Snorkeling Around St. Kitts

St. Kitts may not be noted as the best snorkeling destination in the Caribbean, but that is only because there are so many amazing spots in the region that they can't all be at the top.  If you're visiting this island, you'll definitely still want to make time to explore under the surface of the sea. 

To snorkel, you simply wear a dive mask, flippers, and a snorkel, and swim along the surface of the water. With your head dipped just under the surface, you will allow the top of your snorkel to stick out into the air, feeding you fresh air to breath as you take in the underwater sites. It is recommended that snorkelers remain in shallow waters, but good swimmers and those with floatation can venture out a bit further. Many island resorts have snorkeling equipment available free of charge, but you can also purchase everything you need to get started at a dive shop. 

The water conditions here vary depending on where you're visiting.  For the most part, you'll experience waters that range in temperature from the mid-70s to mid-80s in degrees Fahrenheit.  During the winter months, a wet suit may be necessary to keep you warm, but during the summer you should have no problem swimming your regular bathing suit.  Additionally, visibility ranges from 40 to 100 feet deep. 

There are a few beaches on St. Kitts that you can snorkel from, though some of them may not look like it.  White House Bay, for example, is a great shore snorkeling spot, but the beach itself is rocky and rugged.  

Most snorkelers have the best success when they book a sailing or snorkeling charter that will take them out some deep water snorkeling sites.  There are numerous reef systems that surround the island that are just too far to swim to, and a tour will help you get there.  Shitten Bay is perhaps the most popular of these deep water sites. There are also several underwater shipwrecks that are just shallow enough and in waters with clear enough visibility that you can happily get some snorkeling in at these sites as well. 

A few things you'll want to keep in mind as you plan to snorkel around St. Kitts are that there are spiny sea urchins to watch out for in most of these sites, and snorkeling off the east coast is not advisable.  This is where most of the island's undercurrents can be found, making for a dangerous conditions.

Snorkeling Sites

If you're ready to see what's below the surface you might enjoy visiting Dieppe Bay. Where there Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, the waves meet in opposite directions and create a unique landscape that is like nothing else you can imagine. This bay is protected by a reef system, which helps to keep things calm as you snorkel off a black sand beach. This snorkeling site is located within Dieppe Bay Town, in the northwestern part of St. Kitts.

Sandy Point National Marine Park is another place you might enjoy. A beautiful, natural reef plunges down over 100 feet under water at this site, where snorkelers have a chance to visit with turtles, lobsters, creole wrasse, barracuda, and many more species of fish.

A third location to consider is White House Bay. This pebble beach leads out to sheltered waters that are great for snorkeling. Jagged coral reef is where sea life makes their home and you'll see brightly colored fish darting in and out of the nooks and crannies looking for food to nibble on.

A fourth place to go snorkeling is Frigate Bay South. A beach of soft sand leads out to calm Caribbean waters that are great for snorkeling thanks to a narrow reef that an abundance of sea life call home. Here, you can expect to see eels, lobsters, and turtles in addition to the colorful reef fish. If you're interested, this site is located in Frigate Bay, St. Kitts.

Nags Head is a fifth location to consider. A rock formation on the southwest tip of the island, this spot is great for snorkeling thanks to its underwater reefs that are filled with sponges, parrot fish, lobsters, stingrays, sea urchins, corals, and more.

The table below summarizes some details concerning 13 of the best places where you can enjoy snorkeling in this area.

Snorkeling Boat Trips

For some people, the best snorkeling is experienced away from the shore.

If you're ready to go snorkeling during a boating adventure, you might want to contact Blue Water Safaris. Sign up for one of Blue Water Safaris' legendary tours, and you can experience St. Kitts by sailing around the perimeter on one of their catamarans.

Another option to consider is Captain Sunshine. Aside from the land tours offered, Captain Sunshine offers group boat trip tours around St. Kitts including the Discovering St. Kitts Tour, kayak and snorkel excursion, sunset sail, and half and full day catamaran cruises, to name a few. Additionally, they offer activities such as scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, segway adventures, and flyboarding, among others. They're found in Old Road Town, St. Kitts.

Still another option is Speedy 4 Charters. Go on one of the best fishing or snorkeling experiences with Captain Glen Guishard at Speedy 4 Charters. With over 25 years of experience, certification in advanced open water diving, and extensive knowledge of the waters around St. Kitts, Captain Guishard is the perfect guide for your next water adventure.

Some key facts with regard to boat trip providers that offer snorkeling are displayed here:

Snorkeling Services

If you're looking for a place offering snorkeling excursions, rentals, or other services, you should check out Reggae Beach Watersports. Snorkeling equipment and kayaks are available for patrons to rent for a few hours of water fun. They are located in Saint George Basseterre Parish, in the southeastern part of St. Kitts.

A second place that offers snorkeling related services is Reggae Beach Watersports. More than a restaurant, this one-stop-shop takes care of all of your daily beach activities -- including renting out snorkeling gear.

A third option is Dive St. Kitts. They offer several snorkeling trips that all include your gear, guide, snacks, and drinks. The Power Boat Half Day Snorkel Trip heads to the south east peninsula where you'll visit Nags Head and Nevis. They're located in Basseterre, St. Kitts.

The chart just below summarizes some key facts with regard to 7 firms that provide services related to snorkeling.

For more information concerning snorkeling, including tips and suggestions for both "old pros" and beginners, read this detailed guide to snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Your best bet for snorkeling will be to steer clear of the east shore and arrange for a snorkeling boat.  If you can make this happen, you are sure to have stories to tell of the wondrous world off the coast of St. Kitts for years to come.