10 Destinations to Discover: Best Snorkeling in the Caribbean

After historic coral bleaching events have left the world’s largest reef much worse for wear, travelers are turning to closer-to-home destinations that have fared better.

Even if you’re not an experienced PADI-certified scuba diver, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the colorful reefs of the Caribbean. You can’t miss these destinations for the best snorkeling in the Caribbean!

01.

Bay of Pigs, Cuba

Don’t expect picture-perfect white-sand beaches in the Bay of Pigs like those at Varadero. Still, the protected, rocky shorelines and cove beaches of the Bay of Pigs make this a great destination.

After a short swim from the shore, you’ll find everything from angelfish and parrotfish to reef sharks, sea urchins, and starfish thriving among various coral species.

Little Bay Beach, St. Maarten

02.

03.

Tent Bay, Saba

This off-the-beaten-path island is home to some of the Caribbean’s best snorkeling and diving destinations, hidden along the sloping sides of the volcanic cone below the waves.

04.

Sitting upright in just 15 feet of crystal-clear water, Curaçao’s Tugboat Wreck is a shipwreck that even beginners can enjoy, making it among the most unique and unforgettable destinations.

Tugboat Wreck, Curaçao

05.

An abundance of corals and tropical fish make for memorable underwater vistas, while easy access to the Barrier Reef in the North Sound makes for multi-destination snorkeling excursions sure to thrill.

Coral Gardens, Grand Cayman

06.

Hunt for everything from sea turtles and octopuses to sea horses and parrotfish among the reef’s array of corals, sea sponges, and marine ecosystems.

Champagne Reef, Dominica

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