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- Snorkeling the shallow reef flats: This is what most people come for. Sea fans sway in a few feet of water, and sergeant majors, parrotfish and blue tang graze right under you. Stay near your boat or guide, since the current picks up off the reef edge.
- Diving the reef wall and slopes: Certified divers drop along the reef’s outer edge, where coral heads and sponge columns break up the sandy bottom. It’s relaxed, mostly easy diving, with enough depth variety to suit both new and experienced divers.
- Elkhorn and brain coral patches: Some of the best-surviving coral sits in clusters along the reef. Elkhorn thickets and round brain coral are easy to spot, and they hold hiding spots for small fish and the occasional spiny lobster.
- Tube sponges and sea fans: These soft formations give the reef its texture.
- Snorkeling the shallow reef flats: This is what most people come for. Sea fans sway in a few feet of water, and sergeant majors, parrotfish and blue tang graze right under you. Stay near your boat or guide, since the current picks up off the reef edge.
- Diving the reef wall and slopes: Certified divers drop along the reef’s outer edge, where coral heads and sponge columns break up the sandy bottom. It’s relaxed, mostly easy diving, with enough depth variety to suit both new and experienced divers.
- Elkhorn and brain coral patches: Some of the best-surviving coral sits in clusters along the reef. Elkhorn thickets and round brain coral are easy to spot, and they hold hiding spots for small fish and the occasional spiny lobster.
- Tube sponges and sea fans: These soft formations give the reef its texture. Look for purple sea fans and tall tube sponges in muted browns and pinks. They are fun for photos if you hold still against the surge.
- Stingrays and turtles in Cades Bay: The sandy and seagrass stretches beside the reef are where southern stingrays glide across the bottom and green turtles come up to breathe. Keep a respectful distance and never touch them.
- Cades Bay shoreline and the Montserrat view: On clear days you can see the outline of Montserrat across the water from the bay, with the volcano’s plume sometimes visible. It’s a calm place to dry off and watch sailboats at anchor.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.