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ANDREA I & II
Bonaire
This island was built for shore diving. And though storms have beat back much of the shallow reef that once created an almost impenetrable coral forest right up to the edge of Bonaire's rugged coastline, excellent snorkeling can still be found. At Andrea (this piece of coast is split into two sites, I and II), you wade across the rocky beach and then swim out amid shallow corals to find plenty of fish, including large schools of blue tang that swarm across the bottom and stop all at once to pluck at algae fields.

THE BATHS
Virgin Gorda
If it seems like everyone on this entrancingly beautiful island has one destination, it's because they do. And yes, The Baths are that majestic -- white sandy beaches framed by otherworldly formations of granite, some reaching 40 feet in diameter. These gigantic boulders, sculpted by the elements, create pools and grottoes that hide a variety of exotic creatures, with coral formations and caves extending farther off the beach.

DAWN BEACH
St. Martin
It can be a bumpy drive to this quiet beach, but that only adds to its out-there appeal. The best snorkeling is on the main reef, which runs parallel to the white sand. Paddle out from Scavengers Beach Bar (you'll pass over a dead patch) or follow the reef out from the right-hand side of the beach. Head to the seaward side of the reef only when it's calm, and be wary of a strong cross current.