The World's Best Snorkeling Destination Is A Tiny Island With Crystal Clear Waters And Barrier Reef Access

The crystal blue, warm waters of the Caribbean Sea seemed to be designed with snorkeling in mind. While the many islands and coastlines that are lucky enough to call the Caribbean home are brimming with snorkeling spots, not all snorkeling destinations are created equal. Grand Cayman Island, part of the Cayman Islands chain, is one of those amazing snorkeling spots that visitors from all over flock to. Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands (the others being Cayman Brac and Little Cayman), and boasts the best snorkeling of the bunch. Although, to be fair, snorkeling off the shores of Cayman Brac or Little Cayman is hardly going to be a bad time since all of the water around these islands has that quintessential Caribbean clarity. 

The visibility for snorkeling these turquoise waters usually exceeds 100 feet (30 meters), giving snorkelers clear views of shipwrecks, the barrier reef, endless sands, and a wide array of marine animals, from colorful tropical fish to turtles and stingrays. The sheer number of snorkeling spots around Grand Cayman will ensure that you can spend days snorkeling or even diving if you have a wish to explore the deeper depths. Whether you swim with stingrays or float above the Barrier Reef, you'll have to agree: Grand Cayman just may have the best snorkeling in the whole world. 

Among the best things to do in the Cayman Islands, snorkeling deserves the top spot. The urge to grab a mask and fins is irresistible from the minute your plane begins to descend over the islands, giving you a bird's-eye view of possibly the bluest sea you've ever seen. Most flights land in George Town, the capital and hub of the Cayman Islands, on Grand Cayman. Several U.S. cities have direct flights to Grand Cayman Island, including Miami, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Denver. There are also direct flights between George Town and Kingston (Jamaica), Havana, and Panama City.

After you've gotten all the pesky airport and customs business out of the way, you'll be tempted to immediately jump in and begin exploring the open seas. And who could blame you? There's even excellent snorkeling right in George Town, offshore from the local Burger King, which gives this particular reef (officially Bob Soto Reef) the nickname "Cheeseburger." And that's just the beginning. There are a variety of snorkeling spots right off the island and further afield (accessed via boat). While the average visibility is the aforementioned 100 feet, in exceptionally clear spots during low tide and good weather, visibility can reach up to 200 feet (60 meters). Some snorkeling locations are so clear, you can see right to the bottom. 

Wherever you go, you're guaranteed to see a dazzling array of sea creatures, both in the various reefs and in sandier stretches. Rays, like stingrays and eagle rays, are common sights, as are sea turtles, octopuses, seahorses, nurse sharks, parrotfish, and brightly colored coral. 

One of the most popular destinations for snorkeling (or even just swimming) on Grand Cayman is Stingray City, where groups of majestic stingrays bask on a shallow sandbar, happily interacting with visitors for a snack. You won't even need a mask to see the rays, as the water is so clear, but you will need a boat. Pair a trip to Stingray City with a snorkeling stop at Coral Gardens, just a few miles away off of Rum Point. This is a healthy, colorful patch of reef just far enough offshore to require a boat (even a kayak would do). 

Another snorkeling spot ideal for beginners and kids is Starfish Point. The shallow, warm water is filled with starfish, visible with or without a mask. Another well-known snorkeling destination is the Barrier Reef, which, extending along three sides of Grand Cayman, is known for its high density and biodiversity of marine life. Then we have Spotts Beach, the most breathtaking destinations to swim with turtles. And despite its name, nearby Turtle Reef is not known to attract turtles, but it is still a beautiful spot, easily accessed right off the dock of a local restaurant (The Cracked Conch). 

There are several shipwrecks that snorkelers can explore offshore Grand Cayman, like the U.S.S. Kittiwake, sunk to create an artificial reef. There's also the Gamma Wreck, in such shallow water, certain sections of the wreck can poke out of the water at low tide. Just remember that snorkelers and free divers can't explore wrecks other than from the outside — if you're dying to delve deep into the wrecks, it's probably time to get that Open Water certification.