With our upcoming trip to the Great Barrier Reef, we starting thinking about other amazing coral reefs that we could visit that didn't involve a flight across the globe. Here's some not too far away snorkeling destinations.We knew when we planned our trip to Australia, we couldn't miss seeing the Great Barrier Reef. Flying nonstop for 16 hours is too long to skip out on snorkeling at the biggest reef in the world! But it got us thinking, maybe there are some great coral reef sites a little closer to home. Luckily for us North Americans, we have some amazing snorkeling destinations just a few hours from the States. Here's our list! 1. Isla Mujeres, Mexico Not only is the coral great but what put Isla Mujeres on the map is their interesting underwater sculpture garden, MUSA (museum of underwater art), with over 500 pieces! Beautiful in it's own way, MUSA is a tourist destination located just south of Garrafon reef park (pictured above) that you don't want to miss. 2. Puerto Rico Puerto Rico continues to pop up on top snorkeling lists year after year. The east part of the island seems to be the place to snorkel but many scuba and snorkel experts recommend island hopping over to Culebra. There, Flamenco Beach (pictured) is supposed to be less crowded than the main land and house some serious marine life, including an abundance of turtles and angelfish. 3. Turks and Caicos Sorry if we're a broken record but Turks and Caicos doesn't only have one of the best beaches in the world but it's also got a great reef. The little U shaped spit of land south of Grand Turk island is Providenciales Isle and it's spectacular. Cruise ships aren't allowed to dock in Provo, so the island feels very local and cozy. Tucked near Turtle Cove and privately owned homes, Smith's reef right off Grace Bay Beach (one of the best beaches in the world) is home to marine life that feels comfortable around the smaller clusters of snorkelers. Visitors can likely spot an array of colorful fish as well as barracudas and nurse sharks. 4. St. John - US Virgin Islands The most popular spots in St. John are Honeymoon beach and Soloman Bay. Snorkelers should explore the northeast stretch from Trunk Cay to Maho Bay. There are even underwater markers to educate and guide you along the way! The abundance of octopus and colorful marine life along with the breathtaking clear water makes USVI's St. John a must. 5. The Islands of Hawaii When it comes down to it, it sounds like snorkeling in any part of Hawaii is amazing. Whether it's Maui's Black Rock (first picture), night snorkeling on the Big Island, or Oahu's Hanauma Bay (second picture), the marine life is spectacular, the turtles are huge, and the beaches are beautiful. This might be the farthest flight on the list, but Hawaii couldn't go unmentioned and it's one of two on the list those from the states don't need a passport to enjoy. 6. Belize Belize's reef is front and center of the Mesoamerican Barrier system which is the Western Hemisphere's largest barrier reef (Isla Mujeres and the Yucatan Peninsula are also a part of it, photo at the very top). Other than being right on the Mesoamerincan Barrier, Belize also has the blue hole in their back yard. If you're up for floating near a massive sink hole in the middle of the ocean, then this is your place! Not the easiest or cheapest place to get to but Belize won't disappoint with its shallow water, beautiful hotels and clean sand. With several of these spots just a fews hours from home, we hope this post has inspired you to gear up and jump in! If there's a favorite reef you've had the pleasure of visiting, share a story below!
Until Next Time, C + D
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