Caribbean shore diving and snorkeling

[headonkey]

I have a multi-layered questions for you guys and gals. My gf and I are planning a cruise going to Roatan, Santo Tomas de Castilla, Belize City, and Cozumel. My gf is not a diver so I'm looking for some good shore diving and snorkeling. Which location(s) will be the best for this situation?

 

[Doc]

Scratch Belize and Roatan off of your list.

Belize... off a cruise ship, you are a long way away from the reef.

Roatan has very limited shore access. The best is on the South side, and all but impossible as a cruise ship traveller. The West end has a nice neach and some (comparatively) limited snorkeling opportunities.

The others you mention might be better, others will chime in with frist hand info and experience.

 

[robint]

I have a multi-layered questions for you guys and gals. My gf and I are planning a cruise going to Roatan, Santo Tomas de Castilla, Belize City, and Cozumel. My gf is not a diver so I'm looking for some good shore diving and snorkeling. Which location(s) will be the best for this situation?

Cozumel, hands down. Check out Chankanaab park.

 

[BurBunny]

Actually, I'd recommend Cozumel, but not from shore. Consider going on a mixed snorkel/dive boat with someone like Dive with Alison or Eagle Ray Divers - both regularly go out with mixed boats to more shallow sites. The diving and snorkeling both are better quality than from Chankanaab Park in my opinion.

Also, in Roatan shore diving from CoCo View is pretty good, and I believe you can also do some shore dives from Fantasy Island Beach Resort.

Definitely forget about Belize and Santo Tomas.

 

[Scuba One]

I have taken groups to Fantasy Island in Roatan, which is next to Coco View, and they both had great shore diving. One day on our last trip a group of cruise ship people showed up with day passes, so it might be possible for your cruise ship to have access to this area. It could also depend on the particular cruise ship as to which shore excursions they offer and if you have the option of diving in that area.

 

[VetoSno]

When are you scheduled to leave? We are taking a cruise on Jan 20th, 2008 with that same itinerary.

 

[headonkey]

I actually spent the money for the trip on an engagement ring instead. I think that was a worthy trade =) And now we get to plan some diving on a honeymoon.

 

[rtbmediver]

On Roatan, CoCoView and Fantasy Island both basically share the beach dive.

I do not currently know what or how they facilitate cruise ship passengers.

I would suggest contacting their US Offfices through their respective websites.