Tag Archives: Bonaire

Diver Coral
Bonaire, Caribbean, Central America, Cozumel, Islands, Maldives, Mexico, Oceania, Plan, Seychelles, St. Lucia, Tahiti, Thailand

Saving Coral Reefs

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Diving or snorkeling on a coral reef is a magical experience. It’s unfortunate that reefs in many parts of the world now face threats from human impact, but there is hope. Governments around the world continue to establish and expand marine preserves that protect coral reefs. And there’s a growing movement to move beyond mere protection and focus on restoration.

Currently, there are more than 100 international organizations dedicated to rebuilding coral reefs, and the leading method is the replanting of corals. Much like tree saplings, small fragments of living coral can be nurtured in a controlled environment, then replanted in the wild to revitalize natural reefs. This is a labor- intensive process, and many of these programs rely on volunteers to do the planting. If you are a diver or snorkeler who wants to get involved in coral reef conservation, here are nine resort destinations where you can make a difference during your vacation.

Four Seasons Bora Bora

The island of Bora Bora is surrounded by one of the world’s most scenic lagoons, and the Four Seasons Resort plans to keep it that way. Set within the lush landscaping of this premier property is the Sanctuary, a sheltered body of water that’s home to a marine research station and a coral nursery. The guests of the resort are invited to snorkel in this natural aquarium to witness or participate in ongoing coral seeding and planting work. During a half-day immersion session, participants learn how to harvest and graft corals into donut-shaped rings. These structures will later be placed in open water to form new reefs and disperse millions of coral spawn to help ensure Bora Bora’s reefs remain spectacular. For more info: https://www.fourseasons.com/borabora/

Bora Bora

Coral fragments planted by divers at the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort are thriving and continue to grow and provide habitats for fish and other marine life. Photo: Four Seasons

Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire

Bonaire has some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Caribbean, thanks to decades of protection. But even healthy and well- protected coral colonies can benefit from an infusion of new growth, and that’s the mission of Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire and Buddy Dive Resort. The resort offers a range of coral replanting programs ranging from an afternoon session to a full week of volunteering. A Reef Renewal dive takes place on the nursery located in a shallow section of Buddy’s Reef, right in front of the resort dock. Participants learn the basics of assessing nursery health and tending to the corals. Full-day programs have divers helping foundation staff with nursery maintenance and out-plantings at a number of different sites. Buddy Dive also offers a Reef Renewal Week Package that includes 12 dives devoted to foundation activities. For more info: https://buddydive.com/

Bonaire

Newly planted staghorn corals in Buddy Dive’s coral nursery will grow into dense clusters that support a wide variety of marine life. Photo: Buddy Dive

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

The Ozone – AKA Outrigger Zone – is this upscale resort group’s conservation initiative to protect coral reefs through awareness and restoration. At Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island, guests are encouraged to visit on-site coral nurseries and learn what can be done to protect the world’s coral reefs. Anyone who wants to take it one step further is encouraged to join the resort’s dive team and resident marine biologist in an ongoing replanting program. These programs include the creation and deployment of unique “fish houses” made from cultivated coral fragments. When placed in local waters, these structures transform into new marine life habitats as the corals continue to grow. Both snorkelers and divers can view the coral nursery and take part in the replanting program. For details: https://www.outrigger.com/fiji/fiji-beach- resort

Fiji

A collection of new corals is readied for placement on one of the fish house formations at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. Photo: Outrigger Fiji

Sandals Resorts, St. Lucia

Protecting and restoring the coral reefs in the Soufriere Marine Managed Area in St. Lucia is a project headed by CLEAR Caribbean in collaboration with the Sandals Foundation. As part of the project local communities and schools are engaged and educated on the value of reefs. While guests at Sandals may enjoy windsurfing and wakeboarding as part of the activities now scuba divers can add one more endeavor to the list by learning the art of coral planting. This activity is available to certified divers staying at any one of the island’s three Sandals properties – The Grande St. Lucian, Halcyon Beach, and Regency La Toc. The program begins with land and in- water practice sessions that culminate in a special dive trip where participants will attach corals to new reefs. Once these new corals are established, they provide shelter for fish and lobsters, along with coastal protection from storms and swells. For more info: https://sandalsfoundation.org/environment-project-coral- restortation https://www.clearcaribbean.org/

St. Lucia

At the Sandals St. Lucia coral nursery volunteer divers can help transplant newly grown coral fragments to area reefs. Photo: Sandals

Anantara Dhigu, Maldives

Anantara’s Dhigu resort sits on a stunning private island ringed by white-sand beaches and colorful coral gardens. To ensure the future health of these sites, guests are encouraged to adopt a rope. This program, which was launched more than a decade ago, embeds coral fragments onto ropes that are then positioned to provide optimum sunlight and water quality. Guests can adopt a rope by donating, while those who want to get hands-on can participate in attaching corals to their rope with the help of a resident marine biologist. As the rope transforms into a living piece of reef, it will be moved to the resort’s snorkel trail and other area reefs. Along the way, the nursery staff provides updates and photos so participants can witness the results of their work. For details: https://www.anantara.com/en/dhigu-maldives

Maldives

At Anantara’s Dhigu resort, a diver checks the status of corals planted on a new snorkel trail. Photo: Anantara Dhigu

Four Seasons Seychelles

This premier Four Seasons property created the Petite Anse Reef Restoration Project to protect and nurture corals. A key element of the program uses divers to collect pieces of broken coral damaged by natural events such as wave action. These rescued corals are placed in the resort’s coral nursery for later replanting, and in the first two years of the program, more than 16,000 coral fragments were replanted on the reef. A unique element of the program is known as the Love Grows Beautiful Things experience, which gives couples a chance to use rescued corals to create a heart-shaped coral formation that will be placed on the reef. For info: https://www.fourseasons.com/seychelles/

Seychelles

At the Four Seasons Seychelles, coral fragments are placed on frames that will allow them to grow into heart-shaped formations. Photo: Four Seasons Seychelles

Xbalanque, Roatan

The Roatan Marine Park is always looking for volunteers to help keep the island’s coral reefs healthy. You don’t have to be a diver to participate in the various educational and outreach programs at the foundation’s coral nursery. Divers can take their experience to the next level with a Coral Restoration Certification Course to learn the skills needed to participate in coral restoration. Once qualified, divers can become coral farmers for a day. Those with a true passion for the reefs can take the next step with a longer-term internship program. The foundation works with a number of local hotels and resorts, and a favorite with vacationing divers is the Xbalanque, which is a luxury boutique property located within easy walking distance of Marine Park headquarters. For info: https://www.xbalanqueresort.com/

Roatan

Divers surface after relocating corals to a reef in the Roatan Marine Park. Photo: Roatan Marine Park

El Cid La Cieba, Cozumel

In 2023 the Cozumel Reef Restoration Program will mark its tenth year of research and action to protect and restore coral reefs in the waters of this favorite Mexican scuba diving destination. Founder Dr. German Mendez remains hands-on with both educational programs and volunteer diving activities. A unique aspect of this restoration project is the use of underwater platforms that become recovery stations for damaged corals. Volunteer divers help by scouring the seabed for coral fragments, which are then placed on the platforms and allowed to grow until they are large enough for replacement on the reefs. One to five-day programs are offered by the foundation, which is based at the El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel. For info: https://www.elcid.com/cozumel/el-cid-la-ceiba-beach- hotel/

Cozumel

Divers attach rescued coral fragments to a concrete platform as part of the Cozumel Reef Restoration Program. Photo: Cozumel Reef Restoration

Zeavola, Thailand

Set on a scenic beach at the northern tip of Koh Phi Phi Island, Zeavola is one of Thailand’s leading Five Star PADI dive resorts. The resort combines luxury accommodations with diving adventures that offer an opportunity for guests to get involved and make a difference in the marine environment. The volunteer program begins with instruction and practice on the methods used to reconstruct and replant coral structures. These skills are then put to work during dive trips that restore corals in the surrounding waters. Non-divers can also help, as the resort schedules regular snorkel excursions that remove fishing gear and plastic debris from the reefs to prevent corals from suffocating. For more info: https://www.zeavola.com/

Thai Phi Phi

A free diver participates in a coral reef cleaning session at Thailand’s Zeavola resort. Photo: Zeavola

Aruba Beach Divi Tree
Aruba, Bonaire, Caribbean, Curacao, Plan, Trip Ideas

Best Places to go in the Caribbean in October

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The Dutch trio, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, lies below the hurricane belt where storms are few and far between. In October, the rates are low, the summer trippers have disappeared and the snowbirds haven’t yet arrived making the ABC islands a sure bet for savvy travelers. The threesome offers a multinational population with a colorful culture, a diverse culinary palate, loads of history and lore and as many sports as you can imagine.

Aruba

When it comes to the ultimate Caribbean vacation, Aruba, the smallest of the ABC islands, delivers something for every type of traveler from active pursuits to casinos and shopping. Beach lovers find the swaths of creamy white sand that cover the northwest shore irresistible. There’s a wild east side with the pristine 32-square-mile Arikok National Park where donkeys roam. And, research shows that Aruba’s population is right up there with Denmark when it comes to happiness. The brand “One Happy Island” continues to reign after 40 years.

Aruba Casibari Rock

Casibari Rock is a cluster of monolithic boulders in the center of the island. Walkways and trails allow hikers to reach the top for panoramic views. Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority

October brings out the culinary heritage of the island with the annual event, Eat Local, where native foods and ingredients are showcased at participating restaurants. Food aficionados reap the benefits of a fixed price meal for lunch ($15) and dinner ($30 or $40) from October 1 to 14, 2019. If you haven’t tried keshi yena, now is the time to order this popular dish, which consists of seasoned shredded chicken, mixed with cashews and raisins smothered in Gouda cheese. Why not start with pumpkin soup, funchi or balchi pisca? You can feast on Criollo barbeque, kerkeri tacos or the catch of the day. On the island, fish and seafood dishes are staples and served at most locations. Aruba’s 90 nationalities contribute to the diverse culinary melting pot taking influences from Peru, Colombia and Venezuela.

Aruba Eat Local

The Eat Local event showcases a variety of flavorful dishes created by Aruba’s top chefs available at participating restaurants on the island. Photo: Ayrton Tromp/Aruba Tourism Authority

One of the liveliest times of the year in the Caribbean is Carnival but there’s always room for more festivals and Island Take Over headed for its second year takes up residence from October 30 to November 3, 2019, as the island turns up the music and the party begins. There are nonstop beach parties, pool parties and concerts with international artists like English reggae and pop band, UB40, Puerto Rican singer, Luna and Colombian musical artist, Alex Sensation. Venues are downtown, seaside and along Palm Beach.

Bonaire

Every diver knows that some of the best of Bonaire lies below the sea’s surface. But Bonaire isn’t just for divers; the island is teeming with natural treasures above the water. Topside the coral covered island is a hiking and mountain biking wonderland. Most visitors are drawn to Washington Slagbaai National Park with rolling hills and vacant beaches. Nature lovers are thrilled to spot a green parrot and spend hours watching flamingoes on Goto Lake.

Bonaire Salt Pans

Flamingo sightings are common near the mounds of salt crystals at Cargill Corporation’s Solar Salt Works where seawater becomes salt. Photo: Tourism Corporation Bonaire

There’s an active sailing crowd on the island with an annual event, now in its 52nd year, attracting sailors from all over the Caribbean. This month from October 9 to 12, 2019, the Bonaire Regatta will stage a sailing competition during the day and a festival at night. Courses will be set between the main island and Klein Bonaire. Nightly activities take place in the streets of Kralendijk with live music and more than 25 food stands.

Bonaire Slagbaai Beach

Boka Slagbaai is a welcome stop after a day of hiking in Washington Slagbaai National Park. The restaurant serves lunch and is open most days. Photo: Konstanze Staud/Pixabay

For a historical perspective and a look at traditional customs, Nos Zjilea cultural event showcases local arts and crafts, plants and vegetables along with educational presentations. Visitors sample local food while listening to some of the best musicians on the island. It’s a vibrant history presentation that takes place at Mangazine de Rei, a cultural park and learning center in Rincon. The next monthly cultural market takes place on October 26, 2019, from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm. If you miss this event, daily presentations are offered Monday to Friday.

Curacao

Once the center for trade in the West Indies, today’s Curacao remains the commercial heart for the Dutch West Indies but more importantly it’s a cultural epicenter for the non-Hispanic Caribbean. Over 500 years of flavors, customs, peoples and cultures have collided to make one of the most vibrant and interesting places in the world. While visitors will find beaches, diving and hiking, it’s the urban life that brings in textures and depth. Museums, galleries, walking city tours, heritage sites and elders that recall history all make Curacao a rich and memorable experience.

Willemstad Curacao

Willemstad’s colorful buildings date back to 1817 when the previous white buildings were prohibited and replaced with primary colors of red, yellow, blue and green. Photo: Patrice Audet/Pixabay

A big draw is the culinary diversity. The island has had influence from foreign lands for centuries so much so that Indonesian rifstaffel is a staple at many locales. Restaurant Week Curacao now in its tenth year is Curacao’s first and oldest food event. The concept is high-end dining for an affordable price allowing patrons to taste a variety of dishes from the island’s talented chefs. Menus include lionfish, Indonesian rice table and pumpkin cheesecake. The three-course dinner is priced at 55 guilders (around $30) and dates are October 11 to 18, 2019.

Curacao Knip Beach

Curacao’s small and scenic Knip Bay Beach lies on the western side of the island. It’s located near the towns of Westpunt and Lagun. Photo: Hans Theunissen/Pixabay

Move over Jamaica and head further south at the end of October for Curacao’s biggest reggae festival with a lineup including Alpha Blondy, Rasta Farley, Semi Marten, Ky- Mani Marley, Kevin Isaacs and more. Curacao Reggae Fest 2019 is two full days of music, November 1 and 2, and is held in Willemstad at the Curacao Festival Center.

 

Kitesurfing Aruba
Aruba, Bahamas-Out Islands, Bonaire, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos

The Caribbean’s Top Kiteboarding Beaches

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Over the past decade, kitesurfing has grown from a niche activity to one of the world’s most popular wind sports. Innovations in equipment and teaching methods allow people off all ages to embrace the sport. The islands of the Caribbean are ideal destinations for kiteboarders, as they offer warm waters and stead trade winds. The best locations have winds that blow from on shore or side shore to the beach, and waters that are sheltered from ocean waves. Here are six of the region’s kiting hot spots.

Palm Beach, Aruba

Windsurfers discovered Aruba in the 1980s, and the island’s west coast remains a hotbed for sailing activity. These days, the area known as the Fisherman’s Huts sees more kites than sails, as it offers all the right ingredients. Trade winds sweep in from the east, which allows kites to be deployed over the water, and rides to start right from the beach in shallow water. Beginners are able to hone their skills in flat water and forgiving near shore conditions, while advancing riders can ramp up the action by moving a few yards offshore to make long, fast runs along the beach. More experienced riders can also venture to Boca Grandi, a small bay on the island’s south side where winds and waters are more intense.

Aruba Kite Boarding

Aruba’s Boca Grandi is the place where advanced kiteboarders gather to play in the chop, or venture beyond the mouth of the bay to launch off larger waves. Photo: Robinszeggs/Flickr

Great Exuma, Bahamas

Running north to south through the central Bahamas, the Exumas are a chain of small, green islands surrounded by white sand shoals and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic. In summer, lighter winds create relaxing conditions for kiteboard runs in calm bays and passages between islands. Stronger winter fronts amp up the action with chances to play in the waves and power up for high-flying aerial chop hops. The largest island in the group, Grand Exuma, is the starting point for most kiting excursions, and Exuma Kitesurfing is the outfitter of choice. This full-service shop offers rentals, lessons with certified instructors, and taxi boat services to begin long downwind runs, or excursions to remote, wind-swept sandbars.

Exumas Bahamas Kite Boarding

The Exuma Islands are known for white sands and emerald waters. In recent years, these islands have gained a reputation as the premier kiteboarding destination in the Bahamas. Photo: Billy Bosch/Flickr

Atlantis Beach, Bonaire

Bonaire is best known for it’s world-class shore diving, but the sheltered waters of the island’s west coast are also prime kiteboarding territory. Three miles south of the town of Kralendijk, Atlantis Beach is the local mecca for kiting. Two companies, Kiteboarding Bonaire and the Bonaire Kite School, offer gear, lessons and chase boat support. It’s an ideal place to learn the basics, as the trade winds that sweep across the island’s southern salt flats are steady and predictable, and instruction can take place in knee-deep water over a forgiving sand bottom. The kiteboarding area is located on the southwest tip of Bonaire and can be found by following the brightly colored kites soaring through the air.

Bonaire Kite Boarding

A kiteboarder makes a sunset run in the waters off Bonaire’s Atlantis Beach. With winds blowing from across the island, sailors can make easy launches from this west-facing beach. Photo: Tourism Bonaire

Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Like other breezy spots in the Caribbean, the north shore of the Dominican Republic was first discovered by windsurfers. They came not only for the consistent winds, but also the varied sailing conditions, which included not only flat water bays for instruction and speed runs, but also ocean swells and beach breaks that became the playground of the world’s best riders. The same conditions now stoke kiters, and a number of the world’s top pros have made Cabarete a seasonal home. There are several IKO (International Kiting Organization) certified schools in the area, and new riders can master the basics in the flat water lagoon at Kite Beach, where consistent side- shore winds make for easy launches. Cabarete Bay is where the experts play, both inside the reef, on the breakers and in open ocean swells.

Dominican Republic Cabarete Kite Surfing

On the north coast of the Dominican Republic, Cabarete Bay has become one of the world’s premier kitesurfing destinations, both for novices and pros. Photo: Remon Rijper/Flickr

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Mention the Caymans, and most people think of either scuba diving or offshore banking. Although not as well known as a kiting destination, the island of Grand Cayman has several sites that are well suited to the sport. The prime season for kiting is between November and June, when the easterly trades blow steady. The most popular kiting area is Barkers Beach on the island’s northwest corner. Here, a large sand flat provides waist to chest deep water inside a protective barrier reef, and a large expanse of beach to launch kites without fear of tangling lines with other sailors. On the other side of North Sound, near the Rum Point area, a lagoon known as Kaibo is also popular, and savvy kiters know of a spot on the island’s east end called the Sweet Spot. Here, there is both a reef protected flat-water lagoon, and a chance to move out into open water to play in the waves.

Grand Cayman Kite Surfing

Grand Cayman’s North Sound offers large expanses of sheltered water where kiteboarders can spread out and sail without concerns of crossing lines or tangling kites. Photo: Don McDougall/ Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Long Bay, Providenciales

Kiteboarding came relatively late to the islands of the Turks & Caicos, but once sailors discovered what awaited on the southwest shores of the island of Providenciales, it didn’t take long for the word to spread. This three-mile- long beach combines soft, powder white sand with clear waters and expansive shallows. Today, there are four kiteboarding schools on Long Bay Beach, and during the prime sailing season, which typical runs from November to May, aspiring riders fill the expansive lagoon. This entire area has water depths of two to three feet, which creates very friendly learning conditions. Aspiring kiters don’t have to tread water as they recover and relaunch after a spill, and there’s no danger of being blown onto the breaking waves of a reef. The flat waters are also prized by more advanced sailors, who can enjoy three-mile-long speed runs along the shore.

Turks and Caicos Providenciales Kite Boarding

On the Island of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos, the waters of Long Bay lures kiters with the promise of steady winds and the chance for long, fast runs. Photo: S.Neller/Flickr

BVI Snorkel
Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, Belize, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cancun, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Play, Playa del Carmen, Trip Ideas

Unique Caribbean Snorkel Adventures

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Sure, you’ve explored the shore in front of the hotel, and maybe even signed up for a boat trip to a nearby coral reef. But are you ready for a snorkeling adventure with a wow factor and maybe some bragging rights? These adventures exist in places across the Caribbean. But though they can be thrilling, they aren’t dangerous. Here are five of my favorite Caribbean snorkel adventures that go beyond the usual reef tour.

Blackbeard’s Treasure Caverns, Norman Island, BVI

Legend has it that the infamous pirate known as Blackbeard once stashed chests of gold and plunder in the sea caves of Norman Island. But even those who doubt that tale would agree that the real treasure is the chance to snorkel into this trio of semi-submerged caverns, which are cut into a cliff face just south of the popular harbor known as The Bight. It’s suitable for all ages, because there’s always a hint of sunlight in the caves, and no branching passages. I’ve brought dozens of snorkelers to this site during charter trips, and usually give them a waterproof light so they can hunt for marine live in the nooks and crannies, and admire the purple and red patterns on the rock faces inside.

BVI Snorkel

The caves at Norman Island are said to have once held treasures hidden by the pirate Blackbeard. Snorkelers can safely explore these mysterious caverns. Dale Harrison/Flickr

Bimini Road, Bahamas

Legends of the Bermuda Triangle meet tales of the lost city of Atlantis just off the shores of the tiny Bahamian island of Bimini. On the island’s western shore, a half-mile-long line of rectangular limestone blocks runs parallel to the shore. This unusual formation was first discovered by free diving legend Jacque Mayol, and in the years since, all manner of experts have speculated about the origins and purpose of the structure. Some say it’s the remains of a wall or a pier, while others have pegged it as a highway that was once part of the fabled lost city of Atlantis. I’ve explored this site on scuba dives several times, but actually enjoy it more when seen from above. When floating on the surface with mask and snorkel, you can make out the full extent of the formation in the clear waters below, and then form your own opinion on its origins.

Bimini Snorkel

A snorkeler descends in clear Bahamian water to examine the unique formation known as the Bimini Road. Some believe it to be part of the ruins of the ancient city of Atlantis. Photo: Atmoji Photography/Flickr

Great Blue Hole, Belize

The aerial view of Captain Jacque Cousteau’s Calypso floating in the center of a gigantic submerged crater in the center of a Caribbean coral reef became a world-famous image. This perfectly round geological anomaly measures more than 1,000 feet across, and plunges down to more than 400 feet. I’ve done deep dives into the Belize Blue Hole, but honestly, the most interesting sights are right at the top, where the shallow rim of the hole is ringed in growths of coral. It takes a two-hour boat ride from Belize City or one of the resorts on Ambergris Caye to get to Lighthouse Reef and the Blue Hole, but the reward is a chance to glide over the cliff-like edge of the hole into deep water, then spend time watching tropical fish among the corals. Keep an eye open, because there’s always a chance to catch a glimpse of large tarpon or reef sharks emerging from the shadows below.

Belize Great Blue Hole

The Belize Blue hole is a massive 400-foot-deep pit set in the center of Lighthouse Reef. The rim of the hole is covered in coral gardens that are ideal for snorkelers to explore. Photo: Kasia Kaczy?ska/Flickr

Dos Ojos Cenote, Riviera Maya

Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is riddled with cenotes, which are natural sinkholes in the limestone bedrock that fill with clear fresh water. Many of these cenotes are connected to underground rivers that form the longest underwater caves in the world. But you don’t have to be a bold explorer to enjoy these amazing places. With just a mask and snorkel, I’ve swum in dozens of these natural pools. Often, the walls overhang the water, creating a chance to swim into the twilight zone and discover marble-white stalactites hanging from the ceiling. A personal favorite is Dos Ojos Cenote, where swimmers can follow a set of guidelines through a maze of caverns that connect a pair of sunlit pools. You can explore for yourself, or hire a guide to lead the way.

Riviera Maya Cenotes

The cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula are filled with clear fresh water. At Dos Ojos, snorkelers can swim through overhanging ledges that lead to stalactite-decorated chambers. Photo: Guillén Pérez/Flickr

Lac Bay Mangrove, Bonaire

This snorkel adventure is more about relaxation than excitement, but that doesn’t make it any less memorable. It begins with a trip to the undeveloped east coast of Bonaire, and a stop at the Mangrove Information Center within Lac Bay National Park. Here, you’ll sign up for a guided kayak tour that leads through the twisting channels that lace the mangrove forest. Once you reach a hidden bay deep in the reserve, you’ll have a chance to get out of the boat and wade in waist deep water. There’s not much to see out in the middle of the sand bottom bay, because the real show begins when you swim closer to the tangled underwater roots of the mangroves themselves. These roots provide shelter for numerous species of small and juvenile marine life, making Lac Bay the island’s primary fish nursery. If you are lucky, you might also be treated to a swim by from one of the bay’s resident snook or tarpon.

Bonaire Snorkel

A snorkeler glides through a sand channel in the mangrove forest of Bonaire’s Lac Bay. The tangled roots of these trees create habitat for small fish and other marine life. Photo: Mangrove Information Center

Shark Cuba
Bonaire, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Cuba, Mexico, Play, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

The Caribbean’s Best Coral Reefs

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The islands of the Caribbean are ringed by coral reefs. These colorful underwater gardens are special places. But some are more special than others. There are a number of qualities that put certain sites at the top of divers’ and snorkeler’s aquatic bucket lists, including the clarity of the water, the health of the corals and the variety of fish life. When these factors are tallied up, a handful of reefs always top the list. Here are five of the best.

Kline Bonaire, Bonaire

The entire island of Bonaire is surrounded by a marine park that protects some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the Caribbean. At points all along the island’s calm western shore, divers and snorkelers can wade in from shore to discover a wealth of underwater diversity. But to discover the very best of Bonaire’s underwater treasures requires a short boat ride to the small, uninhabited island of Kline Bonaire. There isn’t much to look at above the surface, as the land is a barren limestone plateau almost devoid of vegetation. Slip below the waves, however, and you will be immediately immersed in riotous growths of colorful soft corals and sponges. The exceptionally clear water allows ample sunlight to penetrate and brighten this underwater garden, which begins just below the surface and continues into the depths in a series of slopes and ledges.

Bonaire Reef

The shallow reefs of Kline Bonaire give snorkelers a prime window to the underwater world. These sites are noted for colorful coral formations and abundant fish life. Photo: David Stahl/Flickr

Bloody Bay Wall, Little Cayman

Imagine hovering weightless on the face of a sheer cliff that drops vertically into unseen depths. This is wall diving, and for many, it is the Holy Grail of scuba. The Cayman Islands have long been a mecca for wall diving, as they sit atop oceanic plateaus that plunge dramatically into the depths just a short distance from shore. The most famous of these aquatic precipices is found off the northern shore of Little Cayman island. While most underwater walls in the Caymans start at depths of 70 to 80 feet, Bloody Bay Wall rises to within 20 feet of the surface, and then falls away abruptly to a depth of more than a mile. Adding to the drama is the site’s extremely clear water, which creates the illusion that divers are floating in air. For added adventure, there are canyons and tunnels that cut into the wall, creating an underwater maze ripe for exploration.

Cayman Islands Reef

A diver hovers on the face of Bloody Bay Wall. This mile-long underwater formation is the prime attraction on quiet Little Cayman island, which is home to fewer than 200 people. Photo: Erwin Poliakoff/Flickr

Palancar, Cozumel

Marine life thrives on the nutrients brought by moving water. And the steady oceanic currents that wash the western shores of the Mexican island of Cozumel create a bountiful buffet for both fish and corals. Small wonder that Cozumel has remained one of the Caribbean’s top diving destinations for more than 40 years. In addition to nurturing a rich variety of marine life, the moving waters are ideal for drift diving—a technique in which divers are dropped at one end of the reef, then picked up by the boat down current after enjoying the underwater equivalent of a soaring Superman flight. A series of shallow coral formations closer to shore allow novices and snorkelers to get in on the action, but the big ticket are the outside reefs, which rise on the edge of an underwater abyss that plummets to unseen depths.

Cozumel Reef

At Cozumel’s Palancar Reef, a grove of gorgonians extends webs of finger– like appendages to capture nutrients carried by the currents that wash over this site. Photo: Tam Minton/Flickr

West Caicos, Turks and Caicos

One of the thrills of diving is never knowing what might swim up from out of the blue. And one of the best places for these chance encounters are the reefs of West Caicos island. Here, just a chip shot from shore, a coral- encrusted sea wall faces the open ocean. These reefs are especially colorful, home to huge, bright-orange elephant ear sponges and multi-hued vase and barrel sponges. Stands of pillar coral shelter colorful butterfly, angel and parrot fish, along with large groupers, toothy barracuda and swirling schools of jacks. As captivating as these reef scenes can be, divers often keep one eye on open water while exploring these reefs. At any given moment, a squadron of spotted eagle rays may glide by, a curious sea turtle may come in for a closer look or patrolling reef shark may be seen in the distance. For the truly lucky, there may even be a visit from a passing pod of dolphins, and each winter humpback whales have been known to swim by on their way to southern breeding grounds.

Turks and Caicos Reef

A coral head near West Caicos island becomes a gathering point for numerous species of tropical fish, while the crevices hide lobster and crabs. Photo: Benignorco/Flickr

Gardens of the Queen, Cuba

When Christopher Columbus sailed into this archipelago of 250 coral and mangrove islands on Cuba’s southern coast, he was overwhelmed by the beauty of the waters, and christened the area Jardines de la Reina—Gardens of the Queen—to honor his Spanish Queen Isabella. These waters later caught the attention of another historic figure. In the 1990s, Fidel Castro declared the entire area a marine sanctuary, and banned all forms of commercial fishing and industry. A diver himself, Castro was reputed to enjoy exploring the reefs in his younger years, and considered the waters to be his private fishing spot. The gardens have since been opened for limited dive tourism, and those who visit proclaim the reefs to be the most vibrant and pristine in the entire Caribbean. As an added bonus, divers can move from the corals into nearby grass beds and mangrove lagoons that hold a wealth of juvenile fish species. The truly adventurous can seek out the North American crocodiles that visit certain reefs, and are said to be non– aggressive when encountered in clear water.

Cuba Reefs

A school of colorful grunts patrol a garden of soft corals in Cuba’s Gardens of the Queen. This protected area supports thriving fish populations. Photo: Jon McClintock/Flickr

Bonaire Horse in Water
Bonaire, Caribbean, Dominica, Turks & Caicos

Best Caribbean Horseback Riding on the Beach and in the Water

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There’s nothing like a refreshing dip in the ocean at the end of a good ride. And it’s not just humans who enjoy the cooling waters. Horses are natural swimmers, and when the conditions are right, they will gladly wade right in and splash about in the shallows, or even take a rider for a swim. Here are some of the best places in the Caribbean to make this happen.

St Lucia

This green and scenic island offers two different chances to swim with the ponies. In the heart of the Roseau Valley, the Hoof Print Horse Riding Ranch schedules a variety of tours suitable for both novices and seasoned riders. The signature route leads through forests and banana plantations on the way to the remote sands of Roseau Bay, where horses and riders can wade in for a refreshing dip, then stay for a beach barbecue. To the north, the town of Gros Islet is the home of the International Pony Club. The club’s signature rides lead to the Atlantic coast beach of Cas en Bas. Sign up for the two-hour tour and you’ll have time to change into swimwear and ride into the surf. Go for the four-hour option and the club will organize lunch on the beach as well. www.hoofprintranch.com, www.internationalponyclub.com

St. Lucia Horseback Riding on Beach

Riders gallop at waters edge along the sands of St. Lucia’s Roseau Bay. Before ocean swims, horses are often stripped of saddles while riders change into swimsuits. Photo: Stuart Godfrey/Flickr

Antigua

The best place on the island of Antigua to find rolling hills and elevated ocean views is along the island’s southwestern coast, near English Harbor. And that’s where the Antigua Equestrian Center is located. When you arrive, you may find some locals working their mounts through dressage and jumping routines, but the stables also provide daily trail rides through the hills with scenic views. These rides, which are limited to groups of four or less, can include a stop at Falmouth Bay for a canter in the shallows or a full soaking. The stables also offer longer riders to the pristine beach at remote Rendezvous Bay. www.antiguaequestrian.com

St. Croix

The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands is another destination offering two unique horseback rides that include beach swims. On the island’s north shore, where rainforest-clad hillsides overlook Caribbean beaches, riders begin a journey through the historic sugar plantation of Rust Op Twist and the village of Lavalle. The ride continues onto the beach and arrives at Cane Bay, and after a ride along the surf line, humans and animals end the adventure with a refreshing plunge and a photo op. Similar adventures await on the island’s west cost near the port of Frederiksted, where family– owned Cruzan Cowgirls leads tours through forests to historic landmarks, and along sandy beaches, where riders have the option of taking the horses into the water. A specialty of the stables is sunset rides, and the operation supports a horse rescue and community education program. www.horsebackridingstcroix.com, www.cruzancowgirls.com

Bonaire

When horseback rides through the countryside of Bonaire lead to the sand- bottom lagoon at Lac Bay, riders have a chance to do more than wade with their mounts. While humans change into swim trunks, the guides remove saddles for a true bareback swim. As depths increase gradually, and the adventure transitions from a wade to a swim, riders are instructed to maintain a body position that will allow the horse to use all four legs and keep its head above water. These swimming exercises are supervised to ensure the safety of horse and rider, creating a unique and memorable adventure. www.horseranchbonaire.com

Bonaire Horse by Lac Bay

A horse pauses for a snack during a ride at Bonaire’s Lac Bay. The island’s favorite breed is the Paso Fino, which is known for its smooth gait and “no- bounce” ride. Photo: Ellison Acosta/Flickr

Dominica

Dominica is one of the greenest and most pristine destinations in the Caribbean, with much of the island covered in rainforests and wooded mountain slopes. One of the most memorable ways to experience the island’s natural beauty is by horseback, on an excursion organized by Rainforest Riding. Rides of various durations follow the Waitukubuli Trail, a 115-mile wilderness path that winds its way across the island. A favorite route leads to Purple Turtle Beach, where riders can experience a bareback swim with their horse. Another popular choice is a ride on a section of the Waitukubuli Trail that leads through wetland and swamps that are prime habitat for native and migratory birds. This ride leads to the black sand beaches of Douglas Bay. www.rainforestriding.com

Turks and Caicos

The island of Providenciales is known for its long and spectacular beaches, which open onto the turquoise tinged shallows of the Caicos Banks. At Long Bay Beach, the shallow water continues far offshore, giving horseback riders a perfect chance to lead their mounts into the water for some splashing fun. Rides begin at the stables of Provo Ponies, and lead to the beach. Unlike some tours, which include a short swim as part of a longer trail ride, these tours spend most of their time at the beach and in the water. More experienced riders are allowed to canter in the shallows when the tides are out, and the horses don’t play follow the leader on any ride. Instead, everyone is encouraged to spread out and enjoy their time on the sand or in the shallows. There are plenty of chances for photo ops with the wading ponies. www.provoponies.com

 

Bonaire Diving
Bonaire, Caribbean, Play, Stay, Trip Ideas

Bonaire’s Best Dive Resorts

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There’s a reason the license plates on the island of Bonaire proclaim: “Divers Paradise.” The colorful reefs that surround this quiet island are considered the best in the Caribbean. Getting to these spectacular coral gardens couldn’t be easier. The best reefs are located just yards off the western shore in calm water, adjacent to a collection of first-class resorts that provide everything a diver could want. Here are three of the best.

Plaza Beach Resort Bonaire

Sitting on one of Bonaire’s only white sand beaches, and boasting the island’s most extensive range of resort amenities, Plaza Bonaire is a destination that will please divers and beach lovers alike. Spacious rooms and suites overlook a lagoon and marina, and the expansive resort complex includes meeting and entertainment spaces, a fitness center, children’s activity center, on-site spa, sports courts and a range of water sport equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards and sailboats. An all-inclusive rate plan covers meals, beverages, activities, sports equipment and entertainment. Not to be missed is the resort’s weekly beach barbecue, which draws locals and visitors alike.

Bonaire Plaza Beach Restaurant

At Plaza Bonaire, the Coconut Crash Beach Bar is a favorite with both guests and island locals. Each week, the resort stages a beach party with live music and dancing on the sand. Photo: Plaza Bonaire

Also on site at Plaza Resort is Toucan Diving, which caters to divers of all experience levels, and is well suited to introducing youngsters and novices to the sport. Children as young as eight can take their first underwater breaths safely with the PADI Bubble Maker Program, while teens and adults can sample the underwater world with a Discover Scuba Diving class, or go on to earn a full certification. More experienced divers can upgrade their skills with a range of specialty programs such as digital underwater photography, night diving and enriched air diving. There is lively reef immediately off the resort beach, along with daily boat diving excursions.

Bonaire Plaza

Plaza Bonaire sits next to the island’s finest beach. Divers can wade in from shore and make a short swim to the drop off, where a coral covered slope leads to deeper blue water. Photo: Plaza Bonaire

Buddy Dive Resort

Though diving is the primary theme at this property, Buddy Dive is no spartan scuba lodge. The 11-building compound perches above turquoise shallows, offering spacious studios or one, two and three bedroom apartments, all with kitchens and living spaces that will accommodate anyone from solo travelers to extended groups of family and friends. The grounds include two swimming pools, two restaurants and an activity center. Downtown Kralendijk is a short walk away and the concierge can arrange a variety of on-island adventures and activities.

Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire

The pier at Buddy Dive is right next to the resort’s dive center, giving guests easy access to dive boats and the coral reefs that begin close to shore. Photo: Beth Watson/Buddy Dive

The dive center includes a retail shop stocking a range of equipment and accessories for sale or rent. Both shore and boat diving activities begin right outside the shop. Bonaire is known for the many shore dive sites that begin at parking areas along the coastal road. To support this activity, Buddy Dive has an onsite vehicle rental office, and a unique drive-through air station where divers can load fresh tanks right into their rental vehicle. Buddy Dive is also the home of the only PADI 5-star Career Development Center in the southern Caribbean, providing training all the way to instructor level.

Buddy Dive Resort Diving Bonaire

A diver is framed in the cargo booms of the Helma Hooker. This sunken freighter sits next to a reef on Bonaire’s western shore, just a short swim away from the beach. Photo: Beth Watson/Buddy Dive

Captain Don’s Habitat

This resort’s namesake founder was one of the Caribbean’s original scuba pioneers. It’s been four decades since the captain opened his original dive lodge near a prime reef a mile north of downtown Kralendijk, and it has remained a favorite ever since. The property has kept pace with the times, expanding to include deluxe ocean view rooms, detached one and two- bedroom garden villas and luxurious three-bedroom oceanfront suites with separate living rooms and kitchens. On-site Rum Runner’s restaurant is one of the islands best, with tables that perch feet from the Caribbean on a low bluff with spectacular sunset views.

Captain Dons Habitat

Captain Don’s Habitat perches on a low limestone cliff that overlooks the island’s calm western shore. Divers can plunge right into the clear water, or catch a boat to more distant reefs. Photo: Captain Don’s Habitat

The on-site dive center is both PADI and SDI five-star rated, and offers a wide range of specialty courses, including technical and deep dive training. Underwater explorations can begin right from the resort pier, and daily single and two-tank boat dives access sites up and down the coast and on nearby Klein Bonaire island. Captain Don was an early proponent of conservation, and instrumental in the creation of the Bonaire Marine Park. This ethos has lead to a number of eco-friendly practices at the resort.

Diving Captain Dons Habitat

The dock at Captain Don’s Habitat is the starting point for explorations of an extensive coral reef system that runs for several miles along Bonaire’s western shore. Photo: Captain Don’s Habitat

Bonaire Yachtclub
Bonaire, Caribbean, Stay, Trip Ideas

Bonaire’s Favorite Small Hotels

 

The island of Bonaire is where travelers come to escape the crowds and the high-rise resorts. And there’s no better way to soak in the charms of this quiet Caribbean gem than at a small guesthouse, where a limited number of guests are accommodated in suites and apartments that provide a relaxing base for water sports and island adventures. Here are three of our favorites.

Yacht Club

Budget conscious travelers will be attracted to this quiet and charming property, where kitchen equipped apartments cluster around a central landscaped courtyard and pool. But attractive rates don’t compromise comfort or quality. Accommodations, which range from studio and one-bedroom units to an eight- person penthouse, are spacious and tidy, and sport a cheerful tropical theme. Those less inclined to cook need look no farther than the palm-shaded central courtyard, which is home to the open-air dining room of Chez Madeleine, one of the best restaurants on the island. For a special treat, guests can place an order for the fresh baked bread, which is delivered warm to rooms each morning. The Yacht Club is located near the Harbor Village Marina, and a mile north of downtown Kralendijk. It’s a two-block walk to Eden Beach, which is one of the island’s better stretches of sand, and a good place for snorkeling, as colorful coral reefs begin 30 yards offshore.

Bonaire Yachtclub Dining

At the open-air dining room of Chez Madeleine in the courtyard of the Yacht Club Apartments, master chef Jan Buyens serves savory French-Belgian cuisine. Photo: Yacht Club

Sonrisa

Combine the casual intimacy of a sports lodge with the amenities of a boutique hotel and this is what you get. Each of the eight junior suites and two master suites at Sonrisa offers a full range of indulgences such as premium bedding, flat-screen TVs, in-room WiFi, mini-fridges and private patios or balconies, all at rates below what you’d pay at a major hotel. But what really sets this property apart is the ambiance. It’s a favorite with active sports enthusiasts, and the vibe is casual chill, with an on-site barbecue grill and poolside hangout area where guests gather at the end of the day to swap stories and enjoy a cold libation. The Caribbean is just a short walk away, and there are rinse tanks and dedicated storage lockers for kite surfing and dive gear. The resort serves savory complementary breakfasts, and all the restaurant choices of downtown are an easy five-minute stroll away.

Bonaire Sonrisa

Suites at the Sonrisa resort feature private patios and balconies that face the central pool area. The property is just a short walk from the downtown waterfront. Photo: Sonrisa

Blachi Koko

In the local Papiamento dialect, Blachi Koko means coconut palms. And that’s what the current owners planted when they renovated this classic Antillean colonial estate to include 3 two- bedroom and 2 one-bedroom apartments. This is a prime choice for couples or groups who want more than a hotel room, as each unit includes a kitchen and separate living and dining areas, along with private gazebos and patios in a garden setting. It’s a five minute walk to Kralendijk for shopping and dining, and the sea is just steps away, where a small beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling or shore diving. If a larger beach is on your wish list, then head down the road to the Plaza Resort, which gives Blachi Koko guests free access. Add a day pass for privileges at Plaza’s pool and lounge chairs with beach towels. It’s like having the best of both worlds.

Blanchi Koko Bonaire

The couple that acquired Blachi Koko converted this former estate home into a collection of comfortable apartments that include spacious living areas. Photo: Blachi Koko

Bonaire Buddy Dive
Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, Bonaire, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Central America, Curacao, Honduras, Stay, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Resorts to Learn to Dive

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Forget your hometown pool or lake. Where better to learn to scuba dive than in a Caribbean resort where the waters are warm and clear, and colorful coral reefs are just a fin kick away. We’ve picked five top resorts that combine first class instruction and comfortable amenities with immediate access to world-class reefs.

Sunset House, Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Island is the Caribbean’s number one dive destination, and Sunset House remains a favorite with scuba divers. Just steps from oceanfront rooms are shallow reefs where calm, warm waters are ideal for learning the basics of scuba, then venturing out to discover sights such as wrecks and the island’s iconic underwater mermaid sculpture. Rooms are reasonably priced and well equipped, and the open-air bar and sea view restaurant are a favorite with the local dive crowd.

Grand Cayman Sunset House

Grand Cayman’s Sunset House Resort is a favorite with the scuba crowd. A short swim from shore leads to a maze of coral-covered ledges and a submerged mermaid sculpture. Photo: Cathy Church/Sunset House

Buddy Dive, Bonaire

In addition to being one of Bonaire’s premier waterfront resorts, Buddy Dive is home to the only PADI 5-star Career Development Center in the southern Caribbean. The same facility that turns out dive instructors and specialists is ideal for learning the basics, which can be practiced right off the resort docks, where Bonaire’s famously colorful reefs are just yards offshore.

Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire

The waterfront scuba center at Buddy Dive resort is the starting point for boat trips to area dive sites. Divers can also enter right from the dock to discover a pristine reef just offshore. Photo: Buddy Dive

Lions Dive, Curacao

Sitting right on the edge of the National Curacao Underwater Park, the lushly landscaped Lions Dive Beach Resort houses the island’s number one dive shop and scuba training facility: Ocean Encounters. With the help of attentive instructors, newbies can master the basics in the 50-meter pool, and on shallow reefs just offshore of the Sea Aquarium Beach, and then catch the daily dive boats for visits to nearby coral gardens.

Curacao Lions Dive Beach Resort

Daily boat trips from Lions Dive Resort carry divers to sites within the Curacao Underwater Marine Park, where submerged slopes are covered in colorful growths of corals and sponges. Photo: Lions Dive Resort

Bimini Big Game Club, Bahamas

Though best known as a fishing lodge, the Big Game Club is also a great place to learn to dive, thanks to an affiliation with Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center. The calm shallows around the island are ideal for practicing basic skills, and a bonus for newly-minted “bubble blowers” is the chance to dive some of the region’s most famous underwater attractions, such as the mysterious Atlantis Road and the playful pods of dolphins that gather nearby.

Bimini Big Game Club Bahamas

The docks of the Bimini Big Game Club are just a short boat ride away from prime dive sites such as the Mysterious Bimini Road, which is said to be the remains of the lost city of Atlantis. Photo: Bimini Big Game Club

Utila Lodge, Bay Islands

The Bay Islands of Honduras are famous for their lush coral reefs and thriving fish populations. Perched in the heart of the island diving scene is Utila Bay Lodge. This charming family owned lodge offers both dorm-style lodging and private ocean view rooms, and it is also home to the Bay Islands College of Diving. Snorkeling and introductory dive sites are right off the dock, and as skills are mastered, new divers can discover Utila’s many famous underwater attractions.

Honduras Bay Islands Utila Lodge

With warm, calm waters right off the docks, and pristine coral reefs just a short swim or boat ride away, the Utila Bay Lodge is an ideal location to learn to scuba dive. Photo: Utila Bay Lodge

Belize Hol Chan Reef Scene
Aruba, Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, Belize, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cancun, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Play, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos, U.S. Virgin Islands

The Caribbean’s Best Snorkel Sites

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The Caribbean is home to thousands of snorkel-worthy beaches and reefs, and I’ve spent hundreds of hours exploring sites near and far. For the optimum combination of calm water, easy access, vibrant coral growth, abundant fish life and sheer variety, here are my favorites.

Kline Bonaire

Coral reefs start close to shore all along Bonaire’s sheltered western coastline, but the most colorful sites are a short boat ride away. A five- minute ride across calm water brings you to the low-lying, uninhabited shores of Kline Bonaire. Your boat captain can choose from one of more than two dozen sites based on conditions, and my consistent favorite begins right off No Name Beach, where hard and soft coral growth starts in as little as five feet of water.

Bonaire Klein Turtles

Sea turtles are often seen along the shoreline of deserted Kline Bonaire island, which is just a short boat ride from dive resorts on the west coast of Bonaire. Photo: Alejandro Gutierrez/ Tourism Corporation Bonaire

Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia

I’ve spent hours watching the fish life on Anse Chastanet Reef, but every so often, I find myself pausing to admire the view above the water. A foreground of golden sand and jungle green frame the towering profiles of St. Lucia’s most famous landmarks, the Pitons. Just a short swim from shore, a coral-covered plateau presents an undulating profile that rises within five feet of the surface, and then falls from 20 feet to depths of more than 100. In addition to large schools of tropical fish, this site is known for its small invertebrates, giving critter spotters hours of enjoyable hunting.

St Lucia Anse Chastanet Snorkeling

On the island of St. Lucia, the twin spires of the Pitons provide a dramatic backdrop for snorkelers exploring the near shore reefs at Anse Chastanet. Photo: Bernd Rac/Anse Chastanet Resort

The Indians, British Virgin Islands

Between the bareboat fleets, tour operators and private boaters, you’ll seldom find the waters around the rock pinnacles known as the Indians deserted. But that’s OK, there’s plenty of coral-covered reef to go around. I especially enjoy the steep cliff faces to the west, where seas are calmest and the underwater landscape is the most dramatic. The usual roster of reef characters there in abundance, including blue tangs, queen angels and a colorful assortment of parrotfish. Peek into the crevices and you might discover an eel or lobster lurking in the shadows.

BVI the Indians Rocks

The distinctive rock pinnacles known as the Indians are the most popular snorkeling destination in the British Virgin Islands, offering clear water and colorful corals. Photo: BVI Tourist Board

Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Cancun isn’t known for great snorkeling. But drive a few miles south to the sleepy fishing village of Puerto Morelos, and you’re just a short boat ride from the Yucatan’s premier national marine park. The coral gardens begin a half-mile from the beach, and there are always a number of panga-style launches on the beach, with gregarious crews ready to provide guided snorkel tours of the park. Depths are typically less than 10 feet, making it easy to spot the menagerie of reef creatures that flit through the sea fans and coral fingers.

Puerto Morales Mexico Reef Fish Snorkel

A short distance south of Cancun, the national marine park at Puerto Morales features protected reefs rich in fish life and corals. Photo: Adam Saltman/Flickr

Smith’s Reef, Turks & Caicos

There are literally hundreds of miles of pristine shallow reef to explore around the islands of the Turks & Caicos. When I’m staying on Providenciales, and don’t feel like a boat ride, there’s no need to go far. Right off the beach is a three-mile expanse of coral heads and sea grass shallows known as Smith’s Reef. I sometimes enjoy searching the grass beds for hidden critters, but it’s the coral heads that hold the greatest variety of life. To locate a coral patch from shore, look for the patches of water that have a brownish tint, which indicates hard bottom.

Turks and Caicos Smiths Reef

On the island of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos island group, the coral heads of Smith’s Reef start just offshore of the Turtle Cove Marina and stretch for three miles to the east. Photo: Turks & Caicos Tourist Board

Exumas Land and Sea Park, Bahamas

In the heart of the Bahamas, the Exuma Land and Sea Park encompasses dozens of islands and miles of protected reef. The best way to explore the fish-laden waters of this aquatic preserve is by signing up for a half or full day boat tour. The guides will not only know which sites are best based on tides and weather, they will also put you on to a number of additional adventures such as a swim through the hidden grotto from the James Bond film Thunderball, or a visit to the famous swimming pigs of the Exumas.

Exumas Bahamas Land Sea Park

The Exumas Land and Sea Park encompasses a number of small islands and thousands of acres of shoals and reefs ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Photo: Darryl Massaro/Flickr

Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize

Belize’s original marine reserve packs a lot of underwater diversity into a relatively small area. Hol Chan is the Mayan phrase for “little channel” and when snorkelers arrive at this cut in the reef after an easy boat ride from Ambergris Caye, they are treated to spur and grove coral formations, sea brass beds and mangrove nurseries. Most tours also take in the site’s famous Shark Ray Alley, where southern stingrays and nurse sharks gather to nosh on fishy morsels offered by dive guides. The interaction is safe, and will put you right in the middle of the action.

Belize Hol Chan Nurse Sharks

Nurse sharks gather in the shallow waters of Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve in anticipation of a free meal of fish scraps. These placid reef dwellers pose no danger to humans. Photo: iStock

Buck Island, St. Croix

It’s been more than 50 years since Buck Island Reef was declared a National Monument, and it’s still one of the Caribbean’s most popular snorkel sites. Located off the northeastern shore of St. Croix, Buck Island offers deserted white sand beaches and an encircling reef dominated by branching Elkhorn formations and groves of undulating sea fans. An underwater snorkel trail leads through the coral maze, which is home to hawksbill sea turtles. Shallow depths put swimmers face to face with the many tropical fish that seek shelter in the branching arms of the corals.

St Croix USVI Buck Island

St. Croix’s Buck Island National Monument includes a white sand beach and one of the most extensive groves of elkhorn corals in the Caribbean. Photo: Steve Simonsen/ US Virgin Island Department of Tourism

De Palm Island, Aruba

A visit to Aruba’s De Palm Island is part snorkel trip, part beach party. Located just off the main island’s southern coast, this all-inclusive day resort offers half and full day experiences that include beachside buffets, libations, entertainment and guided tours to the nearby reef, which is one of the best on the island. Snorkel equipment and instruction are included in the price of admission, and while water conditions are beginner friendly, the underwater landscape offers plenty to keep even veteran snorkelers enthralled.

Aruba De Palm Island

De Palm Island is located just off the coast of Aruba. Guests who come for an all-inclusive beach day can enjoy guided or individual snorkeling on reefs just off the beach. Photo: De Palm Tours

Horseshoe Reef, Tobago Cays

I love to swim with sea turtles, and one of the best places to do this in the southern Caribbean is in the Tobago Cays. This collection of five uninhabited islands lies just east of Mayreau in the southern Grenadines. It became a wildlife reserve in 2006, and is home to a colorful array of marine life— including a population of resident turtles. The formation known as Horseshoe Reef encircles four of the five islands to create calm conditions for snorkeling. Portions of the park can get a bit crowded when several tour boats arrive at once, but even on busy days I’ve always been able to slip off and find a quieter corner of the reef to enjoy.

Horseshoe Reef Snorkeling St Vincent Grenadines in Tobago Cay

In the southern Grenadines, a group of five small, uninhabited islands known as the Tobago Cays provide excellent snorkeling within the protected shallows of Horseshoe Reef. Photo: Debbie Snow