Where to snorkel
Snorkeling is one of the easiest ways to use a port day. The best ports have a reef or a wreck close to the water, calm sheltered entry, and clear enough water that you can see the reef from the surface.
About snorkeling
Snorkeling by cruise port means swimming over reefs and wrecks close to the ports where cruise ships call. Many of these spots sit a short ride from the pier, and some can be reached from the shore with only your own gear. The page compares the places where people most often head into the water for a day.
Reefs lie close to shore at Boca Catalina, Arashi Beach and Mangel Halto in Aruba, where you can bring your own gear and swim out a few meters. Calm water at Baby Beach suits children and first-time snorkelers. Many people take a catamaran or boat to the Antilla wreck.
- About 20 minutes Aruba's pier to the snorkel spots
- Three to five hours Typical Aruba catamaran sail with snorkel stops
Snorkeling: where to go
Each line is the place's own: where people go and how they get there.
Cozumel
Shallow sand-entry reef at Chankanaab and the Playa Palancar reef, both a taxi ride south of town.
More places for Snorkeling
Santorini
Boat trips from Fira bay stop at coves for swimming and snorkeling.
Start with Cozumel
13 places on the map, 75 trips, and sailings from 6 home ports.