Snorkeling up by the cliffs???Please advise.

[rocknrollfarmer]

Hi ! Could someone tell us about the snorkeling at the Cliffs, as we will be staying there . We have our own gear, but, if the snorkeling is just so so, or if the sea is too rough there, or maybe we could just rent some gear? and not worry about bringing ours along. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[rinakim]

I've done some snorkelling from Catcha and from Xtabi. Is it world class ...... no. But I love to snorkel so it's all good and there is always something to see. I bring my own gear, I like to know it fits properly.
If you want some FANTASTIC snorkelling, I would give Famous Vincent a call, he will take you out to the reef and guide you through. It's about an hour long and we have seen some pretty great stuff out there. Turtles, rays, eels, octopus, lobster, etc. Vincent seems to know where everything is down there.
If you want to do something SUPERFANTASTIC, take the intro Scuba class with Ken and Sabine at Dream Team Divers and go for a dive!

[gibby701]

I second rinakim...enjoy snorkeling at Tensing Pen...several hours each day...and the Famous Vincent trip to the reef is a must....all with our own gear.

[gerryg123]

I really into snorkeling and have been to Negril a lot. Others have said the snorkeling is good near the Cliffs, but I've done it like 50 times and have never seen much. The snorkeling on reefs is fantastic, though.

It is nice to have your own gear. Most cliff hotels and folks like Vincent have gear, but sometimes it gets worn out a bit.

[rjonsun]

We have been snorkeling almost daily from Blue Cave Castle. We also took a trip out with Vincent which is much better, but will cost about $30 per person. We have found plenty of fish, star fish , octopus and even a ray from Blue Cave. A good spot for fish is right at the cave entrance or about half way between Blue Cave Castle and Home sweet Home. Before noon has been best as most afternoons the water has been choppy and today visability very limited.
Regards,
Bob

[Rambo]

if you have mask's that you are comfortable with do bring them, you will enjoy the dive more with a proper fitting mask...fins dont worry about..... most have them......
the sea will be the sea...one day big...next day small....opt for a breakfast dive first light......lots of undersea activity then...and normally calmer then later........and clearer..........dont schedule too far in advance, and DONT put a "downpayment in advance" you dont want to go out right after a storm.... bottom is stirred up for a day or two...dont worry the day you wish to go out, you will have many captains waiting for you...$$$
Have Fun....great thing about a morning snorkel....is the HUGE lunch you will want.....lol
Happy Thanksgiving

[rjonsun]

Yeah, when we went out with Vincent we took the 9 AM tour. Later tours that day were a disaster. It has been raining nearly every afternoon for the past 10 days. Sometimes just a few minutes, sometimes nearly an hour (today) and one day a bit over 2 hours.
Regards,
Bob

[Todd]

We have been snorkeling almost daily from Blue Cave Castle. We also took a trip out with Vincent which is much better, but will cost about $30 per person. We have found plenty of fish, star fish , octopus and even a ray from Blue Cave. A good spot for fish is right at the cave entrance or about half way between Blue Cave Castle and Home sweet Home. Before noon has been best as most afternoons the water has been choppy and today visability very limited.
Regards,
Bob

I snorkel this area every year too. I usually stay within 50-60 feet of the cliffs as I worry a little about a passing boat or jet ski. How far out do you go out Bob?

[Rum-polephoreskin]

There is a beautiful shallow water reef near the west end.
Anyone who PM's me I'll tell you where it's at, easily accessible and relatively unknown.

I have swam and snorkeled a lot on the west end.
I found that if you go around the point from Xtabi toward Ricks (in front of 3 Dives and beyond) it's good snorkeling and you'll be able to entertain yourself for a couple hours.
Some people say don't feed the reef fish, let your conscience be your guide.
That said, use bagels instead of bread, bagels hang together better.

[reggaekaren]

Rhodes Plantation has fantastic reefs!