Top 10 Best Snorkeling Resorts in the Caribbean

With so many excellent Caribbean snorkeling resorts to choose from, finding the ideal one can take time and effort. We’ve done the legwork for you to find the most remarkable islands in the Caribbean to go snorkeling, and this guide is here to allow you to do just that.

Based on a variety of criteria and experiences, we’ll be discussing the top 10 snorkeling resorts in this post. We’ve got you covered here if you’re looking for the most fabulous all-inclusive snorkeling resorts, the best Caribbean resorts for beginners, or the best places to stay for the best snorkeling for kids in the Caribbean.

The truth is that deciding which of the many Caribbean islands is excellent for snorkeling is the most challenging part. We’ve picked resorts that we know and love and are conveniently located near exciting activities like hiking and watersports, as well as some of the most outstanding snorkeling in the Caribbean.

If you’re trying to figure out where in the Caribbean you can get the ideal snorkeling experience, consider the following: do you want to be close to the finest snorkeling in the Caribbean, want to stay at all-inclusive resorts that provide snorkeling, or have you already narrowed in on a specific island or region, such as the most fantastic snorkeling in the southern Caribbean?

Therefore, choose one of those two if having a fantastic house reef is your only priority; scroll down to read the entire review. Do not worry; you will be satisfied. Let’s start with the best Caribbean snorkeling resort reviews since there are many other locations with incredible house reefs.

Best Snorkeling Resorts in the Caribbean

1. Cocoview Resort, Roatan

It is praised for being one of the top Caribbean snorkeling islands and is known as the most frequented dive resort in the world.

Because of its prime position on the coral off the island’s southern coast, the CocoView Hotel ranks as Roatan’s top snorkeling accommodation. Snorkeling from the shore is as convenient as it gets, and CocoView has some of the best shore snorkeling in the Caribbean. It’s a great way for first-timers and seasoned snorkelers alike to get their feet wet off the coast of Roatan Island.

CocoView is both a resort and a well-known dive center, so if you feel like getting wet, you may try scuba diving, and their setup for snorkeling is top-notch. 

Another significant benefit is the fact that snorkelers are always welcome on dive boats, making it simple to explore any of the ten or more boat snorkeling locations as well as the four shore snorkeling locations that are easily reached from the resort. Up to 85% of the 140-meter-long Prince Albert shipwreck can be seen while snorkeling from the surface of the ocean when there is adequate water clarity.

CocoView Resort provides all-inclusive lodging, with two daily boat rides included in the dive package for those who like to snorkel further from shore. Alternatively, you might get a discount by skipping the dive component of your package. If you want to choose all-inclusive snorkeling resort packages, the resort can also arrange your flights and transportation.

There are a total of 29 guest rooms available for accommodation, including bungalows, cabanas, and oceanfront accommodations. One of the things we appreciate about CocoView is how intimate and small it is. If you stay here during your snorkeling trip to Roatan, you’ll probably meet some great people, especially considering how many guests come back year after year. 

All of the accommodations feature a balcony or patio area with a hammock for delightful Caribbean views, and both the bungalows and cabanas are overwater.

The 4-star rating CocoView Roatan offers accommodations at a very affordable price.

CocoView Roatan will not disappoint you if you’re looking for the best snorkeling on a Caribbean island!

About Snorkeling Resorts in Roatan, Honduras

In the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Honduras, sits the island of Roatan, which is renowned for its immaculate beaches and world-class snorkeling because it is situated along the second-largest reef in the world. Even though the island’s circumference is only 40 miles, there are plenty of activities to do there, including fantastic snorkeling.

Additionally, it is much safer to travel there than on the Honduran mainland. February through August are the ideal months to visit Roatan for snorkeling (dry season).

2. Off The Wall, Glover’s Reef, Belize

Off the Wall is a remote snorkeling destination that feels like it’s in a completely different universe. It’s situated on Glover’s Reef Atoll, some 35 miles off the coast of Belize. At the heart of a Marine Reserve and World Heritage Site is where you’ll find Off the Wall, a resort on its very own private island.

Off the Wall is a five-star resort and the most fantastic spot to stay in Belize for snorkeling. If you want to go snorkeling in Belize, there is no better place to do it than here, where you will be far from the madding crowds and in the very heart of the Marine Reserve.

Being an eco-friendly snorkeling resort and a member of the Tripadvisor Green Leaders program, Off the Wall has implemented sustainability measures, including solar electricity, rainwater harvesting, composting toilets, and many other things, making it a top snorkeling resort in Belize if you’re also worried about leaving a small environmental footprint.

Off the Wall is regarded as having some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean because of its 700+ patch reefs, and if you want to travel further out, there are daily guided snorkeling boat excursions available (at a charge). If you’re looking for Belize snorkeling choices from the shore, you can also be satisfied with just walking right in.

Beautiful thatched cabanas with private verandas and breathtaking ocean views are available for guests. While not an all-inclusive resort, the rates are for an entire board, including all meals and most of the hotel essentials.

About Snorkeling resorts in Belize

Belize, a small nation in Central America, has some of the best resort options for snorkeling in the Caribbean. This gem of a nation is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, one of the best places in the world for diving and snorkeling, friendly locals, and top-notch Belize snorkeling resorts.

Although you can visit Belize any time of the year, the best time to go snorkeling is between November and May (dry season) when the water is clearest.

3. Marriott Curacao

With its prime location in Piscadera on the island’s west coast, the Marriott Curacao Resort provides easy access to the island’s best snorkeling. If you want to spend some time away from the ocean, one of the best things about this location is that Willemstad and the historic Pietermaii neighborhood are both within easy walking distance.

The new Marriott resort on Curacao is situated on a stretch of beach that is renowned as one of the best spots on the island for snorkeling due to the shallow waters off the hotel’s artificial sand beach and the proximity of a coral reef. Other excellent snorkeling locations nearby include the Tugboat wreck, which is accessible from the beach at Caracas Bay, just south of Willemstad, along with several of the beaches up the west coast, which are just a short drive away.

Sophisticated guest rooms with ocean views are available at the Marriott, a lovely new resort with two amazing pools, a private beach, and other amenities. Numerous dining options are available on-site, and alternative dining and entertainment options are easily accessible by taking a short trip into town.

About Snorkeling resorts in Curacao

Curacao tops the list of the most incredible Caribbean snorkeling locations despite having less well-known underwater life than Bonaire. This is due to the island’s clear waters, fantastic reefs, and some of the region’s finest snorkeling beaches, making it simpler to get into the water than from Bonaire’s rocky cliffs. In addition to the many excellent snorkeling and diving spots, the island’s west coast is studded with some stunning coves and little beaches.

Since Curacao has warm waters, snorkeling is enjoyable year-round. The best months to go snorkeling in Curacao are from September through November to escape the trade winds.

4. Sorobon Beach Resort, Bonaire

On the southeastern coast of Bonaire, Sorobon Beach Resort offers quick access to some of the best shore snorkeling on the island that you won’t want to miss. Lac Bay is a bay that is home to a variety of marine life.

The island’s west coast, which is more protected from the prevailing trade winds, is where you can find most of the island’s best snorkeling. However, Lac Bay is an exception since it is a sheltered cove shielded from the off-shore waves by a massive reef. Staying here has its perks, such as feeling the winds (excellent for cooling down in the heat), although snorkeling in Lac Bay is best for stronger swimmers due to the distance to the staghorn coral reef.

Make sure to pack water shoes because Bonaire’s Sorobon Beach Resort is a stylish hotel that is situated on one of the island’s most excellent beaches. This beach has no rocks, unlike most of the other beaches in the area. Thanks to its superb spa facilities, Sorobon Resort is a preferred option for both windsurfers and those seeking a wellness retreat.

Chalets have a stylish, laid-back beach vibe because they are situated right on the sand. Spacious verandas provide ample room to stretch out in a hammock and enjoy the salty sea breeze, which is said to offer health and anti-aging advantages and is something that Sorobon takes great pleasure in. Additionally, this area has a fantastic beach club and bistro.

About Best Bonaire Resorts for Snorkeling

Along with Curacao, Bonaire is one of the “ABC Islands” and is located close to the coast of Venezuela. It is renowned as one of the best places in the world for scuba diving and is also a top snorkeling destination. The surrounding waters of Bonaire are unique in that almost all of them are protected as a component of an underwater natural park.

Fortunately, many of the top snorkeling locations in Bonaire, such as Klein Bonaire (Little Bonaire island), still offer a lot of gorgeous corals and species to observe under the water even though, Bonaire’s reefs have experienced catastrophic damage from many tropical cyclones since the late 1990s.

The months of February and April offer some of the best weather for snorkeling in Bonaire.

5. Anse Chastanet Resort, St. Lucia

The Anse Chastanet Resort is located on not just one but two of St. Lucia’s top snorkeling beaches. If you’re looking for the most accessible snorkeling site in St. Lucia, look no farther than Anse Chastanet, where the house reef begins just 10 meters off the beach. Anse Mamin, the resort’s second beach, offers excellent snorkeling right off the shore.

Anse Chastanet Resort is a beautiful, high-end resort that’s perfect for nature lovers, snorkelers, and people who enjoy water sports, although it’s not relatively as high-end as some other resorts on the island. If you’re interested in an all-inclusive St. Lucia snorkeling holiday, there is also a stunning spa and a variety of package choices.

The resort is built into a hill, providing fantastic views from every angle. The resort is also made to take full advantage of the breeze, with rooms that are mostly open, equipped with fans but without air conditioning, giving guests the impression that they are staying in a luxurious tree house.

Kayaking and sailing are additional activities available in addition to diving and snorkeling. The Pitons and Trou Diable (Devil’s Hole), which are reachable by boat from Anse Chastanet, are two nearby snorkeling locations that are a must-visit when you are there.

About the Best Resorts for Snorkeling in St. Lucia

Although St. Lucia may be better known for its opulent, ultra-luxurious resorts, the island’s leeward side (west coast) is also home to some fantastic snorkeling locations. St. Lucia is a luxurious place to travel, but you’ll be happy to have the beaches and snorkeling all to yourself here.

The ideal months to visit St. Lucia for snorkeling is between December and May, although if you can, try to avoid the months of July and August when olive ridley turtles visit Anse Chastanet beach to lay their eggs.

6. Gallows Point, St. John, US Virgin Islands

Located in Cruz Bay, Gallows Point is not one of the all-inclusive resorts on this list that offers snorkeling from the beach. Still, it does provide a beautiful place to stay that is a short drive from many of the top snorkeling locations on the north of the island, including Trunk Bay, Jumbie Bay, and Cinnamon Bay, among others.

The Virgin Islands National Park, which occupies more than half of St. John and is one of the reasons why we like St. John so much for snorkeling, is another option for discovering more of the most excellent snorkeling site in St. John, USVI. You may arrange snorkeling expeditions by boat through Gallows Point Resort, or participate in any of the many other activities they have to offer here, such as island hopping and hiking.

Beautiful bay views, newly renovated oceanfront villas, an oceanfront pool, and exquisite restaurants are all features of the resort itself. Because Cruz Bay is only a short stroll away, you can easily access the town for dining and other forms of entertainment, as well as board the boat to St. Thomas. One thing to keep in mind is that the beach is rocky, so if you value having a white sand beach, you might like to try St. Thomas or the vacation rental options below.

About the Best Resorts for Snorkeling in St. John, USVI

The US Virgin Islands St. John, another contender for the best Caribbean island for snorkeling, is undoubtedly home to some of the region’s top snorkeling beaches. 

The northwestern part of the island, just north of Cruz Bay, is where snorkeling on St. John is at its best. There are no resorts in this area of the island, so we advise staying at Cruz Bay or searching for rental homes near some of the top snorkeling locations in the Caribbean.

The hurricane season, which runs from December to June, is the ideal time to visit St. John for snorkeling.

7. Secret Harbor Resort, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Secret Harbor Resort, which offers excellent snorkeling close to its beach, is among our preferred lodging options for the best snorkeling in St. Thomas.

The resort offers condo-style lodging right on the sand beach, from studios to one, two, and three-bedroom condo units. Larger condominiums come equipped with full kitchens, which are ideal if you prefer a self-catered getaway. The position is close to Charlotte Amelie’s central retail and entertainment district but far enough away to avoid the bustle of duty-free shopping throng. The boat ride to St. John from here is also convenient and may be done in a single day or longer.

Coki Beach Point on the north coast, across from Thatch Cay, and Sapphire Bay are two other excellent places to snorkel off the beach in the St. Thomas area.

About the best resorts for Snorkeling in St. Thomas, USVI

St. Thomas, the second US Virgin Island to be listed in this lineup of the top snorkeling resorts in Caribbean waters, is a busy island with lovely beaches and some of the region’s top all-inclusive snorkeling resorts.

With its own airport, St. Thomas, one of the top snorkeling locations in the Caribbean, is also more accessible for shorter Caribbean snorkeling holidays. Similar to St. John, the most excellent time to go snorkeling in this location is from December to June.

8. The Caves Hotel, Negril, Jamaica

Although there are many sites to snorkel in Jamaica and have a fantastic time, in our opinion, Negril is the clear winner when it comes to snorkeling in Jamaica because of the gorgeous beaches and cliffs, the opportunity to discover less busy spots, and the reef that runs close to shore to make for some of the top snorkeling in Jamaica, particularly at Bloody Bay, which is located just to the north of Negril.

One of the best all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica for snorkeling if you’re searching for luxury is The Caves Hotel, which is situated on the West End just south of Negril beach. It is, without a doubt, unique.

Here, which is carved out of a cliff, it appears as though you are in your very own cave refuge overlooking the glistening ocean. There is a spa, bar, restaurant, and only 12 custom-designed rooms, all of which are stacked atop a collection of extraordinary underwater limestone cliff caves that are perfect for snorkeling nearby.

If you’re lucky, you might even run into a school of dolphins that like to swim in the seas along the cliffs. The cliff diving instructor on-site provides frequent snorkeling expeditions, or you can venture out on your own to swim through the cave networks and surroundings. You might not want to leave as this all-inclusive resort offers some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean.

You can travel a few minutes to the north to Negril to go snorkeling if you want to check it out on the beach. When Negril becomes congested, make your way to Bloody Bay, the next bay along, where you can take advantage of the stunningly clear waters and perhaps the best snorkeling beach in all of Jamaica.

About the Best Resorts for Snorkeling in Jamaica

Jamaica may not come to mind when thinking about snorkeling trips in the Caribbean, but the island is home to 450 square miles of coral reefs, many of which are in excellent condition. 

You’ll undoubtedly discover the best snorkeling the Caribbean has to offer here if you’re seeking it. Jamaica has some of the best snorkeling beaches in the Caribbean and some of the top snorkeling all-inclusive resorts, thanks to the Montego Bay Marine Park region and the breathtaking beaches and cliffs of Negril.

Visit Jamaica between December and May/June to enjoy the best snorkeling experience.

9. The Windsong Resort, Turks & Caicos

This resort is situated at Grace Bay on Providenciales, which is often known as Provo for short, and it has the advantage of being situated directly on the reef! The best shallow marine park on Providenciales is located about 20 yards offshore of Windsong. You can witness sea turtles and stingrays without taking a boat excursion at this resort because it is the only one with direct access to the reef.

The Windsong Resort is a four-star hotel that offers a spa, a fitness center, free non-motorized water sports, as well as a variety of studios, bungalows, and rooms with 1-4 bedroom suites.

In Turks and Caicos, it doesn’t get much better than this if you want fantastic snorkeling right outside your door!

About the Best Resorts for Snorkeling in Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos, which are in the North-Eastern Caribbean and are easily accessible from the US and the Bahamas, are a hidden gem with some of the best snorkeling beaches in the region on Providenciales, near the eastern end of the islands. Where in the Caribbean would be a better place to go snorkeling than Turks and Caicos, which is home to the third-largest reef system in the world?

Between December and May/June is the ideal time of year to go snorkeling in Turks and Caicos.

10. The Retreat At Rum Point, Grand Cayman

The Retreat, one of the few accommodation choices in Rum Point, provides straightforward condo-style lodging along the most admirable length of coastline in the region.

Rum Point offers some of the best snorkeling Grand Cayman has to offer right outside your door, but it also puts you far away from the cruise ship throngs in George Town and at 7 Mile Beach. Since the water is shallow and protected at Rum Point in Grand Cayman, snorkeling there is great for a leisurely dive, especially if you’re a novice diver or taking young children.

In addition to a freshwater pool, tennis court, games room, and laundry facilities, the resort offers self-catering condos with one to three bedrooms.

Being so close to Stingray City, Grand Cayman’s most prominent tourist destination is one of the privileges of staying here. Take a trip out to Stingray City Sandbar in a glass-bottomed boat for the chance to go snorkeling with stingrays in the shallow sea. But to avoid the massive cruise ship groups, try to visit earlier or later in the day. This will undoubtedly be among the best snorkeling trips in the Caribbean.

About the Best Resorts for Snorkeling in the Cayman Islands

The Grand Cayman island is the last but certainly not the least in this list of the greatest snorkeling resorts in the Caribbean.

The Cayman Islands, which include Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac, are situated in the Caribbean Sea and are about one hour’s flight from Miami. Stingray City and Rum Point offer the island’s best snorkeling opportunities.

The months of December through May are ideal for snorkeling in Grand Cayman.