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JAM | Aug 11, 2022

Snorkeling: Discover what lies beneath

Mikala Johnson

Mikala Johnson / Our Today

Reading Time: 4 minutes

If your plan is to have tonnes of fun and adventure before this summer comes to a close, then you should definitely add snorkeling to your list.

Jamaica is known for its beautiful beaches, which makes it a great destination for activities such as diving and snorkeling.

Marine wildlife sightings will essentially depend on the location you choose to snorkel in Jamaica and whether you’re snorkeling in shallow water or deep reefs.

If you are wondering where in Jamaica you can go snorkeling, no worries. Our Today has put together a list of some of the best snorkeling locations across the island.

Runaway Bay

Runaway Bay, on the northern coast of the island, is celebrated as one of Jamaica’s top snorkeling spots. Runaway Bay’s beaches offer fantastic snorkeling close to shore. Two of the best spots to check out are North Coast Beach and Cardiff Hall Beach. Each offers the chance to view abundant and diverse marine life.

Luminous Lagoon

Luminous Lagoon in Falmouth is one of the few places on the planet where you can see the enchanting glow of bioluminescent marine organisms called dinoflagellates. In fact, many people say Jamaica’s Luminous Lagoon is the most spectacular bioluminescent bay in the world.

If you want to have some nighttime adventure then you should consider planning a trip to visit Luminous Lagoon at night.

A variety of kayaking and snorkeling tours will allow you to experience this incredible and rare natural spectacle up close.

Nighttime snorkels are always exciting as many of the most mysterious underwater critters come out in the dark. Experience the unique opportunity to do a night snorkel in glowing sparkling waters.

Booby Cay Island

 Booby Cay Island is a small island off the west coast of Jamaica in Negril. The island got its name after the booby birds that live there. Booby Cay Island is a perfect escape for nature lovers who want a relaxing snorkeling outing.

You can reach the island by boat, kayak or stand up paddle board from Seven Mile Beach in Negril. Once you get there, you’ll find beautiful sandy beaches, rich sea life and colourful reefs to explore.

If you do decide to visit Booby Cay Island you might want to bring your own snacks for a picnic lunch or treat yourself to some Jamaican lobster from the locals.

Montego Bay Marine Park

Montego Bay is celebrated as a major tourist hotspot in Jamaica that boasts phenomenal coral reefs. Jamaica’s first protected Marine Park, Montego Bay Marine Park is an excellent spot to go snorkeling in the vibrant subaquatic world.

Within the space, there’s plenty of shallow snorkeling that is about 10 metres deep with great visibility. As the area is protected, this is one of the most eco-friendly destinations to go snorkeling in Jamaica.

 Oyster Bay

This gorgeous snorkeling spot is located in Port Antonio, Oyster Bays’ calm waters are perfect for you if you are a beginner snorkeler.

Oyster Bay has approximately eight miles of interconnected coral reefs, and the best spots are located within the Alligator Head Foundation Fish and Reef Sanctuary.

This particular spot has great visibility of the island and perfect for an afternoon of relaxation.

Popular sightings while snorkeling in Jamaica

The most common sea creatures you will see when snorkeling include sea urchins, parrotfish, and angelfish.

When snorkeling along the northern coastline, you can expect to find clownfish, kingfish, tuna, large-eyed squirrelfish, dartfish, mackerel, and whiting fish.

If you are fortunate enough, you may even spot a turtle! Sharpnose puffers and four-eye butterflyfish are extremely rare spotting.

You will also see colourful and floral coral from the soft coral variety, such as bubble coral, especially in Montego Bay.

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