17 Best Caribbean Snorkeling Resorts

The Caribbean is one of the best relaxing vacation destinations in the world and also one of the best snorkeling destinations.

If you’re looking for a place to both relax and enjoy snorkeling, this is the best place to visit. You will quickly fall in love with the beauty of the Caribbean and all it has to offer, from the turquoise waters to the white, powdery sand, it’s a dreamy place to visit.

After spending a fair amount of time in the Caribbean, I have been able to pick out my favorite resorts for scuba diving and snorkeling.

The Caribbean is full of some of the most wonderful resorts that offer all the amenities you could ever need, with many of them being all-inclusive.

This is a great way to not worry about money during your trip. You’ll pay for your vacation ahead of time, and all drinks and food will be included, allowing you to do the things you love and focus on rejuvenating.

These Snorkeling resorts may or may not provide snorkeling equipment or snorkeling excursions for free, so this is something to keep in mind. But they are great spots to snorkel from.

Before booking your trip, if a Caribbean snorkeling resort is the most important thing to you.

Then you should make sure the resort has snorkeling excursions and equipment and find out if it’s free or comes at a fee.

There are definitely resorts that focus on snorkeling more than others. Below, you’ll find a list of the best snorkeling resorts in the Caribbean so you can enjoy spotting all the amazing marine life.

Be sure to use this list when reviewing resorts you’re considering, especially if snorkeling is very important to you during your vacation.

Best Snorkeling Resorts In The Caribbean

Here is the list of the best Caribbean snorkeling resorts to consider vacationing at.

It can be hard to pick a place when there are so many great options out there, so this will help you narrow your list.

1. The Westender Inn

Location: Negril, Jamaica

This small boutique resort sits directly on the coastline, right on a cliffside. This part of the coastline is extra special because a coral reef hugs the coast where this resort is located.

This means you don’t have to go very far for idyllic snorkeling conditions.

The coral reef is a Biorock electric coral reef restoration project. It’s the first in Jamaica, and its goal is to help restore and grow coral reefs that are becoming extinct.

This is a very special project that has an important impact on marine life.

The resort will provide free snorkeling gear so you can snorkel the nearby coral reefs.

The Westender Inn also has four saltwater pools as well as freshwater swimming pools, so if you don’t want to relax on the private beach, you can lie by the swimming pool instead.

Jamaica is a great island option for solo female travelers.

2. Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay

Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica

Located on a peninsula with its own private beach, this resort is a wonderful place to stay in the Caribbean.

This resort is all-inclusive and adults-only, with everything you’d need for a Caribbean vacation. It has pools, bars, a mile-long private beach, and 19 restaurants and lounges.

The water in Montego Bay is calm and clear, making it a great place for a snorkeling adventure.

Other watersports you can partake in include kayaking, windsurfing, and scuba diving.

You will surely see some wonderful tropical fish and maybe even sea turtles if you’re lucky.

This is the perfect luxury resort to enjoy your snorkeling vacation in the Caribbean.

Enjoy the spectacular views and the unlimited amenities right at your fingertips, so go ahead and leave a few essential items home from your Caribbean packing list.

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4. Grand Roatan Resort

Location: Roatan Island, Honduras

This resort sits just 30 yards offshore of the second largest barrier reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef.

You can wade right into the ocean for some offshore snorkeling. This is one of the best places for world-class snorkeling and scuba diving.

The resort is nestled between a forest sanctuary and the bright blue Caribbean Sea. The onsite 5-Star Dive Shop will provide guests with the opportunity for snorkeling and scuba diving, among other water sports.

This divine little island is absolutely worth visiting. If you dream of snorkeling and seeing tons of unique sea life, you will be blown away during a snorkeling trip in the Mesoamerican Reef.

5. Windsong Resort

Location: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

This snorkeling resort on the island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos is a wonderful place to check out.

It’s located on Grace Bay Beach, which is one of the top snorkeling spots on the island.

Princess Alexandra National Park is only 20 yards off the shore of Windsong Resort, and it’s absolutely worth visiting.

It’s comprised of over 6,000 acres of coastal and marine preserved lands, including the coral reef and Grace Bay.

It’s a popular place for kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling because you can take in all the beauty and enjoy a slow afternoon.

Windsong is the only resort with direct access to the reef without having to take a boat, so this is a special resort to consider.

The island of Providenciales is also called Provo for short and is surrounded by a reef, so there really isn’t a bad place to snorkel on this island.

Windsong Resort will provide snorkeling equipment and the use of other non-motorized water sports for free, so get out there and enjoy the park and try it all.

6. The Buccaneer Hotel

Location: St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

This luxurious resort is the ultimate vacation destination. It has an 18-hole golf course, a spa, a fitness center, restaurants, shopping, and everything else you could ask for.

The resort is surrounded by three white sand beaches along the turquoise waters. You can explore the underwater world right from the resort, but you can also go on a tour to Buck Island Reef National Monument, which is one of the best snorkeling spots.

You can also visit here without a USA Passport.

The location of the Buccaneer Hotel is not to be confused with the British Virgin Islands, which is a different place in the Caribbean altogether, but the two sets of islands can often get confused with each other.

7. Sorobon Beach Resort

Location: Bonaire

This is a great resort to consider on the small, unpopulated island of Bonaire, which is one of the ABC islands that include Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

These islands are outside of the hurricane belt, so they’re safe islands to visit all year round. But also one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in August.

The resort has beautiful and spacious chalets with large terraces to spend time with your people or apartment-style accommodations, which are a bit more affordable.

The Sorobon Beach Resort is on Lac Bay, a lagoon that is protected from the ocean by a mangrove forest on one side and a coral reef on the other.

Together, this creates the ideal windsurfing conditions for all experience levels. This is also a great place for snorkeling because the waters are shallow and crystal clear.

It’s a bit of a swim out to Staghorn Reef but well worth the trip.

8. Secret Harbour Beach Resort

Location: St Thomas, USVI

This boutique resort in the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful place to visit. It’s full of top-notch beauty right on a private, crescent-shaped cove on the island.

The gentle slope and the private, calm area are great for snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, and for children to swim.

The resort has condominium-style accommodations with kitchens, which makes it great for remote workers, families, friends, and more. There are both one, two, and three-bedroom condo suites.

Secret Harbour Beach Resort welcomes snorkeling enthusiasts and people who want to scuba dive. You can snorkel right offshore because the resort has a reef directly off the sandy beach.

There are boating excursions that will take you out to some of the best snorkeling spots in the area.

Whether you just want to go on snorkeling trips or you want to try other water sports, there are a ton of opportunities at your fingertips at this resort.

You’ll love Secret Harbour Beach Resort in the Virgin Islands.

9. Anse Chastanet Resort

Location: Saint Lucia

Located on two of the best snorkeling beaches in St. Lucia, Anse Chastanet Resort is one of the best snorkeling resorts. The house reef is just 30 feet offshore, so it’s very easily accessible.

The snorkeling resort is fairly high-end and all-inclusive, offering a wonderful vacation full of relaxation and adventure.

It’s a great spot for snorkel enthusiasts, those who love water sports, and nature lovers. There is also a relaxing spa and a wonderful ocean breeze that rolls through the resort.

10. Curacao Marriott Beach Resort

Location: Wilmsted, Curacao

Curacao is outside of the hurricane belt, which means it’s always a good place to visit any time of year. It has an adults-only swimming pool and a swimming pool for the whole family to enjoy.

The hotel includes snorkeling as one of the amenities, so you don’t have to pay for snorkeling packages or snorkeling gear.

This is a great snorkeling resort to consider. It’s affordable and has everything you’d need for a vacation getaway.

You can enjoy snorkeling right offshore at this snorkeling resort and see some unique marine life. Also nearby is Tugboat Wreck, which is accessible from the beach at Caracas Bay, only a short drive away.

The Marriott Beach Resort can also help put you in touch with a planner if you’d like to see some other local attractions, including several national parks and museums.

Can’t decide between Aruba vs Curacao. Find out which one is right for you here.

11. Jewel Paradise Cove

Location: Runaway Bay, Jamaica

This adults-only resort is the ultimate place for relaxation.

It focuses on its spa and fitness center. The Radiant Spa is a great place to relax and refocus, and the fitness center has everything you need to stay healthy and in shape around so much temptation.

Jewel Paradise Cove is also one of the best Caribbean snorkeling resorts you could pick. There is a reef directly off the private beaches of this resort.

Wade right into the water and go discover the coral gardens and the underwater world for yourself. It’s one of the best resorts for snorkeling because you can snorkel anytime.

If you’re scuba divers, the resort is a PADI-certified dive center, so whether you are new or experienced, you can go out on an ideal scuba dive excursion.

You’ll learn all the right precautions and be educated about the sport.

12. Sunscapes Curacao

Location: Willemstad, Curacao

This is one of the best snorkeling resorts for families. Located in Curacao below the hurricane belt, Sunscape Curacao has tons of activities for the whole family.

There is a kids club, a teenage club, daily activities, and a surplus of water sports.

Each afternoon, the resort organizes an excursion by a boat trip to Klein Curacao, which is a secluded island known for its sea turtles.

There is so much marine life to uncover that you’ll truly be mind blown. If you stay at this resort, you must go on this wonderful excursion.

Sunscape Curacao is great for adults, too, and is not only popular with families. The resort is home to Princess Casino, and there are many onsite restaurants and bars to keep you entertained and having fun.

13. Avila Beach Hotel

Location: Willemstad, Curacao

Avila Beach Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Curacao. The hotel focuses on wellness and has a fitness center, spa, and salon. There are also numerous restaurants and bars that often have live music.

The resort has two pristine beaches with some of the calmest waters you’ll find in the Caribbean. You can snorkel right out to the house reef, where you’ll spot coral reefs and marine life.

Having access to this reef makes this one of the best resorts for snorkeling.

Avila Beach Hotel is a wonderful place to consider staying if you want a private beach on the Caribbean Sea with lots of coral gardens on the house reef for snorkeling.

14. Cocoview Resort

Location: Roatan Island, Honduras

Cocoview Resort is one of the most special snorkeling spots. There is a reef right off the coast, so you can snorkel right from shore.

It’s a great way to get introduced to snorkeling, and it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned snorkelers.

This Caribbean resort is also popular among scuba divers. The dive center is well known, so if you’re interested in learning how to dive or you’re a regular, you’ll enjoy participating in the sport here.

The best part is that snorkelers are invited on scuba dive boats, which allows snorkelers to enjoy some of the best Caribbean snorkeling.

If you love snorkeling, you’ll have the opportunity to visit over 10 snorkeling spots by boat and 4 snorkeling spots directly offshore from the resort.

The Prince Albert shipwreck is also a cool spot to check out, and when there are good conditions, you can see 85% of the 460-foot ship while snorkeling from the surface of the water.

Cocoview Resort is absolutely worth checking out. This is a small, intimate snorkeling resort where you’ll likely make friends and meet others who love the underwater world.

This is one of the best snorkeling resorts because the whole resort experience revolves around this activity.

15. The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

This is a luxury resort to consider if you have a larger budget. Right on seven mile beach, this resort is a great place for snorkeling offshore.

You will be provided free snorkeling equipment at the Ritz Carlton, so don’t worry about packing gear or having to pay extra to rent or purchase equipment.

Other items available for you to use for free include kayaks and additional non-motorized equipment. You can enjoy the crystal clear waters right from shore at this resort on Grand Cayman.

Grand Cayman Island is well known for seven-mile beach, one of the best snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean and in the world.

16. Park Hyatt St Kitts Christophe Harbour

Location: St Kitts, St Kitts and Nevis

The Park Hyatt on the island of St Kitts of the country St Kitts and Nevis is a wonderful resort. Many of the rooms at this luxury resort have their own private pools.

You should definitely consider snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking in Banana Bay. The resort will help you set up whatever you’re interested in.

When snorkeling, you might get lucky and spot sea turtles, octopuses, and rays.

Another cool feature of this resort is you’ll have a great view of the island Nevis across the water, especially the volcano right near the edge of the island.

Many of the rooms have perfect shots of Nevis Peak. The views overlooking the Caribbean Sea with the vibrant green island of Nevis across the way are absolutely dreamy.

17. The Westin St. John Resort Villas

Location: Cruz Bay, St John, USVI

This resort has everything you need for an enjoyable vacation in the Caribbean. With several pools, two beachfront restaurants, powdery sand, and many amenities, you’re in for a treat.

The villas feel homey and include kitchens, so it’s great for digital workers and families to enjoy the space.

This resort is also a great place for snorkeling and partaking in other water sports that are available to guests. Cruz Bay is a great calm spot for enjoying snorkeling and spotting all the marine life.

Notable Mentions

The Maldives are not part of the Caribbean, it’s a country in South Asia, but it dramatically resembles the Caribbean.

If you’re willing to make the further trek all the way to the Maldives, it’s absolutely worth checking out.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa on the island of Hadahaa is a breathtaking resort. Located on one of the most remote atolls in the world, this resort is designed for luxury and privacy.

Park Hyatt Maldives is also a phenomenal place for snorkeling.

Which Caribbean Island Has The Best Snorkeling From Shore?

The Caribbean Island with the best snorkeling from shore is Curacao.

Curacao is arguably the best snorkeling island in general in the Caribbean.

From most of the beaches on this island, you can snorkel right from shore, allowing snorkeling to be cheap and accessible for everyone who visits.

You don’t need to be staying at the very best or nicest resort on the island to enjoy the underwater world, it’s right at everyone’s fingertips who visit Curacao.

There is nothing quite like snorkeling onshore. Being able to relax on the beach and snorkel for as long or little as you feel like is such a luxury.

When you get hot laying under the Caribbean sun, you can do more than just go for a swim, you can go for a quick snorkel. It’s an amazing experience and absolutely worth trying.

Boat trips that take you snorkeling are great, too, because you’ll often see more unique sea life than you would right from the beach, but this usually costs money and takes several hours out of our day.

Both types of snorkeling adventures are special in their own way.

What Time Of Year Is Best For Snorkeling In The Caribbean?

The best time to visit the Caribbean for the best weather and, ultimately, the best snorkeling is from December to April.

This is when the weather is the best, so you won’t have to worry about rain, storms, or humidity putting a damper on your vacation.

This is also the most popular time of year to visit the Caribbean, so you can expect it to be busier and more expensive than usual.

Another great time to snorkel in the Caribbean in May and June. This is considered shoulder season, so it’ll be a little bit cheaper, and the weather will be just as nice.

With fewer people and calmer water, you might even have a better chance of spotting more marine life.

November is also a nice time to visit the Caribbean. This is considered the other end of the shoulder season between winter/summer/hurricane season.

You can save a bit of money and still enjoy great weather for snorkeling in November.

Which Secrets Resorts Have The Best Snorkeling?

Some of the best all-inclusive resorts for snorkeling in the Caribbean and in the world are the Secrets Resorts.

There are numerous secret resorts scattered all over, but the very best secrets resort for snorkeling is Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay, located in Jamaica.

It sits on a peninsula and is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort with many pools, bars, restaurants, and amenities.

The water on this private beach is calm and crystal clear, allowing you to snorkel freely and see tons of marine life. You can also kayak, windsurf, and scuba dive.

Secrets resorts are luxurious and have top-notch amenities, allowing you to feel like royalty during your vacation.

You will be amazed by the beauty of the world both above and below the water in this little piece of paradise.

Which Island Has The Best Snorkeling?

The island with the best snorkeling in the Caribbean is Curacao. The island is small, but it’s the largest of the ABC islands and below the hurricane belt.

Curacao has top-notch nearby beaches, history, culture, and natural attractions.

There are many offshore snorkeling spots where you don’t need a boat, tour, or excursion to enjoy snorkeling.

You can go out whenever you feel like it and snorkel right off the beach. Being able to go offshore snorkeling is both convenient and satisfying. It will save you a ton of time.

Some of the best snorkeling spots in Curacao include Tugboat Beach, Little Knip Beach, Klein, and Playa Lagun. However, the whole island has amazing snorkeling opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Now you have all the information you need on the best snorkeling resorts in the Caribbean, so all you have left to do is pick one!

Hopefully, one of these resorts stood out to you as a destination you’d like to check out. Each Caribbean island has something different to offer, and while they might be similar in certain ways, they are different in many others.

You can decide which island and resort is right for you, and then you’ll be on your way to the snorkeling vacation of a lifetime.

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