14 Snorkeling Destinations So Gorgeous, You’ll Forget to Come Up for
If your dream vacation involves fins and a splash, you’re in for a treat. This lineup of snorkeling destinations covers everything from surreal coral tunnels in the Maldives to sea lion-filled shallows in the Galápagos. Let’s find out more about them below.
Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
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The Mamanuca Islands are one of the most accessible parts of Fiji, just a 30-minute boat ride from Nadi. They’re made up of about 20 small islands, many of them ringed with shallow reef systems ideal for snorkeling. Visibility often reaches 100 feet on clear days, and the waters here stay warm year-round, which keeps the coral active and marine life thriving.
Sipadan, Malaysia
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Off the coast of Malaysia, Sipadan Island offers snorkelers a unique underwater view. Above its reef shelf, there are green and hawksbill turtles gracefully swimming the clear waters. Additionally, schools of barracuda frequently swim by in striking formations. The island, rising from a steep volcanic seamount, features dramatic drop-offs mere meters from the shore.
Silfra, Iceland
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Silfra has a glacial fissure positioned right where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. This location’s exceptionally clear water is naturally filtered through ancient lava rock and offers visibility exceeding 300 feet. Snorkelers can explore underwater routes like Big Crack, Cathedral, and Lagoon.
Palau
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As a globally recognized natural wonder, Palau’s Rock Islands features a remarkable assortment of snorkeling environments. There are coral-draped underwater passages, peaceful mangrove inlets, and vibrant channels teeming with aquatic life. Ulong Channel is particularly notable for its resident populations of reef sharks, spawning groupers, and intricate coral structures that house numerous nudibranch species.
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
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The Whitsunday Islands along the Australian coast offer peaceful snorkeling locations amidst stunning natural beauty. At Chalkie’s Beach on Haslewood Island, it’s common to see turtles swimming gently through the shoreline coral reefs. The shallow waters make it safe for families, especially those with younger children, to comfortably enjoy snorkeling and observe the local marine life up close.
Exumas, Bahamas
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Within the Bahamian chain, the standout attraction at Exumas is Pig Beach, where friendly pigs swim and interact with visitors in the shallow waters. Nearby, Thunderball Grotto amazes visitors with its natural overhead openings and history as a filming site for James Bond movies.
Hengchun, Taiwan
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For those searching for less crowded snorkeling spots, Hengchun in Taiwan offers a welcome alternative to more bustling destinations. Banana Bay is known for its exceptionally clear waters, which allow for excellent views of the coral and fish even before fully entering the sea. The rocky shoreline here tends to lower visitor numbers, so you’ll have plenty of breathing room.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines include the Tobago Cays, a group of five uninhabited islands forming a protected marine sanctuary. Snorkeling in this region often involves delightful encounters with numerous turtles in their natural environment. On the main island, the Bat Cave offers a different kind of exploration by featuring an echoing sandstone tunnel where bats reside.
Maldives
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Beyond its stunning beaches, the Maldives strongly emphasizes understanding its marine environment. Families can participate in educational coral-growing projects organized by the Marine Discovery Centre at the Four Seasons in Baa Atoll. Furthermore, when plankton levels peak, Hanifaru Bay becomes a significant draw for manta rays and whale sharks.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
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At a short distance from Cancun, Isla Mujeres in Mexico has something for everyone. Playa Norte features calm and shallow waters; it’s an ideal spot for young children and those new to snorkeling. In contrast, Manchones Reef has a more unusual underwater scene featuring submerged art installations.
Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania
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The Honeymoon Bay at Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula is a sheltered and clear haven, perfect for families with young children. For those seeking a bit more exploration, Sleepy Bay contains deeper waters and rocky reef systems.
Crystal River, Florida
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You wouldn’t expect to be able to snorkel alongside manatees, but Crystal River at Inland Florida offers just. From November to March, a significant number of these gentle giants gather in the warm springs of Kings Bay.
Moorea, French Polynesia
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The French Polynesian island of Moorea is ideally suited for families. Off Motu Tiahura, the Coral Garden features shallow waters teeming with colorful butterflyfish, stingrays, and sleek blacktip reef sharks. Alternatively, Temae Beach near the Sofitel offers excellent reef snorkeling directly from the sandy shore.
Bonaire
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Bonaire offers visitors immediate access to exceptional snorkeling. A brief water taxi ride from Kralendijk transports you to Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited islet where snorkelers can effortlessly drift over kaleidoscopic coral reefs while observing hundreds of fish species without needing deep-diving skills.
Red Sea, Egypt
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Along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, Sharm El Sheikh features shallow reefs and calm bays beside the resort beaches. Hilton Sharks Bay even boasts its dedicated reef just a short stroll from guest rooms. The region is rich in marine biodiversity.