The 20 Best Places for Snorkeling in the World

 

Snorkeling is becoming more and more popular all over the world. It is an easy-to-practice activity that doesn’t require great physical preparation or specific equipment, except swim fins, mask, and snorkel. In short, it takes very little to admire the splendor that populates the seabeds around the globe. If snorkeling fascinates you and you are an adventurer looking for new underwater worlds to discover, let’s look at the 20 best places for snorkeling in the world!

20. South Plaza, Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are home to truly incredible wonders, including sea ​​lions. To see them, you need to start your journey from the city of Puerto Ayora (on the main island, Santa Cruz) and take a boat to South Plaza. Once there, you can dive into the splendid crystal clear waters and start snorkeling surrounded by these cute animals.

19. Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands

This is one of the few places where you can swim with one of the ocean’s most unusual inhabitants – the Nautilus Pompilius (the Chambered or Pearly Nautilus). Thus unusually looking underwater creature is famous for its highly sought-after shell by collectors. Snorkeling is the perfect activity to admire this amazing creature.

18. Big Island, Hawaii

If you’re looking for a unique adventure why not snorkel with sea ​​turtles? Have you never thought about it? This Hawaiian island is well suited for this type of excitement. It’s in fact one of the best places to admire green sea turtles, which are attracted by the water movement that stimulates the growth of algae.

17. Bimini, Bahamas

The more you dive freely, the bigger the chance is to meet the wild dolphin typical of these areas. The best time to go snorkeling in this place is summer because the waters are shallow and the sea is calmer.

16. Norman Reef, Australia

This Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most sought-after snorkeling destinations. It’s filled with some of the finest species of tropical fish and giant clams, which make the Norman Reef the most spectacular part of the entire reef.

15. Seychelles Islands

An archipelago made up of over 100 islands and located off the coast of Kenya, the Seychelles offer some of the most beautiful places in the world for snorkeling. The best way to explore the marine life of the Seychelles islands is to book a boat trip with a guide who can take you to the best snorkeling spots.

14. Safaga, Egypt

There are many places recommended for snorkeling in the Red Sea, with Safaga probably being the most spectacular one. You can admire magnificent specimens of marine flora and fauna in the less crowded tourist areas. A short distance away are the famous pyramids of Egypt.

13. Bonaire, Caribbean

Bonaire is a must-go place when visiting the Caribbean and also offers great snorkeling opportunities. The waters are very healthy and there is a wide range of tropical fish worth watching.

12. San Blas, Panama

The San Blas Islands are an archipelago made up of almost 380 islands and atolls (only about 50 of which are inhabited). There is also a small airport in San Blas. Once you arrive there, you can choose accommodation near the crystal clear sea and start snorkeling!

11. Aigua Xelida, Spain

Not an easy-to-find place, Aigua Xelida is truly worth a visit for anyone keen on snorkeling. Just ask the locals and you will be directed to the right place. Located near Palafrugell (Catalonia), this cove is a reserved and intimate place with crystal clear water and a beach that tends to be crowded in the morning and fairly quiet in the afternoon.

10. Ao Sane Beach, Thailand

Ao Sane Beach is considered one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Phuket on the southwestern coast of Thailand. After parking on the hill and descending towards the sea, you can start snorkeling in crystal clear water which has abundant marine fauna. IMPORTANT: There are no rental facilities for snorkeling, so you must bring your own equipment.

9. Bay Island, Honduras

Here you can find one of the most beautiful and unusual coral reefs in the whole Caribbean sea, which makes this island an ideal place for snorkel enthusiasts. OceanicSociety.org offers expeditions and tours to show the most impressive places.

8. Ustica Island, Italy

Considered the main place for snorkeling in Italy, the island of Ustica combines the splendor of the sea with history. Namely, the waters preserve ancient finds dating back to different eras, which make the sea of ​​Ustica a real underwater museum.

7. Cane Bay, Virgin Islands

Cane Bay is located in a very breezy area in the northern part of St. Croix. While snorkeling, it’s possible to admire large tropical fish, Elkhorn coral, and other wonderful types of marine flora and fauna.

6. Jervis Bay, Australia

Jervis Bay is a maritime area of ​​over 39 square miles, located on the southern shore of New South Wales, Australia. According to statistics, this area has the whitest beach on the planet. It’s ideal for snorkeling and offers many accommodation options and various related sports activities.

5. La Barraca Cove, Spain

Located on the south-east coast, this is the ideal place for family fun and intense snorkeling. Accessing the beaches is very easy and you can find several tourist attractions around there.

4. Manus, Papua New Guinea

Manus is the smallest province in Papua New Guinea, both in terms of territory and population, and is endowed with a sea full of life and splendid coral reefs. The province is made up of a group of islands, known as the Admiralty Islands, and a few mostly abandoned atolls.

3. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of Montego Bay’s most popular beaches for snorkelers. The waters are warm and there are small coral beds where the fish love to stroll amicably near the coast.

2. Stingray City, Grand Cayman

This location is very well equipped for snorkeling. There are several companies offering rental equipment and guided tours. It’s especially nice to observe the seabed when the waters are not crowded with tourists as you will discover some truly wonderful places.

1. Sun Flower Reef, Fiji

Accessible by boat, this coral barrier is the size of three football fields. The water is absolutely clear, to the point that the photos taken while snorkeling seem to have been taken in the open air.