The Caribbean is home to some incredible snorkeling spots.
But, it can be a real challenge to find the right resort to fit your needs.
After narrowing it down we picked the best Caribbean snorkeling resorts.
1. The Westender Inn
Location: Negril, Jamaica
Westender Inn is a boutique resort located on Negril’s remote West End, which is known for its rugged limestone cliff coastline. Sitting directly on the waterfront, you can choose to swim in the saltwater and freshwater pools, or the Caribbean Sea’s crystal clear water.
It’s one of the best snorkeling resorts because of the reef hugging the coastline. Oh, and for the fact it’s the only place in Jamaica with a BioRock electric coral reef too. Pick up the free snorkeling gear from reception and dive in to see it with your own eyes.
3 Key Amenities
- Four saltwater and freshwater pools
- Seaside massage and yoga sessions
- Live music and performances
2. Jewel Paradise Cove
Location: Runaway Bay, Jamaica
An all-inclusive health, fitness, and spa destination, Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa is for adults only. Spend your day rotating between the three pools, indulging in a treatment at the onsite Radiant Spa, and feasting on a meal from one of the seven restaurants.
Alternatively, go snorkeling on the fringing reef directly off the resort’s private beach. Jewel Paradise Cove also has a PADI-certified dive center. Whether you’re a novice or experienced scuba diver, the team can organize the perfect excursion.
3 Key Amenities
- 12 bars and restaurants
- Full-service spa
- Three swimming pools
3. Catcha Falling Star Resort
Location: Negril, Jamaica
Another boutique property on the cliffs of Negril is Catcha Falling Star Resort. It’s home to a selection of seaside suites and cottages, as well as oceanfront dining at Ivan’s Bar and Restaurant.
Nestled in a cove, head down to the private beach to enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the Caribbean Sea. The other star attraction at Catcha is the resident wild dolphins that like to pop by to say hello to guests.
3 Key Amenities
- Oceanfront bar and restaurant
- Swimming pool
- Private beach
4. Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
For a world-class experience in Jamaica, head to Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay. This all-inclusive and adults-only resort has everything you could possibly want: endless dining options, several pools/hot tubs, nightly entertainment, a gaming lounge, and a spa (of course).
Head to its mile-long white sand private beach and go snorkeling in the calm and clear waters of Montego Bay. Other watersports available include kayaking, windsurfing, and scuba diving lessons.
3 Key Amenities
- 19 onsite restaurants and lounges
- Open-air theater that hosts nightly shows
- Gaming lounge
5. Grand Cayman Marriott
Location: Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort is a luxurious escape in the Caribbean. Spend time indulging in a spa treatment at Botanika Union; swimming in the beachfront pool, and feasting on everything from farm-to-table to seafood dishes at the onsite restaurants.
Located on Seven Mile Beach, this is one of the best Caribbean snorkeling resorts. Head directly to the beach from the resort to see its Reef Ball Project Reef. Other top snorkeling spots along Seven Mile Beach include the wreck of the Gamma, Cemetery Reef, and the reef at nearby Governor’s Beach.
3 Key Amenities
- Botanika Union (Onsite spa)
- Four restaurants
- Fully-equipped fitness center
6. Palm Heights
Location: Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
Palm Heights is the Cayman Islands’ first all-suite boutique hotel. Experience generous living space and ocean views from every room. Then step outside and enjoy a cocktail at the aesthetically-pleasing (a.k.a. very Instagrammable) beachfront Coconut Club. Palm Heights is also home to two pools, and a wellness center with both a spa and gym.
As for snorkeling, you can pick up equipment from the front desk and spy marine life just offshore along Seven Mile Beach. Otherwise, Palm Heights organizes snorkeling tours too.
3 Key Amenities
- Onsite bar and restaurant
- Wellness center with spa and gym
- Complimentary WiFi
7. Secret Harbour Beach Resort
Location: St. Thomas, USVI
Nestled on a secluded crescent-shaped shore in St. Thomas, Secret Harbour Beach Resort is a condominium resort. It features studio, one and two-bedroom condos in both beachfront and hillside buildings. It also has two onsite restaurants, a freshwater swimming pool, a fitness center, and watersport rentals.
Speaking of watersports, definitely go snorkeling at the resort’s beach, as it has crystal clear water and reef directly off the shoreline. If you want to step it up a notch, Secret Harbour Beach Resort has an onsite PADI dive shop too, for eager scuba divers.
3 Key Amenities
- Two onsite restaurants
- Watersport rentals
- Fitness center and tennis courts
8. The Buccaneer Hotel
Location: St. Croix, USVI
The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort is an iconic hotel located on St. Croix. Set over 340 acres, it’s home to an 18-hole golf course, two pools, a full-service spa/salon, a shopping arcade, and three restaurants.
If that wasn’t enough, The Buccaneer is surrounded by three glorious beaches and has an onsite watersports center. Although you can go snorkeling at the resort, it also organizes day tours to Buck Island Reef National Monument, which is a must-visit attraction on St. Croix.
3 Key Amenities
- 18-hole golf course
- Shopping arcade
- Full-service spa and salon
9. Sunscapes Curacao
Location: Willemstad, Curacao
Sunscape Curacao is one of the most family-friendly snorkeling resorts on this list. There’s a kids club, a teenager-only zone, daily adventure activities, and lots of water sports to enjoy. Sunscape also organizes afternoon snorkeling excursions to Klein Curacao, which is a secluded island known for its clear water and turtle population.
For the adults, we have to mention that Sunscape is home to the Princess Casino, which has nearly 300 slot machines and several different game tables. Coupled with an overabundance of restaurants and bars, Sunscape is a must-visit Curacao resort.
3 Key Amenities
- Six restaurants and seven bars
- Kids club and teen zone
- Onsite casino
10. Avila Beach Hotel
Location: Willemstad, Curacao
Opt to stay at the oldest operational hotel in Curacao. Avila Beach Hotel has three accommodation wings, as well as five restaurants/bars, which regularly host live music performances. It also has a strong wellness focus, with a huge fitness center, a spa, and a hairdresser salon.
Thanks to offshore breakwaters, the hotel’s two private beaches have some of the calmest water in the Caribbean. Snorkel out to the house reef to see its colorful array of coral and marine life.
3 Key Amenities
- Five restaurants and bars
- Spa and salon
- Weekly live music performances
