There are outstanding beaches that cater the needs of young bathers –and young snorkelers too!

Snorkeling is a family affair. Little kids enjoy snorkeling as much as experienced divers do. But they can’t just snorkel anywhere right? Even though Banderas Bay or the Great Barrier Reef on the coast of Belize is interesting enough, you can’t just allow them to snorkel in its waters. The alternative for these budding young snorkelers are snorkeling beaches.

One bad point for snorkeling on beaches though: beaches intended for bathers have endless stretches of sand. And sand like ‘our’ sand doesn’t support life. That’s why tropical beaches, however magnificent they are, would be thoroughly boring to snorkelers. However, there are outstanding beaches that cater the needs of young bathers –and young snorkelers too.

Check out these best snorkeling beaches I have compiled.

Paradise Cove Beach Resort
No other beaches in the Bahamas have the direct access towards the Deadman’s Reef. Paradise Cove knows and takes pride of that. That’s why Paradise Cove Beach Resort is one of the best snorkeling beaches you can find. A short distance from the beach line would the magnificent Deadman’s Reef. And what would one of the best snorkeling beaches have to offer than a coral reef teeming with aquatic life.

Two bedroom villa for $195/day or $1225/week
Fully equipped and just a step away to the beach

P.O. Box F-42771
Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island
The Bahamas
Tel:  242-349-2677
Fax: 242-349-2003
Email: pcove@batelnet.bs
Website: www.deadmansreef.com

Doctor’s Cave Beach
Considered one of the best snorkeling beaches in Jamaica is in Montego Bay. Doctor's Cave Beach features one of the most safest yet abundant of marine life. Colorful marine rocks and corals dot the sea bottom. This beach is five miles long that is also bordered by plenty of shops, restaurants, and hotels. This means a favorite among the best snorkeling beaches, especially for kids who want excitement, food, and fun all at the same place.

Gloucester Ave, Montego Bay, Jamaica. Call 876-952-2566
Admission: Adult $3, Child (under 12) $1.50

Walter Fletcher Beach
Also situated in Montego Bay, Walter Fletcher Beach also provides the friendliest among the best snorkeling beaches. Centrally located near the city's main attractions, the beach does get somewhat crowded. The extraordinarily calm waters and on-duty lifeguards make Walter Fletcher very popular for families with younger children, and the peaceful yet vibrant underwater life will excite every children.

Gloucester Ave, Montego Bay, Jamaica · 876-979-9447
Adult $2.30, Child (under 12) $1.15

Olowalu Turtle Reef
Olowalu Turtle Reef in Maui, Hawaii is a National Geographic and vacation rolled into one. Okay it may not belong to the best snorkeling beaches category but there are awesome beaches within the vicinity of this great natural preserve. Why? Because you also need to let the children experience the tranquil life of nature outside the normal bustling of their lives. Olowalu Turtle Reef is the best place to educate them for this. Make this family side trip. It is more worth it.

Olowalu Turtle Reef is where you and your can see and be amazed at the peaceful and gentle ecology these wayward creatures have made for themselves. So peaceful that after you experience it, it will make you do your share in protecting these gentle creatures from extinction.