Winter is finally receding in the Midwest, and my family is thinking about our upcoming cruise to the Caribbean; or as my young calls it our "thawing out trip". For my family, like thousands of others, two major actives that we must do when we visit the Caribbean is to enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving as much as we can. For more and more families, the quality of an activity like snorkeling is becoming an important factor in their decision where they go on their Caribbean vacation, or like my family, the quality of the activity at a cruise destination helped us determine which cruise to take. With years of snorkeling and scuba focused vacations at most major destinations in the Caribbean with my family, you learn a few tricks about what makes a great snorkeling experience for your family. In this blog I thought I would dive in fins first and list some of my family's favorite reefs, and help your family discover new options for your future underwater adventures.
Bay Islands
Once the home of pirates, the Bay Islands - Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja, have become a snorkeling mecca. Located on the north coast of Honduras, it s the home of the second largest coral reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. From caves, canyons and sand chutes to vibrant coral, towering sponges and nearly ever species of marine life found in the Caribbean, the Bay Islands offer divers an underwater oasis.
Grand Cayman
Finding world-class snorkeling in Grand Cayman is a breeze. Simply walk into the water from the beach or jump in at a remote spot like the locals. The island is surrounded by the underwater beauty of shipwrecks, exotic coral heads, and oversize fish and rays that more often or not are yards from the shore. These are the same rays that graze your lap and suck bait right from your fingertips st Grand Cayman's most popular snorkeling destination; Stingray City.
Belize
Belize offers spectacular day and night snorkeling in the cays, atolls and on the 185 mile long barrier reef. The days are filled with gentle turtles and wading nurse sharks that swim so close you can brush their sides. The nights offer a completely different experience - bioluminescent bacteria release flashes of blue and green: glowing green moray eels stake their claims; and dozens of colorful parrotfish rest in their protective cocoons.
Tobago
Snorkeling is big in Tobago. With shallow reefs and year-round 80-degree waters, snorkel and dive operators are always busy. Sea fans that always flutter with the ocean currents, the worlds largest brain coral, neon orange sponges and hammerhead sightings make Tobago great for your underwater activities.
Bonaire
Elkhorn coral just below the surface, and thousands of fish pulsing all around you. Only on Bonaire can a neophytesafely pilot a rental truck (watch out for iguanas and burros) to dozens of exotic shore entries. The lee shore offers almost 25 miles of calm waters and reefs starting 20 feet from the shore. The arid tropical climate mean consistent sunshine and truly blue water and a location below the hurricane belt that sends out a true 365-day-of-a-year invitation.
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