Best places to snorkel off of the shore, Grand Turks, Tortola, Nassau, and Catalina?

[brianstclair]

Going on a cruise next week with my wife, some friends, and all of our kids. I have a six year old daughter who I am trying to get to do some snorkeling while we're on the islands. We have stops on Grand Turks, Tortola, Nassau, and Catalina.

I am hoping to find a nice spot on at least one of those islands where we can do some snorkeling off of the beach and see some coral, fish, etc. in not-too-deep of water. Any suggestions?

Wish I had time/money to dive on this trip, but I actually think I'll have more fun if I can get my daughter snorkeling. Funny how your perspective changes with kids...

Much appreciated! Been awhile since I've been on the board. I've got tanks out for hydro now and am hoping to get back in the water soon.

Best,
Brian

 

[diversteve]

There's several snorkel type opportunities - Dolphins, Sea Lions, Stingrays - at Atlantis on Paradise Island (Nassau) - not sure how you arrange it from a cruise though. http://www.atlantis.com/thingstodo/dolphincay.aspx

There's also all these - I don't know anything about any of them as we dive only: http://bestonbahamas.com/nassau-snorkeling.html

 

[brianstclair]

Thanks diversteve - there are some good links in there. I'm actually hoping for more of just a beach that happens to have good snorkeling off of it, as opposed to a paid snorkeling excursion (boat-arranged or otherwise). I'll be mildly surprised and very thrilled if Liv actually snorkels - she's afraid of sharks - so I guess I'm primarily looking for a nice beach to relax at and good snorkeling would be gravy.

Thanks again!

Best,
Brian

 

[brianstclair]

diversteve, did you take that picture of the whale shark, btw?! Very cool if you did.