Five Great Snorkeling Spots in the Caribbean
Mexico, Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman, Belize, St Thomas
May 21, 2009
The Caribbean is home to thousands of species of tropical fish, unique coral formations, sting rays and sharks. Here are five great spots to explore the world below the waves.
Tak Be Ha Cenote, Playa Aventuras, Mexico
Just South of Playa del Carmen, in an area known as the Mexican Riviera, is Playa Aventuras. Famous for its beaches, restaurants’ and night life, it also has the world’s largest concentration of Cenotes. Cenotes (pronounced say-noh-tays) are basically fresh water sink holes. In this area alone there are thirteen, mostly within caves. The best snorkeling is at Tak Be Ha (translated to The Place of Hidden Waters). Descending into a cave, not only will visitors see a wide variety of fish, eels and turtles in the crystal clear water but will also be snorkeling among stalactites and stalagmites.
The Blue Hole, Belize City, Belize
Named a National Monument and World Heritage Site, the Blue Hole is the world’s largest underwater sinkhole. It’s about fifty miles east of Belize City in the center of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. It is a circular crater that is 1000 feet in diameter and plunges to 410 feet and looks so perfect it’s hard to believe that nature created it. At the outer crest of the sink hole are vibrant coral heads, angelfish, butterfly fish, sea urchins and giant green anemones.
Turtle Cove, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Off the coast of Charlotte Amalie is Turtle Cove. Take a 3 ½ hour tour (no, not to Gilligans Island!) onboard the Dancing Dolphin Catamaran to Buck Island and swim with sea turtles. Along the way there will be plenty of tropical fish and awesome coral formations. The island has a wonderful white sand beach for lounging after snorkeling but be careful not to step on the sea urchins swimming to shore.
Governors Reef, Georgetown, Grand Cayman
Snorkeling in Grand Cayman is almost effortless. No need to take a boat anywhere, just take a walk down famous Seven Mile Beach. Stop at the Governors’ Mansion and swim out to the Governors Reef. Schools of yellow fish will surround snorkelers and sometimes even a squid or two will be around. Insider’s Tip: Skip overcrowded Sting Ray City. Sting Rays are plentiful everywhere along the Grand Cayman coast.
Bavaro Coast, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Hop on board the Caribbean Festival. This snorkeling adventure tour leaves from the dock in Punta Cana. While cruising the Bavaro Coast the staff will entertain their passengers with meringue music, authentic Dominican dances and samples of mamajuana (a local alcoholic drink). First stop is a popular reef with a wide array of fish and coral. Next stop is an enclosure built about 100 yards off the Punta Cana coast where everyone gets out and snorkels with sting rays and reef sharks. While both of these creatures are usually harmless there is still that “what if” that gets the adrenaline going.
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