The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
The warm, shallow waters and exceptional visibility make it a perfect snorkeling destination for all skill levels. Its location on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef also means it’s bursting with healthy and lively marine life, vivid coral reefs, and warm turquoise waters.
A Safe Haven for Juvenile Fish
The shallow areas (under 20’) are the most vibrant and a haven for tropical fish. The area surrounding Dunbar Rock is especially rich with juvenile species. Schools of Blue Tang, Grunts and hamlets abound. Careful eyes can also spot schools of squid hanging midway in the water column with Needle Fish just under the surface.
And Then There's The Corals!
Focusing on the reef infrastructure, you’ll see everything from towering coral pillars to delicate branching coral, sheltering anemones, urchins, and even the occasional octopus hiding in a crevice. Sea fans are some of the most spectacular you will see anywhere in both size and number.
Snorkeling "Around The Rock"
Shore snorkeling doesn’t get better than at Dunbar Rock. Simply gear up, and step into the water. A freshwater shower is available on the beach when you return. Spend time slowly making your way around the circumference of the Villa, then have a look under the dive dock (a perfect place to spot swarms of silversides!) Then head west to weave your way among the large section of shallow reef where the coral formation that are literally inches below the surface. Sea fans abound, as do juvenile fish, especially Queen Angel Fish! It is not uncommon to see 5 or more peeking out from the same coral head.
Snorkeling by Boat
Snorkelers may join the divers on the dive boat any time the boat is scheduled to visit a site with a shallow terrace, appropriate for snorkeling. Private boat charters for snorkelers can also be arranged with advanced notice.
Per Day: Gear is not included in the prices.
2 trips on the morning boat: $40 & tax
1 trip on the afternoon boat: $20 & tax
Weekly package: $350 & tax for five days with 3 trips daily* , and 2 trips on Friday
*One of the trips is for a twilight dive. Snorkelers are welcome to join on this as well as night snorkeling is a fabulous experience!
Where We Snorkel
The majority of the boat moorings are in less than 30 feet of water, just off the shallow terrace of the reef system. In many cases the reef is visible adjacent to the boat. If it is not, the dive master on the boat will direct the snorkelers to the shallowest section of the reef for their self-guided tour.
What We See
Snorkelers have the opportunity to spot just about anything the divers can, though from a birds eye view. The excellent visibility we have most of the year not only makes it easy to see to depths of 20 - 30 feet, it also allows the light to penetrate, so colors of corals and sponges still pop!
Self Guided Snorkeling
When snorkeling from the dive boat, you have the freedom to stay is the water until the divers return to the boat, which is approximately an hour. Unless you have hired a private guide, these trips are for self guided tours, though you will be monitored at all times by the boat captain who remains on board.