When it comes to best snorkeling resorts Caribbean options you’re spoilt for choice and it can be hard to know just where to pick! This guide is here to help you do just that, and what’s more I’ve done all of the research for you based on my own experiences of the best islands for snorkeling in the Caribbean.

I’ll be covering my top 10 best snorkeling resorts based on a range of factors and experiences. Whether you’re interested in the best Caribbean snorkeling resorts for beginners, want to know which the best all inclusive snorkeling resorts are, or you want to know where to stay for the best snorkeling for kids in Caribbean, I’ve got you covered here!

The fact is, there are so many best snorkeling islands in the Caribbean, that the hardest part is choosing which island is right for you. I’ve chosen resorts that I personally love and are all well-kept in addition to having access to the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean on their doorstep as well as other activities such as hiking and watersports nearby, too.

Secret Harbor Resort, St. Thomas, USVI

My favorite place to stay for the best snorkeling in St Thomas is at Secret Harbor Resort, which has some great snorkeling just off its beach (by the rocks on the right and the reef to the left are the best spots).

Secret Harbor Resort offers condo-style accommodations right on the sand beach from studios up to one, two and three bedroom condo suites. Larger condos include full kitchens – perfect if you prefer a self-catered break. The location is a short drive from the main city of Charlotte Amelie for shopping and entertainment, but far enough away from the hustle of duty-free shopping crowds. It’s also easy to take a day trip (or more) over to St John from here on the ferry.

For more best snorkeling off the beach spots around St Thomas, check out Coki beach point on the north coast opposite Thatch Cay, or Sapphire Bay.

Alternative Snorkeling Resorts in St. Thomas, VI

Sapphire Beach Resort Condos is another alternative resort option (also condo style) – it’s set on a slightly prettier beach and quieter location, but Secret Harbor has slightly better snorkeling.

Best Snorkeling Resorts in St Thomas (US VI)

The second US Virgin Island to be featured in this guide to the best snorkeling resorts in Caribbean waters, St Thomas is a busier island, with beautiful beaches and some of the best all inclusive Caribbean resorts for snorkeling.

Another of the best snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean, St Thomas also has the advantage of its own airport which makes it easier to get to for shorter Caribbean snorkeling vacations. As with St John, the snorkeling is best here in dry season between December – June.

The Caves Hotel, Negril, Jamaica

Although there are several places to snorkel Jamaica and have a great time, in my view Negril is the winner when it comes to Jamaica snorkeling thanks to the stunning beaches and cliffs, options to find less crowded spots, and the reef running close to shore to make for some of the best snorkeling in Jamaica – especially at Bloody Bay, just to the north of Negril.

The Caves Hotel is located just to the south of Negril beach in the West End, and is one of the best all inclusive resorts for snorkeling in Jamaica if you’re looking for luxury. It’s truly one of a kind.

Built into a cliff, here you have the effect of looking out over the sparkling ocean from your own private cave hideaway. There’s a spa, bar, restaurant, and just 12 bespoke and individually designed rooms all stacked above a set of unique underwater limestone cliff caves which make for incredible snorkeling on site.

The cliff dive instructor on site offers regular snorkeling expeditions, or you can head out on your own to swim through the cave networks and around, and if you’re lucky even meet a school of dolphins who like to swim in the waters around the cliffs. This is possibly the best snorkeling in the Caribbean all inclusive – you may not want to leave!

If you want to try beach snorkeling, you can head a few minutes to the north for snorkeling in Negril. When Negril gets busy, head to the next bay along – called Bloody Bay – to enjoy its stunning clear waters and possibly the best beach in Jamaica for snorkeling.

Alternative Best Resorts for Snorkeling in Negril: The Rockhouse

If the Caves are booked up or you prefer not to go for one of the all inclusive snorkeling vacation packages Jamaica has, then The Rockhouse is another great option to consider for a Jamaica snorkeling break. Also built into the Negril cliffs and with a stunning pool looking out to the ocean, this resort is every bit as special as The Caves, with a spa, stone-lined hideaway accommodations, and steps down to the turquoise Caribbean sea.

Best Snorkeling Resorts in Jamaica

Jamaica might not be the first island that springs to mind when talking about snorkeling vacations in the Caribbean, but it’s in fact home to around 450 square miles of coral reefs, many in very good condition. While some snorkeling needs to be accessed by boat, there are also plenty of best beach snorkeling in Caribbean options here as well.

If you’re looking for the best snorkeling all inclusive Caribbean has to offer, you’ll definitely find it here. Jamaica is home to some of the best snorkeling all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean as well as some of the best caribbean beaches for snorkeling, thanks to the Montego Bay Marine Park area and the stunning beaches and cliffs of Negril.

If you want to get the best of snorkeling in Jamaica, visit between December and May/June.

The Windsong Resort, Turks & Caicos

Located at Grace Bay on Providenciales (Provo for short), this resort is right on the beach and has the benefit of being located right on the reef! Providenciales’ best shallow underwater marine park is just 20 yards offshore from Windsong. It’s the only resort with direct access to this reef without needing to take a boat trip for your chance to see sea-turtles and stingrays.

The Windsong Resort is a 4* hotel with a spa, fitness center, complimentary non-motorized watersports and a range of studios, bungalows and rooms with 1-4 bedroom suites as well.

If you want great snorkeling on your doorstep in Turks and Caicos, the location doesn’t get much better than this!

Best Snorkeling Resorts in Turks & Caicos

Located in the North-Eastern Caribbean and within easy reach of the US & the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos is something of a hidden gem with some of the best Caribbean beaches for snorkeling on Providenciales, on the eastern end of the islands. Turks and Caicos is home to the third largest reef system in the world, so where better in the Caribbean for snorkeling?

The best snorkeling in Turks and Caicos is centred around Grace Bay, on the northern coast of Providenciales. Picture perfect white sands and transparent water await you here with some great reefs just off the shoreline. Head to Bright Reef and Smith’s Reef or head out on a boat trip to discover more of the Grace Bay reefs further out – or enjoy the house reef at the Windsong below!

The best time of year for snorkeling in Turks and Caicos is between December and May/June.

The Retreat At Rum Point, Grand Cayman

One of the few accomodation options at Rum Point, The Retreat offers simple condo style accommodation on the best stretch of beach in the area.

Part of the joy of staying at Rum Point is not only that you will have the best snorkeling Grand Cayman has to offer on your doorstep, but you’ll also be far away from the cruise ship crowds in George Town and on 7 Mile Beach. Rum Point, Grand Cayman snorkeling is perfect for a relaxed snorkel thanks to the shallow and sheltered water – ideal if you’re more of a beginner snorkeler or are snorkeling with kids.

The resort has 1-3 bedroom self-catering condos and a fresh water swimming pool, tennis court and games and laundry facilities.

One of the highlights of being in this area is you’re so close to Stingray City – Grand Cayman’s top attraction. Take a ride out on a glass bottomed boat to Stingray City sandbar and have the chance to snorkel with stingrays in the shallow water (Tip: try to go earlier or later in the day to avoid the large cruise ship groups). This will definitely make for one of the best snorkeling vacations in the Caribbean.