5 Best Snorkelling Spots in the Caribbean

Dreaming about snorkelling in the Caribbean? If you've ever wanted to grab a mask and flippers and explore exotic marine life in the Caribbean Sea's stunning turquoise waters, consider some of these exotic Caribbean cruise destinations. All of these top snorkelling destinations offer fantastic opportunities for snorkelling, exploration, and adventure. Here are five places to experience the best snorkelling in the Caribbean:

Many people don't know that Antigua happens to be one of the top destinations for snorkelling in the Caribbean. Wade into calm waters with your snorkelling gear on, swim along the breathtaking shoreline, and see some of the most colourful tropical fish in the Caribbean such as angelfish and barracuda. Snorkelling in Antigua is especially unique because of the brain coral and differently coloured anemones covering much of the ocean floor there.

Once you snorkel in the warm and sparkling waters of St. Maarten, you'll want to return each year. The Dutch side of St. Maarten is popular amongst visitors looking for snorkelling fun. Underwater adventures await off the shore of this island where you can find tropical fish, various coral formations, and other marine life. You can always take a snorkelling shore excursion and see various rocks and reefs, or tag along on a scuba diving boat to get to some of the most popular snorkelling places.

Some of the best snorkelling in the Caribbean can be done at Mullet Beach, Simpson Bay, Dawn Beach, and Friar's Bay. If you head over to St. Maarten Marine Park you can see bright, stunning schools of fish at such sites as Creole Rock, Pinel Island, White Rock Reef, and Anse Marcel Reef. The most common marine life you will see includes leatherback sea turtles, shrimp, crabs, noisy parrot fish, and surgeon fish. Don't forget your waterproof camera!

Climb aboard a 32-metre snorkel boat and enjoy a tranquil cruise along the southern coast of Eleuthera, where you will arrive at the Princess Cays snorkelling site. As you explore the crystal-clear waters and check out new coral formations and shallow reefs, you will see exotic fish, stingrays, and — if you're lucky — some sea turtles. You'll also understand why it made our list for the best snorkelling in the Caribbean.

Cozumel has attracted snorkelling lovers for years because of its breathtaking exotic reef and fish-filled shoreline. On the north end of the island, you can swim through sparkling Caribbean waters and see sponges, large schools of rainbow-coloured fish, grass, bright coral, and stingrays.

On the south end of the island you will find some of the best snorkelling and fish sighting opportunities near the Playa Corona Beach Club and Plaza Las Glorias. Some gorgeous snorkelling spots around this area are tucked between Playa Caleta and the Snorkel Centre. Watch out for the currents around here, as they are quite strong and can be dangerous for those who are less experienced. Snorkelling here is for intermediate to advanced snorkellers.

The variety of fish that you'll see in this charming Western Caribbean destination is unparalleled. You'll have the opportunity to see French grunt, angelfish, blue tang, barracuda, goat fish, and yellow-tail, as well as elkhorn coral, fire coral, and gigantic brain coral. After a morning spent sightseeing the ancient Mayan ruins and exploring the exotic jungle areas, spend the day snorkelling off the Costa Maya shores and see phenomenal fish and underwater wonders.

The Caribbean is full of snorkelling destinations, and almost every island has a popular snorkelling hot spot. If you love to swim through the shimmering, warm Caribbean waters, and have a passion for seeing everything that inhabits the ocean floor, don't hesitate to put any of these snorkelling spots on your travel "to-do" list.

Booking a cruise is the perfect way to explore the Caribbean. Many Caribbean cruises offer snorkelling excursions at different ports of call. If you haven't seen colourful schools of fish before, the Caribbean is the place to go! Share your best Caribbean snorkelling experiences with us on Twitter.