19 of the Best Resorts for Snorkeling in the World
Thinking about taking your next vacation somewhere that you can snorkel offshore? After all, who doesn’t love exploring the beautiful ocean and seeing its many hidden treasures up close and personal?
The locations listed in this guide are teeming with aquatic life and are known for their crystal-clear water and abundance of fish within swimming distance of the beachfront.
If you’re looking to get your snorkeling fix while visiting a tropical resort, here are the 19 best resorts for snorkeling in the world:
1. Curacao Marriott Beach Resort
Marriott Curacao is a gorgeous resort that’s located on the west coast of Curacao, making it the perfect place to enjoy all the island has to offer.
And trust us, there’s a lot to enjoy! With a man-made sand beach and a reef just offshore, it’s easy to get in the water and explore the underwater world.
Plus, there’s plenty of other activities to keep you busy – the nearby Willemstad and Pietermaii districts offer a break from the water, with plenty of historic sights to see.
But that’s not all, this resort is also conveniently located near some of the best snorkeling spots on the island – Tugboat wreck is just a short drive away.
So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time snorkeler, you’ll find plenty of reasons to choose Marriott Curacao for your snorkeling adventure.
2. The Westender Inn
Looking for an escape to paradise? Westender Inn is a luxury boutique resort nestled on Negril’s remote and rugged West End.
Setting the tone for a relaxing getaway, their pristine coastline is home to a vibrant coral reef, making it a snorkeler’s paradise. With crystal-clear water and amazing visibility, you’ll be able to see a myriad of colorful fish and marine life.
The convenient location makes it easy to start exploring right away too – just grab some gear from reception and jump into the sea.
But that’s not all that makes this resort special; The Westender Inn is also the only resort in Jamaica with BioRock technology. This cutting-edge technology helps speed up coral growth in damaged areas, restoring vital habitat for fish and other marine life.
So not only can you enjoy a luxurious vacation at Westender Inn, but you can also feel good knowing that you’re helping to preserve this beautiful ecosystem.
3. Sunscape Curacao
Sunscape Curacao is a family-friendly resort that has everything you could want for an amazing snorkeling vacation.
From a kids club and teenager-only zone to daily activities and water sports galore, there’s enough to keep everyone entertained all day long.
When you add on top of that the incredible snorkeling opportunities and access to world-class casino games, it’s clear why so many travelers prefer Sunscape over any other hotel in Curacao.
Plus, Sunscape organizes regular afternoon excursions to Klein Curacao – an idyllic island known for its clear water and turtles. Trust us, you’re going to want to add this adventurous activity to your Curacao itinerary!
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Looking for a luxurious resort to stay at on your next snorkeling vacation? The Ritz-Carlton is located right in the middle of Grand Cayman’s tourist hub and offers two towers for guests to choose from.
If you’re looking to take advantage of the stunning Seven Mile Beach and go snorkeling, be sure to book a room in the Ocean Tower.
The resort offers free snorkeling equipment to all guests, making it easy and convenient to explore the underwater world right off the shore.
With kayaks and other non-motorized equipment also available free of charge, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the crystal clear waters around The Ritz-Carlton.
5. Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay
Experience Jamaica like you’ve never done before at Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay. This luxurious resort is famous for its white-sand private beach and calm waters where you can snorkel to your heart’s content.
With a mile-long private white sand beach, snorkeling in the calm waters of Montego Bay is a must.
You can even snorkel right off the beach in some spots and if you need gear, no worries – they offer free snorkeling sessions every morning. It’s included in your stay and the guide takes you out to the nearby reef.
Not only that, the resort also boasts an impressive collection of rooms that will suit your every need. Adorned with contemporary furnishings and all the comforts, you’ll feel right at home in your own luxury retreat.
6. Gallows Point Resort
Located in St John, USVI, Gallows Point Resort is the perfect place to stay whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed getaway.
Although it’s not a resort with offshore snorkeling, its location in Cruz Bay means that it’s close to many of the best snorkeling spots on the island – Trunk Bay, Jumbie Bay and Cinnamon Bay are just a few of them.
And if you’re looking to explore even more of the underwater world, the resort staff would be more than happy to help you organize a snorkeling boat trip.
7. St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Experience the Maldives above and below the sea at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.
Sitting atop the Dhaalu Atoll and overlooking the Indian Ocean, it serves as a home for all that is beautiful about this part of the world.
A 50-minute seaplane ride will take you to a lagoon paradise, where butlers promptly serve you refreshments. Once you’ve settled in, explore its natural treasures and be awestruck by its untouched beauty.
Dive into the water and swim amongst tropical fish that are known to live in these pristine waters. If that’s not enough for you, keep your eyes out for dolphins!
You really have to see it to believe it.
8. Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
Pack your bags and let’s take a trip to paradise! Your next vacation destination has struck gold with Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort.
There’s no need to be afraid of getting your feet wet here; this Caribbean resort will give you a front-row seat to some of the best marine life in the region.
Located on Seven Mile Beach, this resort is home to the Reef Ball Project Reef. Thanks to the resort’s efforts to build and grow an artificial reef in the area, there is now an abundance of fish, coral, and other sea creatures to be found.
So whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or are just getting your feet wet, you’re sure to have a blast exploring all that this resort has to offer.
9. Secret Harbour Beach Resort
Life is all about fun and enjoyment, isn’t it? And that’s exactly why we’ve dropped in Secret Harbour Beach Resort on your bucket list.
Nestled on the secluded crescent shores of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, this condominium-style resort provides all the comforts of home with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
The crystal-clear water and reef right off the beach make snorkeling an absolute must. But that’s not all – a PADI dive center on-site means scuba diving is also within reach!
10. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Getting to the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is no easy feat – it involves a long journey by plane and boat. But once you finally arrive at the resort, you’ll realize that the trek was definitely worth it.
This luxury resort is situated on Huvadhoo Atoll, and its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters are simply breathtaking. But the true gem of the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is its location.
This gorgeous island resort is surrounded by a 360-degree reef, making it easy to spot marine life just a few minutes from the sandy beach. From moray eels to vibrant corals and colorful fish, the underwater world here is teeming with life.
11. Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Fancy exploring the coral reefs of the British Virgin Islands? Then, Rosewood Little Dixie Bay is your best bet.
The area has a number of nearby beaches to explore, and you’ll be able to find plenty of marine life in the waters.
Begin by snorkeling off the coast to get some amazing views of local fish. If you want to explore even deeper depths, arrange for a diving or snorkeling trip with the resort staff.
12. The Windsong Resort
A 4-star property located right on Grace Bay, The Windsong Resort in Turks & Caicos benefits from being right on the reef.
That’s right – you don’t have to take a boat trip to see all the amazing marine life this area has to offer.
Direct access to the nearby underwater marine park means you can hit the reef and see sea turtles and stingrays up close and personal.
And when you’re done playing in the water, there’s plenty more to do on land. The Windsong Resort offers a spa and fitness center for that much-needed R&R.
13. Coral Gardens on Grace Bay
Who said you can’t have your cake and eat it too? That’s exactly why we’re here. Coral Gardens on Grace Bay offers you world-class snorkeling, diving, and sunbathing in one magical place.
At this boutique Turks & Caicos resort, you’ll find the offshore reef provides a calm environment for swimming and snorkeling, and the clear turquoise waters offer visibility that is second to none.
And if you get tired of all the water activities, there’s plenty of land-based fun to be had as well.
14. Park Hyatt St. Kitts
If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s a little off the beaten path, Park Hyatt in St. Kitts is definitely worth considering.
This hotel is located on a secluded stretch of beach, and there are no nearby coral reefs. However, don’t let that dissuade you from exploring the waters around the Park Hyatt – there’s still plenty to see!
The loungers on the beach are perfect for relaxing in between swims, and the paddleboards and kayaks are a great alternate way to explore the waters. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even go scuba diving.
15. The Cove at Atlantis
The Cove at Atlantis is nestled between the coast of two beautiful private beaches and features stunning oceanfront suites that capture the essence of luxury living like no other property on earth.
With its stunning white sand beaches with amazing offshore snorkeling, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.
Bring your snorkel gear and swim alongside colorful shoals of fish or sign up for a fun afternoon swimming alongside manta rays!
But The Cove is more than just a pretty place to relax; this luxurious resort also offers a wide range of activities to keep you entertained.
From swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Cay to enjoying the exciting waterslides at Aquaventure, boredom isn’t in the dictionary here.
And when night falls, the fun doesn’t stop! The resort’s clubs and casinos come alive, offering a thrilling nightlife experience.
So whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to relax and soak up the atmosphere, The Cove at Atlantis is the perfect choice.
16. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
A vacation in the Bahamas is incomplete without some time spent on the beach and at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, you can enjoy a day of sun and fun by snorkeling right off the shore.
The area is home to various species of fish and sea turtles that you can get up close and personal with.
In addition to the usual amenities you’d expect from a luxury property, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar also offer the unique opportunity to interact with some of the local marine wildlife.
The on-site Wildlife Sanctuary offers guided tours where you can learn about the local marine life, including nurse sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. On land, there are also diverse birds and lots of other animals to admire.
17. Anse Chastanet
If you’re looking for a vacation that will make you feel like you’re one with nature, look no further than Anse Chastanet.
This hidden gem is nestled into a hill, providing stunning views no matter where you turn. And because the resort is built largely of open-air rooms, you’ll get to enjoy the natural breeze (even if it means forgoing air conditioning). But don’t worry, there are fans to keep you cool!
And that’s not even the best part – this resort is set on two of the island’s best beaches for snorkeling, and one of the reefs start just steps from the beach!
At Anse Chastane, it really feels like you’re staying in a tree house – albeit a very fancy one.
18. Avila Beach Hotel
Nestled on a picturesque stretch of Curacao’s west coast, Avila Beach Hotel offers you everything you need for a wonderful holiday.
With snorkeling right off the beach and easy access to other attractions on the island, you can’t go wrong by choosing this as your home away from home.
Bring your own snorkel gear or rent some on-site for approximately $8.
With shores teeming with marine life, it’s an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Curacao.
19. Finest, Playa Mujeres
You don’t need to be a pro to enjoy some quality family time on the beach or in the water.
A family-friendly resort with some of the best swim-up rooms in Cancun, Finest Playa Mujeres guarantees fun and adventure for everyone.
With the soft white sand beach and calm waters, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to swim among the tropical sea life.
You’ll also find everything you need right at your fingertips at the resort, with several restaurants and bars that exude local ambiance.
