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Sandals Best Resorts For Snorkeling | Ranked & Reviewed for 2025
- Jonathan & Angela
- Apr 25
- 10 min read
Updated: May 4
In early 2024, during our visit to Sandals Royal Curacao, Angela and I found ourselves snorkeling off the coast of Curaçao. We were just a short swim from the famed Tugboat Wreck, one of the most beautiful underwater scenes we’ve ever experienced.
As a gentle current pushed us between swaying coral fans and past bright reef formations, we surfaced, looked at each other, and practically said the same thing:
This one’s going on the list.
After spending over 15 years visiting every Sandals resort (many times over) and being awarded by Sandals as their top US agency for 2024, we've helped thousands of couples find their perfect destination at Sandals.
Whether it’s your first time with a mask or you’re a seasoned diver, Sandals resorts offer the best snorkeling and scuba diving experiences. Best of all, it's all included!
Let's get into it!
Table of Contents: Jump to Section
✅ The Best Sandals Resorts for Snorkeling (Quick List)
Here are our Top 5 Picks for 2025, chosen for their marine life, ease of access, and unforgettable underwater experiences:
Choosing Criteria: What Makes These Resorts the Best?
When it comes to snorkeling at Sandals, not all resorts are created equal. Some sit on protected coves with calm water and direct access to the reef, while others require a short boat ride.
Here's what we look for when helping clients choose:
Clear Water Visibility: Curacao and Saint Vincent lead in this category.
Protected Coves or Offshore Reefs: Calm waters make snorkeling safer and more enjoyable, especially for beginners.
Walk-in or Easy Boat Access: Some resorts like Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Sandals Royal Bahamian offer snorkeling right from the beach.
Marine Biodiversity: We’re talking parrotfish, rays, sea turtles, coral gardens, and sometimes even squid or nurse sharks.
Included or Optional Excursions: What’s part of the all-inclusive package? What’s worth the upgrade?
Real Guest Experiences: Nothing replaces boots-on-the-ground (or fins-in-the-water) experience, ours or our clients'.
How to Choose the Best Sandals Resort for Snorkeling or Scuba
We ask one simple question... What kind of snorkeling adventure are you really looking for?
Because believe us, there’s a big difference between floating off a private island in the Bahamas and drift snorkeling around a shipwreck in Curacao or Barbados.
Beach Entry (No Boat Required)
If you want the freedom to snorkel at your own pace, maybe after breakfast or between poolside naps, look for resorts with shore snorkeling.
Our top picks:
Sandals Grande St. Lucian: Calm bay + walk-in reef access
Sandals Royal Bahamian: Private island with beachside snorkeling
Sandals Saint Vincent: Snorkel right off the dock or kayak to the Bat Cave
This is perfect for first-timers, non-swimmers, or guests who get motion sickness..
Boat Excursion Snorkeling
If you're chasing marine life or witnessing dramatic underwater wall drop-offs, boat excursions are the way to go. These take you offshore to some of the region’s best reefs, often included in your stay.
Sandals Grenada: Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park
Sandals Royal Curacao: Ship Wreck & Playa Lagun
Sandals Barbados: Carlisle Bay’s shipwrecks
Just make sure to reserve early at the Aqua Center, popular tours book fast.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Reef Diving
If you're the type who brings their own gear and is looking for healthy coral reefs, we have a few lesser-known gems to recommend:
Saint Vincent: Fewer crowds, unspoiled coves, and access to Tobago Cays
Curacao: Marine caves and remote reefs with great visibility
Private boat tours: Available at all 17 Sandals resorts for an additional cost. Our personal favorites are in St. Lucia, Grenada, and Curacao.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Snorkel?
December to April: Peak season for snorkeling. Seas are calmer, visibility is sharp, and water temperatures are comfortable.
May to October: Still warm and swimmable, but you might encounter more rain, wave activity, or reduced underwater clarity.
Do You Need Guided Tours or Prefer to Snorkel Independently?
Most resorts offer both. If you’re new to snorkeling or just want a local expert pointing out stingrays and sea fans, opt for the complimentary guided excursions. Resorts like Sandals Royal Curaçao even offer one-on-one coaching, perfect for beginners or anyone who is anxious about getting started.
On the flip side, if you’re confident and just want to float in silence, look for properties like Sandals Grande St. Lucian or Sandals Royal Bahamian, where you can snorkel right from the shore whenever the mood strikes.
What Level of Experience Do You Have?
First-Timers or Nervous Swimmers? You’ll want resorts with shallow, protected waters. Saint Vincent and St. Lucia are our favorites here. The water is calm, entry is easy, and the reef starts close to shore.
Intermediate to Advanced? You might prefer deeper reefs, drift snorkeling, or wreck sites. Curacao, Grenada, and Barbados deliver on all fronts, especially with sites like Tugboat Beach, Carlisle Bay, or the Bianca C wreck.
Equipment & Extras: What to Expect
Included Gear: Every Sandals resort provides complimentary snorkel masks, fins, and flotation vests. We’ve seen gear quality improve over the years, too, with Curacao and Saint Vincent now using upgraded BCDs. That said, if you wear prescription lenses or just prefer your own setup, bring it with you.
Tour Group Sizes: Most group trips are 10–15 people. For more space (and less crowding), you can book private snorkel boats through our excursion partner, Island Routes.
Custom Excursions: Want to pair snorkeling with a sunset sail, island hopping, or spa afternoon? We can coordinate that.
One of our favorite combos?
Morning snorkeling at the reef, afternoon massage at the Red Lane Spa, followed by dinner on the beach. Not a bad day!
Top 5 Sandals Resorts for Snorkeling – In-Depth Guide
Ok, let’s dive a little deeper (no pun intended) into the top five Sandals resorts for snorkeling.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian – St. Lucia
This is our go-to resort when we’re recommending snorkeling to first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. The pier at Sandals Grande St. Lucian gives you direct access to its calm waters, and you’re just a short boat ride from some of the Caribbean’s most iconic underwater sites, including Anse Chastanet, the Piton Wall, and Marigot Bay.
Beginner-Friendly
What makes this spot ideal for new snorkelers is the protected bay. It’s sheltered from strong currents, which keeps the water calm and the visibility high, especially in winter months. You can literally walk down to the end of the pier, hop in, and start spotting tropical fish within minutes. Fun!
Advanced Excursions: For our clients who want a little more action, we often recommend JJs Speedboat Snorkel & Sightseeing tour. It includes stops near volcanic reef formations, and Jonathan still remembers watching a spotted squid hover in front of him like a little alien. Magical.
Included? Yes, snorkel gear, boat excursions, and even lessons are all part of the Sandals all-inclusive package here.
Pro Tip: The Aqua Center opens early, like 7 am, so get there first thing in the morning to lock in the best tour times for the week.. Spaces fill fast, especially during peak season.
When to Go: While snorkeling is available year-round, December through April offers the calmest seas and clearest water, making it prime time for marine spotting and underwater photography.
Sandals Royal Bahamian – Nassau
One word: exclusivity. Sandals Royal Bahamian features a private offshore island just minutes from the main resort, where you can snorkel straight off the beach into waters filled with stingrays, trumpetfish, and blooming coral fans. There’s no crowd, no chaos, just peace, palms, and turquoise seas.
Angela and I love sending our clients here when they want easy, laid-back snorkeling without sacrificing comfort. It’s also a top pick for honeymooners who want to explore but don't want to overplan their days.
Healthy Reefs & Marine Life
Because the offshore island is for resort guests only, the reef areas here are less trafficked than many public sites. That means healthier coral, more marine life, and a more relaxed vibe overall.
Extra Add-On: Want to level up? Book a snorkel excursion to Rose Island Reef, where you’ll find turtles, rays, and crystal-clear shallows, ideal for both GoPro moments and beginner confidence-building.
The water is typically warm and shallow, and the reef starts close to shore; no boat is required if you stick to the private island. That’s a game changer for those prone to seasickness.
Cost: All snorkeling gear and group tours are included in your stay. Private boat charters and Rose Island add-ons are available for a fee.
Butler Service? Yes, and it’s fantastic here. Your butler can reserve your snorkel trips and even have cold drinks waiting for you after your swim.
Sandals Grenada – Grenada
If you’re looking for a snorkeling experience that brings together art, ecology, and the thrill of discovery, Sandals Grenada is a top contender.
This resort is just a short boat ride from Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, a truly one-of-a-kind site where over 75 submerged sculptures have become home to marine life and coral growth. It’s not just snorkeling, it’s like swimming through a living museum.
We love recommending Grenada to travelers who want a more immersive underwater experience.
Scuba Add-On: For those scuba certified (or looking to be), the Bianca C shipwreck is a must-do. It’s one of the most famous wreck dives in the Caribbean, a 590-foot cruise liner teeming with life and history. It’s not for beginners, but it’s unforgettable for those ready to explore.
Inclusions: Daily snorkeling trips and all gear are included in your stay. Trips to the sculpture park are often included as part of specific excursions, although private guided snorkel tours may incur an extra fee.
We recommend combining snorkeling with a half-day island tour. Our clients think that the art-meets-ocean experience is part of what makes Grenada so special. You snorkel a reef in the morning, then drive into the mountains by afternoon. That contrast is why it’s one of our favorites.”
Weather Note: Some reef areas outside the sculpture park can get choppy later in the day. Morning excursions are your best bet for calm water and clear views.
Sandals Royal Curacao – Curacao
Curacao is snorkel heaven for those who crave a mix of natural beauty and adventure. At Sandals Royal Curacao, you’ll find everything from gentle reefs to dramatic drop-offs, all with exceptional visibility. We especially love this spot for guests who want to level up their underwater experience with wrecks, coral fingers, and rare marine species.
This resort offers beachside snorkeling right off the dock and access to sites like:
Tugboat Wreck – a shallow wreck covered in coral and sea life
Playa Lagun – a quiet cove known for seahorses and moray eels
Klein Curacao – a remote island with some of the most untouched reefs we’ve ever seen
Clear Water: The water clarity here is incredible. Great for underwater photography, especially if you’re bringing a GoPro.
Extras: You can take your experience further with private snorkel boat charters, perfect for couples who want a more personalized adventure or are celebrating a special trip.
Sandals Saint Vincent – Saint Vincent
This is the hidden gem of the Sandals portfolio, and if you’re the type of traveler who craves authentic, untouched beauty, Saint Vincent in the Grenadines will steal your heart. Situated between rainforest-covered mountains and a protected cove, the snorkeling here feels like something out of a nature documentary. No crowds, no noise, just you, the sea, and a whole world beneath the surface.
The reef starts right off the beach, and the water is so clear that even from the dock, you can spot schools of fish weaving through coral heads.
Why it’s Rising Fast
Unlike more developed islands, Saint Vincent’s coastline remains largely untouched. The result? Coral that is bright, reefs that are alive, and marine ecosystems that haven’t been over-snorkeled due to tourism. We’ve had clients tell us it reminded them of the Caribbean 30 years ago.
Add-On Excursion
For those wanting a more personalized experience, we can help arrange a private boat trip to the Tobago Cays, one of the Caribbean’s most protected reef systems. You’ll snorkel with sea turtles, swim over fields of seagrass, and enjoy some of the most beautiful coral reefs anywhere in the Lesser Antilles.
Rivage Travel Tip: Many of our clients love pairing a morning snorkel with a relaxing afternoon at the spa, or a sunset dinner at Buccan, one of our favorite open-flame culinary experiences in the Caribbean.
Which Snorkeling Adventure Will You Choose
We have swam with sea turtles in the Tobago Cays, explored underwater sculptures in Grenada, and drifted past reef walls in Curacao. Every resort on this list was chosen not just for its beauty, but for the unique experience it offers to our clients.
Snorkeling at Sandals is an invitation to connect with the Caribbean in a deeper, more awe-inspiring way. Whether you’re easing into your first snorkeling adventure or looking for world-class dives and rare marine life, we’re here to match you with the resort that fits your style, comfort level, and curiosity.
So if you're dreaming of slipping into warm, turquoise waters and discovering the underwater world, we’d be honored to help make that dream come true.
✅ Ready to plan your snorkel-filled escape?
Frequently Asked Questions About Snorkeling at Sandals Resorts
Do I need to bring my own gear?
All Sandals resorts provide complimentary snorkeling gear, including fins, masks, and vests. That said, if you wear prescription lenses or just prefer a custom fit, we recommend bringing your own mask, especially if you plan to snorkel daily.
Are snorkeling trips included in the price?
Yes! Most Sandals resorts offer 1–2 group snorkeling trips per day, and they’re included in your all-inclusive stay. You can also use snorkel gear anytime in designated beach areas.
Can Beginners Snorkel Too?
Absolutely. Resorts like Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Royal Bahamian, and Saint Vincent are ideal for beginners thanks to their calm, shallow waters and easy walk-in reef access. Some locations, like Curacao, even offer personalized snorkel coaching for first-timers.
What If I Get Seasick?
Great question. If boat rides are a concern, go for resorts with shore-access snorkeling, like Grande St. Lucian, Curacao, or Saint Vincent. These let you experience marine life without ever stepping on a boat.
Need help picking your resort? Want the inside scoop on availability or excursions?
We're just a call away. Let us take the guesswork out of your snorkeling escape, so you can simply float, breathe, and be amazed.
About the Authors
Jonathan and Angela
Based out of Atlanta, GA, Rivage Travel is a boutique travel consultant group dedicated to providing personalized travel experiences. Owned by husband and wife duo Jonathan and Angela, our love for travel brought us together during a trip to Sydney, Australia. Our work is based on over 15 years of professional experience, hundreds of hours of travel industry certifications and training. We've been honored by Sandals Resorts as a top US travel agent with their highest honor of a Sandals Chairman's Club Diamond Elite travel expert, and we look forward to using our experience to earn your business today and in the future.
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