5 great cruise ports to snorkel from in the Caribbean

​Experience some of the top ports for snorkeling in the Caribbean

​Experience the magic of the under sea world. Take a glass bottom boat and marvel as the sea life darts past, completely oblivious to the world above them. Fish in multiple brilliant colors, and unusual shape; brain coral; stag horn coral; sponges; sea fans; the shapes and colors are as varied as a landscape. It’s incentive enough to don mask, fins and snorkel for the total immersion experience.

Parrot fish in Grand Cayman Island

​Located Off the coast of Honduras, Roatan’s snorkeling is second to none. Find your way to the West Bay Beach, and rent a chair near the Infinity Resort. Slip in to the glass clear water. Navigate around the coral, and be rewarded for your perseverance with giant schools of blue tangs dancing in the currents. Drift aimlessly, discovering something new at every turn. Plentiful and close in, the fish and coral here delight, this is paradise.

Elkhorn Coral at Roatans West Bay Beach

​In Bonaire, you need only wade in to discover the colorful reefs. Encircled by a national park to a depth of 200 foot, this island is made for snorkeling. Putt across the bay to Little Klein Bonaire, and be rewarded with mesmerizing reefs, just steps from shore. Pack a picnic, and plan to spend a whole day. Walk the whole island in four hour but be sure to pack plenty of water, as there are no stores. Ideal for drift snorkeling, simply paddle out past the reef and let the current draw you along the islands edge. Relaxing and extensive, the reefs will amaze you.

Blue tangs swim over a reef

​Volcanic Dominica’s beaches are covered with softball size rocks. While not great for walking or sunbathing, the exceptional for crystal blue water is great for snorkeling. Accessible from shore, don’t miss Champagne Reef.  Here tiny bubbles of volcanic sulphur gas dance continuously skyward in the caressing tropical waters.  Curious blue damsels dart by, as the waves slowly roll toward shore.

stingray

​Grand Cayman’s most popular activity is not snorkeling. Instead, for a once in a lifetime experience try swimming with the stingrays. Paying attention to instruction counts here. Hold the squid carefully to avoid the stingrays’ teeth. Feel the suction as the gentle rays slurp squid from your hand. With up to a four-foot wingspan these rays can be enormous.  Combine Sting Ray City with a snorkel trip for a perfect afternoon. With visibility of up to 150 foot, Grand Cayman has near perfect conditions.

​Graced by several cays Belize is a top snorkel destination. Caye Caulker is close enough to the port of Belize City for an afternoon excursion. The best, Laughing Bird Cay, is a 40-minute cruise from the town of Placenia. Named after the bird once nested here, it has been protected since 1981. Discover a tropical paradise, swaying palms, gentle breezes, and easy beach access.  Sorry, you can’t stay, as this National Park has no facilities. Spend your time paddling slowly passed sea life, and think you may have found paradise.