There is a thing called a fish scope to view underwater without actually snorkeling. There are factory made ones that are megaphone shaped with the small end at your face and glass on the large end. You will see Jamaican fishermen using one made from wood or even a big coffee can. They will look over the edge of the boat to see if there are fish or what's on the bottom.

Respect,
Col. Andy & "Wildcat" Pam