Although the Caribbean may be known for all-inclusive resorts and massive cruise ships, with just a bit of guidance it is easy to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in some of the most diverse—and beautiful—coral reefs in the Caribbean.
Are you ready to discover the aquatic wonders of the Caribbean? Get your mask and fins ready as we explore some of the most exciting and under-the-radar Caribbean snorkeling destinations.
Cuba: Gardens of the Queen
A beautiful reef scene in Gardens of the Queen. © Keoki Stender
For many, Cuba remains shrouded in mystique due to its decades-long isolation imposed by U.S. economic sanctions. Due to confusing regulations regarding U.S. citizen travel to Cuba, many assume it is impossible to visit, but this is a myth. Regular tourists can qualify under U.S. travel regulations. However, if you want a hassle-free experience that takes you to the best Caribbean snorkeling on the island – in addition to experiencing Havana, an iconic city brimming with food, culture, and surrounded by stunning landscapes – go with a trusted tour operator for the ultimate Caribbean adventure.
Where to Go: For the best Caribbean snorkeling, Gardens of the Queen (Jardines de la Reina) cannot be missed. Located on the south side of the island, this strictly protected area is considered the most pristine reef system in the Caribbean. Today, the Gardens of the Queen is a bustling home to beautiful coral formations and an abundance of species that are now rare elsewhere, like groupers, sharks, hawksbill sea turtles, and countless other species.
One reason the Gardens of the Queen is so well preserved is due to its isolation. It is located offshore, with no hotels in proximity, and can only be visited via liveaboard.
Best Time to Go: The best time to visit is from November to May when the weather is dry and the visibility is excellent. The shoulder seasons yield even fewer tourists with the same idyllic conditions.
Nicaragua: Corn Islands
It is easy to escape the crowds and experience some of the best Caribbean snorkeling at the remote Corn Islands.
For those lamenting the crowds of partiers and social media influencers that define much of today’s Caribbean beach experience, the Corn Islands of Nicaragua may give you a glimpse of what the region was like 30-years ago, before mainstream takeover. The Corn Islands have a population of just 850, and their tiny size and relative isolation (50 miles off the eastern coast of Nicaragua, requiring a short flight from the mainland) make them an ideal place to enjoy a slice of Caribbean paradise without the crowds.
Where to Go: Though it may be off-grid, you can still stay at a boutique hotel on Little Corn Island, surrounded by warm Caribbean waters and dozens of vibrant coral reefs – regarded as some of the best Caribbean snorkeling sites. Keep an eye out for spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, and moray eels as you glide through the warm and shallow coastal waters.
Best Time to Go: Visit between March and August for calm seas and optimal visibility.
Belize: Turneffe Atoll
Belize’s Great Blue Hole, just one highlight in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Belize Barrier Reef.
Belize may be most famous for the Great Blue Hole, a giant marine sinkhole that can be seen from space. While the Blue Hole is indeed worth a visit, it is just one of near-countless snorkeling locations within the Belize Barrier Reef, part of the second largest barrier reef system in the world. The sprawling reef system is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the variety of reefs contained in a small area, and is home to some of the last bastions of healthy coral reefs in the Caribbean, where sea turtles, sharks, rays, and 500 species of tropical fish bustle through clear, warm waters.
Where to Go: For the best snorkeling in Belize, stay at Turneffe Atoll, a remote marine reserve considered the most biologically diverse coral atoll in the western hemisphere. The sandy island paradise, some 20 miles offshore, is lined by dazzling coral reef systems and is within striking distance of exquisite snorkeling and dive locations such as the Great Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef, and Half Moon Caye Natural Monument – Belize’s first marine reserve. Altogether, this makes a stay at Turneffe Atoll an essential experience for those looking for the best Caribbean snorkeling.
Best Time to Go: Dry season, between November and May, which sees calm waters and clear weather, ideal for snorkeling and boating between the sandy islands.
Puerto Rico: Rincón & Tres Palmas Marine Reserve
Watch beautiful sunsets from Rincón on Puerto Rico’s west coast. © Isla Mar
Puerto Rico may be synonymous with coconut-cocktails and beach parties, but for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an underwater adventure close to home (no passport required as Puerto Rico is part of the U.S.), there is a wild side to the island that beckons. Puerto Rico’s less developed west coast boasts a unique combination of crystal-clear waters, stunning coastlines, bustling jungles, bioluminescent plankton (spectacular at night), and an all-together laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal experience for those looking for an accessible and all-around Caribbean adventure.
Where to Go: Puerto Rico is lined by beautiful beaches where the clear and warm waters are ideal for snorkeling. However, if we had to pick from the lot, Rincón, situated on the remote western corner of the island, is the ideal jumping off point for the best snorkeling on the island. Just offshore lies Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, a 1,400 acre park that sprawls across the coastline, offering a plentiful choice of beach accessible reefs, and a long-history of conservation activity. And the bioluminescent bay at La Parguera on the southern coast is also worth a visit!
Best Time to Go: Snorkel in Puerto Rico between February and August, where seas are calmest during the spring and summer.
Explore the Caribbean with Oceanic Society
Oceanic Society has deep roots in the Caribbean, having led eco-tour expeditions in the Caribbean for the last 40+ years. Our intimate knowledge of the Caribbean, long-standing partnerships with environmental organizations in the region, and careful, hand-crafted itineraries ensure that our travelers are immersed in the most vibrant marine ecosystems, while also supporting both the economies and ecosystems we visit.
View our full lineup of Caribbean snorkeling adventures and learn more about our unique sustainable travel model, through which each booking of a multi-day adventure directly sponsors the removal of 200 pounds of ocean pollution.
