My only expectations of the Maldives were to relax by a white sand beach and gloat on social media about my overwater villa. From the plane, I could see the small islands surrounded by light blue waters different from the rest of the sea. Each little island had a tail that reminded me of manta rays, and each whipping tail had tiny huts visible from my plane, as I descended into Malé (the capital of the Maldives). When the plane finally landed, though, I was extremely excited to view my room and the other amenities at the brand-new Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa. 

Once settled in, I was excited to spend the following days relaxing by the water and stereotypically drinking a piña colada. However, a sudden change of plans led me to join a group on a snorkelling adventure, guided by a marine biologist, to the house reef of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu. Wading in the water, I was not necessarily afraid but unsure how I would react to this activity, as I had tried once on another island and found myself unable to finish the excursion. 

Putting the mask over my hair and fitting it above my facial hair felt unnatural. The slippery rubber of the cover was pulling at what felt like every facial hair, and only breathing through my mouth felt odd. As the group began swimming ahead, I shifted from side to side, attempting to put on my flippers. Finally ready, I almost belly-splashed into the water, fearing being left behind more than anything else. 

Growing up, I’ve always dealt with various mental wellness topics, including anxiety, and being down there without knowing how to breathe put my body and mind on high alert. After moments of being in the water and not seeing anything, I panicked. My mask altered my typical breathing techniques, and my anxiety went overdrive. I began hyperventilating and had to pull out immediately. 

The next day, I was ready to try again. I had found tools to work through my anxiety in other situations and felt better prepared. The day was filled with rain for the most part, and the ocean contained a milkiness creating poor visibility. Donning the rubbery mask and flippers, I listened carefully to what the instructor said. I didn’t know if it was my nervousness or general lack of understanding, but all I could hear was, “Listen to your breathing.” With those words, I tried again and could float in the water belly-down for a few moments. Hearing my breathing calmed me down instantly.

“Diving is a very mindful and meditative activity,” explained Sam Whiting, Marine Biologist and Diving Instructor at the Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa. “So, for me, diving, meditation, and mindful breathing all go hand in hand. I noticed how much calmer my brain is because of diving and because of (mindful) breathing. Some people describe themselves as feeling trapped or claustrophobic in the water. Much of it is mental and has nothing to do with physical. It’s about a shift in perspective.

“My breathing is slow, methodical even. When beginner divers learn to blow water from their masks, it’s an exhilarating accomplishment. Diving is very satisfying because you’re in this foreign environment, and solving a problem underwater is mentally empowering. You have this positive reinforcement, and suddenly you feel like you accomplished something big even though it’s fairly simple. You have this feeling every time you dive, and you feel safer underwater.”

Feeling accomplished with my snorkel experience, I took a scuba diving lesson. I barely possessed any experience with snorkelling, much less scuba diving, but my one small accomplishment gave me enough confidence to try it out. The Maldives is known as a diving paradise, and I would have severe remorse if I didn’t at least try. 

Again at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, I was instructed by a diving instructor and a fellow certified diver, and we were set to go under from the beach. Before doing so, we practiced quick dives a few times with the tank already on. With each practice dive, I felt my anxiety rising. First, my mask kept letting water in; then, my breathing was fast and short. A duo of beach loungers was staring from a distance, and I could feel my anxiety and shame overwhelming all other senses. Giving up, I told the instructor and diver to go on without me. The instructor asked me to try one more time and that they would hold my hand.

As we submerged, they joined their thumb and index finger to form a loop symbolizing “okay,” I responded with the same. Suddenly, we sank deeper since they controlled my lowering and rising mechanism. Following a large water pipe down, my panicked emotions could only produce one thought “you freak out now, and you will probably die.” Passing the same milkiness I encountered earlier, my thoughts raced to any doomsday situation they could form. It wasn’t until we passed the milk cloud that I saw it, and my thoughts went blank. 

The house reef at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has had time to heal, and it was lush and colorful. My eyes blurred at the sight, but I saw a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes, with pink and yellow corals and fish swimming around me once they focused. The bundles and colonies of coral swayed with the movement of water, waving hello to me. Their colors were so bright tears began forming in my eyes. Fish of all different types and colors—green, blue, and black—floated around us, dancing in schools that felt almost rehearsed. 

I could hear my breathing going in and out, and at that moment, I felt a calmness that I had never felt before. I was in a new world, and my anxiety didn’t matter. As we swam further, my heartbeat slowed, and my breathing became uniform. At one moment, we pass by a Hawksbill sea turtle looping a coral. Barely paying attention to us, it bumped its shell on the coral and began rising to the surface. As I followed its trail with my eyes, I settled on the sun’s yellow glare from below the water. That’s when I knew this would be a life-long memory.

Relaxing in my modern over-the-water villa at the Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa, a smile would emerge whenever I thought of my adventure, and I knew I would continue it. Walking along the wooden dock that connected the room to the Indian Ocean, I plopped down on the edge. I could hear and feel my breathing calm and steady. The experience had inadvertently created a healing point for my mental wellness. 

“Everything in diving has to be slow and always starts with the breath.” Whiting continued, “The best dives are not about whether I see a whale shark or something I’ve never seen before. The best dives were when I was relaxed and in my own world.”

The post A Visit to Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa Delivers a New Sense of Calm appeared first on Islands.

Snorkeling in Maui offers some of the best opportunities for swimming with sea turtles. If you’re interested in a deeper understanding of the marine biology of Hawaii, join Ocean Ramsey’s research team in Oahu. Anini Beach on the island of Kauai provides snorkelers with access to the Rhe Honoiki reef, the largest coral reef in Hawaii. And if you want to walk away from your trip with a one-of-a-kind experience, swim at night with reef manta rays on Hawaii’s Big Island.

It doesn’t matter which island you choose. If you’re snorkeling in Hawaii, you are sure to enjoy your underwater adventure. Here are the best places for snorkeling around the Hawaiian Islands, plus the specific sea life you can expect to see below the surface.

Fringing Reef—Molokai

Get here by boat or kayak and prepare to be wowed by the longest fringing reef in Hawaii, which attracts everything from hawksbill turtles to spotted eagle rays. Plan your trip during whale-watching season (December-March) when thousands of whales show up and serenade each other (and you).

Where is it? South coast of Molokai

How to experience it? Let Snorkel Molokai take care of everything, from the boat ride and gear to special tips and instruction, if necessary.

Who is it suitable for? All levels

Turtle Town—Maui

On Maui’s southern coastline, a series of underwater lava formations, created by eruptions of submarine volcanoes, makes a cozy home for sea turtles. Just remember: look, but don’t touch; these guys are endangered. Angelfish, moray eels, and octopus are an added bonus.

Where is it? At Maluaka Beach, south of Kihei, near the Makena Beach and Golf Club.

How to experience it? A tour company like Maui Snorkeling will take visitors there for a 5-hour morning adventure. A heck of a way to start a day.

Who is it suitable for? All levels

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park—Big Island

Hawaii’s Big Island offers numerous snorkeling spots. Kayak along the calm waters of Kealakekua Bay while keeping your eyes peeled for Hawaiian spinner dolphins; they like to put on a show. Once you reach the protected shoreline of Ka’awaloa, hop out and snorkel alongside turtles, eels, reef sharks, and rays.

Bring a picnic lunch and sit a spell near the monument of British explorer Captain James Cook; however, if you kayak on your own you are not allowed to dock on shore.

Where is it? 12-miles south of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) in south Kona

How to experience it? Sign up for some “Morning Magic” with Kona Boys and enjoy a guided tour of this magical area at the best time of day.

Who is it suitable for? All levels

Night Manta Snorkel—Big Island

Tour operators set up waterproof spotlights on the ocean floor to attract plankton, a surefire way to bring giant Pacific manta rays galore. Even though they are closely related to sharks, have wingspans up to 20 feet, and can weigh a whopping 3,000 pounds, snorkeling with them is perfectly safe. Their underwater performance has all the theatrics of Cirque du Soleil—back flips and all.

Where is it? Fronting Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay; south of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona)

How to experience it? During lobster season, Shoreline Snorkel makes the nighttime tour even more exciting. And sometimes an octopus might even swim by.

Who is it suitable for? Intermediate

Poipu Beach Park—Kauai

Tikes will dig the shallow-water lagoon at Poipu Beach, not to mention the wildlife. Shoreside, you’ll often find lounging monk seals. Offshore, it’s common to see humpbacks during whale season. While snorkeling, look for blue parrotfish, sea cucumbers, and this tongue-twister: humuhumunukunukuapuaa, Hawaii’s state fish.

Where is it? 25 minutes west of Lihue on Kauai’s south shore

How to experience it? Visitors who feel like exploring on their own but didn’t bring the right gear can stop by Boss Frog’s for everything from masks to beach chairs.

Who is it suitable for? All levels

North Shore—Oahu

Oahu’s North Shore is one of the best places for snorkeling in Hawaii. Play marine biologist for the day by hanging out with Ocean Ramsey’s research team. Galapagos sharks, tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, hammerheads, and sometimes even whale sharks roams these parts. If you’re not a fan of the apex predator, this trip could certainly change your perspective. Humans aren’t really on the lunch list.

Where is it? Haleiwa Boat Harbor

How to experience it? Book a private excursion with Hawaii Real Nature Tours to get the most from an experienced guide in this magical location.

Who is it suitable for? All levels

Tunnels (Makua) Beach—Kauai

Weird rock formations? Check. Large coral heads? Check. This spot in Kauai will keep you entertained with its caverns, channels, and tunnels. Look for goat fish, hogfish, filefish, green sea turtles, moray eels, trumpet fish, and wrasse. A word to the wise: Avoid winter when the waves can be gnarly.

Where is it? Kauai’s north shore; off Highway 560 about a mile west of Hanalei Colony Resort; near Haena Beach Park

How to experience it? Kauai Sea Tours is one of several companies that showcases the best of the island’s snorkeling with excursions that feature multiple stops. Might as well see it all!

Who is it suitable for? Different areas are good for different levels of experience, but everyone should remember to not step on the coral.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve—Oahu

This volcanic crater on Oahu’s east side is a marine life conservation area sheltered from ocean swells and packed full of fish. Needless to say, it’s wildly popular, so be prepared for crowds. Take a peek at crevices and caves while making friends with damsel fish, squirrel fish, porcupine fish, and trumpet fish.

Where is it? Oahu’s east side; from Waikiki take the H1 Freeway until it becomes Kalanianaole Highway, continue 10 miles. You’ll find the entrance at the top of the hill.

How to experience it? Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures runs tours every day except Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as most major holidays.

Who is it suitable for? All levels

Honolua Bay—Maui

Located on Maui’s northwest shore, Honolua Bay is a marine life conservation area, so your chances are good of tracking down diverse sea critters. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by rocky cliffs that help shelter the area from wind. Keep an eye out for butterflyfish, snapper, puffer fish, unicorn fish, and sea urchins. Afterward, watch the surfers to the right of the boat ramp. This spot happens to be one of the most epic surf breaks in Hawaii.

Where is it? 10 miles north of Lahaina along Hwy 30

How to experience it? Do it in style by boarding the luxury catamaran from PacWhale Eco-Adventures.

Who is it suitable for? Intermediate

Hulopoe Bay—Lanai

On the island’s south shore you’ll find this crescent-shaped bay dotted with shallow tide pools that house hermit crabs, sea stars, and small fish. Below the surface, you’re in for a treat. Spinner dolphins and sea turtles frolic here frequently. Plus, bandit angelfish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and humpbacks (in the winter).

Where is it? Between the Four Seasons Resort Lanai and Manele Bay

How to experience it? Book Amstar’s incredible day tour from Maui to Lanai that takes visitors to Hulopoe Bay for exploring by land and sea.

Who is it suitable for? All levels

The post 10 of the Best Snorkeling Experiences in Hawaii appeared first on Islands.

This land of beaches is more known for the party atmosphere, family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, and romantic honeymoon escapes on its golden sand shores. But lovers of the underwater world will still find places to indulge their snorkel and dive habits at these unique spots.

First-time visitors should consider booking an educational tour with a company like Hispaniola Acuatic Adventures, which offers a fantastic itinerary that includes a visit to a coral nursery, incredible expert insight, and even lunch. Otherwise, more experienced snorkelers should start planning excursions to these incredible spots.

Catalina Island, The Wall Reef

Less than two miles from the mainland on the southeast corner of the Dominican Republic, this is one of the top-rated snorkel sites on the island. The crystal-clear turquoise waters are calm and home to The Wall Reef.

Teeming with life; vase sponge, fire coral, black coral, purple sea fans, elk horn and leather coral is a backdrop for porcupine fish, sailfin sculpin, green parrotfish, moray eel, scorpion fish, snapper, blue parrotfish, trumpet fish, and butterfly fish. In the sand, yellow and southern stingrays can scuttle past sea cucumbers.

La Romana

This famous beach near The Hilton La Romana offers easy entry to enjoy patches of reef along the white sand bottom—just keep an eye open for boat traffic. For guaranteed fish life of note, head toward the pier and admire the crusted pylons and the critters who call then home. Amongst the reef chunks and wooden posts, look for yellow goatfish, brave little damselfish, French grunt, Queen Angelfish, porcupine puffer fish, and, if you are lucky, Spotted Drum (juveniles have wispy endlessly long dorsal fins that whip through the water).

Playa Dominicus/Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus

Clear, warm water with little to no undertow (check with local dive or snorkel shops for daily conditions) make this a great spot to dipping your fins. Located on the Dominican Republic’s south coast, Playa Dominicus is the first beach on the island to have achieved Blue Flag Beach, so it offers a rare opportunity to venture from shore.

The area by the lighthouse offers some plentiful fish action, but many guests of Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus just head to the artificial reef in front of the hotel. Though certainly not a daily occurrence, some snorkelers have even noted whale shark and manatees sightings out in front of the hotel. (Onsite Dressel Divers offers daily tours to sites further afield.)

Saona Island

Accessible by many tour options, this idyllic island is so picturesque it can often be seen in films and TV ads. As part of a government nature reserve inside Parque Nacional del Este, the wildlife is protected both above and below the surface.

As in much of the DR, the coral has been a bit bleached so other than a purple sea fan here or there it lacks the colorful pops seen elsewhere in the Caribbean, but striped angelfish, silvery snapper, trumpet fish, and deep red starfish can be spotted.

Enjoy the beauty of a lounge on the beautiful natural beach, post-snorkel.

Bayahibe

This fine white sand beach gives way to a seabed populated by schools of kaleidoscopic fish, with coral bommies where trunkfish, boxy cowfish, scrawled filefish, Caribbean sharpnose, and banded butterflyfish flit in and out of crevices. Sharp-eyed snorkelers maybe even catch site of spotted morays peeking out of the coral’s nooks.

This is another example of shore-access exploring for snorkelers. Popular with fishermen, this is also a great spot to get fresh catch to round out dinner for those visiting in cottages and rental homes.

The post The Best Snorkeling Spots in the Dominican Republic appeared first on Islands.

The warm waters that fringe the fabled islands in the South Pacific offer some of the best visibility on the planet, and the reefs are a treasure trove of charismatic creatures waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. This is where you can swim beside dolphins, whales, or sharks, giving your bucket list a few major checks.

Plus, these islands offer white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and villages to explore between underwater expeditions. Below are five top places to snorkel to see the South Pacific’s most impressive marine wildlife.

Moorea, French Polynesia

Dive with dolphins, stingrays, and blacktip reef sharks in the sandy lagoon encircling Moorea, a laid-back, mountain-clad island just 10 miles from Tahiti. Try your luck at finding the animals yourself by snorkeling in waist-deep water over a sandbar on the northwest tip of the island, or book an encounter at the Moorea Dolphin Center where you’re guaranteed 15 minutes of hands-on interaction with these playful mammals.

How to get there: Take a quick flight via Air Tahiti, or a 30- to 60-minute ferry ride from Papeete.

Vavau, Tonga

Tonga’s Vavau island group is one of the best places in the world to swim with humpback whales. Females migrate north to the warm waters of the South Pacific each June to give birth, hanging out in the shallows with their newborns through October. Tour operators like Encounters Travel offer eco-friendly, intimate whale encounters, and mamas will often nudge their babies up to play alongside the visiting humans, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to dance with a whale.

How to get there: Take a direct flight from Nadi, Fiji, via Fiji Airways.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Glide next to manta rays as they weave through Bora Bora‘s famous blue-green lagoon. With a wingspan reaching up to 23 feet, the resident mantas look like giant birds as glide through the water. Snorkelers can watch them scoop up zooplankton with their wide-open mouths, or see them hovering at a coral reef “cleaning station,” where fish pick parasites off their black-and-white skin. Schools of spotted-eagle rays, stingrays, and blacktip reef sharks are also common sights.

How to get there: Take a 45-minute flight via Air Tahiti from Papeete.

Niue

Not only is it one of the largest raised coral atolls in the world, the tiny island-nation of Niue is also the only place where you can swim with the katuali, a sea snake that grows up to three feet long. Its tiny mouth makes it harmless to humans (children wear them as necklaces on Niue’s beaches), but this snake is one of the most venomous creatures on the planet. Watch the beautiful striped snakes stream through clear water as they dive down to the reef to feed, then resurface to breathe. The best place to snorkel with katuali is in Snake Gully near Avatele Beach.

First-time visitors should book a discovery tour to experience the most of this special destination.

How to get there: Air New Zealand offers twice-weekly three-hour flights from Auckland.

Fakarava, French Polynesia

Drift over hundreds of blacktip reef sharks as you ride the current through Fakarava‘s lagoon. This atoll’s south pass is nicknamed the “Shark Wall,” and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to up the ante on your encounter with sharp-toothed predators, visit on the June solstice when Fakarava’s pass turns into a full-on feeding frenzy. Tens of thousands of grouper spawn in the shallows, drawing in large oceanic sharks and schools of big fish, all of which are clear as day in the gorgeous tropical water.

How to get there: Air Tahiti offers 75-minute flights from Papeete.

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For some regions, mustering up five great snorkel spots can be challenging. For the British Virgin Islands, whittling the list down to a mere five suggestions is near impossible. The warm, clear water and number of ‘road less traveled’ small islands create a wealth of great destinations to enjoy on a tour, or by snorkeling out from shore.

Cooper Island

A dramatic rocky outcrop and multiple mooring balls mark Cistern Point, west of Manchioneel Bay. Follow the shallow boulders to patchy coral sloping down into a plot of colorful soft corals, where eagle-eyed snorkelers can spot large tarpon, as well as turtles, eagle rays, damsels, angel fish, file fish, butterfly fish, and schools of squid. Circumvent the rock but watch for building afternoon currents and boat traffic.

Another hotspot is Chromis Reef, where hundreds of the tiny fish flash their electric blue as they dart about the gorgonians and quillfin blennias. Free divers can dip to peer under overhangs and spot French grunts and large-eyed Squirrel Fish. (A twin seat airplane wreck lies in a nearby sand patch but is tough to spot.)

Salt Island

Considered one of the notable dives in the Caribbean, the Wreck of the RMS Rhone also boasts a great experience for snorkelers. In an 1867 hurricane, the steel ship hit Black Rock, broke in two and sunk. Three well-preserved sections lie on a sandy bottom offering habitat to colorful sponges, flourishing corals, sea fans and tropical fish.

The Rhone is now a marine park that is part of the BVI National Parks Trust. Swim to the shore adjacent half of the site to spot decking, rigging, her former steam engine and propeller.

Norman Island

Spy Glass Hill, tucked into a calm and protected cove, is a lovely wall dive/snorkel that sheers down to 60-feet of sand. The wall’s 15-foot-deep top reef offers brain, mushroom, and elk horn corals with a wealth of juvenile damsels, wrasse, butterfly, and the occasional wispy spotted drum. Moray eels can be spotted in some of the crags, with the ledge looking over an environment popular with passing spotted eagle rays.

When conditions are calm enough, this beautiful isle also offers the unique experience of sea cave snorkeling with a swim accompanied by yellow tails, blue tangs and sergeant majors in the Norman Island Caves.

Great Dog

Popular with cruisers passing from North Sound to Jost Van Dyke as part of the National Park Mooring System, a number of tours also explore The Dogs snorkel and dive site. The colorful hard and soft coral 100-yard-long reef runs parallel to the island with snorkel-friendly depths of 10-feet down to 60-feet.

Its unique rock ledges, overhangs and cathedral-shaped tunnels and grottoes are covered with sea fans and purple and orange sponges, home to crabs, lobsters and myriad blue tangs, yellow striped angelfish, French grunts, barred butterfly fish, squirrel fish and eels.

Virgin Gorda

Savannah Bay, located on the west shore, is the government-established self-guided “trail” to the finest snorkeling spots. Ideal for beginners or visitors new to the BVI, underwater signs describe the species of hard and soft corals, marine plants and colorful fish that are in abundance here.

Of course, no list would be complete without mention of the famous Baths. Surprisingly, despite being a wildly popular place to splash about, the site still offers something for snorkelers, so bring along a mask and fins to enjoy the colorful parrotfish or peacock flounders scuttling along the sand. However, with the ever-present crowd you’ll likely see a lot of two-legged creatures in most views.

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands appeared first on Islands.

For many years, the small Caribbean island of Roatán flew under the radar of most travelers. Located off the northern coast of Honduras, this destination in the Bay Islands is the kind of beautiful gem that seasoned island-hoppers and especially ex-pats loved to keep hidden, because of its natural allure and the fact that, well, it was mostly free of tourists. Roatán is also a diver’s haven due to its proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, but even its status as one of the best dive destinations in the world couldn’t spoil the secret.

Only when the major cruise lines caught on did the rest of the world start to turn its attention to the Bay Islands’ “Big Island.” While that was bad news for those who protected their secret, the tourism boost put a new focus on Roatán’s other activities and offerings. There is certainly no shortage of excitement on this beloved island.

The Diving is a Must

Let’s be real—if you’re visiting Roatán for the first or fiftieth time, scuba diving is still at the top of your to-do list. This island has more than 100 dive and snorkel locations for people of all experience levels, so your waterproof action camera will require the bigger memory card. 

Whether just getting your mask wet for the first time or returning to the reef to say hello to old underwater friends, there are dive shops on Roatán—like Coconut Tree Divers and Sun Divers—that will show you an amazing time and make sure you spot so many different types of fish and sea turtles. Roatan Divers is a boutique operator (that means a focus small groups and enhancing the individual experience) that comes highly recommended and runs trips to West End and Sandy Bay. 

Take the Time to Learn about Roatán

Any destination is made better by a tour. The more you learn about an island’s history and culture, as well as the people who make it an amazing place to be, the more you’ll appreciate and share it as if you discovered it. Everyone loves to plant their flags, after all. An island tour on Roatán will vary in cost, depending on the operator, and it can focus on any number of the island’s best activities. 

Bodden Tours offers a very popular Best of Roatán private tour that includes a ride on the Mayan Jungle Canopy Zipline, a visit to Victor’s Monkey Business to meet the monkeys, sloths, macaws and more, and an ATV jungle adventure, among many others (including snorkeling, naturally). Animal lovers will also enjoy Arch’s Iguana Farm, where private tours put them up close with the colorful reptiles, even offering the opportunity to feed them and see baby iguanas. 

Other tours include trips to the mangroves and beautiful beach at Camp Bay, where kite-surfing lessons are available. For those seeking a richer cultural experience, the Flamingo Cultural Center offers an all-inclusive interactive tour showcasing the lifestyle and traditions of the Garifuna people, and it includes music and samples of the cuisine.

One great way to get an all-encompassing experience is the Ruthless Roatán Charters day trip to Cayos Cochinos, an archipelago of 15 islands where guests can spend hours fishing and snorkeling—the marine life is supremely abundant here—or even interacting with the local Garifuna tribe. As an added bonus, the tour operators even serve fresh sashimi on the boat.

Meet the Dolphins at Anthony’s Key

With 56 bungalows spread out across 11 acres of lush tropical beauty, Anthony’s Key Resort is certainly one of the more unique places to stay in Roatán. What puts it over the top is the variety of dolphin experiences that guests and visitors can enjoy, from the simple Dolphin Encounter to the Dolphin Dive, which drops certified divers 60-feet below the surface, where they’ll interact with these brilliant creatures in the open water.

There’s even a dolphin summer camp for kids ages 5-14 who want to spend their family vacations learning about marine life.

Enjoy Some Local Culinary Treats

Pick your treat: rum, chocolate or beer? Just kidding, you can tour them all. Begin a culinary adventure at the Roatán Chocolate Factory, where you can run right to the gift shop and pick up any number of locally made sweets and treats, including chocolate bars made with Honduran coffee, island coconut and passion fruit, among other ingredients. You’ll also find the El Cabrito Diablito Hot Sauce that we’re dying to add to our Caribbean list. But the real fun takes place on the factory’s tour, where you’ll learn how chocolate is made (it’s fascinating if you’ve never experienced it).

Next, you’ll want to swing by the Roatán Rum Company, where you’ll be able to sample delicious rum cakes and a variety of artisan rums, like the Wandering Spirit and Tropical Mango. If rum’s not your thing, contact Tours by Locals for a trip to the Roatán Island Brewing Company, where “the cool kids hang out.” Your dedicated tour guide will pick you up and drop you off again (a must for an immersive beer tour), and he will probably even have some good recommendations for lunch.

Head Out to Sea

Divers aren’t the only people drawn to the waters surrounding Roatán. There’s great fishing to be experienced as well, so on top of an experience like a day trip to Cayos Cochinos, charter operators like Go Fish Charters and Wahoo Slayer offer half- and full-day trips for people looking to catch anything from sailfish to mahi mahi. 

You can even catch some Z’s, but we recommend you wait until you return to the resort for that. You’ll definitely be tired after the adventures on day in Roatán can provide.

The post How to Make the Most of a Vacation in Roatán appeared first on Islands.

When snorkeling becomes a passion, a quick excursion off a resort beach or a crowded boat tour to a generic site isn’t enough. Avid snorkeling enthusiasts want pristine reefs away from the crowds, where ideal conditions and diverse ecosystems provide hours of in-water enjoyment. This is exactly what they find at Wakatobi Resort.  

Wakatobi is a beachfront oasis located on a small island in Indonesia’s Southeast Sulawesi region, home to some of the world’s most pristine and biodiverse coral reefs. The resort is surrounded by a private marine preserve widely known as a premier diving destination. But unlike some scuba-centric meccas, Wakatobi is equally attractive to avid snorkelers. 

To understand Wakatobi’s appeal to snorkelers, you don’t need to look beyond the beach. Directly in front of the resort, a swath of shallow water stretches for more than a mile to the left and right of the dive center. This is the famous House Reef, which has been named the world’s No. 1 shore dive.

The House Reef encompasses several hundred acres of sand flats, grass beds and patch reefs that hold thousands of unique species of marine life, from fascinating subjects like grazing sea turtles to treasured finds such as pygmy seahorses and pipefish. Snorkelers have 24-hour access to this shallow-water playground, with easy entry from the beach or the resort’s jetty. Because the House Reef is both easily accessible and monitored by Wakatobi’s attentive staff, it is an excellent option for novice snorkelers and children alike.

Snorkelers can also take advantage of Wakatobi’s taxi boat service. This fleet of small launches carries guests to and from the more distant areas of the House Reef.

The shallows of the House Reef extend some 200 feet from shore, at which point the marine landscape suddenly plummets into the ocean’s depths. Here, steep coral- and sponge-encrusted slopes and ocean walls transport snorkelers into an entirely different world, where creatures such as frogfish, stonefish, crocodilefish, blue-ringed octopus, moray eels, blue-spotted stingrays, ghost pipefish, shrimp and goby pairs can be seen along the upper lip of the drop-off.

The resort’s jetty is a great place to kick off snorkeling adventures on the House Reef because it provides easy access to the water regardless of tide conditions and shelters a wide variety of marine life. It’s not uncommon to see giant clams and colorful anemones around the jetty, and the clear water provides unparalleled views of the upper rim of the reef.

Snorkelers have been known to devote entire days to exploring the House Reef, but that is just the beginning of Wakatobi’s appeal to snorkelers. One of the defining characteristics of many dive sites within the resort’s marine preserve is a dramatic reef profile that begins in water less than 6 feet deep, then plummets into the depths in a series of slopes and walls. This juxtaposition of shallow and deep terrains creates unique opportunities for snorkelers. Rather than being consigned to a separate boat that visits a limited range of sites, snorkelers at Wakatobi are welcomed aboard the resort’s fleet of spacious dayboats, with access to more than two dozen sites where reefs begin in the shallows.

When divers and snorkelers share the same boat, it creates unique opportunities for couples and families. A diver with a snorkeling partner can enjoy the same site, with one staying shallow while the other goes deep. Young snorkelers can enjoy shallow reefs in the company of a parent or one of the resort’s attentive dive guides while other members of the family dive on the same site. Often the snorkelers are able to see the divers descend in the clear, sunlit waters.

One of the most popular nearby snorkeling destinations is Turkey Beach, about a half-mile south of the resort and accessible by either water taxi or dive boat. The primary reason guests flock to Turkey Beach is its resident population of majestic sea turtles, which can often be spotted right along the edge of the reef’s drop-off, along with eagle rays and humphead parrotfish.

Exceptional in-water experiences are just one of the reasons why snorkelers love Wakatobi. Ashore, guests enjoy a true tropical island getaway, with picturesque Indonesian-style bungalows nestled into a beachfront coconut grove, and luxurious private villas perched on the shore to deliver sweeping ocean views.

Wakatobi’s hospitality team takes great pride in delivering personalized five-star service and warm welcomes. For team members, it is a point of pride to anticipate guest needs and exceed expectations by going above and beyond. The resort is also family-friendly, with dedicated nanny services and a stimulating children’s program. 

In addition to snorkeling and diving, guests can enjoy watersports such as stand-up paddleboards and kayak tours along the coast. Seasonal trade winds create an opportunity to learn the sport of kiteboarding, and Wakatobi has created a dedicated kiting center, providing equipment, instruction and support for everyone from first-time kiters to experts.

Land activities include hikes on nature trails surrounding the resort, bird-watching sessions, village tours on nearby islands, and cultural activities such as Indonesian cooking classes. There is an on-site spa offering a range of massage services and treatments, a library and lounge, and available internet and phone services for those who need to stay in touch with the outside world.

Mealtime is a particular favorite at Wakatobi. The resort’s dining room provides beach and water views that create a relaxed atmosphere. The culinary team is known for creating exceptional menus that showcase a tempting range of both international and Indonesian cuisines. In addition, the chefs are happy to fulfill special requests and can accommodate a range of special dietary needs. As an added treat, Wakatobi has a dedicated team of pastry chefs that concoct mouth-watering culinary confections daily.

Another highlight of daily life at Wakatobi is the stunning sunsets, which are best viewed from the iconic Jetty Bar located at the far end of the resort’s pier. It’s the ideal place to enjoy an evening libation while watching the sun sink below the water. 

A final reason why Wakatobi appeals to both divers and snorkelers is the convenience of travel. Unlike many remote island destinations in the Indo-Pacific region, getting to Wakatobi doesn’t require long layovers and multiple land, sea and air connections. When guests arrive at Bali’s international airport, they are greeted by members of the Wakatobi concierge team. All details of entry, arrival and baggage transfer are handled by the team as guests enjoy an overnight rest. The following morning, guests are escorted back to the airport to relax in a private lounge as they await a private guest flight that delivers them directly to Wakatobi’s airfield in about two and a half hours.

Interested in visiting Wakatobi Resort?

For those interested in experiencing Wakatobi Resort for themselves, we have fantastic news. The resort has recently reopened for year-round bookings. In addition, an excellent opportunity for avid snorkelers to experience the resort is with the Snorkeling Report’s Wakatobi excursion, which still has space available for its 2022 trip.

In addition to the impeccable service, amenities and gourmet dining provided to all guests, this excursion includes four days at preselected snorkel sites away from the resort and one guided night-snorkeling session on the Wakatobi House Reef.

You can learn more about the upcoming excursion here.

Contact the Wakatobi team directly at office@wakatobi.com or inquire here.

The post Why Wakatobi Resort is a Must-Visit for Avid Snorkelers appeared first on Islands.

The kids are excited. The dhoni has just pulled up to the welcome center of Joali Resort, one of the poshest resorts in the Maldives. Two families and I are loading up to snorkel what is hailed as one of the best spots locally for sea turtles. Specifically, hawksbills, identifiable by their pointy beak and jagged shell.

In my few days at one of the resort’s overwater bungalows, I’ve already seen a spotted eagle ray, a southern stingray cruising in tandem with two blue jacks, and about a dozen blacktip reef sharks. Go pretty much anywhere in this island nation in the middle of the Indian Ocean, some 600 miles from Sri Lanka, and you’ll be surrounded by sea life—even more so at the more remote isles, such as Muravandhoo Island, home to Joali Resort.

But for turtles, we’re told Gemanafaru Island, 20 minutes away by boat, is the spot.

The water is flat and so clear when we arrive that one of the dads asks if it’s okay to jump in from the boat. He’s worried about hitting the reef below but doesn’t realize how deceiving the clear water is, making the reef appear close—and yet it is actually 40-feet down.

With that, we splash in. Immediately, we see a juvenile turtle at the surface, breathing before diving down again. The kids squeal.

Pretty Little Things

As they duck-dive to get closer views of the turtle, it pushes up toward me. I am the only snorkeler not moving. I’ve been scuba diving for 26 years and have learned a thing or two about turtles. For one, treat them like models. The more you ignore them, and even look away, the less threatened they feel, which makes them curious why you don’t find them intriguing. Typically, if you ignore a turtle, it very likely will swim up to you and even follow you.

Just as I’m playing games with this one, our guide, Ahmed Aafaag, excursion diver with Best Dives, beckons us to head in his direction.

I’m torn, though. I think of the days when I lived in Brooklyn and attended many house parties; I learned that it’s rarely a good idea to leave a house party where you already have a good scene going.

I’ve got good action happening now, but the tour has just started. I follow Aafaag.

Coming to Blows

Aafaag’s got the eye. It seems that as soon as he’s pointing out one turtle and I start to observe it, he’s pointing to another. I follow one turtle for a few minutes as it leads me past a lobster and several giant clams. At one point, we watch as a day octopus, fully out of its den, parachutes between rock piles and curls up around the corals.

Then I see something I have never seen before.

I’m keeping pace with a juvenile, just ambling along. It drops down, presumably to start snacking on algae. No sooner does it descend a bit than a bigger hawksbill, nearly twice its size, darts toward the smaller one. It lunges its head forward, snapping. The two spin in a circle, beaks nearly touching. The bigger one doesn’t relent until the smaller starts flapping its fins wildly, waving a white flag in this territorial battle.

I’ve seen turtles mating before, but never turtle aggression. Most sea turtles tend to be solitary, preferring to hunt and sleep alone. On most reefs, it’s likely that the real-estate-to-turtle ratio is such that there’s room to spread out, and thus be peaceable. Here, the reef is packed with turtles—moving at a slow pace, we see 11 in 40 minutes. Perhaps because so many favor this one spot, competition becomes a given.

Turtles for Progress

The competition could very well be a good thing. A sign that local populations are on the rise—great news indeed, considering that hawksbills are the among the most endangered sea turtles, with worldwide numbers hovering around 40,000.

Sea turtles are marine species that are easy to get excited about, and for good reason. They’re typically slow moving, allowing snorkelers good opportunities to view their behavior. Although speedy when scared, they often appear slow and clumsy on the reef, moving one front fin at a time and occasionally bumping their shells into coral boulders as they negotiate tight spaces.

Oh, and they hide like 5-year-olds: Just as children will have their feet poking out from under the curtain, and a turtle will bury its head in a small cave, with its rump fully exposed.

Perhaps that’s why we love them. And perhaps that’s why they’re such a great species for helping introduce children and ocean newbies to the joys of the reef. For very little effort, one gets a front-row seat to a fascinating animal—one that is wholly aware of our presence and often displays legendary curiosity.

In a way, they’re a gateway animal, one that hooks someone’s attention quite readily, transforming him into a lifelong advocate for the ocean and every living thing that calls it home.

The post Swimming with Turtles in the Middle of the Indian Ocean appeared first on Islands.

Off the north coast of the Dominican town of Punta Rucia lies Paradise Island. The coral islet is hidden away in the middle of the Caribbean and only accessible by boat. Perched on top of a natural reef with pillow-soft porcelain sands, Paradise Island embodies every aspect of its name.

Known locally as Cayo Paraiso, the island itself is about 30 meters long and 10 across at low tide, and almost completely submerged at high tide. The reef that surrounds it acts as a natural barrier, keeping larger ocean tides at bay, protecting the island from erosion, and providing shelter for shoals of colorful fish. Thatched cabanas sit in the middle of the island, nimble speed boats shepherd adventure seeking visitors, and teal waters lap the edges of this tiny paradise.

Getting to Paradise Island

The boats set off from Punta Rucia, a charming, single-road fishing town. Consider arriving the night before and having a local dinner on the beach, so you can depart first thing in the morning. Dining and accommodations are severely limited, but the tiny town offers the perfect opportunity to hang out like the Dominican do, playing dominoes and drinking beers on the beach.

Most hotels or tour guides can set you up with a local guide who will double as your boat captain. A personal speed boat is the preferred method as you receive your own skipper for only 1,000 Dominican Pesos per person for the day. The other option is a more crowded and expensive tour, albeit on a bigger boat.

Ask for snorkel gear or bring your own to explore underwater. Bring your own drinks, trash bags, water, supplies, and use the bathroom beforehand. We recommend leaving between 7 and 8 AM to avoid crowds.

The bay waters are mostly flat but do get choppy as you enter open ocean. The waters off Punta Rucia go from crystal to teal to deep blue depending on the depth. Life vests are provided and Dramamine is recommended for those prone to seasickness.

The first stop is a natural swimming pool that is also a product of a natural reef. Take a dip and peak over the edge of the reef cliff into the deep ocean if you dare.

Enjoy Your Own Sliver of Paradise

Climb back into the boat. Next stop Paradise. The island will appear on the horizon, a white sliver of sand framed between the blues of the sea and sky. Breathe in the salty air as your boat approaches this surreal, natural gem. The captain will navigate around the reefs to enter the shallow pool that surrounds the stretch of sand that comprises the entire island. For an adventurous landing, a smaller speed boat will power from the water to beach itself on the island.

Once on the island, lay claim to one of the tiny cabanas that line the center. The rest is up to you. Enjoy lounging in the waist-deep, teal pool surrounding the island. Swim out to the reef to mingle with the tropical fish that live in the shallows. Nap in sand so fine that it forms a natural bed. Stand with your toes in the sand, your face to the sun, and pinch yourself.

Arriving early will allow you to enjoy the entire island yourself. The larger boats and tours arrive around 10:30 or 11 AM. Be sure to collect all trash and belongings to keep the island clean for the next paradise seeker. Stay longer if you like or hop back into your boat to explore mangrove forests or head back to Punta Rucia.

However long your stay, you won’t forget your moment in Paradise.

The post Finding Your Own Personal Slice of Heaven on Cayo Paraiso appeared first on Islands.

This island of two identities and two nationalities has double the fun for snorkelers, despite taking a big and well publicized hit from Hurricane Irma several years ago. The devastating storm certainly changed the landscape of the island, but there are still areas either untouched or that have fully bounced back for snorkel lovers to explore the beauties of its underwater world.

Mullet Bay/Cupecoy Beach—St. Maarten

Truly obsessed snorkel fans can get their fins wet right off the plane. Just around the corner from the infamous Maho Beach with its beach-skimming aircraft, you’ll find the easily accessible reef at Mullet Bay. Party on the beach, serious fish business in the back—namely to the right side along the rocks below the ruins of the former hotel unites. 

You can pull double the fun by continuing to follow this point to Cupecoy Beach but keep an eye on current and hug the coastline (better sea life that way, in any case). Colorful reef fish like queen angelfish, wrasse and parrotfish abound. If you are leery of currents or the shore break is too rough at Mullet, you can also access Cupecoy near the Sapphire Beach Club (head to the left where limestone caves and cliff mark decent underwater sites). 

Little Bay—St. Maarten

If you are seeking more than a simple coral reef experience, head for Little Bay. Thanks to crystal clear viz, the hulls of more than six shipwrecks, a scuttled yellow submarine, and even 16th century cannons can be spotted. 

Not only do these abandoned markers of the island’s history offer a nice backdrop as you float above, they provide habitat for endless tropical fish, eels, sea urchins and if you have a good eye, an octopus or two. Take a few minutes to swim over the sea grass for a chance to spot southern stingrays, turtles and passing jacks and snappers.

Since Irma…

Galion and Dawn on St. Maarten’s far eastern coastline had boasted some of the best reefs on the island, but always required a fairly calm day for their exploration due to current and rough surf. Sadly, due to their locations, these two charmers took a serious hit from Irma and at this time have been changed by nature indefinitely with surrounding facilities (including popular Mr. Busby’s) no longer in existence. Not recommended.

Pinel Island

Just offshore and a $12 rt skiff ride from Orient Bay, in the island’s northeast corner, this laidback island offers fantastic snorkeling. Located in a protected Marine Reserve, across the lagoon from Cul de Sac, the iguana haven features gentle sloping sand perfect for new snorkelers. Upon arrival, follow signs to the right for the Pinel Island Marine Trail to access a designated snorkeling trail, marked with white buoys. 

Using this safe route to explore the reef, look for grunts, wrasse, tang, colorful parrotfish and keep an eye out for southern stingrays and sea turtles. More experienced snorkelers can take a scenic hike around the islands and find additional reef to explore on the north side of the island.

Baie Rouge and Le Trou David—Saint Martin

Island fave Baie Rouge (Red Bay) is located in the Les Terres Basses region of northwest coast. Famed for the pinkish hue sands leading to its name, it is also the access point to natural wonder David’s Hole. 

Multiple arches forming holes let seawater rush into the collapsed sea cave, creating a mini-open-air cove 80-meter in diameter ringed by high cliff walls and a devilish bubbling from the crashing waves. The 25-foot deep reef extends a few hundred feet from the shoreline, teeming with fish. Partially submerged sea caves at the base of David’s Hole lead to chunks of reef offering respite to large schools of blue tang and the occasional hawksbill turtle. 

Currents can be tricky here, so check with local sources about conditions and undertow.

Since Irma, the beach has gone through changes. Gus’s Beach bar is no more, leaving no rentals/refreshments so bring your own (and you might need to check in at security gate to access public parking). 

Creole Rock—Saint Martin

Snorkeling this little bird rookery island isn’t as simple as donning fins and slipping into the sea. A popular spot for cruise ships and other tourist ventures (along with storm damage) has left much of the shoreline reefs beaten up by poor snorkel etiquette and fish largely looking for a handout rather than going about their business for snorkelers to observe and enjoy. 

Since visiting the islands requires a journey across the water anyway, this might be best explored with a guide. Visitors using Creole Rock Water Sports out of Grand Case Beach Club have had great success with the tour’s “secret spot” away from the main “Rock” being able to enjoy a healthy, if small, section of reef packed with life. 

Barracuda, turtle, stingrays, rainbow parrotfish, trumpetfish, French angels and even squid can be found.

The post The Best Snorkeling in St. Maarten and Saint Martin appeared first on Islands.