The SNORKELLING or swimming using only fins, mask and snorkell (the tube), is probably the more popular and rewarding activity that the visitors practice in the Arquipelago. The best places for snorkelling are in the Admiral Bay, where the coral reefs are more protected, waters are usually clear and there are almost no waves. Some of the snorkelling sites are also scuba diving sites, because many of the reefs go down up to 60 feet (20 meters) only.
Notable sites are HOSPITAL POINT (1) and THE GARDEN (2), at the tip of Solarte Cay; MANGROVE POINT (3), BIG BAIGHT (4), PUNTA CARACOL (5) and BOCA DEL DRAGO (6), on south coast of Colon Island; the reefs surrounding CORAL KEY (7); CRISTOBAL LIGHT (8) and SAN CRISTOBAL (9), on the shore of Cristobal Island and CORALINE ISLANDS (10), at the Cayo Zapatillas Major. The reefs in this sector of the archipelago are very healthy, with a great population of corals and colorful sponges. Most of the reefs drop very gently to the bottom.
On the open sea side of the Bastimentos Island, visitors can snorkel in the small coral reefs that are beyond the beaches, such as OLA CHICA (13), OLD POINT (12) and WILD CANE CAY (14).
The outer part of the ZAPATILLAS CAY MAYOR (11) reefs are not so easy to snorkel, because of the prevailing north wind which creates large waves that break on the reef. This activity is only recommended for people with a good experience and in good weather conditions.
The reefs, facing the open sea, form walls from 10 to 40 feet high, with small caves which harbour fish and crabs.
This form of reef makes it difficult for the snorkeller being more suitable for divers, so the best zone for the first is the lagoon formed between the reef and the coast.
Bocas's reefs are unique because of their invertebrates creatures. It's a place to find small reef inhabitants of the reefs: peppermint shrimps, arrow crabs, bristelworms, bristel starfishes (thousands!), and others, no so small but uncommon: lima shells and basket starfishes. And the diversity of sponges showing off their many colors, are subjects of the study from scientists from all over the world.
The more common coral species are lettuce, fire, brain, star, finger, leather, elkhorn, staghorn, gorgonians, black and sea fans.
Fish are not so abundant due to very heavy survival fishing, mainly by ngobe indians. More common fishes of the reefs are: gray angel, yellowtail snapper, white snapper, small groupers, spade, grunt, parrot, needel, damsel, green and spotted moray eels y nurse sharks. Others not so common are seahorses and toad fishes.
A different and unique kind of snorkelling attracts some visitors to the MANGROVE ISLETS (15) of the Marine Park. Due to the clear of the waters, snorkellers can see the beauty and colors of the life on the mangrove roots: sponges, fire corals, casiopeas, starfishes, crabs, crawl and swim on or between the roots. Other fish find refuge in this impresive underwater forest, that is also the nursery of many species. Look our video THE SECRET LIFE OF THE MANGROVES.
