Underwater Adventures: Discover the Best Snorkeling Spots in the World

woman snorkeling

With a small investment in equipment and some basic skills, snorkeling is an activity almost anybody can do. In fact, over 8 million Americans participate in snorkeling annually.

Snorkeling gives you a magical look into ocean life. Discover even more fascinating sea life! Read on to learn about the best snorkeling destinations in the world.

Before You Go

Exploring marine life is a fascinating activity. It’s natural to want to dive in and enjoy all that it has to offer. Before you go, there are some simple things to do to ensure you are safe and get the most from snorkeling.

You need to have the right gear. You will need a mask, a snorkel, and fins. Take some advice from a reputable dive shop and get the right snorkel package for you.

Learn how to snorkel. A snorkel class will teach you how to breathe correctly, how to maneuver, and how to snorkel safely.

Best Snorkeling Locations

What makes a great snorkeling experience depends on your interests and on how deep your pockets are. You can have a wonderful time snorkeling much closer to home but for the most amazing marine adventure try these iconic snorkeling locations.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef off the Australian coast is made up of multiple individual reefs. The coral stretches for 1,400 miles and is home to manta rays, barracuda and gorgeous corals.

These warm waters are very accessible and offer a huge diversity of ocean life. Sadly, climate change may be damaging this delicate ecosystem beyond recovery.

Kealakekua Bay

Hawaii is a snorkeler’s paradise but if you have to choose one spot visit Kealakekua Bay, Big Island. You will also be visiting the location of Captain Cook’s demise at the hands of native Hawaiians in 1779.

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Getting here is an adventure in itself. You will appreciate the snorkeling all the more.

If you prefer to walk, it’s a difficult jungle path. Better to take a guided tour and sign up with one of the few companies that are licensed to offer trips here. Paddling in by rented kayak is also an option.

You’ll see brightly colored fish, exotic coral and perhaps turtles and dolphins too.

Silver Bank

The Dominican Republic offers an almost unique experience for snorkelers. Swimming with humpback whales is a realistic expectation here.

The best times to see the humpback whales is from December to April. They breed here and give birth too.

Ilha Grande

Between São Paolo and Rio de Janeiro, lies the wonderful snorkeling location of Ilha Grande. This jungle island off the coast of Brazil is worth exploring itself but it’s when you enter the blue waters that the magic happens.

Seahorses, angelfish, and masses of colorful fish are a feast for the eyes. Try following a turtle through the underwater landscape. View the remains of shipwrecks that mark the sites of numerous battles between pirate galleons and Portuguese fighting ships.

Ambergris Caye

Belize is the location of a huge barrier reef. With 185miles of coral reef, there is much to enjoy.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a great place to safely swim with sharks. There are also rays, eels, and multi-colored marine fish. It’s possible to get really close and examine the detailed markings and wonderful diversity.

Komodo Island

Indonesia is the home of the famous Komodo dragon. The giant lizard attracts many visitors but the marine life is just as fascinating.

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Hawksbill turtles, groupers and rays provide plenty of entertainment. The coral reef provides a habitat for sharks and many fish species. Whales and dolphins are regularly seen too.

This is a world heritage site. As such the diverse marine life is protected and flourishes.

Galapagos Islands

The Ecuadorian islands of the Galapagos have a unique place in the history of scientific discovery. Charles Darwin undertook extensive research here and his findings were influential in the development of his ideas on evolution.

There’s much to see here including sea lions, turtles, and penguins. Snorkeling alongside friendly sea lions is not unusual here.

This may not be a snorkeling location offering brightly colored corals and fish but the large marine animals are impressive swimming companions.

The Maldives

Crystal clear waters make the Maldives perfect for snorkeling. The huge variety of fish in the waters surrounding these beautiful islands create a kaleidoscope of changing patterns and colors.

Larger attractions include sharks, turtles, and even the occasional octopus. Anemones seem to bloom in underwater gardens. Once the snorkeling is done for the day, the islands offer a beautiful and relaxing environment to rest and contemplate the next day’s snorkeling adventure.

Soloman Islands

The South Pacific saw much naval conflict during World War II. The consequence was many a watery grave for the unfortunate seamen. The wrecks provide a habitat for sea plants and fauna to thrive.

The shallow waters in Mary Island and Uepi Island provide snorkelers with access to reefs. Here you will find batfish, eagle rays and barracuda.

Isla Holbox

The Yacatan Peninsular in Mexico is one of the top locations for whale sharks. Here you can swim with these impressive but harmless fish. You can snorkel alongside the whale sharks as they feed on the plankton.

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A whale shark can grow up to 60 feet in length. They eat microscopic animals which they collect on their huge mouths. The island of Holbox is maintained for eco-tourism only with a total ban on cars.

Palau

The Micronesian islands of the western Pacific Ocean consist of thousands of small islands.  Amongst these islands is Palau.

Palau has shallow reefs, perfect for snorkelling. You’ll swim with turtles, rays and thousands of tropical marine fish.

An unusual feature of Palau is a lake. It’s reached by a short boat trip and hike. It’s home to millions of jellyfish.

Whereas jellyfish are normally to be avoided because of their sting, here the jellyfish are harmless. You can swim among these strange creatures without fear of being stung.

Plan Your Snorkeling Adventure

Whether you go to the ends of the earth or stay near home, snorkeling is great fun. The best snorkeling will take you to wonderful destinations. It’s a beautiful way to connect with nature and the feeling of freedom is awesome.

Explore our site for more wonderful travel destinations.