10 Best Snorkeling Destinations in the World

Unlike scuba diving, one of the best things about snorkelling is all you need is a mask, snorkel, and fins - making it a cheap and accessible activity.

You can also go snorkelling all around the world, but where is best to go?

Check out our list of the top snorkeling destinations you need to check out.

 

1. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Australia is blessed with natural beauty, and one of the most famous locations is the stunning Great Barrier Reef located in Queensland.

This is the largest coral reef on the planet and one of the seven natural wonders of the world and contains an abundant marine life, with more than 3,000 coral cays and individual reef systems. 

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the best snorkelling locations due to the vibrant corals, fish, turtles and other animals you can see here. 

 

2. The Caribbean's Spice Island: Grenada

Known for its spices, Grenada is referred to as Spice Isle, and is famous for its perfect sandy beaches and vibrant coastal towns. It is found in the West Indies in the Caribbean. Grenada is a perfect place for snorkeling with scenic cliffs that stretch towards tranquil waters. It is also lesser visited than other destinations on our list meaning you get a less touristy experience.

 

3. Komodo National Park, Indonesia

The Komodo National Park is found in the Sunda archipelago of Indonesia, where you can see exotic marine creatures like tropical fish, manta rays, dugongs, and sharks. The abundance of marine animals makes the Komodo National Park one of the best snorkeling destinations on earth. 

 

4. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: Baa Atoll, Maldives

If you can afford to visit the Maldives, you won't be disappointed, snorkeling around beautiful islands like Rangali, Maayafushi, Kudafolhudhoo, Velidhu, and Ukulhas is up there with the best in the world.

You will love the reefs and biodiversity of Baa Atoll in the Maldives, here you can encounter fish, manta rays and even go swimming with whale sharks.

Baa Atoll is a really special destination with beautiful beaches, islands and also the sightings of whale sharks and manta rays. Due to the corals and marine creatures here, it’s considered a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

 

5. Mauritius

Mauritius is one of the most exotic destinations in Africa with amazing beaches and resorts. Mauritius is also surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, making it one of the best destinations in the world for snorkelling. The top local place to go is Mahebourg bay which is simply stunning. Visibility is excellent and there are lots of corals and marine life to see. 

 

6. Pride of the Orient Seas: Bay of Donsol, Philippines

There are a lot of snorkeling sites in the Philippines because it is an archipelago comprised of more than 7,000 islands. What makes this destination so appealing is you will get to snorkel alongside whale sharks and other marine creatures in the spectacular Bay of Donsol. On a boat tour, you might get lucky and see lots of whale sharks.

 

7. Great Waves in Maui: Hawaii, United States

Maui is one of the most sought-after snorkeling destinations in the United States. Aside from the traditional Hawaiian dance, you'll love snorkeling and trying different water adventures. The snorkel beaches of Maui let you see the beauty of the underwater universe for tropical fish and green sea turtles. 

 

8. Pure Bora Bora: Snorkel in French Polynesia

The Bora Bora lagoon of French Polynesia is a really special location with stunning scenery and world class resorts and accommodation. Bora Bora has pure-white and clean sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters. When snorkelling here you will get a close encounter with animals like stingrays straight from Bora Bora's overwater bungalows. 

 

9. Ocean's Amazon: Madang in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is a tropical but off the beaten track country located off the coast of Australia. It is situated in the Coral Triangle or Ocean's Amazon. It boasts of seemingly untouched or virgin tourist sites because the place is not crowded like other sites. You'll be free to snorkel all you want and see the beauty of tuna, reef sharks, barracuda, and snappers. 

 

10. Swim With Humpback Whales: Silver Bank in the Dominican Republic

Every first month, humpback whales at Silver Bank are followed by the prestigious Turks & Caicos Explorer II. Guests have the chance to spend a week in the water for snorkeling and experience encountering incredible water creatures. 

 

Other

There really are hundreds of incredible snorkelling sites around the world, places which didn't quite make our list include:

• Los Cabos, Mexico
• Isla del Cocos, Costa Rica
• Devil's Crown, Galápagos
• Isla Holbox, Mexico
• St. Kitts, The Caribbean

Hopefully our list has given you some ideas of where to take your next vacation!