Adventure enthusiasts love to explore the fascinating world under the water. Snorkeling is a thrilling water sports to see the underwater marine life. You can see the colorful coral reef, tropical fish, whale, sharks, and many beautiful species while snorkeling. There are thousands of snorkeling spots in the world. But these are losing their appeals due to coral bleach, ecological changes that causes low visibility. Inspite of this, some snorkeling spots are still worth visiting for snorkeling for their rich marine life and high visibility. Here are the top 10 snorkeling destinations around the world.
Best snorkeling destinations around the world
- Raja Ampat
- Great barrier reef
- Red sea
- Maldives
- The big island Hawaii
- Galapagose
- Palawan the Philippines
- Koh tao, Thailand
- Rangiroa, French Polynesia
- The Azores, Portugal
Raja Ampat
Snorkeling paradise Raja Ampat is a remote Indonesian province of West Papua. It is a relatively undiscovered area for adventure lovers, especially for water sports like snorkeling. Raja Ampat is certainly a gem for both snorkeling and scuba diving. Comprising 1500 islands, Raja Ampat is a marine protected area and one of the best biodiverse areas. You can find beautiful coral reefs here. You can see whale sharks, turtles, and dolphins up close and swim along with them.
Great Barrier Reef
If someone asks me what is the best snorkelling destination in the world? My answer was, is, and will be the great barrier reef in Australia. You can not complete your best snorkeling destination list without including Great barrier reef. Amazing coral, colorful diverse marine life and crystal-clear water makes the great barrier reef a must visit destination for snorkelers. Moreover, it is a world heritage site that gives the great barrier reef a different importance. Whitsunday Islands in Queensland is the best place to start exploring great barrier reef.
Red Sea
Though red sea is famous for scuba diving as there are many eyes soothing coral reefs, it is the perfect place for snorkelers too. It is the perfect for beginners as there is coral just off the beaches in many places. This place is famous for perfect visibility and diverse marine life including parrotfish, turtle, mantas. Famous resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh offers various package to take you to the best spots for snorkeling.
Maldives
The Maldives is famous for its crystal-clear water and rich marine life in the world. It is home to more than 700 species of fish including butterfly. Thus, Maldives is a heaven for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can swim with shark there. When I visited Maldives, I had the opportunity to snorkel and swim with the sharks. The sharks were very friendly. It created a lifetime memory for me. Snorkeling in Maldives can be a perfect water activity for adventure lovers.
The Big Island Hawaii
There are many snorkeling spots in Hawaii Archipelago. Among them The Big Island has some thing special to offer for snorkelers. The big island has clear waters upto 100 feet visibility. Kealakekua Bay is the home of colorful coral and fishes, and it is the place where captain Cook first landed. Snorkeling near Captain Cooks monument, you can see dolphins, turtle and more. Honaunau Bay is another best snorkeling spot in Hawaii.
Galapagos
Most of the world’s best snorkeling destinations is famous for colorful coral and diverse marine life. But Galapagos has something unique to offer for snorkelers. You may find the opportunity to swill along with sea lions and wild sharks. Devil’s Crown near Floreana Island is the most sought snorkeling spot in Galapagos. You will find many species there which are very rare elsewhere in the world. You can go for single day or multi-day snorkeling adventure in Galapagos for unforgettable lifetime memory.
Palawan the Philippines
Comprising with about 7,000 islands, the Philippines is the best snorkeling spot for water sports enthusiasts. Palawan island is one of the best snorkeling spots in Philippines. Honda bay, fish-filled lagoon and Tubbataha reef is very popular for divers and snorkelers alike. While snorkeling at Bay of Donsol, there is the chance to swim with whale sharks. It will leave indelible memory on your mind. There are also hidden caves, and sunken shipwrecks all waiting to be amazed you – all you need is a mask and some fins.
Koh Tao, Thailand
Koh Tao is the best diving and snorkeling spot in Thailand. It is located on the Gulf of Thailand. Stunning blue waters, rich marine life, and easy accessibility makes the place popular for both beginners and experts. Koh Tao has clear shallow water with stunning coral reef and diverse marine life. That’s why it is the perfect snorkeling destination in Thailand. Haad Tien Beach is popular for green turtles and sharks. You can swim along with these sharks there because these are not harmful at all.
Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Snorkeling in Rangiroa is the perfect place for snorkeling in the South Pacific. You can see the most spectacular turtles, starfish, and reef sharks in Rangiroa atolls while snorkeling. Once you’ve snorkeled Pink Sand Beach, the Blue Lagoon, I think you will try to come again and again here to snorkel. So, don’t wait, grab your masks and fins-enjoy the beauty of underwater in Rangiroa.
The Azores, Portugal
The Azores islands in the North Atlantic is the Portugues Island is heaven for snorkeling compare to other European countries. Blue whales, sharks, and dolphins are seen easily there while snorkeling around the islands. The area is undoubtedly a rich area for diverse marine life.
Despite the challenges facing many snorkeling destinations due to coral bleaching and ecological changes, several locations still offer exceptional underwater experiences. Adventure enthusiasts can explore the fascinating marine life in these top snorkeling destinations.
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