You could possibly take a glass-bottom boat to Booby Cay while in Jamaica and whet your appetite for the dive expedition ahead while discussing the things youll see beneath the waters with the guide. However, there are snorkeling areas near the cruise port in Ocho Rios too, ideal for those traveling to Jamaica by cruise ship. This means you won't have to worry about setting up transportation on your own! The town of Negril, on Jamaica's western coast, is considered to have some of the best beaches in Jamaica for snorkeling. This oceanfront resort truly offers an underwater oasis for snorkelers, as the caves and grottoes are alive with fish that you would only see in aquariums back home. Other than that, you can explore the island on foot. Sightings at Doctors Cave Beach during a snorkeling excursion can include blue tangs, grunt, butterflyfish, and sometimes stingrays. Marleys Garden is located in Montego Bay, and it is one of those reefs in Jamaica that youll need a boat to access. If you want to enjoy a snorkeling trip in Jamaica but dont want your luggage bogged down with snorkeling gear, then consider staying at an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica. It is here that upscale hotels are located. Once you're done diving at this location, youll have plenty of time to explore other well-known areas in Kingston. If you want to go snorkeling at the Throne Room, youll likely be guided to the outer reef where scuba diving gear isnt required to dive. The lure of the Throne Room for scuba diving is the fact that there is an underwater cave here that is home to lots of different species of marine life. Its such a stunning place to visit, a paradise on Earth with crystal clear water and the best coral reefs in Jamaica. You'll literally be swimming through small blobs of gel, which is a pretty unique experience! I stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort in January 2017. Heres what to expect when snorkeling in Montego Bay. We've always been ones to stray away from the "norm" and refuse to ever work a 9 to 5 job. Since Hellshire Beach is next to thefishing village of Portmore, this is where people go for the best seafood. The coral reef at Doctors Cave Beach is one of the more active ones you can find off the coast of Jamaica. If you want to dive a bit deeper, then you should check out the Runaway Bay Wall, a large barrier reef that is home to a plethora of marine life. Jamaica is one of the most convenient places in the world to snorkel, particularly because its so easy to get to some of the popular snorkeling sites on this island. Youll need to be ferried across to the reef with a guide who can point you in the right direction in terms of where to dive. Here the most beautiful waterfalls freely flow into the blue hole, creating the perfect natural swimming pool. A little insight into Jamaica: This island is the third largest in the Caribbean. There is also cliff jumping for the most adventurous visitors! Coyaba Reef is in Montego Bay and will require a boat trip for a snorkeling session. In fact, islands like Jamaica have some of the most diverse snorkeling experiences that the Caribbean has to offer (think dive sessions in a bioluminescent grotto in Ocho Rios)! The beauty of Jamaicas forests, mountains, rivers, and people will become apparent to you the minute you set eyes on the island, but youll have to dive a little deeper to find the beauty that lies beneath its waves. The 16 Highest Rated Sandals Resorts - Ranked. Good to know: Staying in Montego Bay and planning on snorkeling? Here, you can find great snorkeling right from shore to your left if facing the beach around the rocky point. While diving at Oyster Bay, you might see parrotfish, grunt, angelfish, and more. This dive site is off the coast of Port Antonio and features eight miles of interconnected reefs. In the past 13 years, Kylie loved to work with various newspapers, magazines and blogs in the Caribbean.
The renowned artist spent most of his life in Jamaica and this tour provides an intimate experience where you can see what his life was really like. Get our latest advice & deals in your inbox! Located in Negril, Jamaica, Seven Mile Beach is ideal for snorkeling as there are several interesting reefs that you can explore near this beach. So loved are they that million. You also have the option of hiking to the nearby Secret Falls as well. Jamaica offers a great variety of snorkeling sites, and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. It is a small aquamarine lagoon, protected by miniature hills almost on all sides. Copyright Hello Paradise - The Official Sandals Resorts Travel & Lifestyle Blog. When swimming or snorkeling, look for less-crowded areas to stay out of the path of surfers. Once in the water, youll be able to explore the surrounding reef where you can sometimes spot turtles and the occasional manatee. Here you'll find lots of picnic tables where you can enjoy local jerk chicken, pork, or a wide variety of other local fares. Expert tip: Want to do a little more than snorkeling during your Jamaica vacation? Head to Montego Bay to explore the incredible snorkeling spots around this Jamaican city. Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. You do not need to worry about buying or renting gear when you stay at the luxurious Bluefields Bay Villas, as guests can take advantage of the complimentary snorkeling gear offered. So does Jamaica have good snorkeling? Free Lobster Tails & Ribeyes | ButcherBox, Air & 9-Day Guided France Tour w/ Dinner Cruise, Air & 15-Day Best of Peru, Argentina & Brazil Tour, Hilton Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort | Mexico, Air & 7-Nt N. Europe Cruise w/ 1-Nt Hotel Package, 2 Days Only | Celebrity 7-Nt Veranda w/ Ship Credit, Air & 10-Day Japan & China Vacation | Save 80%, 8-Day Greece & Israel Cruise w/ Air Credit, 7-Day Caribbean Cruise w/ All-Inclusive Upgrade, 7-Day Costa Rica & Panama Canal Cruise w/ Upgrade, Air & 9-Day Italy's Great Cities Guided Tour, 4th Nt Free | The Yucatan All-Inclusive Resort Mexico, $715 Off | 9-Day Luxury All-Incl. It is not recommended to get into the cavern without scuba gear, so you're unlikely to experience this portion of things during a snorkeling trip. An ATV tour in Montego Bay will take you through the lush Jamaican countryside, to small villages, through the jungle, and even along the oceanfront. Another resort perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts is theRockhouse Hotel. Good to know: Want to have more adventurous experiences once you're done snorkeling? It is located close to the town of Port Antonio, and visitors will find some of the biggest waves, making this the island's premier surfing beach. Cornwall Beach in Montego Bay, located within walking distance to Doctor's Cave Beach, is a much more private stretch of sand with equally nice snorkeling. You may also find jumping on the water trampolines a bit irresistible! You can also stay at one of the all-inclusive resorts in Montego Bay if you want to be near some of the best beaches in Jamaica. The 20 Best Wellness Retreats in California, Based on Google Ratings, Mushroom Foraging and Dumpling + Pizza Making at Upstate Airbnb | Glasco Woodstock. Both snorkeling and scuba diving are possible at Runaway Bay and sightings include creole wrasse, parrotfish, angelfish, barracuda, sea urchins, and grunt.
The sooner you get there for a snorkeling experience, the better! Hey There! This reef is about 40 feet below the surface and once you dive in,youll be thrilled at the colors and vibrancy of this natural attraction. If you stay at a Sandals all-inclusive resort, you can book tours and excursions directly through the resort. Rope swinging and cliff jumping are also a possibility at Dunn's River Falls. This will greatly reduce the travel time it will require to get between the various snorkeling sites in this area. It's only chest deep so not scary for kids. Sometimes there is fresh seafood on the menu or jerk chicken, both of which go down well with local Caribbean beer like Red Stripe. The beach here, found on the northern coast of the island, is ideal for those wanting to snorkel right from the sandy shores. Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. Born on the tropical island that is Saint Lucia affords a never-ending source of inspiration. You can snorkel right off the beach just like fromDoctor's Cave Beachwhich is located nearby. We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. In addition to the central bay, there are several relatively good beaches nearby - Crab Key beach, Mahogany beach and Bambu Beach. If you're heading to Jamaica or thinking about a Caribbean beach vacation, here's what you need to know about the best beaches in Jamaica for snorkeling. A snorkeling trip to Booby Cay can span 2 to 4 hours. Copyright 2006-2022 Galen Piehl & Nicole Atkins Children 12 and under pay $17 USD. Here we aim to inspire others to travel more and to share our personal experiences from around the world! Here you'll discoverthe world-famous Seven Mile Beach, a golden stretch of perfect, powdery soft sand that's popular with both locals and tourists. Sightings at Devil's Reef include snapper, grouper, jackfish, barracuda, turtles, and sometimes nurse sharks. This is a private beach with a rustic hotel on-site, but you can pay a small fee to use the beach for the day. From any of the luxury, all-inclusive Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, youll be able to explore snorkeling hot spots in Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios without the hassle. We honeymooned there April 2017. Negril is not only a great honeymoon spot, but its the most popular area for snorkeling in Jamaica. Located 15 minutes drive from the heart of Ocho Rios, Mammee Bay Beach boasts unparalleled views. More experienced snorkelers might enjoy a dive at the Negril Coral Reef about two miles off the coast. Include Ocho Rios Bay Beach on your list of places to snorkel in Jamaica during your vacation. This town on the islands west coast is home to Seven Mile Beach, where youll find white sand and crystal clear water. So youre sure to see a wide variety of colorful fish while swimming in Montego Bay, from angelfish to stingrays. It is around 36 minutes from Ocho Rios and an hour from Montego Bay. For snorkelers, there are a number of spots in Negril where you can snorkel right from the beach. Escape the crowds when you visit Runaway Bay. Jamaicans consider Frenchman Cove to be the most beautiful place in the Caribbean. Between them is a solid tropical paradise with bars and other attributes of a good beach. This beach has been described by travelers as "a gem off the beaten track, simply gorgeous, and "the highlight of a Jamaica vacation. Experience an offshore snorkeling excursion or simply snorkel right from the beach at one of these best places for snorkeling in Jamaica. Understandably so, as this is one of the best beaches on the island. During yourisland getaway, youll want to put on some snorkeling gear and explore the countrys vibrant reefs that are teeming with colorful aquatic life. We are Jim and Inna, and were firm believers that a world of adventure and travel should not just be for the wealthy, but for anyone who pursues it. For the most interesting undersea views, swim around the reef and also along the stone walls that form the cove. It can be pebbly at first when you get into the water at Bluefields Beach, but things smooth out as you venture further in. Hi! Very few fish. Once you get there, you can dive right in and start exploring. The all-inclusive resorts in Negril and the all-inclusive resorts in Ocho Rios cater to guests who want to dive. Expect to pay about $3 per person to hang out on this well-maintained beach. You'll be able to check out an array of marine life around the island that includes barjacks, blue and brown chromis, spotlight parrotfish, and yellow-headed wrasses. Besides, this area has some of the best resort for snorkeling off the beach. Alternatively, head tothe beach near the Grand Lido in Negril. Once youre done diving, you can easily find a secluded part of this beach to relax. In this couple travel blog, we cover our most exciting experiences as well as travel tips! Advanced snorkelers might enjoy diving here as well as it is truly a relaxing place to witness the magic of the undersea. The Jamaica island is surrounded by a coral reef, which meanders quite near to the shore in some spots to about 20 minutes offshore in others. So it's essential to know where to go to find the best place to snorkel in Jamaica. Even if you don't visit during summer, rest assured that you'll usually be able to catch glimpses of sea fans, urchins, conch, and vibrant tropical fish. Try this 40-foot-deep reef that is accessible by boats that depart daily from Montego Bay. A five-minute taxi ride away isMahogany Beach, which has a small coral reef and is interesting for snorkeling. We've invested in snorkel gear for the whole family, so whenever we're at the beach, we're ready at any moment! You can also go diving in the Luminous Lagoon. If you do choose a guided tour, you'll pay a bit more, but the tips and tricks your guide shares with you will help make your experience even more memorable. The dock for cruise ships is visible from one side, while on the other there is a small dock for water sports. Cruise w/ $500 Shipboard Credit, 8-Day Mediterranean Cruise w/ $1,000 Air Credit. Experience the Luminous Lagoon, if youd like, by taking a tour at night to see the microscopic organisms that live here. Snorkeling and scuba equipment can be easily accessed via the dive shop. We would say that snorkeling here is not outstanding. Right from the start, Sandals focused on perfecting the ultimate couple's vacation, and by doing so, rocketed in popularity for couples from all over the wor, Sun, sea, and sand are part of the appeal of Jamaica and Punta Cana (a town in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic), making them two of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean. It's clearly too far to swim to from the coastline, but it's super simple to catch a boat, of which there are plenty in the area for you to rent for a few bucks. Explore one of Jamaicas best natural attractions, the Ocho Rios Blue Hole, or go cliff jumping in Jamaica for an action-packed getaway! There is no charge to explore the Cool Blue Hole while in Jamaica unless you opt to go with a guide. Here you can expect clear visibility, lots of live coral of all the various types found in Jamaica, forests of purple sea fans, and mostly small fish like damsels, tangs, wrasses, and juveniles of other types (seems like a nursery of sorts). Youll also want to wear closed-toe shoes and bring your driver's license with you. Good to know: If you sign up for tours or excursions through any Sandals resort in Jamaica, transfers will be included with your package. The Montego Bay ATV tour usually takes around 3 hours, and you will definitely want to pack things like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a swimsuit underneath your clothes for this journey. Cruise ships dock here, and it is noisy and fun during the music festivals. An excellent sandy beach in the past, now it suffers greatly from the erosion of the coast (a little to the north there isFort Clarence beachwhich doesn't have this problem). Runaway Bay is an area thats more popular with locals than Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, so a beach day or diving experience here tends to be mellow and fun. Africa Safari Cruise, Air & 7-Nt Med. My wife and I have been to resorts in quite a few places in the Caribbean, and the shore snorkeling there was the best of them all. So snorkelers should expect to view sea urchins, coral, barracuda, stingrays, and other colorful aquatic life. However, these beaches can vary significantly in terms of quality and water clarity. If you've got the time, you'll definitely want to try hiking around the Dunns River Falls area. Those who expect to find peace and complete solitude here are likely to be disappointed. Planning a vacation in Jamaica? If you want isolation, and are a good swimmer, stay at the Rhodes Hall Plantation. Tours and snorkeling excursions J. amaica are also offered, which take you farther out from shore, giving snorkelers the ability to see lionfish, stingrays, barracuda, and bountiful corals. Doctor's Cave Beach, one of the most popular beaches for snorkeling on the entire island of Jamaica, also features one of the most easily accessible snorkeling areas. Let your snorkeling vacation in Jamaica begin at Booby Cay in Negril. For those interested in diving, Ocho Rios is home to Devils Reef, an underwater ridge that is suitable for open water divers and advanced divers too. Jamaica vs. Punta Cana: Which Is Better For Your Caribbean Getaway. We are now working towards our goal of continuing full-time travel every day. Top 14 All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana, 14 Best Places to Visit in Colorado If You Hate Crowds, Top 14 All Inclusive Family Resorts in the Caribbean, 10 Top Hotels near LAX with Free Shuttles, 14 Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts for Couples, 15 Incredible Airbnbs in St. Vincent and The Grenadines, 10 Best Baby-Friendly Travel Destinations Around the World, 8 Best Things to Do in St. Martin/St. We are "The Executive Thrillseekers". Boobies lay their eggs on this island, so you might spot some nests if you go here for a snorkeling session. Indeed, Jamaica is known for its vibrant coral reefs, thriving marine life, and crystal-clear waters, all of which youll be able to experience during a vacation. This small island is near Seven Mile Beach and is home to lots of booby birds (from which the island gets its name), as well as marine life of all kinds. 14 Best All-Inclusive Spa Resorts in the U.S. Curaao is located i, The first Sandals resort, Sandals Montego Bay, opened its doors in 1981. This little island is located in Port Antonio waters across the Errol Flynn Marina. One of the best places to dive in Kingston is Port Royal where youll find many different shipwrecks off the coast. All Rights Reserved. We've listed some of the best snorkeling sites on this island, and what you can expect when diving there! This is an excellent beach for families with small kids as the water is very calm and safe, even for the youngest kiddos. This spot is just about 40 minutes from Montego Bay, and 1 hour from Ocho Rios. Another good option for the best snorkeling in Jamaica isMontego Beachitself. Near Negril, Bluefields Bay is actually a resort area that plays host to incredible snorkeling opportunities. Return to Jamaica Snorkeling Stories and Q&A. In fact, the actual beach is 4 miles and the other three miles extends into the Bloody Bay. The water there tends to be quite calm, which is ideal for beginners. This museum is set up in the Jamaican reggae icons former home and prominently features many vibrant murals of the late musician. Doctor's Cave Beach in [Montego Bay](Montego Bay) is a good choice for snorkeling in Jamaica. The beach has bathrooms, chairs, and umbrellas so that you're able to find comfort and relax when you need a break from snorkeling. Located in Montego Bay, Doctors Cave Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the country. The city is suitable for those who are looking for a combination of a beach vacation and Ocho Rios snorkeling excursions with an active exploration of the picturesque coast of the northern part of the island. Good to know: Entry to Dunns River Falls is $25 USD per person (ages 13 and up). (Just remember not to wear shiny jewelry underwater as there are barracuda in Jamaica.). There are quite a few cafs and shops around this dive location where you can relax before or after your snorkeling session. The picturesqueTurtle Beachhas an abundance of soft white sand flanked by coconut trees. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. There is a wide variety of sea life that live in the water here. Beginners can enjoy snorkeling right from the beach, however, there are reefs further out that are ideal for stronger swimmers or accessible through guided tours. Expert tip: Want a dive resort in Jamaica? Ocho Rios in Spanish means "Eight Rivers". If you don't have scuba gear, you can still take in some of its beauty from above while snorkeling. This underwater area has shallow reefs and steep vertical drop-offs, which will allow you the ability to spot a variety of marine life such as angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, rays, and many species of coral. This all-inclusive resort takes the guesswork out of your trip to Jamaica. The dive team can also share tips on the best places to dive depending on what you're hoping to see. There's a reef on this beach that can be accessed by boat about half a mile from shore. Snorkelers can have a world of fun at Marleys Garden, but to make the most of this experience, a scuba diving trip is preferred so you can get closer to the reef. Dont miss exploring Jamaicas top attractions, including the countrys array of stunning beaches and snorkeling spots. A little further, there isReggae Beach, the most secluded of Ocho Rios beaches. As you explore the locations along your ATV adventure with a guide, youll be able to take lots of photos to forever seal your amazing memories. By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. Devils Reef is only accessible by boat, but it is not far from shore just about 3-4 minutes from the beach. Absolutely! Since Montego Bay is home to Jamaicas first marine park, Montego Bay Marine Park, efforts were made to protect the areas coral reefs and marine life here. Once thats out of the way, you can dive right into the cool and clear waters of Doctors Cave Beach, which are believed by some to be therapeutic. Once you dive in, you're likely to be surrounded by fish of all types, and youll be pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the coral in this area. Underwater, you will be able to take in the gorgeous reef full of colorful, abundant coral. If you're looking for a thrill, try exploring Montego Bay via ATV while in Jamaica. There are a coupleof pristine beaches here that offer warm, shallow and calm waters, perfect for kids and beginner snorkelers. Which Sandals Resort Is Best For You? It's more exciting than floating around in the ocean but not as time, money, or labor-intensive as scuba diving. We stayed at the Sunscape Splash twice (once under a different name), and one of the reasons we loved it was the fantastic snorkeling right off shore. In case you were unsure, Kingston, Jamaica has its own share of great dive sites. Curaao Restaurants: The 12 Best Places To Eat During Your Stay In Willemstad. To take advantage of these conveniences while enjoying a snorkeling experience here, you'll need to pay a small entry fee of $6 USD per person for access. If you do wind up snorkeling here, you're likely to see lots of colorful fishes including wrasse, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and chromis. This can be an exciting way to see some of the places that you might not experience on any other excursions. Cover image credit: Solarisys/ Shutterstock.com Curaao is a beautiful Caribbean island that's filled with adventure. If you choose to go snorkeling in Port Royal, youll probably get an overview of some of the shipwrecks, but if you want to get close to them, scuba diving is the better option.
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