Introduction
You have visited game parks, museums, iconic landmarks and many exotic places in the world. You have literally accomplished everything that was on your bucket list, and now you are wondering what else you can do or where you should go. Have you ever thought about snorkeling? This activity revolves around exploring what is beneath the seawater surface. The amazing thing about snorkeling that you don't need a lot of equipment like scuba diving just a mask to do it. There are plenty of places that you can visit and here are the 50 best snorkeling spots in the world.
1. The Maldives
The Maldives is known to be one of the best travel destinations in the world. The islands are dotted with plenty of amazing features that travelers can enjoy. The marine here plays host to over 700 different species of fish and unique undersea gardens. All of them promise you a great snorkeling experience.
2. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Great Barrier Rift in Australia is the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem. It stretches thousands of miles from the shore, and ocean enthusiasts have plenty of things that they can enjoy here. Scuba diving is just one of them.
3. El Malk Island, Palau
El Malk is the only marine lake in Palau that gives room for snorkeling. The lake is known for hosting millions of jellyfish which are entirely harmless to human beings.
See world most popular surf spot. Here
4. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
You can explore the marine life through snorkeling on this volcanic island. You will be able to have a clear view of various sea animals such as sea lions, dolphins, orcas among others.
5. Buck Island, St Croix, USVI
In addition to the national parks and scenic mountains, this island has blue water, which provides a perfect haven for snorkeling. Some beautiful sea animal special such as parrotfish can keep you company when you are deep in the sea.
6. Komodo Island, Indonesia
While here, you will not just be fascinated by the Komodo National Park. The sea which surrounds the national park hosts over 1000 different species of fish and at least 260 types of corals.
7. The Big Island Hawaii
The whole of Hawaii archipelago is dotted with several snorkeling spots. The Big Island in the area hosts an underwater state park, which is a home to plenty of colorful fish and coral.
8. Ilha Grande, Brazil
The Coastal area which is located between Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro has beautiful blue water and colored fish. The area is also a historic site as it contains shipwrecks from the battles that took place many years ago.
9. Ambergris Caye, Belize
Belize offers the snorkelers with lots of opportunities have an uninterrupted view of colorful fish and corals. While here, you will achieve your lifelong fantasy of swimming with sharks.
10. Palawan, Philippines
The Philippines is one of the most underrated snorkeling destinations. However, the 7,000 islands are surrounded by blue water, which is home to some of the world’s unique wildlife that can only be explored through snorkeling.
11.Banana Beach, Thailand
We can’t just get enough of Thailand and its beautiful beaches. The quietness and ambiance of the beach is something that will amaze you.
12. Alligator Reef Lighthouse, Florida Keys
The heavy presence of tropical fish and expansive coral reef systems make this place ideal for snorkeling. Most snorkelers approve this place which is South Florida waters.
13. Aigua Xelida, Spain
The snorkeling spot is located near Palafrugell. Its hidden nature can make it difficult to find it. However, with the help of some locals, You will be able to locate it.
14. Bahia de Mujeres, Cancun
This beach which means “Bay of Women” has amazing snorkeling sites and other amazing scenic areas.
15. Bay Islands, Honduras
The Bay Islands are rich in reef systems, making it ideal for snorkeling. The islands are also dotted with several amazing tourist attraction features that you can enjoy.
16. Bimini, Bahamas
This snorkeling spot is less than half an hour from Florida. While under the waters, you can play with dolphins which make up a big percentage of the sea animals.
17. Bligh Water, Fiji
Despite being hit by a cyclone that destroyed snorkeling spots in 2012, the area still guarantees you of amazing and memorable moments. It also has a big population of wildlife animals.
18 . Blue Lagoon Bali
The crystal clear water found here gives visitors breathtaking scenery of what is beneath the waters. The area has plenty of amenities that can take care of your comfort issues.
19. Bocas del Toro, Panama
The reef and water here are well-protected hence you will find plenty of fish, especially when you dive deeper.
20. Buck Island, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
After visiting the magnificent Buck Reef National monument, you can proceed to the beach and locate an ideal spot for snorkeling. You will enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding.
21. Cane Bay, Virgin Islands
As you enjoy a fine breeze in the area, you can explore the tropical fish and Elkhorn coral. The beach is located on the Northern side of St. Croix.
22. Caja De Muertos, Puerto Rico
This is another must-visit travel spot in the world. It is characterized by a vibrant marine life, making it an ideal snorkeling spot.
23. Captain Cook, Big Island Hawaii
The area is among the best snorkeling grounds in Hawaii. It also hosts some colored fish which will give you a near-perfect snorkeling experience.
24. Catalina Island, California
Also known as the lover’s cove, this spot has plenty of fish and soft coral that any aspiring snorkeler can explore to the fullest.
25. Cenotes, Cancun
For years, the Cenotes, which is along the Mayan river has been an ideal holiday spot for hundreds of tourists. It also has a coral that offers amazing snorkeling experience.
26. Cheeca Rock, Florida Keys
This is another point from the Florida Keys that has made it to the list of world’s best snorkeling spots. Apart from some marine life, the area also boasts of coral reefs.
27. Corn Islands, Nicaragua
A diverse coral reef is what characterizes this snorkeling spot. The area is inhabited by dolphins, turtles, live corals among other marine life.
28. Coki Point Beach, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
The beach is frequented by cruise ships transporting tourists who want to explore the amazing things that it offers. One of its gifts to the visitors is hospitable snorkeling spots.
29. Crystal River, Florida
Do you yearn for a one-on-one encounter with West Indian Manatee? Crystal River is where you should go and find an ideal snorkeling spot.
30. Dean’s Blue Hole, Long Island, Bahamas
Come and experience the world’s deepest waterhole in the Bahamas. The diverse marine life comprises of dolphins, turtles and a variety of fish.
31. Dry Tortugas, Florida
This spot is located in a national park and can be accessed through a boat or a seaplane. The location means that the area has plenty that it can offer to the visitors.
32. Elbow Cay, Bahamas
Lots of fishing activities take place here, which translates to an active marine life. You can take a spot that is not crowded and enjoy your snorkeling.
33. Fajardo, Puerto Rico
This is a small district located on the eastern side of Puerto Rico. It is quite rich in marine life.
34. Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
The popularity of this spot seems to attract large crowds. However, you can always get a perfect spot and continue with your exploration.
35. Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
The area has a rich history of being a vacation spot for tourists. It has some of the ancient caves located under the water.
36. Haulover Bay, St. John Virgin Islands
Take a visit here to explore the beautiful groves and forests. Snorkeling is also one of the key activities that you can undertake here.
37. Jervis Bay, Australia
Apart from being an ideal tourist destination, the area also has some of the best snorkeling spots in the region.
38. Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Islands
The area is decorated with a plethora of reef fish and corals. Snorkelers can be sure of having great moments here.
39. Kaiona Beach Park, Oahu
Also known as Honu heaven, the area is a home to turtles and old fish. The best way of exploring this area is through snorkeling.
40. Julian Rocks, Australia
This spot is located in New South Wales. The heavy presence of reefs makes it a perfect snorkeling spot.
41. Mackerel Islands, Australia
There are several snorkeling sites on this island and they are usually compared to aquarium because they host plenty of animals.
42. Lord Howe Island, Australia
The cute coral and active marine life is what makes this area an ideal snorkeling spot. The waters here are quite calm and every member of the family can enjoy the experience.
43. Manus, Papua, New Guinea
This is a sparsely populated area that is majorly occupied by water. Colored fish and beautiful coral reefs are what characterize the different snorkeling spots found here.
44. Makaha Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii
This is a popular surf spot, but some snorkeling activities also take place here. However, snorkeling is not allowed during winter.
45. Menjangan Island, Bali
Scuba divers and snorkelers converge here for some amazing experience. The Menjangan Island has clear water and is accessible to reef snorkeling.
46. Molokini Crater, Maui
The clear water at this spot enables snorkelers to view the vibrant marine life, even before they go under the sea. It is also a home to sea turtles.
47. Milne Bay Province, Papua Guinea
Milne Bay Province is a formerly naval base and is frequented by tourists from different corners of the world . The beautiful reefs in the area tend to attract snorkelers.
48. Ningaloo Reef, Australia
This spot is regarded as one of the remaining paradises on earth. The coral gardens, colored fish and fringing reef are some of the features that attract snorkelers here.
49. Montego Bay, Jamaica
Snorkelers from across the world like this spot due to the clarity and warmth of its water. The coral beds are home to different species of fish.
50. Stingray City, Grand Cayman
Just as the name suggests, you get in and out of the water in synchronized stingrays. Stingray City is a perfect spot for any snorkeler especially when it is not crowded.
Conclusion
Snorkeling is a life-changing activity that is more than just a hobby. This is why most snorkelers are always out scouting for the best spots. The above are some of the best snorkeling spots around the world.
Did you visit any of the above told us about your experience below