Snorkeling is SCUBA diving's budget cousin. A simple mask, fins and snorkel allows one to enjoy the underwater world. Many enthusiasts of SCUBA and the sea do not travel without these basic pieces of equipment in their rucksack, in case of a potential marine encounter. Snorkeling is easy and simple, the equipment is casual. According to some, snorkeling is just as enjoyable as SCUBA. One often finds that most of the interesting marine life is in water shallower than 5 metres anyway.

Montego Bay supports several large and small snorkel boat operators, from one little man and his glass bottom boat style for five, to fifty passenger catamarans and semi-submarines. You can choose what style of experience you'd like to have. Equipment is provided on these boats, as is some ecological education, safety equipment and refreshments.

However, for the enthusiast with their own equipment and sense of adventure, there are some particularly good shore-entry spots in the Montego Bay Marine Park area:
1) Airport North & White House
2) Buccaneer Beach
3) Doctor's Cave Beach beginner friendly site
4) Seawinds Peninsula
5) Unity Hall

There are also some secret spots that interested folks can go to with us under special circumstances. Contact us for these wonderful educational opportunities.

Suggestions: When buying or renting equipment for snorkeling, be sure that it fits your face and feet. Your mask should not be too tight. Different rubber/silicone sealing skirts fit to different faces, so choose the one for your face. The strap should be ABOVE your ears and across the back of your head, not your neck. Ask the shop-keeper.Too tight of fins will give you foot cramps, and too loose will give you blisters. Renting fins? Bring an old pair of socks so that you can be flexible. And ask how your snorkel works if you've not used one before. Some vent water from the bottom, some from the top. Again, your shop-keeper should have some tips on using the equipment.

Best Bet: Buy your own gear from a reputable shop with friendly, knowledgeable staff and good selection at home before you go on vacation. They don't break down if you take care of them. If you like them, and they fit, you will enjoy snorkeling more and use them, getting your money's worth for a long time.

Notice: If you are not a reasonably strong swimmer, snorkeling on your own is not recommended. Life jackets or inflatable snorkel vests are never a bad idea. When snorkeling on your own you are responsible for your own safety, and the Montego Bay Marine Park cannot and does not assume any responsibility for your safety.