Best Snorkeling Destinations In The World

The depths of the sea offer a unique and enchanting world. Here are some of the best snorkeling destinations in the world according to experienced, enthusiastic divers!

Galapagos Islands

Unlike other snorkeling destinations, Galapagos Islands are bereft of colorful corals and colorful fish. Instead, you will encounter several big marine animals like dolphins, sharks, sea lions, whales, and a lot of others. If you want to meet them up close and personal, dive deep into the seas off the Galapagos Islands!

Palau

The waters of Palau is chockfull of harmless jellyfish, so it’s safe to swim with these little floaters. You can even touch them! Palau’s shallow reefs are thankfully healthy and intact, and the home of many other forms of wild marine life and a diverse habitat.

The best place to go for a snorkel is the Silver Bank, where divers can co-exist with humpback whales. The ocean’s shallow stretches make it impossible for large ships to pass but otherwise safe for the humpback whales to thrive. December and April are the best to catch these huge creatures at the Silver Bank.

Bimini Islands Bahamas

Bimini Islands provides a friendly and safe habitat for the Atlantic spotted dolphins, which you can swim with. You may also encounter the baby dolphins which are definitely much less spotted than adults.

A little away from Honoapiilani Highway is a long stretch of silver sand which the location of one of Hawaii’s most isolated beaches. To get the most out of your snorkeling, go to Coral Gardens at the eastern end of this natural park. You will be able to see some of the planet’s out-of-this-world fish, corals, and other amazing marine life.

Lovers Cove Catalina Island California

One of Catalina’s popular snorkeling spots, snorkelers will find a wealth of marine life such as a kelp “forest,” rock reef, and diverse, colorful fish and other forms of marine wildlife. The fish may get used to human visitors and don’t appear shy or frightened towards them. Bring pieces of bread or peas to feed the fishies, but remember to wear gloves as they might nibble your finger (which is more of a mere annoyance than grave danger).

Hol Chan Marine Reserve Belize

A twenty-minute boat ride from Ambergris Cay finds another deep-sea haven for snorkelers, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Prepared to be mesmerized by several beautiful corals and other marine animals like sharks, stingrays, and many more.

Grand Cayman

If you love to see stingrays more than any other marine animal, then visit the Grand Cayman Island which is one of the world’s most popular sites for snorkelers. Get mobbed (but in a harmless way) by a fever of stingrays as you dive and swim in the clear waters.

Pigeon Cay Honduras

Want to snorkel in total paradise? Then consider the picture-pretty Pigeon Cay in Honduras. This otherworldly, virtually-uninhabited island is just a 45-minute boat ride away from Roatan. The juvenile reef fish, as well as the amazing elkhorn coral, are one of the island’s main natural attractions.

Rockhouse

Far away from the bustle of Montego Bay is a tranquil resort called the Rockhouse Negril in Jamaica. Diving there makes you feel like you own the whole ocean, and virtually nothing can get you in the way of encountering amazing sea life such as schools of silversides and snake eel (which is non-toxic).

Swim along with the manatees in this snorkeling spot in Florida, the Crystal River. Contact with these gentle giants is ok as long as the manatees initiate it. Just swim slowly and calmly along with them for 15 minutes or longer, and expect some manatee gestures such as nuzzle snuggle, a flipper hug, or even a full-body hug. Professional guides will gladly be of help.

This is one of the few snorkeling spots with an underwater trail, which makes navigating easier for divers. This natural park is also the home of the three species of sea turtles who breed and make their nests there. This picturesque island is a paradise whether you are a snorkeler or not.

deans blue hole

The ceiling of an ages-old cave system collapsed in the ocean, which led to a deep blue hole. The beaches have pristinely white sands and blue waters which can go as deep as 600 feet. Watch out for some marine habitats like jacks, turtles, tarpons, porpoises or dolphin.