"It is just a 350 foot wade into swim from Grace Bay Beach to the Bight Reef, which is the island's most accessible and popular snorkeling spot. Although it isn't the best snorkeling on the island - the visibility is poor on choppy water days - it is the easiest to attempt for novices or children as the trail is clearly marked the entire way with ropes so you can't wander out of bounds and get lost. Plus the closeness to the beach makes it easy to come back should you get tired. Once on the trail expect to see a slew of relatively tame tropical fish (they are used to humans swimming around them) as well as larger fish like the barracuda and if you are lucky turtles, stingrays and even lobsters. There's also coral, including some cool brain coral, but unfortunately the reef's condition has declined over the last few decades thanks to irresponsible boat operators and also snorkelers who reach down to touch the living seascape and inadvertently doing irreparable damage. When snorkeling it is important to not touch anything, To access Bight Reef look for the signs for Coral Gardens Resort on Grace Bay Beach. The reef is directly in front and well sign posted."
Coral Gardens was recommended as an easy spot to go to the beach and snorkel. We were on vacation with a 5 and 8 year old. They are both good swimmers and have started snorkeling. Coral Gardens was perfect for them. We saw tons of fish and a few squid. The kids had a blast. Stay away from the ropes and buoys. A lot of people were touching the ropes and were getting cut or stung? Not sure exactly what it was but be careful. We ate at Somewhere Cafe which was right on the beach. Good Amanda drinks were very good.
Rob L.
Google
Some of the best snorkeling during our trip was at Coral Gardens. It is very easy to get to and plenty of parking (set your Maps to Coral Gardens Resort). The beach itself is beautiful of course, being an extension of Grace Bay. But we were amazed at the snorkeling. You can't miss the reef since they have it marked and roped off. Just swim all around the outside of the ropes and be prepared to see some amazingly colorful fish. We didn't see any turtles or rays here (try Smith's Reef for that) but we loved how easy it was to get to and how close to shore the reef was. This would be a perfect place to bring children to snorkel. In our opinion, no trip to T&C would be complete without a stop here!
Eli B.
Google
Excellent snorkeling especially if you get there in the morning (10 or 11) There is shade if you walk past the umbrellas (paid) and there are a few pine trees.
There is a shallow area that is separate from the area with buoys and we had Excellent views of lots of different fish
Roma S.
Google
One a few places on the island that is free. the beach is crowded as there is a big hotel in the restaurant right next to it. Snorkeling is OK. Little reefs here and there. You could see sharks rays, turtles and other small fish.
Yasmin E.
Google
Loved Coral Gardens Reef and the beach! It was steps away from our accommodations, which was nice. Our two year old snorkeled for the first time and he loved it and he just couldn’t get enough! Lots of fish and in all colors!
It’s not very deep, so be sure to have shoes on to not damage the reef and remember to use coral friendly sunscreen.
There’s a section that’s protected, stay out or you will be whistled at by the guards to stay out. Try to stay on the NW side of the buoys.
Grzegorz
Google
Great place to snorkel! There are a lot of different kinds of sea animals and beautiful coral flora. We even sow a sea turtle!
Randy Vancouver (Randy V.
Google
You hear much about Coral Gardens for snorkeling, but there were not many fish or things to see when we were there during Spring Break. If you do go, head over early or late to avoid the crowds. Going late has another benefit; namely Somewhere Restaurant with great food, staff and killer sunset..
אַבְרָהָם (.
Google
You can park near the Hotel or the street is always accessible by Walk and so far it IS the BEST spot to Snorkel 10/10 from all the Turks. Note. Don't rent chairs it's to expensice for nothing