The Best Caribbean Snorkeling Destinations to Avoid the Crowds

Though the Caribbean could also be identified for all-inclusive resorts and big cruise ships, with only a little bit of steering it’s simple to flee the crowds and immerse your self in a few of the most various—and delightful—coral reefs within the Caribbean.

Are you prepared to find the aquatic wonders of the Caribbean? Get your masks and fins prepared as we discover a few of the most fun and under-the-radar Caribbean snorkeling locations.

Cuba: Gardens of the Queen

A phenomenal reef scene in Gardens of the Queen. © Keoki Stender

For a lot of, Cuba stays shrouded in mystique because of its decades-long isolation imposed by U.S. financial sanctions. Because of complicated rules relating to U.S. citizen journey to Cuba, many assume it’s inconceivable to go to, however this can be a fable. Common vacationers can qualify beneath U.S. journey rules. Nonetheless, if you’d like a hassle-free expertise that takes you to the perfect Caribbean snorkeling on the island – along with experiencing Havana, an iconic metropolis brimming with meals, tradition, and surrounded by beautiful landscapes – go along with a trusted tour operator for the final word Caribbean journey.

The place to Go: For the perfect Caribbean snorkeling, Gardens of the Queen (Jardines de la Reina) can’t be missed. Positioned on the south facet of the island, this strictly protected space is taken into account essentially the most pristine reef system within the Caribbean. At present, the Gardens of the Queen is a bustling residence to stunning coral formations and an abundance of species that at the moment are uncommon elsewhere, like groupers, sharks, hawksbill sea turtles, and numerous different species.

One purpose the Gardens of the Queen is so nicely preserved is because of its isolation. It’s positioned offshore, with no lodges in proximity, and might solely be visited by way of liveaboard.

Greatest Time to Go: The perfect time to go to is from November to Might when the climate is dry and the visibility is great. The shoulder seasons yield even fewer vacationers with the identical idyllic situations.

Nicaragua: Corn Islands

It’s simple to flee the crowds and expertise a few of the finest Caribbean snorkeling on the distant Corn Islands.

For these lamenting the crowds of partiers and social media influencers that outline a lot of at this time’s Caribbean seashore expertise, the Corn Islands of Nicaragua could provide you with a glimpse of what the area was like 30-years in the past, earlier than mainstream takeover. The Corn Islands have a inhabitants of simply 850, and their tiny dimension and relative isolation (50 miles off the japanese coast of Nicaragua, requiring a brief flight from the mainland) make them an excellent place to take pleasure in a slice of Caribbean paradise with out the crowds.

The place to Go: Although it could be off-grid, you possibly can nonetheless keep at a boutique lodge on Little Corn Island, surrounded by heat Caribbean waters and dozens of vibrant coral reefs  – thought to be a few of the finest Caribbean snorkeling websites. Maintain a watch out for noticed eagle rays, sea turtles, and moray eels as you glide by means of the nice and cozy and shallow coastal waters.

Greatest Time to Go: Go to between March and August for calm seas and optimum visibility.

Belize: Turneffe Atoll

Belize’s Nice Blue Gap, only one spotlight within the UNESCO World Heritage listed Belize Barrier Reef.

Belize could also be most well-known for the Nice Blue Gap, an enormous marine sinkhole that may be seen from area. Whereas the Blue Gap is certainly price a go to, it is only one of near-countless snorkeling areas inside the Belize Barrier Reef, a part of the second largest barrier reef system on the planet. The sprawling reef system is designated a UNESCO World Heritage web site as a result of number of reefs contained in a small space, and is residence to a few of the final bastions of wholesome coral reefs within the Caribbean, the place sea turtles, sharks, rays, and 500 species of tropical fish bustle by means of clear, heat waters.

The place to Go: For the perfect snorkeling in Belize, keep at Turneffe Atoll, a distant marine reserve thought of essentially the most biologically various coral atoll within the western hemisphere. The sandy island paradise, some 20 miles offshore, is lined by dazzling coral reef methods and is inside hanging distance of beautiful snorkeling and dive areas such because the Nice Blue Gap, Lighthouse Reef, and Half Moon Caye Pure Monument – Belize’s first marine reserve. Altogether, this makes a keep at Turneffe Atoll a vital expertise for these searching for the perfect Caribbean snorkeling.

Greatest Time to Go: Dry season, between November and Might, which sees calm waters and clear climate, ultimate for snorkeling and boating between the sandy islands.

Puerto Rico: Rincón & Tres Palmas Marine Reserve

Watch stunning sunsets from Rincón on Puerto Rico’s west coast. © Isla Mar

Puerto Rico could also be synonymous with coconut-cocktails and seashore events, however for wildlife lovers looking for an underwater journey near residence (no passport required as Puerto Rico is a part of the U.S.), there’s a wild facet to the island that beckons. Puerto Rico’s much less developed west coast boasts a novel mixture of crystal-clear waters, beautiful coastlines, bustling jungles, bioluminescent plankton (spectacular at evening), and an all-together laid-back environment, making it an excellent expertise for these searching for an accessible and all-around Caribbean journey.

The place to Go: Puerto Rico is lined by stunning seashores the place the clear and heat waters are perfect for snorkeling. Nonetheless, if we needed to decide from the lot, Rincón, located on the distant western nook of the island, is the best leaping off level for the perfect snorkeling on the island. Simply offshore lies Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, a 1,400 acre park that sprawls throughout the shoreline, providing a plentiful alternative of seashore accessible reefs, and a long-history of conservation exercise. And the bioluminescent bay at La Parguera on the southern coast can be price a go to!

Greatest Time to Go: Snorkel in Puerto Rico between February and August, the place seas are calmest in the course of the spring and summer time.

Discover the Caribbean with Oceanic Society

Oceanic Society has deep roots within the Caribbean, having led eco-tour expeditions within the Caribbean for the final 40+ years. Our intimate information of the Caribbean, long-standing partnerships with environmental organizations within the area, and cautious, hand-crafted itineraries be certain that our vacationers are immersed in essentially the most vibrant marine ecosystems, whereas additionally supporting each the economies and ecosystems we go to.

View our full lineup of Caribbean snorkeling adventures and be taught extra about our distinctive sustainable journey mannequin, by means of which every reserving of a multi-day journey straight sponsors the removing of 200 kilos of ocean air pollution.