Spoiled by snorkeling in the Abacos

[ebseckar]

We're trying to plan our Spring Break vacation for the end of March/beginning of April. We're saving our trip to the Abacos for early June b/c we like the weather better then. So now we need to figure out what to do for Spring Break.

In the past we have gone on cruises and the snorkeling excursions (ship-sponsored and through private operators) just don't cut it. We would love to go some place that time of year and have Abaco quality snorkeling (without going halfway around the world -- we live in Chicago).

Any ideas? Thanks.

[billmc]

Cozumel and Grand Cayman have very clear water. Try Palancar Reef on Cozumel and the south and east sides of Grand Cayman. Cozumel is easy to get to, one stop usually in Houston or Dallas.

[BahamaAngie]

Try Cozumel.....great for snorkeling I heard. The water is crystal clear.

[mlmp]

Belize is supposed to be great. Ambergris Cay I think.

[HALF-A-HAMIAN]

All of which are farther than Abaco!

[elcahun]

I think Roatan is more geared towards diving but you might want to check it out.

[momshell]

We like the US Virgin Islands( if not in Abaco)- heading back next summer. Taking a daytrip or two into BVI,too. They have SNUBA too, which I am dying to try.

[Alan Brown]

Before you decide on any particular location, I suggest you check into the usual and customary weather to be found during your time frame.

I mention this because my immediate response to your question was to recommend the Florida Keys (lots of inexpensive direct flights to Miami from Chicago and good snorkeling). However, during Spring Break period, weather is very chancy in the Keys, as well as many other dive/snorkel destinations, including the Bahamas. There is no way to predict what you'll encounter.

I worked as a dive instructor in Nassau awhile back. Good snorkeling spots were regularly visited by the local dive operators like Bahama Divers. For example, Barracuda Reef (part of the Lost Blue Hole trip) remains my favorite reef to dive/snorkel to this day. Cannonball and Thunderball Reefs, Fish Hotel, and the LCT wreck were also enjoyable sites that we visited regularly. BUT, weather conditions will determine if you'll have fun or not.

One good thing about Nassau. You can fly there cheaply, lodging is affordable, and there's lots to do if the weather's a problem. By all means, plan a trip to the aquarium at Atlantis. It's one of the best privately-owned aquariums you'll ever visit.

Good luck!

[toledopirate]

Before you decide on any particular location, I suggest you check into the usual and customary weather to be found during your time frame.

I mention this because my immediate response to your question was to recommend the Florida Keys (lots of inexpensive direct flights to Miami from Chicago and good snorkeling). However, during Spring Break period, weather is very chancy in the Keys, as well as many other dive/snorkel destinations, including the Bahamas. There is no way to predict what you'll encounter.

I worked as a dive instructor in Nassau awhile back. Good snorkeling spots were regularly visited by the local dive operators like Bahama Divers. For example, Barracuda Reef (part of the Lost Blue Hole trip) remains my favorite reef to dive/snorkel to this day. Cannonball and Thunderball Reefs, Fish Hotel, and the LCT wreck were also enjoyable sites that we visited regularly. BUT, weather conditions will determine if you'll have fun or not.

One good thing about Nassau. You can fly there cheaply, lodging is affordable, and there's lots to do if the weather's a problem. By all means, plan a trip to the aquarium at Atlantis. It's one of the best privately-owned aquariums you'll ever visit.

Good luck!
I second Mr. Brown's opinion and would offer that you check out Cat Ppalu liveaboard or their sister operation Aqua Cat Cruises liveaboard, depending on your budget. Both are in Nassau and offer wonderful dive adventures. You can find them on a google search.