The Top 25 Snorkeling Destinations in the World

Snorkeling is one of the activities that are offered on beaches and everyone enjoys it no matter what age. It allows us to see how wonderful the underwater is, and maybe do some scouting for fish if you plan to and know how to fish for bass. If you’re planning to go snorkeling, check out these twenty-five best-snorkeling destinations in the world.

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1. The Maldives

Being one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, The Maldives is also home to about 700 species of fish like butterflyfish and tuna. There are also other marine wonders like turtles, sharks, and amazing coral. The water here is lagoon calm as well. All of that will surely make your snorkeling adventures fun and worth it.

The Maldives

2. Buck Island Reef National Monument

This island offers an unspoiled Caribbean beauty. It is a 176 acre, uninhabited island in St. Croix. It is a home to over 250 fish species and marine animals like green sea turtles, eagle rays, and lemon sharks. You will enjoy the sight of a large coral formation as you swim through the snorkel trail. It sure is a world-class snorkeling experience.

Buck Island Reef National Monument

3. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

This is one of the best snorkeling spots because it holds the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world. The amazing Great Barrier Reef is made up of 2,900 individual reefs. Imagine seeing a massive amount coral and different marine animals. If your serious about snorkeling this has to be at the top of your bucket list. 

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

4. Palawan, Philippines

There are a lot of snorkeling islands in Palawan including Honda Bay, Tubbataha Reef, Starfish Island, and Cowrie Island. Beaches in Palawan also have crystal clear waters and a lot of marine animals can be spotted when you go snorkeling just off the beach.

Palawan, Philippines

5. Key Largo, Florida

One of the best snorkeling spots in Florida is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park located in Key Largo. It has protected coral formations and marine animals since it was established in 1963. 

Key Largo, Florida

6. Les Medes Islands, Spain

This island has the richest marine life in the Mediterranean. It is a national wildlife reserve that is composed of seven uninhabited islands. There are also rock reefs here where you can spot eels, octopuses, and schooling rays. 

Les Medes Islands, Spain

7. Komodo Island, Indonesia

Aside from the giant lizards that are well known here, this island is also a home to fascinating underwater animals. There are over 1000 species of fish, 260 types of corals, and 14 types of endangered animals like whales, dolphins, and turtles that live on this island.It’s a true nature lover’s paradise.

Komodo Island, Indonesia

8. Paphos, Cyprus

Phapos is a little ways off from the coast and there are some secluded beaches here that are great for snorkeling. It is a home for larger marine animals such as octopus, and small fish like the pipefish, which you can watch and follow as they swim through the clear water. 

Paphos, Cyprus

9. Sipadan Island, Malaysia

The reef of Sipadan Island is built on a volcanic seamount. It is the only oceanic island in Malaysia. Coral reefs here are in different colors, sizes, and shapes. There are also giant clams and it’s home to over 3,000 coral fish species. You will be swimming together with schools of fish when you go snorkeling here. 

Sipadan Island, Malaysia

10. Cape Maeda, Okinawa, Japan

Maeda Point is a popular diving spot in Cape Maeda in Okinawa. You will see different marine animals here like, batfish, lobster, cuttlefish, and stingray. There is also the Blue Cave, where there are also a lot of fish species and since it’s inside a cave, you will enjoy the blue light effects while you snorkel.

Cape Maeda, Okinawa, Japan

11. Skiathos, Greece

Skiathos is composed of many beaches where they offer snorkeling. Though this place can be crowded during summer, it is named as one of the best snorkeling spots in Europe. You can find different marine life here such as jellyfish, fire worms, and needlefish. 

Skiathos, Greece

12. Big Island, Hawaii

There are different snorkeling spots in the Big Island. One is Kahalu’u Beach Park which is famous because of it’s sea turtles. Another is Kealakekua Bay, which is a home to dolphins. There are also some snorkeling spots in the east side of the Big Island which they call the Hilo side, and the West side called the Kona side.

Big Island, Hawaii

 13. Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines

What’s exciting about snorkeling in Donsol is you get to swim with Whale Sharks. It is known as the Whale Shark Capital of the World. You will see upwards of 20 whale sharks when you go snorkeling and the best time to visit is from March to May.

Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines

14. Makarska Riviera, Croatia

Makarska Riviera is one of the best Croatian beaches. The sea here is very clean and clear that is why underwater visibility is great. An exciting part about snorkeling here is you get to see a lot of dolphins. It is safe too because there are no sharks. Though, the fish species are not as colorful as you can see in other places. You may also spot some octopus, small crabs, and starfish. 

Makarska Riviera, Croatia

15. Ilha Grande, Brazil

This is the biggest and most popular island in Green Bay in the West side of Rio de Janeiro. It has a clear turquoise water where you can swim together with different marine life. Its main village is called Vila Abrao where beautiful beaches are found, like, Parnaioca Beach, and Blue Lagoon.

Ilha Grande, Brazil

16. Bay Islands, Honduras

This island is composed of Roatan, Utila, Guanaja, and three other smaller islands. The water here is shallow which is perfect for you to see the coral reef wall. When you go snorkeling, you will see the protected house reef. They also offer night snorkeling activities which can be exciting. You can also get to see eagle rays, huge barrel sponges, and myriad of invertebrates here. 

Bay Islands, Honduras

17. Vieques, Puerto Rico

Snorkeling is the favorite past time of the people here in the Spanish Virgin Island of Vieques. You can snorkel over beautiful corals and see schools of different fish species like parrotfish and angelfish. The Navy protects the reef area which has helped to maintain its pristine beauty. 

Vieques, Puerto Rico

18. Koh Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

This island offers warm and clear water to swim in. When you go snorkeling here, you will swim with an amazing amount of fish in a wide range of colors. You can also cruise around by boat after snorkeling and see the Viking Cave where many birds nest.

Koh Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

19. The Seychelles

Snorkeling in the Seychelles is like snorkeling in paradise. It is located in the Indian Ocean and is composed of three islands named, Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue Island. Aside from the turquoise clear water and colorful fish, you also get to swim with whale sharks here. The best months to snorkel in its islands are in March to May and September to November, because those are the times when the water is really clear. 

The Seychelles

20. Whitsunday Islands, Australia

The Whitsunday Islands are composed of different beautiful islands like Manta Ray Bay, which you can see a wide variety of manta rays, and the Blue Pearl Bay which is home to colorful parrot fish. There is also the Hardy Reef Pontoon where there are many coral lagoons and you can also spot turtles. 

Whitsunday Islands, Australia

21. Eil Malk Island, Palau

Eil Malk Island is a popular snorkeling destination because of its jellyfish lake. Imagine swimming with thousands of jellyfish. Though it sounds a bit dangerous, you don’t have to worry because they let you wear protective swimsuits, and water shoes are recommended as well.

Eil Malk Island, Palau

22. Crystal River, Florida

The Crystal River protects West Indian manatees which you will see when you go snorkeling here. There are more than 200 manatees here especially in the months of November to March.

Crystal River, Florida

 23. Two Mile Reef, Bazaruto, Mozambique

The Bazaruto National Park has the best snorkeling spots in the East Coast of Africa. It has a barrier reef called Two Mile which is a great snorkeling site. It has colorful hard and soft corals, and numerous schools of brightly colored fish. It is also an excellent dive spot for any level of divers.

Two Mile Reef, Bazaruto, Mozambique

24. Galapagos Island, Ecuador

When you go snorkeling in this island, you will get to meet giant tortoises and iguanas. You can also swim with turtles and rays. It is an amazing island full of marine wildlife.

Galapagos Island, Ecuador

25. Santa Catalina Island, Florida

This island is home to variety of fish species like Garibaldi, Sheep Head, and Bass. It is also abundant in plants like eelgrass and sea fans. It is voted as the “World’s Healthiest Marine Environment” by the Scuba Diving Magazine.

All of these destinations sounds amazing to visit because they offer different snorkeling experiences. You can travel all over the world for fantastic snorkeling and not only that but also getting to visit the amazing places these great destinations are located. So, have you decided where to go for snorkeling?

Santa Catalina Island, Florida