order:

 

Bonaire

Curacao

 

 

 

Aruba

[diathoney]

Bonaire - hands down. Coral, Seahorses, lobster, octopus, even whale sharks during the right time of year.

[beemerrider]

Bonaire!!!

Hands down. You can go to the Divi Flamingo which is right beside the ship, a 5 minute walk, literally and if you have your equipment, don it and get in the water. They do not charge for snorkeling.

Have fun!!

[jetstorm]

How about places or guides in Curacao?

[Jarhead235]

When at Bonaire, just grab a cab and head for what they call "Airport Beach". It's about 2 miles from the ship, and at the end of the airport runway. FANTASTIC snorkeling there.

 

When you're done, just step back on the road and flag down a cab, or make arrangements for your driver to return and get you at a specified time.

 

DO NOT let the driver sucker you into going to the other side of the island. Nice beach there, but nothing but sand and water.

 

Have a great trip!

 

Joe

[CoolChile]

Bonaire! Hands down. You can go to the Divi Flamingo which is right beside the ship, a 5 minute walk, literally and if you have your equipment, don it and get in the water. They do not charge for snorkeling.

 

. . . grab a cab and head for . . . "Airport Beach" . . . about 2 miles from the ship . . . at the end of the airport runway. FANTASTIC snorkeling there.

Joe

 

Bonaire - hands down. Coral, Seahorses, lobster, octopus, even whale sharks during the right time of year.

 

Great ideas, folks, thanx. Is there concensus on what spots have the best snork'ing? We are experienced snorkers with our own equipment.

 

Second qx'n: Are there any companies in particular you would recommend if we decide to go that route? If we can avoid a pricey HAL tour, we'll have more moolah for post-snork refreshments. ;)

[CoolChile]

Maybe my question was too hard. :p Still wondering if anyone wants to respond. (Maybe the pay is too low ;) )

[jetstorm]

I don't know if there's more than one cruise pier in Bonaire, but when we docked there two years ago it was near a small town with a little open-air craft market. We had our own snorkel gear and walked off the ship and just to the right when there were locals swimming at the nose of our ship. There was a small dive shop across the street and we asked if snorkeling was allowed that close to the ship and was told it was so we snorkeled right there. We saw lots of fish (many rainbow fish) and I even saw one octopus. We could see some divers below us when we ventured out into deeper water, but most of the fish were close in. Whe we tired of the water, we walked back to the ship (5 mins) and had lunch.

The cheapest excursion we ever had and one of the best!

[CoolChile]

Sounds like a good option. Want to make the most of Bonaire since it's one of the best places for snork'ing, in our universe anyway. :D