I've been snorkeling in the Caribbean since 2003, haven't been able to afford going anywhere else in the world.
Caye Caulker and the surrounding reef in Belize was my first experience. To this day I don't think that the coral was very vibrant because of increasing problems with pollution, especially from the cruise line industry.
Bonaire had a ton of shore access but the hurricane Omar in 2009 knocked a lot of the coral down in the snorkeling depths. It made for seeing a lot of fish because they had no where to hide! Klein Bonaire was the best spot of all to see the best coral, everything else was too deep and out of reach.
Bocas Del Toro, Panama was disappointing because of the pollution issues and lack of protection from uneducated tourists. I have to say that near Hospital Point was the most unique collection of coral I've seen so far.
My all time favorite so far is snorkeling at Waterlemon Cay, St. John. Getting out towards the channel is key, there can be too many people on the shore at times. The coral was vibrant and tons of fish and turtles. I enjoyed the rest of the island, especially spots like Haulover Bay, Round Bay, and Salt Pond Bay.
I'm headed to Culebra at the end of Feb. - does anyone have any suggestions?
I've attached a picture I took of a hawksbill at Waterlemon & the friendliest angel fish ever! at Klein Bonaire.
Enjoy your journey!
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