Best reefs in the Carribbean?
 

Hello!

I'm going to the Caribbean in February, and as it will be my first time, I'll be no doubt spending most of my time under water.

Curious from everyone's experience, what part of the caribbean has the best reefs and fish life? From my understanding, a lot of the reefs in the Caribbean have been damaged. All the snorkeling videos I've found on the Caribbean have been pretty disappointing.

Thanks!

Where exactly in the Caribbean are you going?

I think a lot of the Caribbean reefs are in major trouble due to over-fishing, pollution & warming waters (i.e. climate change).

Here's an article on the issue: (80% loss)

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/aug/01/caribbean-coral-reef-loss

Montego bay was very nice, didn't seem damaged at all when we went

Saint Lucia was incredible but I was there in 2010 so thing may have changed since then.

Cozumel has very nice reefs and lots of fish.
Bonaire is also nice and diving is easy because the reefs are so close to shore and a boat is not needed. Shore diving is the way to go.
Snorkeling is also very good.

My wife and I stayed here:

http://www.bahamasunset.com/sunset/index.html

BEST snorkeling ever, just below the house off a private landing.....

bring your own snorkel gear.... it is a SMALL island.

AMAZING place that is affordable & rent his jeep to get around.

Just got back from cozumel 2 weeks ago me and my wife logged 14 dives each was pretty good id say, Lots of drift diving and sea fans and swim throughs
? is there really a bad dive site?

neoh...that's a pretty loaded question. Destinations will be dependent on your budget. Prices vary all over the Caribbean as do the quality of the diving/snorkelling. That leads to the second part. Are you diving or snorkelling or both? Some areas have fantastic diving, but I wouldn't even bother with snorkelling (not that I'm a fan anyway).

Same here. Sharks just love snacking on surfers and snorkelers. :biggrin: