Caribbean dream Islands

Snorkelling

Introduction

There are many excellent websites devoted to scuba diving, but a remarkable dearth of information related to snorkelling. This site is intended to offer advice on where to snorkel, what equipment to buy and what hazards await the unwary novice.

Snorkelling Sites

Most package holiday hotels are situated on long sandy beaches and are far from ideal for snorkellers. The rocky headlands between bays are home to a much greater variety of life, so look for islands which offer a large number of small bays rather than those which boast the longest beaches.

Coral reefs and rocky bays with large coral heads tend to offer the best snorkelling, but even less promising underwater landscapes of sea grass and coral rubble can contain a surprising variety of fish and other creatures.

Detailed accounts of individual sites which I have visited can be accessed using the links below.

Point Village, Negril, Jamaica

Snorkelling Equipment

The basic equipment required comprises mask, snorkel and fins. The mask enables you to see clearly underwater, the snorkel allows you to breathe with your face underwater, and the fins enable you to swim with less effort. This equipment may be hired at most resorts, but is rarely top quality, or loaned free at all-inclusive resorts, but only for an hour at a time. Having ones own kit adds enormously to the pleasure of snorkelling.

Snorkelling Safety

Snorkelling is a very safe sport, but it does pay to be aware of the main hazards. Contrary to many peoples beliefs, sharks, barracuda and moray eels do not feature high on the list, although spear fishing is always likely to attract the attention of any predators in the area.

Disclaimer

The advice given in these pages is offered in good faith, but is not intended as a substitute for professional training nor for competent local advice when snorkelling in unfamiliar waters.

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