Doc
While I believe you are one of the most informed and accurate posters, I have to disagree on completely skipping the North Shore. I just got back from two weeks (my 12th year) and the snorkeling was great. It can be a bit of a swim but the sea grass between the shore and the reef is teeming with life. I saw eagle rays, souther sting rays, eels of all kinds, and fish too many to list.
Most places have docks that extend out enough so the swim is usually less than 75 yards. And as I mentioned there is a lot to see during that swim if you look. The reef comes to the surface (and can be exposed during low tide) so even in rough open seas the waves inside the reef are fairly small.
The winter months though can be a challenge because of "Northerners" but I have always gotten all the snorkeling I needed during my trips.
Bill