Top 10 Snorkeling and Diving Spots in the Eastern Caribbean

Cruising the Eastern Caribbean offers countless advantages: stunning landscapes, refreshing ocean breezes, ideal weather, and a rich cultural tapestry of music, architecture, and cuisine. With a blend of European, African, and indigenous influences, your journey will feel unique, even though these beautiful islands are easily accessible on a Dinogo cruise ship.

The Eastern Caribbean is renowned as a prime destination for snorkeling and SCUBA diving. With its warm, crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, this region is perfect for aquatic adventures.

Whether you’re a certified diver or a beginner eager to try snorkeling for the first time, you’re in the right place. Discover our top 10 picks for diving and snorkeling in the Eastern Caribbean, along with everything you need to plan an unforgettable getaway.

1. Grand Turk

Turks and Caicos offers a distinct diving experience in the Eastern Caribbean due to its dramatic drop-off. Venture just a little past the shore, and you’ll find yourself in waters plunging to depths of 7,000 feet, creating an ideal SCUBA adventure for your visit.

Embark on a certified SCUBA excursion or a motor-assisted power snorkeling trip to fully enjoy this incredible destination.

2. Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay offers the relaxed vibe of The Bahamas along with pristine waters perfect for snorkeling. The tranquil waters of this secluded beach curve provide an excellent opportunity to encounter vibrant fish and maybe even a stingray. Opt for a boat excursion to easily access the best snorkeling spots.

3. St. Kitts

St. Kitts prides itself on being the premier diving destination in the Caribbean, and they may just be right. Its secluded location allows many areas to remain virtually untouched, featuring vibrant reefs, underwater caves, and even historic shipwrecks.

If you’re already certified, consider booking a two-tank SCUBA dive, or if you’re a novice, try a SNUBA excursion. SNUBA offers the experience of snorkeling while being connected to a boat via an oxygen line, granting you greater freedom to explore.

4. Princess Cays

Princess Cays provides a plethora of water sports for those seeking exciting activities in The Bahamas. Nestled at the secluded tip of Eleuthera Island, it boasts ample open waters to enjoy.

Reserve a Beach Party Pack to gain access to snorkeling gear, a float, and a shoreline cruise to explore the underwater world.

5. Amber Cove

Many don’t typically link diving with the Dominican Republic, but this is precisely what makes it a fantastic place to discover — it’s regarded as a hidden gem by those in the know.

Cruise ships dock at Amber Cove, but venture further down the coast to Sosúa for all the excitement of power snorkeling, where your personal handheld motor allows you to glide effortlessly through the crystal-clear waters.

6. San Juan

As a significant trading hub in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has witnessed numerous shipwrecks over the centuries, providing ample opportunities for diving exploration. SCUBA diving in Puerto Rico often starts from the shore, making it an excellent spot for beginners to get their feet wet.

New divers can enroll in a class to have an intimate experience with marine life, while snorkelers will appreciate a visit to Escambrón Marine Park.

7. St. Thomas

With stunning reefs situated near the shore, St. Thomas is an excellent destination for beginners looking to maximize their snorkeling and diving experiences. The remnants of ancient volcanic activity have created a variety of underwater formations to swim through and discover.

Beyond traditional snorkeling and diving trips, you can also experience a BOSS: a cutting-edge underwater scooter featuring a diving helmet.

8. St. Maarten

The shallow waters of St. Maarten are perfect for snorkelers and novice divers eager to experience these thrilling activities.

While there are many excellent spots, one of the most unique experiences is snorkeling in Maho Bay, where jets soar overhead as they approach Princess Juliana International Airport. If you prefer to stay on land, don't miss the chance to walk on an underwater shipwreck during a helmet diving excursion.

9. Bermuda

If you appreciate British culture but also crave a slice of paradise, the pink sands of Bermuda provide an ideal backdrop for some delightful beachside snorkeling in a place where driving is on the left.

Take a glass-bottom boat trip to a tranquil offshore snorkeling site, or embark on a SCUBA excursion around the northernmost coral reef and the shipwrecks of the Bermuda Triangle.

10. Barbados

Barbados is making significant strides to establish itself as a top diving destination, and the results are impressive. With crystal-clear waters, plentiful sea turtles, and intriguing shipwrecks, this spot is a diver's paradise.

Experience it all on a snorkeling trip to Turtle Bay, where you can get up close with these gentle creatures, explore a shipwreck, and even sip on a rum punch aboard the boat.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining choices may differ depending on the ship and destination.