When it comes to best snorkeling resorts Caribbean options you’re spoilt for choice and it can be hard to know just where to pick! This guide is here to help you do just that, and what’s more I’ve done all of the research for you based on my own experiences of the best islands for snorkeling in the Caribbean.
I’ll be covering my top 10 best snorkeling resorts based on a range of factors and experiences. Whether you’re interested in the best Caribbean snorkeling resorts for beginners, want to know which the best all inclusive snorkeling resorts are, or you want to know where to stay for the best snorkeling for kids in Caribbean, I’ve got you covered here!
The fact is, there are so many best snorkeling islands in the Caribbean, that the hardest part is choosing which island is right for you. I’ve chosen resorts that I personally love and are all well-kept in addition to having access to the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean on their doorstep as well as other activities such as hiking and watersports nearby, too.
There are several questions to ask yourself when researching which is the best Caribbean island to snorkel: Are you looking for the best Caribbean snorkeling beaches on your doorstep, do you prefer to stay at all inclusive resorts with snorkeling, or have you already narrowed down your search to a specific island or area, and are looking for the best snorkeling in southern Caribbean, for example?
If you ask avid snorkelers where is the best resort for snorkeling in the Caribbean, you will hear over and over again either Cocoview in Roatan, Honduras or Off the Wall in Belize.
So, if an amazing house reef is the only consideration, pick one of those two – scroll down to read my full reviews below. You won’t be disappointed. But there are several other spots with amazing house reef, so let’s get started with my top Caribbean snorkeling resorts reviews.
Marriott Curacao
Located in Piscadera on the west coast of Curacao, the Marriott Curacao Resort puts you in prime position to enjoy the best snorkeling Curacao has. One of the best things about this location is you’re also just a stone’s throw from Willemstad and the historic Pietermaii district if you feel like some time out of the water.
One of the best snorkeling beaches in Curacao is right on your doorstep when you stay at the new Marriott Curacao resort – it’s easy to enter the water here from the man-made sand beach and the reef just in front of the hotel makes for great snorkeling. Other great snorkeling spots within easy reach include the Tugboat wreck which is easily accessible from the beach at Caracas Bay, just south of Willemstad, as well as many of the beaches up the west coast which are an easy drive away.
The Marriott is a beautiful new resort with two stunning pools, private beach and modern guest rooms with ocean views. There are plenty of dining options onsite or it’s an easy trip into town for alternative dining and entertainment options.
Avila Beach Hotel Curacao
Avila beach hotel is another good Curacao resort with great snorkeling right off the beach. The current runs from one side of the breakwater along the beach to the otherside, making it perfect for a drift snorkel! Also close to the Tugboat snorkeling site and plenty of amenities.
Sunscape Resort Curacao
Sunscape resort Curacao offers snorkeling expeditions to Klein Curacao (Little Curacao) island which are perfect for a few hours of snorkeling and beautiful beaches, and they also arrange trips to other snorkeling spots around Curacao.
Bluebay Resort Curacao
The only resort in the Blue Bay area (Blauw Baai), this stretch of beach and coastline is home to one of the island’s best sandy beaches and snorkeling spots – Blue Bay beach. There are three different resorts in the Blue Bay area or plenty of villa rentals to choose from, too.
Best Snorkeling Resorts in Curacao
Although lesser known than Bonaire for its underwater life, Curacao makes my list of best Caribbean snorkeling destinations thanks to its clear waters and great reefs, combined with some of the best snorkeling beaches in Caribbean which make it easier to access the water than from Bonaire’s rocks. There are plenty of beautiful coves and small beaches dotted up the west coast of the Island, along with other snorkeling and dive sites dotted around the island.
The best time of year to enjoy snorkeling in Curacao is between September – November to avoid the trade winds, however the warm waters around Curacao mean that it’s fun to be in the water at most times of the year as long as it’s calm enough.
Sorobon Beach Resort, Bonaire
Located on the edge of Lac Bay on the south eastern coast of Bonaire, Sorobon Beach Resort provides easy access to some of the Bonaire snorkeling from shore that you won’t want to miss.
Although most of the best snorkeling on the island is on the west coast which is more sheltered from the prevailing trade winds, Lac Bay is an exception as it’s a sheltered inlet protected from the off-shore waves by a large reef. Staying here you’ll get the advantage of feeling the winds (great for cooling off in the heat), but the only thing to note is that Lac Bay snorkeling is better suited to stronger swimmers as it’s a bit of a swim out to the staghorn coral reef.
Sorobon Beach Resort is a chic hotel located on one of Bonaire’s best beaches – there are no rocks here, which you will have to contend with on most beaches here so make sure you bring water shoes. Sorobon Resort is a popular choice with windsurfers as well as those looking for a wellness retreat thanks to its great spa facilities.
Chalets are built directly on the beach and give off a trendy, relaxed beach vibe. Large verandas have plenty of space to lie in a hammock and soak up the salty sea breeze – something that Sorobon prides itself on having access to for its wellness and anti-aging benefits! There’s a great beach club and Bistro here too.
Alternative Bonaire Snorkeling Accommodations
Some of the best places to stay near snorkeling on Bonaire are located on the West side of the island and aren’t actually resorts, but vacation rental properties. Check out these amazing places to stay in Bonaire near some of the best snorkeling on the island at the best Airbnbs on Bonaire. Anywhere from 1000 Steps down to Kralendijk will be a great home base for snorkeling on Bonaire.
Best Snorkeling Resorts in Bonaire
Another of the ‘ABC Islands’ along with Curacao and just off the coast of Venezuela, Bonaire is known around the world for being a premier dive location, and it doesn’t disappoint for snorkelers, either. Nearly all of Bonaire’s surrounding waters are protected as part of an underwater natural park, making them exceptional.
Despite Bonaire’s reefs having suffered storm damage from several tropical storms since the late 90’s, fortunately many of the best snorkeling spots in Bonaire still have plenty of beautiful corals and wildlife to see under the water, including Klein Bonaire (Little Bonaire island).
To enjoy the best snorkeling in Bonaire, visit between February and April.
0 Comment