krissykris

Looking for laid back but somewhat luxurious island and accomodation for best snorkeling trip. Suggestions? 3-4 star condos are typically our lodging of choice, not too 'busy' or famiy oriented, nothing too commercialized. Which island is best for snorkeling? Our preference is to be able to snorkel right outside our resort. We also like nice resort pools and amenities. Price range $200-$350 night Suggestions?

Thanks so much!

Kristen1206

I recommend Grand Cayman or Turks & Caicos. Both have the type of accomodations you require and both have snorkeling off the beach.

For GC, look into Plantana or Villas of the Galleon condos.

In Provo, try the Sands, Sibonne or Coral Gardens. Royal West Indies sounds perfect for you but the reef is short drive/cab ride down the beach.

KVR

For snorkeling; Grand Cayman, St. John, USVI, Turks & Caicos, or Curacao.

St. Lucia's is a beautiful, lush Island, but not the destination for snorkeling.

StanKase

St. Lucia really has very little snorkeling to speak of. Grand Caymen, Bonaire, Curacao. But Bonaire is less upscale and Curacao has only a few condos. But if you can get into Royal Resorts Sea aquarium Resort in a Ocean View suite the price meets your criteria and with a car 45-50 minutes away is some of the best snorkeling left in the Caribbean unless you go to Belize. But, you need to rent a car for $300/wwk. to get around. There are a number of very good restaurants in Curacao with prices between $70-$100 per couple. If interested see the Curacao thread.

Angler973

No contest -- Coral Gardens on Provo, Turks and Caicos, has some of the best off-the-beach snorkeling in the Caribbean. The protected coral reef begins just a few yards from the shoreline and the entry is very easy. You will see beautiful corals, all kinds of reef fish, and probably some small sharks and rays. In addition, there are extensive turtle grass beds off to the left side of the reef that are frequented by large hawksbill turtles. We have been to Coral Gardens many times and never tire of the snorkeling. Go, you will have a blast!!!

krissykris

Thanks so much for your helpful suggestions on St Lucia and Turks and Caicos. I have been going to the Caymans for years and have also wanted to try something different, but have luxury(nothing too fancy like the Rolls Royce) and still have great snorkeling-I also like to have spa facilities..these suggestions look great! Is Providinciales the place for the best snorkeling or should we be considering another island in the TCI?

Many thanks!

greenie

Second Curacao. Kura Hulanda Lodge is an excellent place with great snorkeling right in front.

Peace, Greenie

jgarlich

Whats the difference between "coral gardens on Grace bay" and Coral Gardens? I'm confused? We are going next month and want to find some great snorkel spots. We'll be staying on Sapodilla bay.

Kristen1206

Same thing. In addition to Coral Gardens there is good snorkeling at Smith's Reef. Also recommend taking a snorkel trip with Caicos Dream Tours.

SUMMAGOLD

i say grand cayman.

StanKase

I could no longer find really good snorkeling on GC except out near Sting Ry City and the reef just before the wall. Elsewhere the hurricanes, bleachind, etc. has unfortunatelety has done GC's snorkeling paradis in. Where in the T&C is it equivalent to GC of 2005-6?

Kristen1206

I still think Grand Cayman is the best for snorkeling.

BellaClaire

TCI no doubt. on Grace Bay Beach - they have reefs right off shore...saw sea turtles, amazing coral, sting ray, lobsters, barracuda - and fish galore.....now the downer side....the beach closed twice (and 2 dive trips cancelled) while I was there due to jelly fish and Portugese Man-of-War....I guess the winds changed - and actually I don't see it as a downer - who can control the weather - I was impressed at the amount of information coming in and was grateful for it.....but - that said - 5 amazing days of some of the best snorkeling/diving ever done!