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A vacation that includes snorkeling and lots of it? This is not at all hard to find in the Caribbean. Islands like Jamaica have some of the most diverse snorkeling experiences the Caribbean has to offer (think bioluminescent cave diving in Ocho Rios)! Jamaica is truly famous for its vibrant coral reefs, thriving marine life, and crystal-clear water, all of which you can experience during your vacation. Jamaica boasts some of the best snorkeling spots in the world. It has several stunning beaches and over six hundred miles of beautiful coastline.
Its vibrant reefs are teeming with colorful marine life in crystal clear blue waters and offer plenty of snorkeling spots in Jamaica, from caves along the coast to extensive offshore reefs. If you’re looking for Best snorkeling destinations in Jamaica, you’ve come to the right place. We have listed some of the best snorkeling spots on this island and what you can expect when you dive there!
This island nation is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean for a good reason. It not only has reggae music that creates a unique atmosphere that attracts thousands of tourists every year but also perfect white sand beaches with living reef systems that make it the best choice among water sports lovers. In addition, the warm, crystal clear seas offer Best snorkeling destinations in Jamaica, so you can quickly discover different marine life. Now let’s see the best places to go on an underwater adventure!
Let your Jamaica snorkeling vacation begin at Booby Cay in Negril. Located near Seven Mile Beach, this small island is home to lots of booby birds as well as marine life of all kinds. They lay their eggs on this island, so if you go snorkeling, you might spot some nests. In Jamaica, you can take a glass-bottom boat to Booby Cay and whet your appetite for the diving expedition that awaits you as you discuss what you will see underwater with a guide. Your boat trip to Booby Cay will likely include snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks. Sometimes the menu features fresh seafood or chicken, which go well with a local Caribbean beer like Red Stripe. A snorkeling trip to Booby Cay can take 2 to 4 hours.
In addition to getting there by boat, you can go kayaking or paddle boarding on Booby Cay. Once you dive in, you will likely be surrounded by fish of all types and be pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the coral in the area
Doctor’s Cave Beach in (Montego Bay) is a good choice for snorkeling in Jamaica. This beach has plenty of facilities, including a restaurant, bar, and on-site toilets. However, if you want to use these amenities while enjoying snorkeling here, you will need to pay a small entrance fee of $6 per person to enter.Once that’s out of the way, you can dive straight into the calm, clear waters of Doctor’s Cave Beach, which some believe are therapeutic. Whether there is some truth to this theory, most will agree that the waters are calm and ideal for snorkeling, especially if you are a first-timer.
The coral reef at Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of the more active ones you will find off the coast of Jamaica. For the fascinating underwater views, swim around the reef and the stone walls that make up the bay.There’s even more action at Doctor’s Cave in the form of fun water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding. Also, jumping on the water trampolines might be overwhelming!
It is almost impossible to visit Jamaica and not hear about Seven Mile Beach. This is understandable, as this is one of the best beaches on the island. Located in Negril, Jamaica, Seven Mile Beach is perfect for snorkeling as you can explore some exciting reefs near this beach. In addition, Seven Mile Beach is relatively shallow, calm, and has excellent visibility, so it can be a good spot for snorkelers just starting out.
When you’re done snorkeling at Seven Mile, you can walk along the expansive shores of this four-mile-long beach that leads to the three-mile stretch of Bloody Bay.
Jamaica is one of the most convenient places in the world for snorkeling, mainly because it is so easy to get to some of the popular snorkeling spots on the island. Montego Bay Marine Park is one such convenient location. This marine park is a protected area of about six square miles and is home to beaches such as Doctor’s Cave Beach, Aquasol Beach, Cornwall Beach, and Dead End Beach, which are great snorkeling spots. In addition, the mangroves take you to the outer reef, a fun diving place
Marley’s Garden is located in Montego Bay and is one of those reefs in Jamaica that you’ll need a boat to get to. However, the boat ride will be short, and you will be at the reef in no time to start your diving expedition. This reef is about 40 feet below the surface, and once you dive into it, you will be amazed by the colors and vibrancy of this natural attraction. Snorkeling enthusiasts can enjoy a world of fun at Marley’s Garden, but to get the most out of the experience, a diving trip is preferred to get closer to the reef.
However, if you don’t have scuba gear, you can still experience some of its beauty from above while snorkeling. Some of the marine life you’re likely to see on this reef include shark corals, sea fans, and plenty of tropical fish, including sergeants and squirrelfish.
Put Ocho Rios Bay on your vacation list of places to snorkel in Jamaica. A reef on this beach can be reached by boat about half a mile from shore. You will need to be taken to the reef with a guide who can point you in the right direction as to where to dive. Ocho Rios Bay Beach is about a five-minute walk from the cruise terminal in Ocho Rios, so it will be easy to find once you’re in the area. There are several cafes and shops around this dive site where you can relax before or after snorkeling.
If you want to enjoy a trip in Jamaica but avoid your luggage being buried in snorkeling equipment, consider staying at an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica. Unique Tours Jamaica not only provides free snorkeling equipment for all guests, but they also offer free diving for certified divers.
At any of the luxurious all-inclusive Unique Tours in Jamaica, you’ll be able to explore the snorkeling hot spots of Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios without hassle. Of course, the earlier you get there for your snorkeling experience, the better!
