You can leap in almost anywhere in the temperate, clear Caribbean Sea and find stunning sights and captivating marine life. From the most prolific coral reefs offshore to the peculiar burrowing creatures of the back bays, snorkelers who journey here have a world of underwater opportunities. To give all you masked mariners a go-to list custom-made for extraordinary finning, we've scoured the bottom to find resorts where you can practically roll out of bed and onto the reef, the best I-don't-need-no-boat beach dives, the most expert naturalist guides, the top extreme snorkel adventures and the wettest and wildest day trips.

Reef-Enthusiasts’ Resorts

Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia06_majuro_snorkel_jump

The reef beckons from the water's edge at the south end of Anse Chastanet Beach, a swath of salt-and-pepper sand on St. Lucia's thriving southwestern coast. The resort exudes a nature-loving feel, which complements the always-rewarding snorkeling you'll find. Watch out for peacock flounders, octopus, needlefish and turtles in the shallow spots. Farther out, the reef goes deep over thick coral. (800-223-1108; www.ansechastanet.com)

Cocoview Resort, Roatan

Accommodations don't get much more snorkel- and dive-friendly than those really built over the water, similar to the bungalows and cabanas at Cocoview. Guests have 24-hour admission to the resort's watery Front Yard, including the renowned Cocoview Wall, where coral rises to within five feet of the surface. With a plethora of octopus and other critters in the shallows, this is also an amazing place for night snorkeling. (800-510-8164; www.cocoviewresort.com)

Coral Gardens, Provo

Crossing Grace Bay Beach right in front of this boutique resort puts you on Bight Reef and its beautiful snorkeling track through fringing coral. Sunken placards in three to 16 feet of crystalline water introduce the residents -- numerous species of tropical fish, crustaceans and invertebrates. Matthew Williams, adventure concierge at Coral Gardens, provides personal instruction, tours and boat excursions. (649-941-3713; www.coralgardens.com)

Glover's Atoll Resort & Island Lodge, Belize

Campsites, rural dorms and over-water thatch rental cabins dot this unspoiled nine-acre cay in Glover's Marine Reserve. The aquamarine lagoon's extensive patch reefs provide nonstop shallow wanderings and are bordered by 50 miles of sheer drop-offs, which lure a wealth of marine life. On the east and north sides, canyons start from 25 feet deep and sink to the thousands. Spires line the south side, while stacked layers of reef come down on the west. (011-501-520-5016; www.glovers.com.bz)

Guana Island, BVI

There's excellent snorkeling all around this private-island resort, but the best is off White Bay Beach. Stride down the precipitous hill from your room, and you'll be surrounded by silversides within a small amount of feet of the sand. Stay in school and you're sure to see large tarpon cruising in to feed (watch for the dive-bombing pelicans and boobies). Carry on offshore to find low-profile spur-and-groove reefs leading to deeper water. (800-544-8262; www.guana.com)

Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

A colossal rock formation rips the swank resort's two white-sand beaches, and you can simply wade in to investigate the reef expanding out from the wall. Elkhorn coral and yellow sea fans frame a strand glimmering with silvery baitfish and the predators they draw; jacks, snappers and barracudas. Check in with onsite Patagon Dive Center for night snorkels and sailing/snorkeling cruises to neighboring reefs. (340-775-3333; www.ritzcarlton.com)

Sunset House, Grand Cayman

Away from the Seven Mile Beach traffic, in the calm area one mile south of George Town, sits Sunset House, where the snorkeling begins about 20 yards from the pool and bar. The dive store here has a site map that will take you to the ruin of the Nicholson and to Amphrite, a nine-foot-tall bronze mermaid. Or you can simply glide freely amid the local turtles, eels and rays. (800-854-4767; www.sunsethouse.com)

Sunset Waters Beach Resort, Curaçao

Topping a limestone bluff on a distant stretch of coast, this peaceful resort abuts a shallow manmade lagoon. The rocky entry slopes down to 10 feet, where it opens to a sandy area with a variety of sponges and corals. Head west between the two protective breakwaters and you'll see the skeleton of an old Cessna and, with luck, the house octopus. (866-578-6738; www.sunsetwaters.com)