The north and south shores have scuba diving and snorkeling spots for all skill levels

A dozen Caribbean denizens and some top places to see them.

It’s hardly an exaggeration to suggest that the Caribbean region has the world’s greatest collection of superlative snorkeling sites (and sights). So grab your mask, because we’ve picked 25 of our favorites. Check out the April/May issue of Caribbean Travel + Life for even more hot spots!

From snorkeling to lounging on the sand, here are our five favorite beach activities—and the best places to do them.

Day Trip: Fish Finding in Cozumel.

Flying pigs are overrated. In the Bahamas, they swim.

Go ahead – jump in. Whale sharks won’t hurt you. These magnificent behemoths are the biggest fish on Earth, but you’re much more interested in them than they are in you. They use their 3,000 tiny teeth to filter plankton and krill, not to bite off your foot. Now is the best time of year to snorkel or dive alongside something bigger than the boat you jumped from.

Planning your next sailing or island vacation in the British Virgin Islands? Check out my detailed sailing itinerary, photo gallery and destination guide to these beautiful Caribbean islands.

Sure, snorkeling is easy: Have a mask and snorkel handy? Check. Miles upon miles of gorgeous Caribbean reefs to explore? Check! But when you're ready to take your snorkeling adventures to the next level, you'll need to enlist the help of the experts – and these four creature teachers won't disappoint.

The Caribbean is known for having some of the world's best snorkeling, but we've rounded up a few of our personal favorite island spots to throw on some fins and wade in.

In our December 2010 issue, we touch down in the Bahamas’ Exuma Cays, an idyllic archipelago where life’s simple pleasures include deserted beaches,
homespun harmonies, and the islands’ best waterfront watering holes.