Travel plan idea blog

Personally, I've been snorkeling twice. One time I wrote about it here: http://www.travel-plan-idea.com/archives/003994.html

The other time was before I started this blog in Cancun. It was alright but there were about 20 other people on the day trip with us so half the time I was looking at legs.

I would love to have a great snorkeling experience so I'll be following these comments closely - I'm sure Chris will be doing the same.

I have been to Cozumel and Grand Cayman for snorkeling. Grand Cayman wins hands down. Visability to 100 feet and there is MUCH to be seen in shallow water. The water is not wavy except when stormy weather is blowing through, but even then I can usually find a calm area on a different side of this island. Also went to Cayman Brac for a day, very small, but same beautiful water and sea life.

IMHO Cozumel is one of the best spots to snorkel. Having been to Hawaii and many places in Mexico, Jamaica, Dominica, San Andreas, and afew other places I enjoyed Cozumel the most. Plenty of beaches and not too crowded. Give it a look.

I suggest the Cayman Islands. One of the best dives(in the world) is at "stingray city". Perfect for snorkeling! Also the "white sandy" beaches are cool to the foot! A fun island as well!

If you aren't into Scuba, I'd rule out Cozumel.

Of the four you mention, I've been to all - my answer is depends on your experience level and desires for things other than snorkeling.

You used plural, so I assume you and a significant other. Any others such as kids (ages?) If you are talking a family with kids, I'd suggest USVI, BVI or Puerto Rico.

Since your time frame is 3-5 days, those are all places you can get to in 1/2 day from eastern US. Many other places you are talking a full day each way for transportation.

Ideal - two weeks in southern Caribbean (Bequia, St Vincent, Grenada, etc.) Windjammer used to do some great trips there before they went belly up.

My husband & I were disappointed with Belize's reefs which are still recovering from a hurricane several years ago. Usually, they're touted as being among the best. Never been to the other places.

I have to say... this is a long shot, but we did snorkel on Koh Kradan in the Andaman Sea in Thailand, and it was by far the richest, most abundant, stunning marine life I've ever experienced. I'm a little reluctant to even share such an unknown place so it stays our little secret (I've snorkeled in the bahamas, mexico, hawaii, belize, catalina island and the mediterranean.) File that location away for a future big trip--I'm convinced I'll never see anywhere as beautiful, and am always plotting ways to get back there again!

Hi Chris,
I have snorkeled in Nassau, Bermuda, Tortola, and Cozumel. The best was Cozumel! It was 21 yrs ago on our honeymoon. We were near the Chanchanabi Lagoon. It was a beach & we got all out gear on the beach. There were many deep blue small fish. Very beautiful. At the bottom, I pointed to some long fish. My husband told me later, they were baracuda! We stayed above and they never bothered us. Take a camera!
I love Bermuda, but snorkeling there & Nassau was very grey/cloudy. At Tobacco Bay, in Bermuda, the small fish were orange. Don't wear any jewelry or bring food. I saw a man get a chunk taken out of his hand with food. Have fun!

Hi Chris!
My husband and I have been snorkeling for many years. We have been to several places in the Caribbean. I can't tell you about St Lucia, St Croix, or Belize but I can tell you that Cozumel was our favorite. The water is crystal clear and you see all kinds of tropical beauty. We stayed at the Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort on the south side of the island. You can walk right from your hotel to a beautiful BIG area across the street to snorkel. Plus, it is close to the Chankanaab National Park & Palancar Reef, two other great places to snorkel. For your limited amount of time it would be wise to pick a hotel close to the snorkeling action and I think this place in Cozumel is your best bet. Have fun!

I would highly recommend Bonaire, NA. The entire island is chock full of spectacular snorkeling sites and each one has a different character. The best part is that almost all of them can be freely accessed from a beach/pier so you won't need to bother booking a boat ride. There are numerous "resorts" that are on the shoreline so you could literally walk out of your room and go snorkeling anytime you want for as long as you want. Bonaire is known as "Divers Paradise" so most people going there are serious about water sports. That means you won't have to deal with the hoards of party animals that you'll typically find at other Caribbean locations.

I highly recommend Grand Cayman. There are many great places to snorkel right off shore. You can drive around the entire island and pretty much stop any place you like that looks good. A trip to sting ray city is a must if you visit. Get away from Seven Mile Beach (the tourist area) and hit the east and north sides of the island. Rum Point is a great place to visit. The water is so great off Cayman because the island has no rivers or streams creating run off to cloud the water, and it is surrounded by a reef. I have been there many times and am headed back again next month.

I have snorkeled in Cozumel, Cancun, Puerto Rico, Belize, and the west coast of Mexico and the only place that came close to Cayman was Culebra (small island off the east coast of Puerto Rico).

One of my favorites for snorkeling is the British Virgin Is. especially Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, but don't rule out Cozumel for an all around vacation experience, wonderful people, good food and clear waters.

The Best we have ever snorkled is the out islands of Fiji. Kioa was superb. The north side of Drawanga was great as well. As for the BVI, the north shore of Anagada, there is a very long reef which has a great drop-off to the Atlantic. Super sea life, sharks, etc. But it can get rough seas.

I have been snorkeling in Negril, Jamaica, Martinique, Aruba, Grand Cayman,Bora Bora, Hawaii,Cancun and other places in Mexico....I liked Cancun and Jamaica best. The water was clearer and calmer which I like because you don't have to constantly fight the currents. I like to float and be able to see all the beauty beneath the water. I guess alot depends on where you go and what time of year you go.

Thanks for all the feedback! We (girlfriend and I) decided to go to Cozumel and are going to stay at Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa. Should be fun!