Snorkelling is one of the most fun and rewarding activities to do while on vacation as it allows anyone to explore the oceans and gives tourists the chance to marvel at the gorgeous underwater world.
It is a safe activity that can be done by anyone, no matter their skill level and is enjoyed by all.
With so many amazing locations around the world, it seems like a daunting task to pick the best place to go snorkelling so in this list we discover the 20 best places in the world to go snorkelling.
Table of Contents
1. Key Largo, Florida – United States
The expansion of the Key Islands is some of the most amazing places to go snorkelling in the US, most notably Key Largo offers stunning views of underwater life.
2. Maui Island, Hawaii – United States
One of the many Islands that make out Hawaii, this destination offers one of the best experiences to discover and explore stunning reefs while snorkelling.
3. Saint Martin – Caribbean Sea Islands
As part of several islands in the Caribbean, St Martin is known for its stunning crystal clear waters that are perfect for snorkelling both deep water as well as shallow reef areas.
4. Devil’s Den, Florida – United States
A unique destination all on its own proves this location is rich with history and intrigue and is also used to explore underwater caves, as well as being, has tourist being given the opportunity to learn how to snorkel at this area.
5. Fraser Island – Australia
A short journey by boat takes visitors to the crystal clear waters surrounding this stunning island just off the coast from Hervey Bay. Not only is this a beautiful destination to go snorkeling but it also makes for a fun and adventurous day trip to explore and learn about the rich history of the island.
6. Columbretes Islands – Spain
An amazing place to snorkel and explore, this island is an official marine reserve as well as a national park that gives tourist the opportunity to see one of nature’s most beautiful natural habitats for aquatic life.
7. Bali – Indonesia
There are so many stunning spots to go snorkelling at this location as all provide crystal clear views of not only stunning underwater sculptures but also some of the most colourful and mind blowing coral reefs in the world.
8. Plage de La Palud – France
Located in the South of France this wonderful destination is perfect to enjoy the clear warm water of the Mediterranean sea and survey the vast underwater landscapes.
9. Sharm El-Sheikh – Egypt
When one thinks of Egypt it’s common to imagine sand and pyramids, however, this destination is a fan favourite for more advanced snorkelers as it is one of the most beautiful and colourful diving areas. Surrounded by thousands of aquatic species as well as colourful coral reefs it is definitely one to consider.
10. Gulf of Thailand – Thailand
This world-famous spot is perfect for snorkelling as the crystal clear waters and many different locations provide beautiful underwater views of the surrounding shallow limestone islands as well as the various underwater caves.
11. Moreton Island – Australia
Just off the coast of southeastern Queensland tourists will be able to explore the protected island while diving the clear waters as they not only will be able to see plenty of tropical fish species but also explore the wreckage of sunken ships known as the Tangalooma Wrecks.
12. Baa Atoll – Maldives
Made from three natural atolls, this destination is unique as it gives tourist the opportunity to travel to and explore some uninhabited islands as well as enjoying the clear untouched waters surrounding them.
13. Buck Island – St. Croix, USVI
Featuring one of the worlds best snorkelling sites, this island offers tourists the opportunity for extraordinary views of the underwater park as it serves to protect the natural habitat of the reefs as well as the marine life and forms part of the Virgin Islands in the US.
14. Belize, Belmopan – Central America
Home of the Great Blue Hole at the Light House Reef, this is one of the most unique destinations as it gives tourists the opportunity to dive and snorkel in one of nature’s most beautiful anomalies. Surrounded by miles of clear blue water is a large blue sinkhole that is roughly 300m across and 125m deep and is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System as well as it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
15. Key West, Florida – United States
Key West is another popular snorkelling site in the large extension of Key Islands off of the coast of Florida that is connected with a series of large bridges. It provides stunning snorkelling opportunities with its natural coral reefs and underwater wildlife.
16. Lover’s Cove, Catalina Islands – United States
Just 22 miles off of the mainland of the coast of Southern California is one of the most famous islands in the United States due to its pop culture references in a song by the band Four Perps, but it is also a stunning site to go snorkelling as it provides tourists and locals alike with beautiful underwater views.
17. Big Island – Hawaii
Officially named Hawaii, the Big Island is the largest island in the archipelago of the Hawaiian islands and has the offers a vast amount of pristine snorkelling sites where tourists can explore the reefs and surrounding underwater landscapes in the Central Pacific.
18. Costa Brava, Medes Islands Marine Reserve – Spain
Surrounded by a series of small bays, this location gives ample snorkelling opportunities of several different sites for both reef exploration as well as deep diving and is home to some of the most unique underwater landscapes and crystal clear waters.
19. Caneiros – Algarve
This unique location is located on a small cove and is surrounded by large sandstone cliffs. The small strip of beach is perfect for snorkelling directly from the land and has clear and beautiful underwater views of not only the marine life but also the formation of underwater rocks that surround the beach.
20. Isola Rossa – Sardinia
This half-moon inspired location is a fan favourite when it when comes to snorkelling as the warm translucent waters provide an amazing opportunity for tourists to spot the aquatic wildlife.