We are currently US expats in Kuala Lumpur. We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world within 1-4 hours flight and snorkeling heaven. We LOVE to cruise and are returning home to take our college kids on the Mariner of the Seas (RCCL) in May. Given where I live now where live coral reefs abound, could someone give me an opinion on whether snorkeling is better in the Bahamas (Coco Cay is 1st port) or St. Thomas, or St. Maarten? Thanks so much.

Hi Patti in KL, welcome to Cruise-Chat. Out of those 3 ports, I'd go with St. Thomas. Coco Cay is pretty good as well. St. Maarten, don't waste your time or money. If they offer the excursion to Honeymoon Bay or Trunk Bay for snorkeling in St. Thomas, those would be the excursions to take. We've also done a couple of catamaran sail/snorkels to Buck Island from St. Thomas that weren't bad. If you just want to do it on your own, Sapphire Beach is good snorkeling. Coki is ok, Magen's is ok. Hope this helps some. Best wishes and once again, welcome aboard!

In St.Thomas you could also take a cab to Coki Beach. Coki Beach is a lot of fun and is a great place for snorkeling.

Sonny