Snorkeling is a great water sport, all you need is a mask and snorkel and you are ready for a new adventure. Our planets comprise 30% land and 70% water bodies in which millions of species exist. It doesn’t matter whether you are a novice or an experienced snorkeler, you should try snorkeling and witness the underwater marine life.
Before going further, let’s know about Snorkeling. Snorkeling is basically swimming along the water’s surface. You don’t need any special training for this. The equipment needed is also minimal. In layman’s terms, we can say snorkeling is light swimming.
Often people get confused between scuba diving and snorkeling. Scuba diving is basically going underwater. You need to have a special set of equipment known as scuba gear for the activity. You must be healthy and must have some prior training for the activity. Snorkeling is an activity you will like most if you are on a vacation.
People do snorkeling for many reasons, including exploring the underwater world, observing marine life, experiencing new and exciting environments, and exercising. Snorkeling can be a relaxing and peaceful activity, as well as a fun way to spend time with friends and family. It’s also a relatively easy and inexpensive way to enjoy the beauty of the ocean without the need for extensive training or specialized equipment.
There are a lot of beautiful places where you can experience snorkeling. In this blog, we will discuss some different places where you can do the best snorkeling and can experience the beauty of this marine life.
Also see: Best Places to Snorkel in India
Best places for Snorkeling in the World
Here is the list of the best places to snorkel in the world. You can get the best snorkeling experiences in these places.
1. Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a world-renowned snorkeling destination located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, with over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands.
Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef is an unforgettable experience, with the opportunity to see an incredible variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, sharks, and even dolphins. The reef has several snorkeling spots, such as Green Island and Low Isles, which are known for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral gardens.
The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef for snorkeling is between June and August when the water is calm and the visibility is at its best. However, snorkeling can be enjoyed year-round, with the water temperature ranging between 22-30°C.
To reach the Great Barrier Reef, you can fly into Cairns, which is the nearest major city to the reef. Cairns has an international airport that connects to several major cities in Australia, as well as to international destinations such as Singapore and Tokyo. From Cairns, you can take a boat tour to the Great Barrier Reef, which typically includes snorkeling as part of the tour.
It’s important to note that the Great Barrier Reef is a fragile ecosystem, and visitors are encouraged to practice responsible snorkeling practices to minimize any harm to marine life. This includes wearing reef-safe sunscreen, not touching or standing on the coral, and not feeding or harassing marine life.
Location – Australia
2. Devil’s Crown
Situated near Floreana Island; Devil’s crown is part of an extinct and sunken volcano. Different species of fishes, eagle, and shy reef sharks can be found here. This place provides good snorkeling opportunities. But it’s advised to follow an experienced guide because of the high currents in the water.
The rare sunken volcanic cone attracts divers and snorkelers from all over the world. You get to see sea turtles and eagle rays roaming here. In case you want to see some hammerhead sharks then just step out from this crown, hammerhead sharks will be waiting for you. On a serious note, if you are not an experienced diver or snorkeler then either go in a group or take an experienced snorkeler with a sound knowledge of this water body. Take all the preventive measures.
The best time to visit Devil’s Crown for snorkeling is from December to May when the waters are warm and calm, and the visibility is excellent. During this time, the water temperature ranges from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius, and the visibility can reach up to 30 meters.
To reach Devil’s Crown, you first need to get to the Galapagos Islands, which can be accessed by air from mainland Ecuador. Once you arrive in the Galapagos, you can take a boat tour to Devil’s Crown, which is located near Floreana Island, one of the southernmost islands in the archipelago.
NOTE: Here, currents are very strong so make sure you are going with an experienced snorkeler.
Location – Galapagos
3. Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is a chain of volcanic islands which is extending eastwards from Java. This Park is located in central Indonesia. As the name suggests, this park was built to preserve Komodo dragons. It’s still one of the places where you can see these unique lizards and giant lizards named Komodo dragons.
This island is designated as a UNESCO world heritage site. It is enjoying a protected status since 1986 and hence the coral reefs are thriving with exotic marine life which includes manta rays, sharks, and over 1000 species of fishes.
The surroundings of the park also serve as a perfect setting for snorkeling. The water is loaded with reefs, manta rays, sharks, and other species of tropical fishes that enhance the beauty of snorkel here.
Location – Indonesia
4. Bay of Donsol
This place is in the Philippines. Bay of Donsol is one of the unique places for snorkeling among the 7000 other options. This is because you can snorkel along with whale sharks. You can see up to 20 whale sharks on a single tour. It’s an amazing snorkeling experience. You can go along with 5 more people for snorkeling along with one shark.
This place has very diverse biodiversity and finding a suitable place for snorkeling here is quite difficult if you don’t want to swim with whales and sharks. These creatures can be seen in the months of November and June. So, you can avoid this time if you want to avoid them. Otherwise, this is the best time to visit this place for snorkeling. The Bay of Donsol has very fine and clear water which makes it a good place for coral reefs.
The best time to visit the Bay of Donsol for snorkeling is from November to May when the weather is dry, and the water is clear. During this time, the water temperature ranges from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, and the visibility can reach up to 20 meters.
To reach the Bay of Donsol, you can take a flight to Legazpi City, which is the closest major city to Donsol. From Legazpi, you can take a bus or hire a private van to Donsol, which is about an hour and a half drive away. Alternatively, you can take a private car or taxi from Legazpi, which takes about an hour.
Location – The Philippines
5. Bazaruto Archipelago
Well! this place is very hard to reach but worth the effort. It is situated 22 miles from the east coast of Africa and hosts a Plethora of diving and snorkeling experiences. This area was declared as National Park in 1971. If you are a serious traveler then this place is for you, the journey is full of adventure and the destination is mesmerizing.
Location – Mozambique
6. Maui
Maui is an island in Hawaii known for its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities. The island is surrounded by clear waters that are home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, colorful fish, and coral reefs.
The main snorkeling spots in Maui include Molokini Crater, which is a partially submerged volcanic crater located off the coast of Maui, and home to over 250 species of fish and several species of coral. Another popular snorkeling spot is Honolua Bay, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, including turtles and rays. Other popular snorkeling spots include Napili Bay, Black Rock Beach, and Kapalua Bay.
The best time to visit Maui for snorkeling is during the summer months, from May to September, when the water is calm and the visibility is excellent. The water temperature ranges from 23-27°C throughout the year, making it ideal for snorkeling year-round. However, the winter months can be rougher, with bigger waves and stronger currents, which may make snorkeling more challenging.
To reach Maui, you can fly into Kahului Airport, which is the main airport on the island. The airport has connections to several major cities in the US and Canada, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver. Once you arrive in Maui, you can rent a car or take a taxi to your resort or snorkeling destination.
Location – Hawaii, United States of America
7. Bora Bora
Bora Bora is a picturesque island located in the South Pacific and is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Snorkeling in Bora Bora is a popular activity, with a variety of snorkeling spots around the island that offer breathtaking underwater views.
The best time to visit Bora Bora for snorkeling is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the water is calm and clear, and the weather is ideal for snorkeling. However, this is also peak tourist season, so it’s important to plan your visit in advance.
Some of the best snorkeling spots in Bora Bora include Matira Beach, where you can spot colorful fish and corals close to shore, and the Coral Gardens, which is a protected marine area with an abundance of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and sharks. Another popular spot is Anau Beach, which is known for its vibrant corals and schools of colorful fish.
To reach Bora Bora, visitors can take a flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora’s airport or take a cruise ship to the island. Once you arrive in Bora Bora, there are numerous snorkeling tour operators available that offer half-day or full-day snorkeling trips to the various snorkeling spots around the island. Alternatively, you can rent snorkeling gear and explore the snorkeling spots on your own.
Location – French Polynesia
8. Silver Bank
The best time to visit this place is any month between December and April as at this period the water is warm. This warm and shallow water is suitable for mating of the Humpback whales. At this particular point of time these whales mate, calve and raise their young ones. This marine mammal sanctuary is one of the three places on the globe which allows the visitors to swim along with these gigantic Humpback whales. So, if you ever had a dream to swim with these big mammals then it can be fulfilled here.
Location – Dominican Republic
9. Isla del Cocos
This place is also known as Treasure Island as in ancient times this place was the hideout for the pirates. Isla del Cocos national park is designated as the UNESCO World Heritage site. It is situated on an ancient volcanic mountain and hosts amazing marine life and thrives beautiful coral reefs. It is considered as one of the best places for snorkeling and to swim with fish like bottlenose dolphins, whale shark, moray eels and manta rays.
Location – Costa Rica
10. St. Kitts
This island is known for its beautiful beaches and tropical forests. You can find many ship wreckages underwater which makes it an interesting place for snorkeling and diving. These ship wreckages are the home for some beautiful fish species and coral reefs. Recently the wreckage of a ship which is 18th century old and belongs to Great Britain was also found there.
Location – The Caribbean
11. Grenada
This place lies in the Caribbean. In Grenada, there is the world’s first-ever marine sculpture garden known as Molinere Sculpture Park. The place is famous for its spices, mountains and other scenic landscapes like cliffs, etc. Its also known as the Spice of the Caribbean.
The unique thing about this place is the underwater sculptures that are made of coral graced cement. These corals graced cement structures which also includes the famous ring of children holding hands will give you a whole new rare experience. In short, you can enjoy one of the best snorkeling in the world here.
Location – The Caribbean
12. Baa Atoll
This beautiful atoll is situated in the Maldives, southwest of India. It is one of the most picturesque places in the world located in the Indian Ocean and famous for its coral reefs. These coral islands are surrounded by aquamarine waters and are home to various different species of fish and turtles.
It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is one of the island’s 26 atolls. From June to November, Lot many manta rays gather around in this Atoll in order to hunt the trapped Zooplanktons. This beautiful oceanic ecosystem is as beautiful as the land and makes this place perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Apart from snorkeling, you can witness the barrel rolling of mantas and sharks. The place offers many caves, Coral reefs, and other wonders of the place. A perfect place for a Maldivian vacation and snorkel.
The best time to visit the Maldives for snorkeling is between December and April, when the sea is calm and the visibility is excellent. During this time, the water temperature ranges between 27-29°C, making it ideal for snorkeling. However, snorkeling can be enjoyed throughout the year, with the water temperature ranging between 26-30°C.
To reach the Maldives, you can fly into the Velana International Airport in Male, which is the capital city of the Maldives. The airport has connections to several major cities in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. From Male, you can take a domestic flight or a speedboat transfer to your resort or snorkeling destination.
Location: Maldives
13. Mauritius
Mauritius is a great vacation place. It is a great place along the waters of the Indian Ocean. The place is full of natural beauty. The place is perfect for vacation and honeymoon. For snorkeling, Mauritius has clear water of the Indian Ocean for you which makes it one of the best places for snorkeling. It also has some great fishes like angelfish, damselfish, etc. in its water. It’s a great place for beginners.
Location: Mauritius
14. Virgin Gorda
Due to a large number of beaches, there are at least 5 great snorkeling spots in Virgin Gorda. The locations are The Baths, Valley Trunk Bay, Spring Bay, Devils Bay, Pond BA, Mosquito Rock, and South Bay. There are three companies that provide ultimate snorkeling experience. The three companies are set in different places and offer different experiences. If you want to go snorkeling during boating adventure, you can also fulfill this dream as there are services available for this also.
Location: British Virgin Islands (BVI)
15. Cayman Islands
This is one of the best places to snorkel in the world. It has numerous spots to practice the activity. It has perfect weather conditions that support snorkeling all around the year. It also has a characteristic coastline. You can find coral reefs, small coves. The best spot to perform snorkeling is the 7-mile beach. It’s been honored as “The Caribbean’s best beach.” As a bonus, all the activities related to snorkeling are free due to the open-access of the public on the beach.
Location: British Overseas Territory
16. Anguilla
Anguilla is a paradise for snorkelers. It has water visibility of up to 100 feet. Just like the Cayman Islands, it also has many spots to choose from. The water is full of reefs and unique types of fishes. The snorkeling spots that are people’s favorite are Sandy Hill, Anguilla’s Shoal Bay, Prickly Bear, Little Bay, and Barnes Bay. Just be advised as these places are filled with stingrays and sharks.
Location: British overseas territory
17. Moorea
This is a place in French Polynesia. It’s located near its amazing neighbors: Tahiti Island and Bora Bora. Moorea is a place well-known among snorkeling fans. Just like in other places, you get to spot amazing corals and tropical fishes. Along with all this, there are bungalow-styled accommodations. The rooms in the bungalows are divided between overwater bungalows, beachfront bungalows, and garden bungalows.
Location: French Polynesia
18. Seychelles
It consists of 115 tiny islands. It’s also considered one of the best places for snorkeling. The place is located in the Indian Ocean. Each of the tiny islets has its own specialization. But they have one thing in common: Beaches and clear waters. Over half of Seychelles is classified as natural reserves. You can head over to Praslin, La Digue, and Mahé. Or if you want to have more adventure you can go to Poivre, Denis or Atoll of Aldabra.
Location: Indian Ocean, off East Africa
19. Phi Phi Islands
This place is located in Thailand. Here you get to snorkel in the incredibly clear, green water surrounded on both sides by 330-foot tall limestone cliffs. Phi Phi Island is also called Thailand’s superstar. It has also been in movies. This is a good place for snorkeling. Prominent snorkeling places are Hin Klang, Maya Bay, Loh Sama, and Pi Leh Bay.
Location: Thailand
20. Havelock Island
Havelock island is one of the most enchanting islands in India which has the power to hypnotize you with its beauty. This place is the best place in India to do snorkeling. If you are planning a trip to Andaman and Nicobar, you shouldn’t miss visiting Havelock Island. Along with snorkeling, you can also enjoy Scuba diving here.
The most famous Snorkeling site on Havelock Island is Elephanta Bech due to its peaceful water and soft sand. You will love to do snorkeling here.
Location: Andaman and Nicobar, India
Read More, List of best places in the world to do scuba diving
21. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago located off the northeast coast of Brazil and is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. The archipelago is a popular destination for snorkeling, with several snorkeling spots that offer unique experiences.
The main snorkeling spots in Fernando de Noronha include Baía dos Porcos, which is known for its coral reefs and diverse marine life, such as sea turtles and reef fish, and the Baía do Sancho, which is known for its underwater caves and tunnels. Other popular spots include Praia do Leão and Atalaia Beach, which are known for their vibrant coral reefs and schools of tropical fish.
The best time to visit Fernando de Noronha for snorkeling is between August and December when the sea is calmer and the water temperature is warmer. During this time, visibility is also better, making it easier to spot marine life. However, snorkeling can be enjoyed throughout the year, with the water temperature ranging between 26-29°C.
To reach Fernando de Noronha, you can fly to Fernando de Noronha Airport, which is located on the main island of the archipelago. The airport has daily flights from Recife and Natal, which are major cities in Brazil. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a buggy to explore the island.
Location: Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
So, these were different and best places to snorkel in the world places where you can experience the joy of snorkeling. Snorkeling is indeed a great adventure sport in water but it also requires some safety skills as well. If you are new to this sport then make sure to take some experienced person.
22. The Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
The Ningaloo Reef, located off the coast of Western Australia, is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world and a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The reef spans over 260 kilometers and is home to over 500 species of fish, turtles, rays, and whales.
The best time to visit the Ningaloo Reef for snorkeling is between April and July, when the water is clear and calm and the whale shark season is in full swing. During this time, visitors can swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, as well as other marine life such as manta rays and turtles.
To reach the Ningaloo Reef, visitors can fly into Perth or Exmouth, which is the closest town to the reef. From Exmouth, visitors can take a short boat ride to the reef and start their snorkeling adventure. There are also various tour operators that offer snorkeling and diving packages to explore the reef.
Some of the best snorkeling spots in the Ningaloo Reef include Turquoise Bay, where you can spot colorful fish and vibrant coral gardens just meters from the shore, and Coral Bay, which is home to manta rays, turtles, and various species of sharks. Visitors can also snorkel at the stunning lagoon of Ningaloo Reef, which is home to over 500 species of fish.
23. Palau
Palau is an archipelago of over 500 islands located in the western Pacific Ocean, known for its stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life, and crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling in Palau offers a unique and unforgettable experience for snorkelers, with some of the best snorkeling spots in the world.
The best time to visit Palau for snorkeling is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The water is clear and calm during this time, providing excellent visibility for snorkeling. The water temperature ranges from 27-30°C throughout the year, making it ideal for snorkeling year-round.
Some of the best snorkeling spots in Palau include Blue Corner, which is known for its colorful corals, schools of fish, and sharks. Another popular snorkeling spot is Jellyfish Lake, which is home to millions of non-stinging jellyfish that make for a unique snorkeling experience. Other popular snorkeling spots include the German Channel, Ngerchong Island, and Ulong Island.
To reach Palau, visitors can fly into the Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, located on the island of Koror, which is the main hub for tourism in Palau. The airport has connections to several major cities in Asia, including Seoul, Tokyo, and Manila. Once you arrive in Palau, you can take a boat or join a snorkeling tour to reach your snorkeling destination.
24. The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands, located off the coast of Ecuador in South America, is a world-renowned destination for wildlife viewing and snorkeling. The unique combination of warm and cool ocean currents creates a diverse marine ecosystem, making it an ideal destination for snorkelers and scuba divers alike.
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands for snorkeling is during the dry season from June to November. During this time, the water is clear and calm, and marine life is abundant. However, this is also peak tourist season, so it’s important to book your trip in advance.
Some of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos Islands include Isabela Island, where you can spot penguins, sea turtles, and marine iguanas, and Kicker Rock, which is home to a variety of colorful fish and sea turtles. Other popular spots include Sullivan Bay, Bartolome Island, and Darwin Island, where you can swim with hammerhead sharks.
To reach the Galapagos Islands, visitors can fly into the city of Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador and then take a flight to the islands. It’s important to note that visitors to the Galapagos Islands must be accompanied by a licensed guide at all times to help protect the fragile ecosystem.
25. The Red Sea, Egypt
The Red Sea is a popular snorkeling destination located in Egypt, known for its clear waters, diverse marine life, and colorful coral reefs. The Red Sea is one of the most biodiverse seas in the world, with over 1,000 species of fish and 150 species of coral.
The main snorkeling spots in the Red Sea include the Ras Mohammed National Park, which is known for its stunning underwater landscapes and diverse marine life, and Tiran Island, which is home to several snorkeling sites, including the famous Jackson Reef, where snorkelers can see schools of fish, sharks, and even turtles. Other popular snorkeling spots include the Giftun Islands, which have clear waters and stunning coral reefs, and the Abu Dabbab Bay, which is known for its resident dugongs and sea turtles.
The best time to visit the Red Sea for snorkeling is between September and November, and between March and May, when the sea is calm and the visibility is excellent. During this time, the water temperature ranges between 23-27°C, making it ideal for snorkeling. However, the Red Sea can be visited year-round, with the summer months being particularly popular due to the warm water temperature and longer days.
To reach the Red Sea, you can fly into the Hurghada International Airport or the Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport, both of which have connections to several major cities in Europe and the Middle East. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to your resort or snorkeling destination in the Red Sea.
Things to know for responsible snorkeling:
Snorkeling can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it’s important to be responsible and mindful of the environment while enjoying it. Here are some things to keep in mind for responsible snorkeling:
- Do not touch or disturb marine life: Remember that you are a guest in the marine environment, and touching or disturbing marine life can harm them and their habitat. Keep a safe distance from marine animals, and never touch or remove coral, shells, or other creatures.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen: Regular sunscreen can contain harmful chemicals that can damage coral reefs and marine life. Choose reef-safe sunscreen options that are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Follow local rules and regulations: Always follow local rules and regulations for snorkeling and marine activities, including designated areas for snorkeling, rules about feeding marine animals, and restrictions on collecting shells or other marine specimens.
- Use responsible snorkeling practices: Be mindful of your surroundings, avoid kicking or touching the bottom, and keep fins and other gear away from the coral reef. Do not litter or leave anything behind in the water or on the beach.
- Respect the environment: Be respectful of the marine environment and its inhabitants, and leave it in the same condition as you found it. Avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb marine life and affect their natural behavior.
Our writer Ukarsh Rastogi also contributed to this article and made this article more informative.
