snorkel trips jamaica

The 12 Best Snorkeling Spots in Jamaica

If you thought Jamaica was vibrant on land, just wait until you see it underwater! When it comes to snorkeling in Jamaica, people on the island are blessed. Jamaica is home to diverse coral reefs and marine ecosystems. 

It’s more than just the reefs themselves that make Jamaica great for snorkeling. The waters around this little island are crystal clear, very calm, and warm year-round. 

Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or you’ll be trying it for the first time, there are lots of snorkeling spots in Jamaica that you’ll love.

Seven Mile Beach

If you’re on vacation in Negril, it would be pretty hard to not step foot on Seven Mile Beach. This miles-long stretch is one of the best beaches in Jamaica for snorkeling (and overall, too!).

There are several reefs just past the shore. Also, a few miles off the coast is the Negril Coral Reef. This shallow reef is home to an abundance of wildlife, from coral to fish, to urchins, to (harmless) jellyfish. You can have a guide take you out here by boat so you can see even more kinds of marine life than you would near the shore.

Throne Room

The impeccably-named Throne Room is a sight worth seeing. Off the shore of Negril, this is a popular spot for scuba divers, thanks to the caves here. Snorkelers, however, will have plenty to enjoy on the outside.

The exterior walls of the caves are lined with sponges and there are also plenty of coral formations around. The sand channels in between them give you a good chance of glimpsing starfish, lobsters, and stingrays!

Booby Cay is a small island named for the booby birds that call it home. It’s just a short boat ride from Bloody Bay or the neighboring Seven Mile Beach.

Over time, hurricanes have caused some damage to the reef around Booby Cay, so you’ll see dead coral in some places. For the most part, however, the underwater wildlife here is thriving. Residents of the reef here include octopuses, starfish, and a whole lot of tropical fish.

There are often locals cooking on the island, with lobster being quite popular, so you can plan to have a meal here after snorkeling, too!

Montego Bay

Montego bay marine park.

The Montego Bay Marine Park is a six-square-mile protected area off the shore of Jamaica’s tourist capital, Montego Bay. Thanks to the conservation and limited fishing in the area, the marine life here is thriving. This is no doubt one of the best places to snorkel in Jamaica!

Several beaches have their waters within the park, including the popular Doctor’s Cave Beach, Dead End Beach, and Aquasol Beach.

The mangroves are a must-see here, too. You can experience them with a canoe ride. You can also take a canoe to the outer, deeper edge of the reef, where you can dive.

Doctor’s Cave Beach

Doctor’s Cave Beach is often packed, and for good reason. It’s one of the best beaches in Jamaica and is wonderful for snorkeling. Just plan to get here earlier in the day to avoid crowds, especially on cruise ship days.

Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of the beaches in the Montego Bay Marine Park, so you can expect the wildlife here to be abundant. You’ll see lots of unique-looking and colorful fish here, including needlefish and wrasses. 

The beach club at Doctor’s Cave Beach is also a huge plus for a relaxing snorkeling day, with plenty of amenities available onsite. 

Marley’s Garden

If you have a bit more experience snorkeling, you might want to try an offshore reef like Marley’s Garden. It’s a short boat ride from the coast of Montego Bay. 40 feet down from the surface lies a vibrant coral reef with many aquatic residents, from sea fans to squirrelfish.

Marley’s Garden is best experienced by scuba diving but you can also enjoy the view while snorkeling.

Runaway Bay

Runaway bay wall.

Want to snorkel in peace, away from the crowds? Runaway Bay is a north coast destination that’s loved for being more lowkey.  It’s also loved for its snorkeling spots!

The Runaway Bay Wall, as the name might imply, is a large barrier reef. To go along with its size, there are many kinds of aquatic life to be found in and around the reef. There are barracuda, angelfish, parrotfish, Creole wrasse, and more!

Cardiff Hall Beach

Another well-loved snorkeling spot in Runaway Bay is Cardiff Hall Beach. It’s located just off the main road of Runaway Bay and is one of the few public beaches left in town, though there is also a beach club onsite with showers and a bar.

The waters here are teeming with wildlife, and a wide variety of them, too. In addition to the plethora of tropical fish, you’ll likely see things like sea urchins and stingrays, too!

Pear Tree Bottom Reef

A mile outside of Runaway Bay, the Pear Tree River empties into the sea and forms a cove. Just west of here, and a little swim over, you’ll find the Pear Tree Bottom Reef. 

The reef itself is in shallow water, though there are deep waters nearby. Thanks to this, there’s a higher chance you’ll see larger wildlife like stingrays and barracuda swimming around the reef.

Other Locations

Bluefields beach.

Jamaica’s south coast is known for how undisturbed it is compared to the north and west coasts. Bluefields Beach is a perfect example of this. This beach on the southwest coast is quiet and unassuming, hiding a stunning coral reef.

For an extra serene and relaxing experience, go during the week rather than the weekend. With the lack of a crowd, you’ll have a better chance of seeing larger animals like stingrays and turtles.

Opposite Negril and Montego Bay, Port Antonio is another trove of hidden gems. The area around this town, on Jamaica’s northeast coast, has a marine park and is home to fantastic snorkeling spots.

Oyster Bay is considered one of the best places to snorkel around Port Antonio. It’s located within a sanctuary, where you can find eight miles of coral reefs! The waters at this bay are exceptionally calm, so they’re especially great for beginner snorkelers.

Devil’s Reef

Compared to other areas in Jamaica, Ocho Rios isn’t the best for snorkeling. There are, however, a few places where you can.

One such place is Devil’s Reef. It’s quite deep (the reef is 65 feet below the surface) and thus more popular with scuba divers.

The coral reef here is truly beautiful, though, and snorkeling is offered by several diving companies that go out to this area. If you do go, you might see turtles, barracuda, snappers, and nurse sharks!

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The best snorkeling in Jamaica

Snorkeling in Jamaica is a bucket list activity for many travelers. Here’s where to explore underwater caves, coral reefs, and a bioluminescent bay in this tropical paradise.

Known for its laid-back vibe, Rastafarian culture, and immense natural beauty, Jamaica is one of the most iconic Caribbean destinations. The island’s crystal clear waters, healthy coral reefs, and picturesque white sand beaches make it a top destination for snorkeling.

As the third-largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica’s 635-mile-long coastline is full of exciting places to snorkel and explore the underwater world ( 1 , 2 ). This tropical paradise offers visitors excellent snorkeling right from the beach, as well as offshore reefs. Here are the best places to go snorkeling in Jamaica.

• Seven Mile Beach

Located in the town of Negril on Jamaica’s western coast, Seven Mile Beach is one of the island’s premier snorkeling destinations. The crystal clear waters and rich sea life make for Incredible snorkeling right off the gorgeous white sand beach.

Those interested in experiencing the area’s offshore snorkeling sites can take a boat ride or book a guided snorkeling excursion to the Negril Coral Reef, a fantastic snorkeling spot located around two miles offshore.

Seven Mile Beach has many resorts, restaurants, bars, chair and umbrella rentals, water sports equipment rentals, and vendors. If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe and quieter setting, consider heading to Bloody Bay just north of Seven Mile Beach.

• Montego Bay Marine Park

Montego Bay is one of Jamaica’s most iconic tourist destinations and is home to some of the island’s best snorkeling. Thanks to conservation efforts, the Montego Bay Marine Park has a variety of healthy marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, estuaries, and seagrass beds ( 3 ).

The calm waters make this spot an excellent choice for novice snorkelers, weak swimmers, and families with children. Snorkelers who visit this nature reserve will have the chance to view diverse marine life, including lionfish, stingrays, angelfish, sea turtles, sea fans, and corals.

• Doctor’s Cave Beach

Located in Montego Bay, this popular snorkeling site is ideal for viewing yellow-headed wrasses, sergeant majors, and other tropical fish swimming around the shallow coral reef. Thanks to the area’s calm waters and abundant marine life, Doctor’s Cave Beach is a great option for snorkelers of all experience levels.

A small entry fee is required to access the beach (US$6 for adults and US$3 for children), and there are many amenities available.

This spot is known to be among Jamaica’s best beaches. As a result, it tends to get crowded - particularly when cruise ships are in port. Snorkelers seeking a more secluded and quiet outing will likely be happier at a different location.

• Ocho Rios Marine Park

This nature reserve is located on Jamaica’s north coast and provides a habitat for many different sea creatures. Snorkelers in Ocho Rios Marine Park will have the chance to see nurse sharks, scorpionfish, eagle rays, sea urchins, snapper, lettuce sea slugs, corals, and sponges.

There is good snorkeling from shore at many beaches and resorts throughout Ocho Rios and the marine park. One of the most popular spots is Ocho Rios Bay Beach, a sandy beach located close to the cruise ship terminal.

Those interested in venturing further from shore can take a short boat ride to Devil’s Reef on the eastern side of Ocho Rios. In addition to snorkeling, the reef is a popular place for scuba diving and is one of the places where you’re most likely to see larger marine life like nurse sharks in Jamaica.

• Runaway Bay

Less than 20 miles west of Ocho Rios is Runaway Bay. This area is quieter and sees fewer crowds and cruise ship passengers than the beaches in Ocho Rios. As a result, it’s an excellent choice for snorkelers in search of a more relaxed and secluded outing.

Runaway Bay’s beaches offer fantastic snorkeling close to shore. Two of the best spots to check out are North Coast Beach and Cardiff Hall Beach. Each offers the chance to view abundant marine life, including Creole wrasse, angelfish, parrotfish, barracuda, sea urchins, and corals.

The area has many natural and historical attractions to explore when you’re not snorkeling, including reggae legend Bob Marley’s childhood home and the Green Grotto Caves.

• Luminous Lagoon

Luminous Lagoon in Falmouth is one of the few places on the planet where you can see the enchanting glow of bioluminescent marine organisms called dinoflagellates. In fact, many people say Jamaica’s Luminous Lagoon is the most spectacular bioluminescent bay in the world ( 4 ).

Plan to visit Luminous Lagoon at night. A variety of guided kayaking and snorkeling tours will allow you to experience this incredible and rare natural phenomenon up close.

• Rockhouse Hotel

This stunning resort in Negril provides snorkelers with the chance to swim through clear turquoise waters and explore underwater caves and rocky cliffs. The caves are full of fish and other sea creatures, including shrimp, small silversides, and eels.

If you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still snorkel here by visiting on a tour boat or eating at one of the restaurants. Make sure to allow plenty of time after snorkeling to experience all the area has to offer, including active pursuits like cliff jumping and stand up paddle boarding, or just relaxing and taking in the gorgeous scenery.

• Booby Cay Island

This small island off the west coast of Jamaica is named after the booby birds that call it home. Booby Cay Island is a perfect escape for nature lovers who want a relaxing snorkeling outing.

You can reach Booby Cay Island by boat, kayak, or stand up paddle board from Seven Mile Beach or Bloody Bay in Negril. Once you get there, you’ll find picturesque sandy beaches, rich sea life, and colorful reefs to explore with your mask and snorkel.

Bring your own snacks for a picnic lunch, or treat yourself to some Jamaican lobster from the locals.

• When is the best time to go snorkeling in Jamaica?

The best time to plan a snorkeling trip to Jamaica is from December to mid-April, although snorkeling is possible year-round thanks to the warm, tropical climate. Coastal areas experience an average annual temperature of around 81°F (27°C), with slightly warmer temperatures in the summer months ( 2 ).

Jamaica has two rainy seasons running from May to June and October to November, with hurricanes possible from June to November ( 2 ). Planning a trip this time of year is a good option for travelers on a budget but comes with the risk of rainy days and tropical storms.

The peak tourist season runs from January to March. From March to early April, beach resorts fill up with college students on spring break. The weather is usually dry, sunny, and perfect for enjoying Jamaica’s beaches, but you should expect higher rates and more crowds if you visit this time of year.

December and April offer a nice balance. You’ll find more affordable rates and fewer tourists while still having very pleasant weather for snorkeling, sunbathing, and other outdoor activities.

• Where to stay in Jamaica

Since Jamaica is one of the Caribbean’s largest islands, you have many choices when deciding where to stay on your snorkeling trip. You’ll find the highest concentration of top snorkeling sites on the island’s north and west coasts.

There are plenty of apartments, villas, hotels, and all-inclusive resorts to choose from between Negril and Ocho Rios. This entire stretch of coastline has good snorkeling, so select a spot that fits in with your budget, preferences, and other interests, such as cultural excursions, historical attractions, and outdoor adventures like exploring caves and waterfalls.

Here are some of the most popular spots to stay for travelers interested in snorkeling:

• Montego Bay: This lively city is perfect for travelers who want to experience some of the island’s best snorkeling spots while also enjoying the benefits that come with being in an urban environment. Montego Bay has many bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as cultural and historical attractions.
• Negril: The town of Negril is ideal for nature lovers, beach bums, and travelers seeking a more relaxed vibe. While there are large resorts in this area, you’ll also find a variety of small boutique hotels. The waters around Negril are some of the calmest and clearest in all of Jamaica.
• Ocho Rios: This former fishing village is now one of Jamaica’s main tourist hubs. It’s a good spot for families and is home to many all-inclusive resorts.
• Runaway Bay: Located only about 30 minutes from Ocho Rios, this small coastal town is a great alternative for travelers who want a quieter vacation. The area is known for its postcard-worthy sandy beaches and offers visitors a taste of local Jamaican flavor.

Jamaica is one of the top snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean, thanks to its rich sea life, crystal clear water, and healthy marine ecosystems. Whether you’re exploring underwater caves in Negril or watching nurse sharks and colorful fish swim around the coral reefs in Ocho Rios, your snorkeling holiday on this Caribbean island is sure to be a memorable one.

• Ferguson, James A. , Black, Clinton V. , Bryan, Patrick and Buisseret, David J.. “Jamaica.” Encyclopedia Britannica , 10 Sep. 2020, https://www.britannica.com/place/Jamaica . Accessed 1 May 2021.
• “ Geography of Jamaica. ” Embassy of Jamaica Washington, DC ,.
• “Montego Bay Marine Park.” Montego Bay Marine Park Trust , https://www.mbmpt.org/marine-protected-areas/ .
• “ Luminous Lagoon .” Visit Jamaica ,.

Last updated 07 May 2021

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About the author

Rebecca Jambrovic

Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside.

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The Best Places For Snorkeling In Jamaica

Being an island nation tucked into the Caribbean Sea, it’s no surprise that Jamaica has endless locations for world-class snorkeling, with many coral reefs located in crystal-clear shallow waters making them great for all skill levels. You’re sure to spot sea urchins, conch shells, pufferfish, seahorses, triggerfish and more around Jamaica’s beautiful reefs. Keep your eyes peeled for clownfish dotting in and out of colorful anemone. These are the best places for snorkeling in Jamaica.

1. montego bay marine park.

Natural Feature

Montego Bay is a major tourist hotspot in Jamaica that boasts phenomenal coral reefs. Jamaica’s first protected marine park, Montego Bay Marine Park is an excellent spot to go snorkeling in the vibrant underwater world. Due to conservation and restoration efforts, the coral here is thriving. Within the area, there’s plenty of shallow snorkeling that is 10 meters deep with great visibility. As the area is protected, this is one of the most eco-friendly places to go snorkeling in Jamaica.

2. Negril Coral Reef

Jamaica’s beautiful seaside resort town of Negril offers many spots to explore rich marine biodiversity. It’s possible to enjoy snorkeling right off the seven-mile-long coastline, but the best place to see aquatic life in the area is the Negril Coral Reef. The coral reef formation is located two miles off of the coast in shallow waters. There are many boat tours taking snorkel enthusiasts out to the area to swim with tropical fish, including the harmless and small thimble jellyfish.

3. Oyster Bay

Architectural Landmark, Natural Feature

Port Antonio has a marine park with an exciting world to explore under the water. Some of the best snorkeling in the area can be done at Oyster Bay within the Alligator Head Foundation Fish and Reef Sanctuary. This zone features eight miles (13km) of interconnected coral reefs and walls. Oyster Bay is a great spot for beginner snorkelers as the water’s surface is usually calm and there’s very little current. The sea here has great visibility making it easy to enjoy all the sanctuary has to offer.

5. Luminous Lagoon

Nighttime snorkels are always exciting as many of the most mysterious underwater critters come out in the dark. In Jamaica, you have the unique opportunity to do a night snorkel in glowing sparkling waters. Extremely rare dinoflagellate phosphorescent microbes that only survive where the warm fresh waters of the Martha Brae River meet the salty seawater light up the nighttime sea. You can enjoy this phenomenon at the Luminous Lagoon in Falmouth.

6. Devil’s Reef

Ocho Rios on Jamaica’s north coast boasts rich sea life. Snorkeling is a popular aquatic activity in the area. The reef system is one of the best places around the island to spot majestic manta rays and eagle rays. Among the colorful coral at Devil’s Reef, you’ll also come across nurse sharks, scorpionfish, spadefish, snapper, sea slugs, pufferfish, trumpet fish, sergeant major and sea urchins.

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Snorkeling in Jamaica – When to visit, best spots to go

This island nation is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean with good reason. It has not only reggae music that creates a special vibe attracting thousands of tourists year after year, but also perfect white sandy beaches with vibrant reef systems that make it a top choice among those who love water sports. The warm, crystal clear sea offers superb snorkeling in Jamaica so you can easily discover the diverse marine life. Let’s see now what are the best spots to go on an underwater adventure!

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Jamaica snorkeling conditions

Doctor’s cave beach – montego bay, cardiff hall beach – runaway bay, bloody bay – negril, half moon beach – negril, booby cay island, ocho rios marine park.

The island has more than 450 square miles of coral reefs that are in relatively good condition. Due to extreme warm sea temperatures and hurricane activity, there are bleached and damaged areas mostly on the southern coastline, but it is still easy to find superb places to go snorkeling in Jamaica.

The fringing reef runs about 10-20 minutes offshore by boat so you need to sign up for a trip to get to the best spots, but luckily there are some beaches where you can snorkel from the shore too. The eastern, east-western coastline is protected by storms and occasional hurricanes where one can find nice living reefs not too far from the beaches.

In terms of weather conditions, Jamaica is a year-round destination with constant 77-84F/25-29C air and 81F/27C water temperatures. The only thing you need to be aware of is the hurricane season that is between June and October. It is possible to come in that period too, but it is important to follow the forecast.

If you want the enjoy the most ideal conditions, the best time to come snorkeling in Jamaica is from March to May. These months are considered the low season with fewer tourists, cheaper prices and pleasant weather.

Best spots to go snorkeling in Jamaica

The Montego Bay Marine Park is one of the best Jamaica snorkeling spots where strict environmental regulations ensure that the area’s flora and fauna enjoy high-level protection. The nature reserve extends from the Great River to the airport.

You can go on canoe tours to explore the mangroves or hop on a boat to discover the outer reef (tours are offered by most resorts) that will certainly give you a ‘swimming in an aquarium’ feeling with large fish and sometimes turtles around since the northern coastline is a nesting area.

Those who wish to just snorkel from the shore, the best place to do it in Montego Bay is the Doctor’s Cave Beach. The shallow reef is of course not that developed like the main one, but there is still a lot to see. This beach is very popular and gets really busy during the day, so arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowd.

Tip: the on-site Doctor’ Cave Beach Hotel is a budget place to stay but needs updating. If you want world-class service, check out the nearby 5-star S Hotel !

Runaway Bay is a town on the island’s north coast that is very popular with locals. Tourists also love the area because there are a lot of things to do here like visiting the Green Grotto Caves or the Bob Marley Museum in Nine Mile moreover, the coast features some of the best Jamaica snorkeling beaches.

The most popular is Cardiff Hall Beach where you can see a wide variety of marine life (Caribbean fish species, sea urchins, and sometimes stingrays too). This family-friendly beach has a few vendors and bar around, a nice spot for a relaxing day.

Tip: discover more Caribbean destinations, see here our related posts: Snorkeling in Grand Cayman Costa Rica snorkeling spots Roatan best snorkel places Where to snorkel in Cuba

However, Negril’s most popular beach is the stunning Seven Mile with its incredible soft white sand, but for those who wish to enjoy good snorkeling in Negril Jamaica we recommend heading to the neighboring Bloody Bay.

This place also offers the same soft sand and clear waters, but the reef runs closer to the shore providing excellent underwater views, it is not too crowded and as a bonus, one of the island’s top resort, Royalton Negril Resort and Spa is also here!

The beautiful Bloody Bay in Negril is great for swimming, paddle boarding and excellent for snorkeling. There are lots of fish, sea star and crabs to see not so far from the shore so we recommend this spot for novice snorkelers and also for families with small kids too.

Your Jamaica snorkeling vacation cannot be complete without visiting another pretty beach in Negril, which is the Half Moon Beach. The bay is relatively small with chilled vibes, not too many tourists but locals selling their products.

Close to the shore, there can be sea urchins in the shallows, so wear beach shoes if you go walking around and also be careful when entering the water with your flippers on. The best area to explore is on the left side and around the little island in the middle. If you swim in the bay, keep your eyes on the bottom of the sea and you will certainly see some rays resting in the sand.

Tip: it is easy to rent water sports gear on the island, but think about safety and hygiene and bring your own equipment. If you don’t have your own yet, read here what is the best snorkel set to buy.

The small island just off the shore of Bloody Bay is Booby Cay that got its name from the Booby birds living here. It is available with a few minutes long boat ride from Bloody Bay or Seven Mile Beach and definitely worth the quick trip thanks to the azure waters, relaxing vibes and enjoyable snorkeling.

The reef around this little island was damaged a bit by hurricanes so there is dead coral at some places, but the marine life is still vibrant with a good variety of living corals, fish, starfish and octopus. The main attraction (besides the underwater scenery of course) on Booby Cay is that locals cook and sell freshly caught lobster, make sure to try it if you like eating seafood!

Offshore of the Ocho Rios area there is another marine park that needs to be on your places-to-visit list if it comes to snorkeling in Jamaica. The corals are the most diverse at Devil’s Reef where nurse sharks can be seen too! However, this spot is more suitable for divers than snorkelers, but Ocho Rios offers good snorkeling off the beach too.

Cruise shippers find since snorkel beaches near the cruise port too (Ocho Rios Bay Beach and Mahogany Beach are our tips), but if you come for a longer vacation and are looking for the best place to stay, check out RIU Ocho Rios that is definitely one of the best snorkeling resort in Jamaica with calm waters and a nice reef right off the beach.

Snorkeling is the best early in the morning or late afternoon since the beach gets busy with boats and jet skis during the day. There is a lot to see right in front of the hotel (butterflyfish, parrotfish, morays etc…) but check out the reef on the left too where octopuses and even rays can be spotted.

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Best Snorkeling Spots In Jamaica

Underwater caves, hills of coral and even nighttime underwater light shows make jamaica an unforgettable adventure for water lovers..

Think Jamaica and reggae, rum and beaches come to mind. What travelers may not realize is that underwater Jamaica offers much to explore, including caves, reefs and the bioluminescent bay found on the north shore. Snorkeling is at the top of many travelers' things to do list when they visit. From easy, beginner-friendly beach-access reefs to more advanced sites, Jamaica has sites to challenge every snorkeler. Here are our favorite spots for the best snorkeling in Jamaica.

Doctor's Cave Beach

Head to Doctor's Cave Beach on Jamaica's western side for easy-access reefs packed with schools of needlefish, sergeant major fish and yellow-headed wrasse. We love the amenities available here, from for-rent beach chairs and umbrellas, to drink service offering beer, rum punch and water.

Because it's one of the best beaches in Jamaica and a great snorkeling spot, it does get packed, especially on days when cruise ships are in port — so aim to arrive early on days free from cruise ships.

Runaway Bay Wall

Located on the northern coast of Jamaica, the town of Runaway Bay offers one of the best places to snorkel in Jamaica, found right in front of the Franklyn D Resort and Spa . Here, the reefs start just a few feet from the resort's edge and are home to schooling Creole wrasse and French grunt fish, as well as parrotfish and angelfish.

Montego Bay Marine Park

Snorkeling in Montego Bay, Jamaica is a must if you're in avid snorkeler and found yourself in the area. Several beach resorts front Montego Bay's Marine Park, including Secrets Wild Orchid Montego and Sunscape Splash Montego Bay . Rock walls protect this beachfront from waves, making it one of the calmest snorkeling spots, ideal for children or anyone lacking strong swimming abilities.

In the water, you'll likely encounter angelfish, lionfish, spotted rays and the occasional turtle. We like that the reefs here rise like rolling hills, reaching within feet of the surface, giving swimmers an easy view of sea fans and gorgonians waving in the surge, as well as the fish that flit between it all.

The Throne Room

Found off Negril, this 40-feet-deep site, reachable by boat only, is popular among scuba divers for its caves. The caves are more easily enjoyed by scuba, but their exterior walls, with yellow sponges that reach floor to ceiling, as well as tube and elephant ear sponges, leave plenty for snorkelers to appreciate.

Mountains of corals slope down with sand channels running in between; the sand channels serve as a nice contrast, making it easy to spy stingrays, lobsters and sea stars from the surface. It's easy to see why snorkeling in Negril, Jamaica tops the list for snorkelers.

Pear Tree Bottom Reef

Along Jamaica's north coast, about a mile west of the town of Runaway Bay, you'll find a small cove where Pear Tree River meets the Caribbean Sea. Head to the west side of this white-sand cove to find a spot where the beach forms a point. From here, it's a 2-minute swim to the reefs and a sheer drop-off.

Because deep waters are found so close to shore at this spot, snorkelers can be treated to sightings of barracuda, eagle rays and other bigger marine life.

Marley's Garden

This 40-foot-deep reef is typically visited by day boats departing Montego Bay. If you can handle entering the ocean from a boat, you'll be treated to reefs alive with elkhorn corals and sea fans. This site is also one of the area's most colorful, thanks to the yellows of the sergeant major fish, the purples of the sea fans and the reds of the squirrelfish hiding under ledges.

Bluefields Beach

Bluefields Beach is one of the best beaches in Jamaica for Snorkeling. Quieter than most beaches on Jamaica, this spot on the island's southwest coast offers reefs covered in encrusting corals, brain corals and sponges in a rainbow of colors. Visit during the week to escape the crowds and increase the likelihood of seeing turtles, stingrays and other larger finds.

Luminous Lagoon

Only a handful of bioluminescent bays exist in the world, and Jamaica is home to one, found in the town of Falmouth. Nighttime kayak tours explore this phenomenon, where tiny animals known as dinoflagellates emit streaks of bright, blue light when disturbed by any movement — whether caused by you or a nearby fish. Most tours allow snorkeling to get a closer, in-water view of this trippy sight.

Coyaba Reef

We love this Montego Bay site for its diversity. Currents can be rough here, which means that snorkeling isn't a safe option every day — but these currents also keep corals and sponges free from sediment, allowing for healthier growth. When conditions are calm enough, you'll meet reef inhabitants such as blue chromis, parrotfish, wrasse and even octopi that make their homes among the barrel and tube sponges.

For something different, check out Rockhouse , a resort known for bungalows along a cliff's edge. Snorkelers here can explore caves filled with schools of silversides, a small fish whose metallic scales glint with light. You'll also likely see eels, shrimp and other small critters hiding within the caves. Non-hotel guests can snorkel from the restaurants, which are open to the public.

Recommended

THE 10 BEST Snorkeling Resorts in Jamaica

Jamaica Snorkeling Resorts

Property types, distance from, traveler rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveler ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveler Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
• Distance to city center See properties located closest to the center first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. S Hotel Jamaica

2. Excellence Oyster Bay

3. Beaches Negril

4. Sandals Negril

5. Moon Palace Jamaica

6. Sunset At The Palms

7. Hideaway at Royalton Negril, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort - Adults Only

8. Westender Inn

9. Round Hill Hotel and Villas

10. Royalton Negril, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

11. hotel riu palace jamaica, 12. holiday inn resort montego bay all-inclusive, 13. white sands negril, 14. grand lido negril au-naturel, an autograph collection all-inclusive resort - adults only, 15. couples swept away, 16. azul beach resort negril by karisma, 17. resorts hedonism (hedonism ii resort), 18. couples resorts negril, 19. samsara cliffs resort, 20. catcha falling star, 21. jakes hotel, 22. travellers beach resort, 23. couples sans souci, 24. beaches ocho rios, 25. coco lapalm sea side resort, 26. negril tree house resort, 27. royal decameron montego beach, 28. royal decameron club caribbean, 29. royal decameron cornwall beach, 30. hibiscus lodge hotel, snorkeling resorts nearby destinations.

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Best Snorkeling in Montego Bay Jamaica- with Maps!

If you’re planning a Caribbean break and are thinking about snorkeling in Montego Bay, Jamaica, then this guide is for you. We love snorkeling in Montego Bay. The great news for underwater explorers is that you can access the two best spots directly from shore, making it simple to sample good snorkeling in this area.

Doctor’s Cave Reef and Secrets Reef are the best snorkeling spots in Montego Bay. Both can be reached both from the shore for stronger swimmers or by boat tour.

Our overall impression of Montego Bay snorkeling was better than expected. Although Negril is known for the best snorkeling in Jamaica, Montego Bay can definitely give that area a run for its money. The Montego Bay Marine Park encompasses most of the shoreline along Montego Bay, and includes all of our favorite snorkeling spots in the area. In our experience, the coral was mostly healthy without much bleaching at all and there was plenty of sea life to see, including many species and sizes of fish, crabs and more.

Planning the Perfect Montego Bay Snorkeling Trip: Stay: Secrets St James or Secrets Wild Orchid (nearly the only way to access Secrets Reef besides boat charter) Snorkel: Secrets Reef & Doctor’s Cave Reef- the two best BY FAR – Secrets Reef snorkeling daily on site- Difficult Access , no public entry, so stay on site. -Boat trip or Taxi to Doctor’s Cave to snorkel the reef there- Easy Access – most tours go here, and can be accessed from the public beach.

Make sure to check out our guide to the Best Snorkeling in Jamaica here .

Continue reading so you too can experience the best snorkeling in Montego Bay. Covered in this article is Doctor’s Cave , Cornwall Beach, Secrets Reef, Tropical Bliss and snorkeling excursions by boat.

In this post :

Montego Bay Snorkeling Map

Doctor’s cave beach snorkeling, secrets reef snorkeling, cornwall beach snorkeling, tropical bliss snorkeling.

If you’re looking for the best snorkeling with easy access from shore, head over to Doctor’s Cave Beach . There’s great snorkeling within the roped off area with lifeguards on site. If you’re a bit more adventurous, Secrets Reef is a great option, but you’ll need to swim out into unprotected open ocean with boat traffic. So this is a better option for a boat tour or kayak led tour from the beach if you aren’t as confident in the water.

• Entry:   Beach or Boat
• Access:   $6 Beach Club entry   Facilities:  Restrooms, Beach Showers, Snack shop, Bar, Restaurant, Chair and Umbrella Rentals
• Tip:   Take a walk along the hip strip while you’re there
• Nearby Accommodation:   S Hotel – all inclusive just behind the beach with free beach access to Doctor’s Cave

Doctor’s Cave is one of the top spots to snorkel in Montego Bay, and the best part is that you can access the reef right from shore.

The best snorkeling at Doctor’s Cave Beach can be found alongside the piers flanking either end of the beach and the reef running along the rope stretching between the piers. These are the ideal place for colorful corals to flourish, and we even spied a barracuda swimming around under one of the piers. 

It’s well worth venturing a little further, though. Just at the end of both piers you’ll find numerous patches of coral, and these areas are inhabited by plenty of fish and other forms of sea life. While the reef extends way beyond the buoys running the entire length of the beach, there’s lots to see within this safe zone. Here you’ll see lots of many snorkel tour boats moored up for the morning or afternoon. 

As long as you are a strong swimmer and can stay alert and aware of your surroundings, it’s possible to swim out past the buoys to explore the larger reef system. If you plan to do this, however, we would strongly recommend bringing a snorkel or dive buoy along, because this is an area that does get very busy with tour boat traffic. 

If you do venture beyond the boundary marked out by the buoys, make sure you cross to the boat snorkeling area as quickly as you can. This way you’ll benefit from the protection of the other snorkeling boats as you pass. You can also then join in, seeing first-hand which areas the boat tour leaders reckon are the best to explore on the day.

• Access: No Public Beach Access; $100+ for a boat trip or Secrets resort day pass (all-inclusive)
• Facilities: Restrooms, Beach showers, Bars, Buffet restaurant, Chair, Umbrella and Towel Rentals, Jacuzzi, Snorkeling equipment, Kayaks and indoor and outdoor Sports facilities at Secrets Resort
• Nearby Accommodation:   Secrets Wild Orchid or Secrets St James – luxury adjoining adults-only resorts overlooking the Caribbean

One of the two main snorkeling spots in Montego Bay, Secrets Reef is a spacious site but is more difficult to visit unless staying at Secrets Resorts. This is a longer reef and considered by some to be the best reef in Montego Bay. Note that it is NOT within a protected bay, so stay aware of potential boat traffic. Without a boat, I did not feel comfortable venturing out into the channel between the peninsula and mainland.

Since it’s less visited than the reef at Doctor’s Cave, you won’t have to compete with the crowds and may see marine life that could be scared off by all of the boat tour and snorkel traffic.

It’s possible to access this beach from the shore at the Secrets Wild Orchid or Secrets St James resorts . These are connected resorts next to one another with really no distinction between the two. They both are luxurious, adults only properties that share the same dining options. The beach here is over a mile long, so there’s lots of space. It’s also an idyllic spot with white sands, azure waters and swaying, exotic palms.

The reef is about 150 yards off shore and ranges in depth from 5 to 20 feet. If you zoom in on google maps, the good section of reef is the darkest line that runs along the edge of the open ocean. Before that, it’s mostly rocky with small bits of coral heads.

Nearly all of the boat trips, even those from Secrets Resorts go to Doctor’s Cave Reef. So, if you want to see this reef, you’ll need to access it from Secrets Resorts or by private boat charter. The watersports department at Secrets Resorts also runs guided swim out snorkel trips to the reef that are included with a day pass or if staying at the resort. They will point out interesting spots and offers comfort in numbers, but this trip just swims along the reef that can be reached on your own from shore.

Though it’s a pricey place to visit, the resorts offer an incredible array of amenities and you can access these with your day pass. There is also a tranquil atmosphere and no crowds. Your ticket will include an unlimited buffet lunch, soft and alcoholic drinks, use of snorkeling equipment, towels, sun loungers, kayaks, a jacuzzi and swimming pools, including a saltwater pool.

Once you access the reef you have a great chance of seeing plenty of tropical fish, corals and other underwater life. I swam along with an eagle ray there. There is quite a bit of dead coral, as is becoming more common in the world, but there is still enough healthy reef to make it one of my favorite spots in the area.

Snorkeling at Secrets Reef is regarded by many as the best the Montego Bay Area offers. This is because there’s a variety of colorful underwater life and your chances of seeing it are higher due to the less visited location.

• Access:   $70 Royal Decameron day pass (10am to 5pm, all-inclusive)
• Facilities:   Restrooms, Beach showers, Snack stand, Bars, Buffet restaurant, Chair and Umbrella Rentals, Hot tub, Kids’ pool, Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Glass-bottom boat, Windsurfing
• Tip:  Take advantage of the inclusive buffet and snack bar plus soft and alcoholic drinks included as part of your day pass while you’re there
• Nearby Accommodation:   Royal Decameron Hotel – upmarket resort right by the beach with free access to Cornwall Beach

Cornwall Beach is right next to Doctor’s Cave Beach. It allows access to the same reef system, though we think the area in front of Doctor’s Cave is a little better. While it’s not the best beach in Jamaica for snorkeling, the resort facilities here are seriously impressive. 

To access Cornwall Beach you’ll need a day pass to the deluxe Royal Decameron Hotel . This not only lets you access the snorkeling area but also gives you use of all the resort amenities. At $70 it sounds like a lot of money, but for this you can enjoy alcoholic and soft drinks, the buffet and a snack bar. 

There are plenty of other luxury amenities here to keep you occupied all day long. These include a hot tub and a swimming pool for kids. The Royal Decameron also provides water sports facilities, including glass-bottom boat tours, scuba diving and snorkeling and windsurfing. A day pass is valid between 10am and 5pm and includes all your food, drinks and activities.

You can expect to see lots of tropical fish at Cornwall beach, plus black sea urchins or even eagle rays. In fact fish are often spotted from above the surface of the water. It’s a popular snorkeling spot and the water is both warm and shallow.

Due to the entry fee via the Royal Decameron Hotel, this beach can be more peaceful and less crowded than other Jamaica snorkeling areas in Montego Bay. Though of course this depends on how busy the hotel is on any given day.

• Entry:   Beach
• Access:  Beach Club entry $5
• Facilities:   Beach Bar, Restaurant, Chair and Umbrella rentals
• Look out for:   Boat traffic, as the swim involves a long route through open water
• Nearby Accommodation:   Sandals Montego Bay

Tropical Bliss snorkeling is another option for those keen on discovering marine life in the Montego Bay Area. This area is best explored via a local boat trip, and there are half-day and longer trips available.

While there is access to the reef from shore here, this is via a major boat channel. It also involves a fairly lengthy swim. We thus wouldn’t recommend accessing this spot directly unless you’re a strong swimmer and bringing a swim or dive buoy with you for safety.

Snorkeling Excursions Montego Bay

Another option for discovering marine life in this part of Jamaica is to book one of the many Montego Bay snorkeling excursions available locally.

The reef at Montego Bay runs from Doctor’s Cave, then heads up to and around the airport area before running alongside the coastline. Besides the shore access at Secrets Reef and Doctor’s Cave Beach, there’s no other decent spots offering shore access to the reef.

If you’re a strong swimmer with a dive buoy who can remain vigilant about your surroundings at all times, then you could swim out to the reef from most of the resorts dotted along the coastline.

However, this area is frequented by regular boat traffic. This means that swimming out in the open ocean without a boat or clearly identifiable marker can be dangerous. Many all inclusive resorts, like one of the Sandals properties in Jamaica offer their own boat trips out to the reef from just off the shore, and this is a far safer option.   

If you’re not staying at one of the resorts, you can also book snorkeling excursions provided by local operators. These will generally take you to Doctor’s Cave Reef.

You can book boat tours like this Island Routes Catamaran Snorkel Tour in advance of your trip via companies like Viator and Get Your Guide. These are run by local operators, but save time when you arrive as well as securing a place. In many cases these are fully refundable when canceled more than 24 hours before departure.

Click here to check prices and availability for the Island Routes Catamaran Snorkel Tour.

Where will you go snorkeling in Montego Bay?

There is lots of choice for those who want to experience snorkeling in Montego Bay, Jamaica. A couple of great spots can be accessed straight from the shore, and sampling life at the deluxe, all-inclusive resorts can also be an incredible part of a day out there

With the additional option of booking boat snorkeling tours in Jamaica to enjoy this area, Montego Bay makes a great vacation destination for keen underwater explorers – as well as fans of luxurious, tropical living.

Looking for more Jamaica information?  Check out all of our Jamaica posts and guides here.

Kristin Young

Puerto rico itinerary, 9 best islamorada resorts on the beach.

Scuba Diving, Snorkeling & Water Sports

SNORKELING IN MONTEGO BAY WITH DRESSEL DIVERS Snorkel Center & Shop

Snorkeling in Montego Bay t akes you to blue lagoons with snorkel sites where the real inhabitants of the bay are met. Come fall in love with a reef in Montego Bay, snorkeling in the midst of overwhelming marine beauty and charm.

We provide quality snorkeling trips, on the very best reefs.  From the very beach facing our snorkel center, we offer you daily snorkel trips by boat that allow you to enjoy the abundance of fauna existing on the most beautiful reef in the area.

The practice of snorkeling does not require special training, only the ability to swim.  Besides the standard equipment, a mask with snorkel tube and fins, we provide snorkel vests that allow you manage buoyancy or float without any effort, relax and enjoy.

Our snorkeling in Montego Bay is by boat to ensure you visit the best site. The boat trip to the snorkel sites take less than 10 minutes.

Snorkeling Shop in Montego Bay!

Catamaran Excursion in Montego Bay Photos!

MONTEGO BAY CATAMARAN EXCURSION with snorkeling and natural pool visit

Very fun catamaran snorkel cruise including a stopover in an ocean natural swimming pool, and unlimited beverages on board with or without alcohol. Snorkeling in Montego Bay is of itself a phenomenal activity. So imagine combining it with a chill out cruise on a very spacious catamaran and visit to a natural pool. The whole outing just becomes an awesome mixture of ocean adventure. Our catamaran leaves straight from the hotel pier facing our dive center making access and boarding very easy. From there it leaves for a slow ocean cruise along blue lagoons and reef barriers. You will see a vast stretch of the Montego Bay area coastline, looking over the azure water, onto the white beaches and green hills behind, dotted with plantations. Our first activity during the snorkeling catamaran cruise is of course a snorkel stop on the most selective reef very popular because of its schools of tropical fish and wide array of corral species. The fish seem to love the clear waters as much as the snorkelers, and happily swim along with them. After the snorkeling the cruise continues with this time natural swimming pool as destination. There you will be able to walk and wade in waist deep admiring the immense nature around you. After enjoying this magic shallow ocean pool you board again for a relaxed return cruise to the hotel, with a cool drink in hand and a mind full of incredible memories. A perfect trip great to spend some quality time with nature, friends and family.

Daily Montego Bay Snorkeling Trips

Only a short boat ride from our Montego Bay snorkeling center we take you to the Ding Dong reef. Acting as a natural breakwater along the coast, this snorkel site also offers the ideal location for both first timers and more experienced snorkelers.

With a depth range of 1-2m/3-6ft this natural living reef has an abundance of fish and coral. The dames fish (sergent Mejor) who are always ready to welcome you into the beautifully clear and warm sea are there to guide you along the way as you experience the splendour of the underwater world.

With almost 20 years organizing daily snorkeling trips in all our destinations , we guarantee, safety, satisfaction, entertainment and an excellent treatment from our qualified snorkeling staff.

Snorkeling in Montego Bay Photos!

MONTEGO BAY SNORKELING EXCURSIONS

Montego Bay Marine Park Excursion

Every Tuesday and Saturday

Luminous Lagoon Excursions

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Mangrove Safari Excursion

The best offers & discounts to snorkeling in montego bay.

Hotel & Resort Snorkeling In Montego Bay

Stay & snorkel.

We have a snorkel center DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH of the

***** Iberostar Rose Hall Beach ***** Iberostar Rose Hall Suites ***** Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall

Branch Developments Rose Hall, Main Road, Little River St. James, Jamaica

Outings can be arranged from a large number of other resorts on the island!

HOTELS within WALKING DISTANCE

Why not take a walk & snorkel  with Dressel Divers?

A number of resorts are located along the beachfront, meaning that the Iberostar Hotel and Dressel Divers are just a short walk away .

VISIT & SNORKEL

Visit & snorkel.

NOT STAYING AT THE IBEROSTAR Hotel but would like to snorkel with Dressel Divers? No problem. We are open to the general public. 

STAY AT ANY RESORT and simply hop over to our center to join us for some snorkeling.

ALL-IN Visit

Want to spend a full day at the resort? Sign up for an  ALL-IN  Visit, which includes lunch (buffet), unlimited drinks and use of the beach, pool and facilities.

Additional Visit & Snorkel ACTIVITIES

You – and anyone else in your group – can take a diving course   or enjoy parasailing   or banana boat rides .

HOTELS within DISTANCE by ROAD

A number of resorts are within easy distance! Why not join us for a VISIT & SNORKEL outing?

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Practical Information

Montego bay snorkeling sites.

Snorkeling season lasts all year-round!

Average visibility: +115 feet (+35 meters)

Coldest water temp.: 78.8 ºF (26 ºC)

Warmest water temp.: 87.8ºF (31 ºC)

Telephone (optional)

• Ocho Rios Snorkeling

Private Snorkeling Tour at Doctors Cave Beach

800-688-5871

• Guaranteed Low Price
• No Booking Fees
• Hassle Free Reservations
• RESTRICTIONS
• Private tour for your family or group of at least 3
• Snorkeling off Doctor's Cave Beach
• Enjoy a 40 minute scenic drive
• Opportunity to browse nearby shops for souvenirs

Tour Summary

Your private tour begins the moment you arrive in port, with pick-up from one of our professional, friendly drivers. Enjoy a 40-minute scenic drive to the famous Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay. Sir Herbert Barker, a famous British Osteopath visited the beach and later published an article boasting about it by declaring that the waters have curative powers and that he was restored to good health after bathing there. Barker claimed the waters could cure several ailments, which heightened the allure of the beach and Doctor's Cave became famous overnight as foreigners, many rich and famous came to try the water. Hotels were built in the immediate vicinity and thus began the tourist trade. Your driver will take you to your snorkeling instructor where you will be given your equipment and taken on a glass-bottom boat to enjoy an hour of snorkeling in the clear, blue, Caribbean sea. After snorkeling, enjoy relaxing on the beach or hanging out at the bar and grill enjoying tropical refreshments and jerk burgers. Before returning back to port, your driver will stop at nearby shops where you can purchase souvenirs to take back home. 

It is your responsibility to make sure you are aware of and understand all restrictions pertaining to this tour before booking online or over the phone. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are medically qualified and within any limits listed below in order to participate in this activity. No refunds will be given to those who reserve a spot and can not participate due to the restrictions listed below. For more information please read our cancellation policy and terms and conditions page or call our staff with any questions regarding your ability to participate.

• A minimum of 3 adults per booking is required.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Children must be 4 years or older.
• Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking.
• If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee. If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.

Jamaica Snorkeling Tours is always interested in your tour experience with us. We hope you enjoyed your tour and love to hear comments.

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Snorkel Jamaica’s 7-mile beach reefs for starfish, rays and so much more…

While Negril may be best known for its great white sand beach, cliff jumping and amazing river and waterfall adventures nearby, we were happy to discover a number of snorkeling options along Jamaica’s gorgeous southwest coast. The area is blessed with clear water providing excellent visibility for snorkeling, while the numerous protected bays and coves provide calm shallow water, ideal for beginners and families with small children. While we accessed some great snorkelling spots right off the beach and by climbing short ladders along the cliffs, the easiest and most common way to snorkel in Negril is by joining a catamaran cruise or one of the ever-abundant glass-bottom boat tours. Let the local tour operators bring you right to the undersea hotspots. Here’s what we found and heard about on our recent visit to Negril (listed from north to south)…

Half Moon Beach

Located 5-10 miles (10-15 km) north of Negril’s 7-mile Beach, this gorgeous cove is home to a secluded beach and enjoyable offshore islands close to shore.  Just over 300 feet (100m) from the beach, there’s a nice little patch of coral, perfect for a casual snorkel. Venture out a little further and you’ll discover a long stretch of coral reef you can explore for hours! Snorkellers will experience a wide variety of corals and sea fans, plus sea urchins and juvenile fish like wrasse, damselfish and blue tang. 

The intrepid and inquisitive can swim or paddle less than a thousand feet (300m) from the beach to a small uninhabited island where you can snorkel, catch a breather, and/or just hang out. It doesn’t get much ‘chill’er than that! If you’re looking for a refreshing beverage or two after your snorkeling adventure, an even smaller island is just another 350 feet (115m) away. This little cay is home to a rustic bar called Calico Jack’s Pirate shack. Don’t worry, you won’t have to swim back to shore – Local boats shuttle folks back and forth throughout the day.

Oh, on the way out to the reefs and islands watch for plentiful starfish, as well as the occasional ray gliding along on the sandy ocean floor. Overall, this is one of Negril’s best spots for snorkelling!

Bloody Bay / Lovers Cave

About a mile (2 km) north of 7-mile Beach, Bloody Bay is a great protected area with a nice reef, although the area has been spoiled for snorkellers by the cavalcade of motorboats constantly parasailing back and forth along the shoreline. That said, it’s reasonably safe for snorkellers to explore the reefs at the ends, near the mouth of the bay. Due to the large amount of shallow water along the sandy shoreline, the sea in this little bay is the warmest I’ve ever experienced in the Caribbean.

At the north end of Bloody Bay between Little Bay Country Club and the RIU Negril Resort (not to be confused with the RIU Tropical Bay Resort, practically next door), you can easily reach the reef that’s less than 100 feet (50m) from shore.  It’s a large reef that stretches out into the bay for close to 1000 feet (250m) – But keep your eye on those annoying motorboats which may be turning around in the vicinity. While the beaches aren’t secluded, the sea is uncrowded for snorkellers and full of marine life. You’ll practically have the place to yourself as you discover lots of starfish, sea cucumbers, as well as rays and crabs along the sandy bottom.  You’ll also find a wide variety of juvenile fish over the reef.

Meanwhile, at the south end of the bay along the peninsula where the Grand Lido Negril Hotel is, the cliffs and nearby reefs offer another relatively safe area to snorkel. We ventured out there via a glass-bottom boat and really enjoyed swimming and snorkeling through “Lover’s Cave” – a small cave system with a sandy ocean floor, low hanging cave ceilings, and schools of bright coloured juvenile fish darting around in the shallow water.  A pretty cool experience for sure. Just a few feet/meters from the cliffs scattered reefs are home to a wide variety of corals, sea fans and plenty of colourful little fish. We also saw a lobster hiding under some rocks on the ocean floor! Interestingly, at one point we swam for a few minutes through literally hundreds of tiny jellyfish, but don’t worry, they don’t sting (or at least we didn’t feel anything). Again, the area is uncrowded – We were the only ones there snorkelling 😊.

Booby Cay Island

About 700 feet (200m) from shore at the tip of the peninsula separating 7-mile Beach from Bloody Bay is Booby Cay, a small uninhabited island named for the sea birds that once frequented the place. The island is surrounded by fragments of a coral reef where you can find a wide variety of marine life worth exploring.  Glass bottom boats from both Bloody Bay and 7-mile Beach will take you there, while a number of organized tours include fun barbeque lobster lunches on the little island, where you can enjoy your own (near) private oasis – Ya man!

Negril (7-mile beach) Reef

South of Booby Cay, just over half a mile (1km) from Negril’s famous 7-mile Beach, you’ll find a series of coral reefs that are generally considered the best place to snorkel in Negril.  Although the reefs are fairly far from shore, the water is still very shallow, allowing you to view marine life in less than 10 feet of water. Although there can be a gentle current at times, it’s still a great place for beginners. These reefs are home to a large variety of corals, sea urchins, sea fans as well as tons of fish. Again, there are a few pockets of tiny harmless jellyfish in the area, but they’re nothing to worry about, or as the locals say “No problem man!”

We enjoyed the area so much that we took two trips out there, once as part of a Catamaran cruise and again via a glass-bottom boat for a more private tour. The first thing I saw there was a baby spotted ray swimming along the bottom of the sandy ocean floor – So cool, I could have followed it forever! Then I noticed the abundance of purple-ish sea fans and soft corals in the area. While slowly floating along the edge of the reefs, I saw a unique trumpetfish along with schools of juvenile yellow grunts, although they were almost hard to see as they blended with the fire coral in the background. Of course there were tons of friendly sergeant majors swimming closer to the surface, just out of reach. I also witnessed an amazing couple of blue sergeant majors who I assume were protecting recently laid eggs. I saw some of my favourite colourful fish, bluehead wrasse and parrotfish, as well as some dark angelfish or damselfish.

The highlight of my snorkelling adventure was seeing, for the first time, an abundance of orange and white squirrelfish with their big dark eyes (see above).  That said, it was also very interesting to see a black snake slithering under rocks and my heart absolutely raced when a hawksbill turtle swam right in front of me! I think I might have also seen a rare indigo hamlet (unique bluefish) as well. OK, ok, there is lots to see!

For more underwater scenes from our 7-Mile Beach Reef Snorkeling adventure, check out our Negril Snorkelling video on Youtube.

A trip to Negril is incomplete without experiencing beneath the waves over these bountiful reefs, hence almost all of the catamaran cruises and glass-bottom boat tours in the area will take you here – Enjoy!

Negril’s West End – Pirates Cave (Joseph’s Cave?); Rockhouse; and The Caves

Just north of the Rockhouse Hotel, there’s an amazing little cove that can be accessed via boat or from small ladders along the cliffs. While there’s likely good snorkeling just offshore over the nearby reefs, the feature attraction for us was the large horseshoe-shaped swim-through cave.  We visited by boat, and after being entertained by some local kids jumping and diving off the cliffs, we swam into the cave to check it out.  As we explored the cave, we noticed dark coloured crabs scrambling along the cave walls whenever someone inadvertently got close to them. While we didn’t see any marine life in the water, it was a unique experience for sure.

A little further south, located just north of the Negril Lighthouse, there’s another small cove beneath the Caves Hotel that has more large caves along the cliffs. These caves are home to a variety of marine life including rays, and plenty of juvenile fish can be seen over the nearby coral reefs.

For more information on snorkeling in Jamaica, including a list of tour operators who will get you to the hot spots, check out our Jamaica Snorkelling page

If you’re looking for other ‘active’ things to do while vacationing on the Land of Wood & Water, click on our Jamaica Adventures blog for some great ideas!

For an overview of the beautiful and unique island, take a look at our Jamaica Vacations page

For an overview of great Tourist Attractions on the Land of Wood & Water, including tour operators who will take good care of you, check out our Things to Do in Jamaica blog

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