Do you love marine animals? Do you enjoy snorkeling with them? Well, you have got you all covered with the top 25 recommendations for the best snorkeling spots in the world.
There is something about snorkeling that not only attracts the marine biologists but also the global travelers and explorers who want to see more of the world. The Earth is mostly filled with oceans and seas, and with so many water bodies, it provides a lot of room to explore the underwater world. Whether you want to swim with the giant humpback whale or the school of sardines, there are many beautiful marine destinations around the world where you can enjoy a complete dose of snorkeling among the marine animals. Let’s find the top snorkeling destinations that can literally take your breath away.
- Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
Fiji is one of the most beautiful island countries, which is also known as the coral capital of the earth. This destination can offer you more than 390 coral species, and it is a mesmerizing experience to witness their natural formations and colors. Fiji is the only country in the world that has over 300 islands and 500 plus reefs where you can take a dive into the mineral-enriched tropical waters. The nutrient-enriched water welcomes a large number of marine animals on this feeding ground, and the diversified range of animals includes dolphins, turtles, reef sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks, manta rays, and many others. The Mamanuca Islands are one of the best places in the world where you can roam in the coral gardens, even if you are a beginner.
- Belize
Belize is the northernmost country of Central America, which is also the home of the second-largest barrier reef in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This reef spans over 200 miles, and the vibrant turquoise water comes with a wide range of marine animals as well. While a lot of people like to snorkel around the perimeter, the experts and experienced people like to dive into the legendary Great Blue Hole, which is a massive ancient sinkhole and home to the reef sharks. If you are here, make sure to visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which is also one of the best spots in Belize that attracts thousands of people every year.
- Sipadan, Malaysia
Let’s find some spectacular coral bouquets in Spinadan, which is one of Malaysia’s best tourist attractions. Situated in the Celebes Sea off the coast of Sabah, this is the easternmost state of the country, where you can find the island of Borneo. It is often described as the “Untouched Piece of Art” as the snorkeling experience here is visually stunning and capable of captivating everyone. You can witness otherworldly coral formations here while the turtles and bumphead parrotfish poke you for some conversations. There are also beautiful dive resorts in the area where you can relax after spending an adventurous time underwater.
- Silfra, Iceland
A lot of people have a wrong notion that Iceland must be frozen with ice, but this country can actually offer very scenic views and landscapes that are not really snow-capped. Snorkelers and divers around the world like Silfra in Iceland, as this place can offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is a fissure inside Thingvellir National Park, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and thousands of people come here every year for swimming. This unique experience allows you to take a deep dive between two tectonic plates, which create a deep crack, and it’s almost like an abyss shown in the sci-fi movies. However, the water here is crystal clear and comes with 120 meters of visibility. Therefore, you will get to see the incoming monsters that are coming for you. Just kidding!
- Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Australia seems to have a huge amount of reefs, and the Ningaloo Reef is one of the most unique among them. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest fringing reef, where you can witness more than 460 species of fish and countless coral species. Diving into this coral reef is an absolutely magical experience, and the best part is that the reef is located right beside the shore, which makes it easily accessible for snorkeling purposes. It is also great for beginners as they are not required to go into the deep waters. This reef is also considered a hotspot for manta rays. From July to October, you can also see the humpback whales near the shore.
- Palau
Palau is a Pacific nation that comprises more than 250 islands in the western Pacific. This beautiful destination also consists of many seawater marine lakes, which are directly connected with the ocean through tunnels and lagoons. The most unique lake would be the Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk, where you can witness thousands of jellyfish in the water. Although jellyfish are very poisonous in nature, the swarms of these gelatinous beings on this lake seem not to be harmful, as they are non-poisonous and their stings would not hurt you. This dive is an absolutely magical experience for everyone, as you will never get to witness this anywhere else, and with so much safety.
- Raja Ampat, Indonesia
When it comes to the best places of snorkeling around the world, Raja Ampat stays at the top as this diving mecca comes with the richest marine biodiversity on Earth. This place in Indonesia consists of rare endemic species, such as the Raja Ampat epaulette shark and the Papuan garden eel. And there are many other endangered species in this region, which is protected by the natural marine landscapes. You can witness more than 2,000 species of fish here that live around the 1,500+ greenery-bathed limestone islands. Due to its ethereal beauty, ancient marine relics, and mega diversity, this place is also known as “the last paradise on earth.” Don’t miss Lenmakana Lake or snorkeling with stingless jellyfish or the thriving coral gardens of Aljui Bay.
- Whitsunday Islands, Australia
As mentioned before, Australia has some of the best and most mysterious coral formations in the whole world, and the Bait Reef is best known for that. The Stepping Stones is also quite famous here, which is formed with 20 flat-topped pinnacles. This army-like formation can be found on the southwest side of the reef. Each of the pinnacles rises from a depth of 80 feet and remains completely covered with coral. It can offer a magnificent view when the schools of tropical fish swim around them. You can easily take a dive here, which is beautiful, safe, and suitable for all.
- Exumas, Bahamas
The Bahamas Islands are famous as a beach destination where thousands of global travelers visit every year. The Bahamas is located in the northwestern part of the West Indies, and it comprises more than 3000 islands and cays. It is the largest Caribbean archipelago, which can be easily visited from Miami, and it has become a popular tourist destination for Americans. The third-largest reef is situated here, called the Andros Barrier Reef, which spans over 190 miles. The Exumas are some of the best snorkeling spots in the Bahamas, and the electric blue water is absolutely mesmerizing. The deepest blue hole here is known as the Dean’s Blue Hole, which is quite deep and gained international recognition.
- Hengchun, Taiwan
It seems like Asian countries can also offer plenty of amazing places for a snorkeling experience, and Hengchun in Taiwan is one of the best of them. You can snorkel in the warm water of Kenting National Park, which is also the country’s first national park. This diving sport is filled with coral reef ditches, valleys, pinnacles, and tunnels, offering a diversified experience of marine life. You would be surprised to know that this is also the place where a major portion of the movie ‘Life of Pi’ has been filmed. The shite sandy beaches are absolutely beautiful and look pretty against the blue seawater.
- The Maldives
The Maldives is one of the smallest countries in Asia that spans around 115 square miles and consists of multiple islands. It is a massive paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts as the country is formed by 26 atolls and over 1,000 islands spread across the Indian Ocean. There are numerous snorkeling spots all over the country, and you can also find more than 100 private island resorts here. Other than having ethereal underwater experiences, you can also find luxurious places for accommodation and great seafood. The reefs here are also home to whale sharks and manta rays.
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
This destination is situated in the South Caribbean waters and comprises more than 32 islands in total. The unspoiled and untouched beauty of this place will put you in awe, as it is something that you have never witnessed before. It is also known as the critter capital of the Caribbean, where you can witness a wide range of marine animals in the wild. The list of incredible creatures that you can see here includes reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, flying gurnards, frogfish, sea horses, batfish, gold-spotted eel, and the list goes on. The visibility underwater is quite high, as it can reach more than 100 feet sometimes. It is highly recommended for you to explore the black coral forests, boulder fields, wrecks, jagged cliffs, deep vertical drop-offs, and swim-throughs. If you are daring enough, you can also go for a swim in the bat cave, where bats hang from the ceiling of the cave while you swim under it.
- Isla Mujeres, Mexico
The gentle giants, or the whale sharks, are the favorites of everyone as they do not devour you, but they love scratches. If you want to make friends with these giant creatures, you definitely need to visit this Mexican Caribbean island, which is around eight miles northeast of Cancun. This is the only place in the whole world where you can snorkel with whale sharks ethically. There are government regulations for whale shark tours from summer to early fall, limiting the number of snorkelers allowed in the water simultaneously. However, free diving is not allowed here. One of the greatest wonders can be found here, which is the world’s largest underwater museum with over 500 sculptures comprising an artificial reef.
- Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania
Since Australia has more than 3000 miles of coastline, there are numerous places for diving and snorkeling. When it comes to the east coast of this Island continent, make sure to dive into the waters of Freycinet National Park, one of the most photographed places in Tasmania. You can visit Wineglass Bay, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Throughout this coast, you will find plenty of places to snorkel, such as Coles Bay, Sleepy Bay, or Honeymoon Bay, where you can find calm waters, sea caves, and beautiful landscapes. The Bay Area stays secluded and offers the perfect opportunity for lovebirds to enjoy themselves.
- British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands, or BVI, is a popular destination that is visited by thousands of global tourists every year. It is the ideal place for sailing and snorkeling adventures, where you can also find many marine animals surrounding you. Don’t miss the Baths at Virgin Gorda, where you can snorkel around 70 million-year-old granite boulders. The Bight at Norman Island is also quite famous for its coral gardens, diverse reef fish, and impressive rock formations. Guess what? You can also find a floating bar here that doubles your enjoyment and makes you tipsy with happiness.
- Crystal River, Florida
Have you ever heard about the Florida Everglades? The Crystal River in Florida offers a magnificent opportunity to explore the river and swamplands. This is the only place in the United States where you can swim with the gentle manatees legally without making a fuss. During the phase of November to March, the manatees in Florida migrate to Crystal River’s warmer springs in one of the largest gatherings of manatees worldwide. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to snorkel amongst clumps of hundreds of manatees. However, it is highly recommended to contact the FWC special-use permit-holding operators before you jump in the water. Manatees are gentle, cute, and vegetarians. They are not hippos, and there are no worries of getting killed.
- Moorea, French Polynesia
There is no doubt that French Polynesia is one of the most beautiful places in the whole world. While Moorea often gets overlooked by the neighboring Tahiti and Bora Bora, it still remains one of the best places for snorkeling in the crystal clear water. For an up-close-and-personal encounter with black-tip reef sharks, the best place to find them is in the lagoon facing Motu Irioa. Join a full-day tour group or hire a private guide and boat if you want to really explore the area and its critters in depth. Here, you can easily find plenty of places for accommodation and eateries to fill your stomach after a great swim.
- Bonaire
Bonaire is the world’s first Blue Destination, where coral conservation is taken very seriously. Snorkelers enjoy Bonaire as it has some of the most flourishing reefs in the world. In order to access the Bonaire National Marine Park, every snorkeler must pay an entry fee of $40. This national marine park spans the entire coastline of the Caribbean island. Make sure to visit the 1000 Steps beach, which is a popular snorkeling destination where you can witness staghorn corals, silly parrot fish, and crystal clear waters, along with gorgonian corals, glittering tropical fish, and sea turtles.
- Red Sea, Egypt
Those who think Egypt is all about desert and dryness are completely wrong, as the experience in the Red Sea can prove you wrong. The Red Sea is one of the most popular attractions in Southern Egypt, where you can find Shaab Samadai (Dolphin House) in Marsa Alam. This marine park is uniquely designed to protect resident spinner dolphins, and you can also snorkel along with them. Just like Florida, you can also swim with the manatee relatives, Dugongs, which can be found near Abu Dabbab Bay. This place is also a home to stingrays, sea turtles, seahorses, and barracudas, which showcases how healthy this coral reef is for the marine animals.
- Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Phi Phi is globally famous for its turquoise water and gigantic rocky mountains. While you are visiting Phi Phi Don, it is recommended to hop on a long-tail boat to Pi Leh Bay, where you can see the limestone cliffs soar 330 feet above crystalline waters. This region offers a handful of snorkeling spots that are rich in marine flora and fauna. It is the largest island of Thailand, and there are plenty of adventures that you can do here. However, it is recommended to take a local guide and instructors as they can help you find the hidden gems that most tourists do not even explore.
