The Caribbean is home to some of the best snorkeling resorts in the world — hotels where you can walk out of your room, dive into the water before your morning coffee, and almost instantly see hundreds of tropical fish just offshore.
But the best Caribbean snorkeling resorts for adults are not always great for families. An overwater bungalow directly above a reef sounds like a dream — but not if you’re traveling with young kids who are new, nervous explorers of the underwater world; or kids who might not understand how to tread carefully near a ladder that drops into the water.
It’s critical to introduce kids to snorkeling in the right swimming conditions — with calm, shallow waters — before graduating to more adventurous swims along the reef.
We’ve rounded up 20 of our favorites Caribbean snorkeling resorts that provide great snorkeling opportunities for kids of all ages. If you’re looking for snorkeling right from your hotel, these are the best Caribbean resorts for snorkeling to book for your next family trip!
IN THIS POST
- The best snorkeling resorts for all levels
- The best all-inclusive snorkeling resorts
- The best snorkeling resorts for kids 5+
- The best snorkeling resorts for pre-teens and teenagers (10+)
Whether your family is made up of beginner swimmers or experienced snorkelers, these resorts have something for everyone.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Resorts For Snorkeling With Kids
To some extent, all Caribbean islands offer access to snorkeling. But many require a boat ride or lengthy excursion to get to a snorkel-worthy reef. It’s a totally different ballgame to find good snorkeling right off the beach – and even more so to find an appealing, family-friendly hotel that sits right on that snorkeling beach.
That’s what we looked for. Every hotel on this list offers snorkeling on property, without the need for a mega excursion.
The first category of hotels – suitable for snorkelers of all ages – includes only resorts and hotels with shallow-water snorkeling where kids can learn.
As your kids get older, you might explore some of the resorts later on the list, which offer snorkeling that’s better suited for stronger and more confident swimmers, or older kids who want to spend the bulk of the trip in the water with you.
Book Your Caribbean Snorkeling Resort Through Mango Tree
The best way to book your Caribbean snorkeling vacation is through Mango Tree. You can always book a hotel through us at no cost to you. Look for the orange “book through us” button throughout this post and let us know which hotel caught your fancy.
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Best Snorkeling Resorts – All Levels (Age 3+)
1. Secret Harbour Resort – St. Thomas
Secret Harbour Beach Resort in St Thomas is one of the best snorkeling resorts in the Caribbean for families with young kids. This small beachfront hotel offers the perfect combination of calm, sheltered waters and family-friendly suites right on the sand.
Kids can perfect their snorkeling skills in the sheltered cove. The best reef is a short swim away from the beach, which parents and older kids can easily take advantage of. But for the littlest kids just learning, small schools of fish can be seen dancing in the shallow waters right at the shoreline.
With one-, two-, and three-bedroom condo-style suites just steps from the beach, families with young kids can spread out, and have easy access to all their kids’ toys, snacks, and other gear.
On top of all that, with plenty of other families vacationing at the resort, your kids will have no trouble finding a playmate on the beach! Plus, since it isn’t as popular with cruise ship passengers like many other beaches in St Thomas, you won’t have to worry about overcrowding. There’s one delicious restaurant on site, but the town of Red Hook has others for those who want more variety.
2. The Buccaneer Hotel – St. Croix
The Buccaneer Hotel in St. Croix is a great option for families looking to introduce little ones to snorkeling but who also want all the amenities and inclusions of a traditional beach resort. St. Croix is the least visited of the US Virgin Islands, with a quiet vibe.
With three beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, The Buccaneer offers a safe and family-friendly environment. The snorkeling here may not rise to world-class levels, but novice snorkelers can wade into the water from the sandy beach, and immediately be steps from the reef that runs the length of a ridge along the side of the bay. For more advanced snorkelers, a half day snorkeling trip to Buck Island will be totally worthwhile.
Complimentary snorkel gear is provided so that parents don’t have to worry about packing their own.
The Buccaneer has plenty of activities for kids out of the water too. The resort sits on 340 acres and has expansive grounds fit for exploration. Kids can go horseback riding and kayaking, or play tennis, corn hole, ping pong and more.
The two-bedroom family cottage suites are the most popular among travelers with kids, and they can easily accommodate families of five with a twin room + pull-out trundle.
3. Avila Beach Hotel – Curacao
If you’re looking for a Caribbean snorkeling hotel that offers a laid-back vibe and plenty of space for families, Avila Beach Hotel in Curacao is the perfect choice. Curacao is one of the hidden gems of the Caribbean for families right now, accessible by direct flight from New York, Charlotte, and Miami. The rooms are far more affordable than on many other islands, but the food, beaches, and snorkeling opportunities are outstanding.
Avila Beach Hotel has two magnificent beaches with excellent snorkeling steps from your room. With suites ranging from one to three bedrooms, you can find all the space you need for your family vacation. Plus, it’s walking distance from restaurants in Willemstaad’s Pietermaii district.
The waters at Avila Beach Hotel are home to more than 100 species of fish and offer spectacular visibility – perfect conditions for novice swimmers and experienced snorkelers alike. The shallow slope into the sea creates a safe environment for parents to keep an eye on their kids as they explore the underwater world around them.
With complimentary snorkel gear provided by the resort, there’s no need to worry about packing your own equipment!
4. Curacao Marriott Beach Resort
The Curacao Marriott Beach Resort is another option for parents who want to introduce their kids to snorkeling in Curacao but prefer an international hotel brand. If you’re looking for the best Marriott for snorkeling, this is a top candidate.
Located right in the heart of Willemstaad, this family-friendly hotel has man-made beach with a reef offshore, which is not only great for snorkeling but also helps to keep the ocean waters calm for kids. While this beach does not have the absolute best snorkeling in Curacao (there’s a lot of great snorkeling in Curacao!), it’s a good place for kids to explore the colorful underwater world steps away from their hotel room.
This hotel makes our list because of everything it offers families alongside the snorkeling. The huge pool overlooking the bay is one of the best in Curacao, and the colorful kids’ club will give parents a much-needed break. Plus, with its proximity to downtown Willemstaad, the city that sets Curacao apart from its neighboring ABC islands, you can explore the historic city, with vibrant street art and delectable food, without the need to get in a car. All this, plus snorkeling on-site, makes this hotel a top choice for many families.
5. Windsong Resort – Turks and Caicos
The next two contenders on our list of best Caribbean snorkeling hotels sit next door to one another on Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos. We’ve included both because Bight Reef sits in shallow water steps from the shore in front of these properties. This may be some of the best snorkeling for little kids we’ve ever seen this close to shore, with dozens of different kinds of fish and varied marine life to see.
The water at Bight Reef is calm because a large reef that sits about a mile offshore blocks any crashing waves. But the smaller reef is literally steps from the beach, with most of the coral growing in only 3-4 feet of water. It’s a perfect place to introduce your little ones to all that they can see underwater – and to motivate them to practice their snorkeling so they can see more!
Windsong “On The Reef” is a small hotel with only about 50 rooms, which include suites for families of all sizes, free non-motorized watersports activities, and waterfront dining right in the sand. Not only is the reef right out front, but it’s also adjacent to Princess Alexandra Marine Park – home to Jojo the famous bottlenose dolphin, who your kids will likely see splashing off-shore during your stay.
There are many other upscale resorts on Grace Bay Beach that may have more amenities for families, many of which are just a 15-20 minute walk down Grace Bay Beach. But Windsong is unique for being the only 4-star, family-friendly hotel located steps from the reef. If snorkeling is a priority, this is where you want to be.
6. Coral Gardens – Turks and Caicos
Coral Gardens on Grace Bay is Windsong’s neighbor. It doesn’t have quite the same level of amenities — but it does have spacious condo-style suites for families with fully equipped kitchens that you can stock with your kids’ favorite snacks, at a more affordable rate than many of the other hotels in Grace Bay. The small restaurant, Somewhere Cafe and Lounge, serves delicious and fresh Tex-Mex cuisine and boasts frequent live music.
If you’re looking for direct access to shallow snorkeling in a more laid-back setting, this may be one of the best Caribbean snorkeling hotels for your family.
7. Grand Roatan Resort – Roatan
Roatan has long attracted divers and scuba divers but has been an underrated family vacation destination. For access to snorkeling, animal encounters, and a hip culture, all at reasonable prices, Roatan is hard to beat.
Grand Roatan Resort — reopening September 2023 after full luxury renovations under the Kimpton brand — is an ideal choice for families with young kids who want to try their hand at snorkeling. It has the best location on the most kid-friendly beach in Roatan, West Bay Beach. With soft sand and a calm entryway, this beach would be great even for kids who did not want to snorkel. But the reef also starts right offshore in front of this hotel. Swim 3 minutes out from the beach, and you’ll be greeted by huge tropical fish and colorful coral.
West Bay Beach is often considered one of the best in the Caribbean. It’s packed with casual bars and restaurants that welcome families, so you can eat and explore without the need for a car. A water taxi will also take you into town, the hip West End Village, when you need a beach break. This island offers endless activities to keep the family entertained.
8. Palm Heights, Grand Cayman
We’ve had our eye on the luxurious Palm Heights for quite some time. More of a boutique hotel than resort, with 52 suites (many of which could accommodate families), this hotel has generated a lot of buzz. You may find your self snorkeling next a celeb without even noticing it.
Palm Heights sits right on the shores of Seven Mile Beach, which is known for being a top snorkeling beach in the Caribbean. But it lets families experience easy access to the reef with the sophistication and warmth of a small, chic hotel, rather than a massive resort.
Many travelers report that the snorkeling on Seven Mile Beach is best right out front of the Marriott Beach Resort Grand Cayman – perhaps the best Marriott for snorkeling and a popular choice for families. But Palm Heights is only a 15-minute walk down the beach from the Marriott so you’ll have easy access to that part of the reef.
That said, the snorkeling right out front of Palm Heights is great too, and the hotel makes it easy to explore by keeping snorkeling equipment on hand for its guests.
9. Sunset Cove – Grand Cayman
Sunset Cove Grand Cayman is an excellent Caribbean snorkeling hotel for families on a budget. Located in the heart of Seven Mile Beach, Sunset Cove has beachfront condos with full kitchens that are much more affordable than other hotels on the same stretch of beach. The condos flank either side of the largest swimming pools in Seven Mile Beach, complete with a swim-up cocktail bar that parents will love.
What makes this hotel so great for families is the protected swimming cove on the beach. The shallow waters give younger siblings something to do while older kids can explore the reef around the outside of the swimming area. Plus, it’s within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and bars. For an affordable Caribbean snorkeling hotel choice with easy access to the reef, Sunset Cove would be hard to beat.
10. The Retreat at Rum Point, Grand Cayman
The Retreat at Rum Point is an ideal Caribbean snorkeling hotel for families looking for a laid back, self-catering experience that’s a bit off-the-beaten path in Grand Cayman.
As noted above, most tourists to Grand Cayman flock to Seven Mile Beach on the west side of the island, which is known for its snorkeling and oceanfront resorts. But many of these visitors then take day-trip excursions to a different peninsula on the island’s north shore — about a one-hour drive – just to experience the soft sand and beachfront snorkeling at Rum Point.
For those families who prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of an island’s most touristy areas, staying at Rum Point is a fantastic choice. You can be steps from beachfront snorkeling that’s good enough to warrant a daytrip from other parts of the island.
With 23 condos on 1200 feet of sandy beach, each offering 1-3 bedrooms, the Retreat at Rum Point can accommodate families large and small. Each condo can be rented individually through VRBO.
11. Little Good Harbour – Barbados
Little Good Harbour is a gem of a Caribbean snorkeling hotel located in a small fishing village called Speightstown, Barbados. This family-run boutique resort offers spacious suites for families at a surprisingly affordable price and is connected to one of the best restaurants on the island, Fish Pot.
Barbados is a popular island among English tourists, but Little Good Harbour’s somewhat out-of-the-way location near a small fishing village makes it perfect for families seeking a holiday away from tourist hubs. The property sits on a beach with shallow snorkeling spots that are easily accessible from shore, making it ideal for younger children who are just starting out with this activity.
We recommend this hotel for families who like to explore. This hotel doesn’t have all the amenities and on-site activities that you might find at a larger, all-inclusive resort (of which Barbados has many). Instead, it’s a place to stay for those who prefer to come home to a charming boutique after a day out and about. But on days where you just want to stay put, having snorkeling right off shore to entertain the kids is an excellent perk.
12. Rosewood Little Dix Bay – Virgin Islands
If you’re looking for easy access to snorkeling plus a luxury experience, look at Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands. The resort sits on 500 acres of stunning Caribbean coastline, which includes two pristine, white-sand beaches and a protected bay.
The main reason this hotel makes our list of best snorkeling hotels for families is because of the unique private Beach Drop experience. Head out from the resort on a private boat, and the captain will drop you off with your kiddos on one of seven secluded Virgin Gorda beaches to enjoy a picnic lunch and afternoon of snorkeling. The best part: They will help you choose the beach that works best for your kiddos’ skill level! Nearby Savannah Bay, for example, has calm conditions suitable for kids just learning to snorkel.
On top of that, the Rosewood Explorers kids’ club will facilitate breaks for mom and dad, while giving kids a fantastic experience. Activities include Caribbean folk arts and crafts, local music, storytelling, jewelry making, treasure hunts, and other outdoor activities.
If you’re looking for Caribbean snorkeling fun and a luxury getaway, book Rosewood Little Dix Bay. You won’t be disappointed!
Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts For Snorkeling
Sometimes when you head to the Caribbean, you want everything right at your fingertips (especially with kids). Generally speaking, we prefer to get out and explore the islands we’re visiting. But every once and a while, a secluded all-inclusive resort experience is exactly what the doctor ordered.
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive snorkeling resort in a kid-friendly Caribbean island, these are our top recommendations.
13. Small Hope Bay Lodge – Bahamas
Small Hope Bay Lodge is an incredible all-inclusive snorkeling resort in North Andros, Bahamas. Just a short hop away from Nassau (literally a 15-minute flight) families with kids of all ages can truly get away from it all.
With its own private beach right at your doorstep, snorkelers can jump right into the warm water. Small Hope Bay Lodge provides complimentary snorkel equipment so everyone can explore safely! This is a dive resort at its core, and kids aged 8+ can have their first SCUBA experience with SASY (Supplied Air Snorkeling System) equipped dive tanks.
Perhaps the best feature at this all-inclusive snorkeling resorts? There’s complimentary babysitting available during dinner hours for kids age 2-7 so parents can enjoy some peace while younger children stay entertained and safe! Babysitting is available for younger kids at a surcharge. And older kids can choose to eat dinner in the game room.
Small Hope Bay Lodge has a handful of two-bedroom cabins which are perfect for families. They aren’t fancy, but they do have optional air-conditioning in the bedroom and scenic views.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, there are plenty of great sites right offshore at Small Hope Bay Lodge, a dreamy vacation choice.
14. Guana Island – British Virgin Islands
Every family’s Caribbean bucket list should include a stay on a private island. For families who want to snorkel, Guana Island in the British Virgin Islands is a great way to fulfill that dream.
Guana Islands sits on 850 acres of lush wilderness, with beaches surrounding its shores. The private island resort welcomes only 35 guests at a time, giving you total privacy and seclusion. There’s top-notch snorkeling off the calm beaches that kids can enjoy, especially off the island’s northern point.
Families can spread out in the Guana Island villas, which range from one- to six-bedrooms. The all-inclusive plan includes meals cooked by internationally trained chefs, using fresh ingredients from the island’s organic garden, and including fresh baked bread and pastries.
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15. Off The Wall Dive Center and Resort – Belize
The all-inclusive experience you’ll have at Off The Wall Dive Center and Resort in Belize will be completely unique – and has jumped to the top of our own Caribbean wish list.
This private island eco-resort has just 5 solar-powered cabanas (the family cabana has two rooms). It sits atop Glover’s Reef Atoll, a ring-shaped coral reef that circles a lagoon. This marine reserve is a breeding ground for sea turtles, sharks, and rays. The calm, turquoise lagoon has hundreds of patch reefs for snorkelers to explore right from the beach.
So how to get here? Off the Wall only accepts weekly guests, Saturday to Saturday. From Belize International Airport, take a short 18-minute flight to Dangriga in the south of Belize. Guests will be greeted at the Dangriga Airport by hotel staff and accompanied to the hotel’s boat marina. Just 90 minutes later you’ll arrive in paradise, and the boat will bring you back the next Saturday.
While this snorkeling and dive-focused eco resort may not, on first glance, scream family-friendly, the TripAdvisor reviews tell a different story. Families rave about the epic vacations they’ve had at Off The Wall with their kids, where everyone could fully disconnect.
Best snorkeling resorts for confident swimmers (age 5+)
Snorkelers of all ages, even those who can’t yet swim solo in deep ocean water, can enjoy the resorts listed above.
But we have a few favorite snorkeling resorts best saved for kids who are confident swimmers. These are best saves for kids who have snorkeled a few times in the ocean, have gained confidence with the equipment, and who are comfortable floating in calm but deep water.
As with the resorts listed above, these snorkeling resorts have reefs that can easily be accessed from shore without the need for a boat. The conditions are extremely calm, and thus manageable even for small children. But the water is deeper, and kids may need a snorkel vest or other flotation device, as they won’t be able to stand up to readjust their mask.
16. Harbour Village Resort – Bonaire
Bonaire is truly the destination for snorkeling enthusiasts, and Harbour Village Resort is a fantastic, upscale hotel well-suited for a family stay. Bonaire is well known to scuba divers but remains somewhat off-the-beaten-path taken by most American family travelers.
Harbour Village Resort has one of the only private beaches only the island, and it offers plenty of shade, hammocks, and beach loungers, and a peaceful atmosphere. But it’s when you step into the turquoise waters that you’ll truly be amazed – the snorkeling here is second to none!
The water gets deep just off shore, and even the most experienced snorkelers will be surprised and awed by the marine life that seems to appear suddenly from the depths.
Because the snorkeling is in relatively deep water, it’s best for confident swimmers (5+) who have learned to use a snorkel vest.
One- and two-bedroom beachfront suites are perfect for families. The overwater restaurant will delight children, as they can watch pelicans diving for fish each morning, and see reef fish swimming just off-shore. Bonaire has seemingly endless snorkeling beaches to explore but this one is among the best.
17. Anse Chastenet – Saint Lucia
Anse Chastenet in St. Lucia straddles the line between resorts that offer snorkeling for kids in elementary school, and those best suited for families with teenagers. The stunning, luxurious property allows children age 10+ all year round, and age 6+ in the off-season summer months (July-September). If you’re into snorkeling, this resort alone is a reason to pick St. Lucia over other Caribbean islands.
From a snorkeling perspective, though, the reef is totally accessible for confident, younger snorkelers. The resort has two beaches, and offers access to two crystal-clear bays, which are each part of a marine reserve. The reef starts just 10 yards from the shore, and you might expect to see over 150 species of fish, plus large colorful sponge coral. The resort’s complimentary snorkel equipment makes it easy for families to explore without having to bring gear from home.
With views of the Pitons in the background, this postcard worthy family vacation will have you booking your return trip as soon as possible.
18. Gallows Point Resort – St. John
Gallows Point Resort on St. John is another fantastic choice for families with laid-back, older kids looking to experience the best Caribbean snorkeling. The resort sits on a cliffy shoreline overlooking the pristine waters of the Virgin Islands, offering spectacular views and easy access to a coral reef.
This stunning location offers a unique combination of privacy but also proximity to the shops and restaurants of Cruz Bay. St. John has become notorious for parking difficulties, especially as day trippers come over from St. Thomas on the ferry. To be able to walk into town, as you can do from Gallows Point, is a huge bonus.
Gallows Point Resort is not beachfront, so snorkelers will have to enter the water by a ladder leading down rocks and coral. But once there, it’s a lovely and interesting snorkel out to a floating platform where you can observe tropical fish, turtles and more.
This is not a property for young children. The minimum age to stay at Gallows Point Resort is 5 years old, and the hotel makes clear it is an adult-focused destination. But well-behaved teens and older, confident swimmers may have an incredible time snorkeling here!
Best Snorkeling Resorts for Pre-Teens and Teenagers (10+)
19. CocoView Resort – Roatan
If you’re looking for a trip with teenagers that is totally focused on snorkeling, consider CocoView Resort in Roatan. This rustic resort sits so close the reef that the staff endearingly refer to it as the hotel’s “Front Yard.” The extensive reef system has two coral walls and include the 140 foot long Prince Albert Wreck, which can be seen from the surface.
At CocoView Resort, snorkeling gear can easily be rented for half a day, a full day, or for the entire week. There are three rooms designed for families: The Mango Suite has one queen size bedroom, two twin beds, and a screened-in ocean front porch with views of the Caribbean Sea. There are also two oceanfront beach houses that feature multiple bedrooms and all the amenities of a home.
CoCoView does not accept children under 10 years of age. And this is not a “family resort” with amenities and entertainment for younger children (there are plenty of more traditional family hotels on Roatan, to be sure). It’s a dive and snorkel resort, appropriate only for kids who are old enough to spend the days in the water.
20. The RockHouse – Jamaica
You’ll have to wait until your kids are least 12 years old to snorkel at the legendary Rockhouse Hotel in Jamaica. But we’re confident it will be worth the wait. The Rockhouse offers a unique snorkeling experience for adults and teenage children that will leave everyone in awe.
The cottages at the Rockhouse are perched on the edge of Negril’s limestone cliffs, with ladders and natural stairways leading guests directly into the near-translucent sea. A labyrinth of reefs and underwater caves awaits the excited snorkeler.
The hotel’s attentive staff will guide your family in exploring its incredible marine life. The rocky cliffs provide a unique backdrop for snorkeling, and a delightful setting for unwinding after a day underwater. But when you want a true beach break, the Rockhouse will shuttle you over to its beachfront sister property, Skylark Negril, for a completely different Jamaican experience.
That’s a Wrap
Snorkeling with kids is one of the best things to do in the Caribbean, and there’s something so unique about being able to do so right from the shore at your hotel. If you’re looking for the best Caribbean snorkeling resorts, you’ve found them!
Protect Your Caribbean Snorkeling Trip
When you book travel with your kids – to the Caribbean or elsewhere – you should always make sure you have trip insurance in case things go wrong. You want to be sure you’re covered for trip delays or cancellation, medical costs, and lost luggage.
We suggest getting a quote from IMG global. The Travel SE plan will offer sufficient coverage for most family trips. And we like it for the Caribbean in particular because, on top of having comprehensive medical, cancellation, and luggage protection, the hurricane protection is better than most. If NOAA issues a hurricane warning or watch for your destination 24-72 hours before departure, trip cancellation benefits kick-in (read the fine print for all plan details, of course).
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