Set Off on a Family Snorkeling Adventure: 10 Destination Stops
April 3, 2018
Snorkeling makes for the perfect family vacation adventure: it’s easy, safe and fun, while also giving you the chance to get up close and personal with some amazing local marine life! With over 11 million snorkelers in the U.S. and about 20 million worldwide, according to DEMA, hotels and resorts are now reaching out to snorkeling lovers with new underwater educational programs and onsite snorkeling options. Here are our picks for the top resorts offering snorkeling spots and programs for families in search of Dory, Nemo, SpongeBob, and other friendly sea creatures.
Secluded Snorkeling: Dive into the Atlantic and explore South Florida’s marine life at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort. The property is set on 16 acres amid the region’s largest private beach, offering an exclusive area for snorkeling to encounter fish and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Standing Snorkel: Hilton Curaçao launched a Standing Snorkel program that gives guests access to the island’s marine without diving into deep waters. The offering includes snorkeling gear, fish and coral guide and a session with Hilton Curacao’s snorkel concierge, Marine Masters, who point out the best areas.
#ForOurReef Coral Protection: Guests can explore one of the World’s Best Beaches of 2018, Kaanapali Beach at Maui Kaanapali Villas, which protects and preserves Hawaii’s coral reefs through the #ForOurReef Initiative that aims to educate/end the use of toxic sunscreen with oxybenzone by offering complimentary reef-safe sunscreen, on-property sunscreen dispensers, and sunscreen trade-in program.
Bucket List Snorkel Adventure: Just minutes from Alaia, guests can snorkel and explore Belize underwater. The country is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark-Ray Alley, several shipwrecks, and The Great Blue Hole, a giant submarine sinkhole.
Certified on Site: Situated on its own private cove, the new Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa offers PADI resort certifications for guests. Those daring enough can opt to swim with dolphins and embark on an off-property shark encounter.
Lagoon Snorkeling with the Locals: Sitting along a volcanic coastline on Hawaii Island, Hilton Waikoloa Village boasts a salt-water lagoon to snorkel in a protected ocean-fed oasis alongside reef fish and green sea turtles.
Party Snorkel: At AlSol Tiara Cap Cana and AlSol Luxury Village, situated on a marina that leads into the Caribbean Sea, guests can schedule an excursion on a party boat with a snorkeling adventure in the Dominican Republic.
Pristine Snorkel Endeavor: The British Virgin Island’s snorkeling spot is the mineral-rich, untouched waters surrounding Oil Nut Bay, on the island of Virgin Gorda. Oil Nut Bay’s offers snorkel masks and fins.
Snorkel and Sail: Just off the shores of Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki’s only beachfront resort, guests can explore marine life with the resort’s sailboat on an Adventure Sail & Snorkel to witness sea turtles, whales, and many other tropical fish.
Where’s your favorite place to snorkel?
Photo: Jewel Grande
