Sublime Snorkeling Spots

Four favorites for your next charter.

- Zuzana Prochazka

I am a snorkeling snob, having been fortunate enough to swim in waters around the globe, breathing through a plastic tube, watching the underwater world go by. Some places like Cozumel, I’ve visited by plane. Others, I’ve reached by simply jumping on a charter boat that carried me to secret and not-so-secret spots where I could while away an afternoon in watery glory.

There’s a reason why snorkeling gear is ubiquitous on charter boats. Just about everyone wants to see what’s below the waterline, and it just wouldn’t be a vacation without taking a dip. Here are some of my favorite spots that are on the very beaten path of most charter companies, easily reached and much enjoyed.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Beautiful beaches, plentiful bars and steady trade winds define the British Virgin Islands. But I’ve always found the snorkeling spots under whelming here. Until my last visit that is, when I stopped by three great places all in one afternoon. The first were the Indians near Norman Island. This is a cluster of four rocks that jut out of the water and look menacing until you catch a mooring and dive in. Yellow fire coral abounds, so no touching, but the structure reminds me of an underwater city packed with plants and fish.

Just six miles northeast of there, near Salt Island is the renowned wreck of the Royal Mail Steamship