Where to go snorkeling at Christmas with kids?

Hi dear Voyage Forum community,

So glad this precious forum still exists!

I’d love some advice on choosing a Christmas destination for a trip with my partner and our two kids, aged 10 and 12.

We’re looking for a place where we can enjoy great, easy snorkeling with the kids—ideally from the beach or in shallow water.

And if possible, a beautiful spot to explore, with nature, hikes, and a more laid-back, backpacker-friendly vibe than big resorts or mass tourism.

A "reasonable" flight time and not too much jet lag would be ideal!

I’ve been considering Mauritius, Zanzibar (plus possibly Tanzania), Martinique, or Guadeloupe—but maybe you have other suggestions or thoughts on these options?

Thanks in advance for your insights!

Good evening,

If it were another time of year, I’d have recommended the Red Sea in Egypt (Hurghada, Safaga, Sharm El Sheikh). We went there as a family with a 7- or 8-year-old, and it was amazing—especially in Sharm El Sheikh, where just a few meters from the shore, the corals and fish were abundant, and about fifty meters out, you reach the drop-off where you can see big fish (Napoleon wrasses, groupers, rays, etc.). However, in December, the days are short, much like in Europe, and the outdoor temperature averages around 20–22°C, just like the sea, which is a bit chilly (22–24°C).

I was thinking of Mauritius, Zanzibar (+ possibly Tanzania), Martinique, or Guadeloupe—but maybe you have other ideas or opinions on these options?

I don’t know Zanzibar, but if I had to choose between Mauritius and the French West Indies, I’d pick the West Indies without hesitation, especially during the holiday season. Plus, in terms of beaches and marine life, I much preferred Guadeloupe and Martinique over Mauritius. I’d recommend Guadeloupe first—rent an apartment in Deshaies to enjoy the Basse-Terre coast, and don’t forget to spend a few days in Les Saintes (Terre-de-Haut), specifically Pompierre Beach. https://www.les-saintes.com/billeterie-navette-saintes.php Ferries leave daily from Trois-Rivières; the trip takes 20 minutes. https://www.les-saintes.com/billeterie-navette-saintes.php

https://www.les-saintes.com/plage-pompiere.php There are also some great easy hikes to do, both along the coast and inland in Basse-Terre, like the Carbet Falls and the Mamelles Nature Reserve. The only downside is that the cost of living is significantly higher than in Mauritius. But if you rent an apartment, you can manage pretty well.

Thanks so much for your reply.

In Guadeloupe or Martinique, is it also possible to do some great snorkeling from the beach without going too deep?

Of course, if I suggested Guadeloupe, it's because there are plenty of beaches where it's possible. For example, Petite Anse beach in Deshaies and not far away, Îlet Pigeon. At Les Saintes, Pompierre Beach on Terre-de-Haut is ideal. A beautiful coral lagoon. There are, of course, fewer fish than before, but it's the same everywhere in the world... When I was young on Terre-de-Haut, there was little tourism, and we could go wild camping on the beaches. At Pompierre, I spent a week living almost exclusively off spearfishing.