More than 70 percent of the earth is comprised of water, and countless creatures reside within these waters. Dolphins, whales, sharks, seahorses, jellyfish, manta rays, octopi, fishes of all shapes, sizes, and colors, coral, and so much more – and that’s a really short list that we can think of off of the top of our heads; a wonderland that’s bursting with life lies just beneath the waves, and is calling you to explore it – and with snorkeling, you can do just that!
From swimming among schools of vibrantly colored fish off the shores of Australia to coasting along the waves with the manta rays in the seas of the Maldives, there are so many amazing places to experience the enchantment under the sea.
Whether this is your first time or it’s a favorite pastime that you’ve been partaking in for years, grab a bathing suit, a snorkel, a mask, and some flippers, and get ready to have an experience that will be sure to stay with you for a lifetime at one of these top 10 best snorkeling destinations.
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1. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Spanning nearly 1,430 miles off the shores of Queensland, the northeastern coast Australia, and comprised of a collection of 2,900 individual reefs, 900 islands, and several sand cays, the Great Barrier Reef is our top pick for the best places to snorkel in the world – and not just our top pick, but so many other snorkelers agree, too, and for good reason; it’s truly a wonder.
We aren’t kidding when we say that, as it’s listed as one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and once you set your fins in the water, you’ll immediately see why.
Covering more than 133,000 square miles, the reef is the only natural wonder that is visible from space. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre in 1981. The most extensive coral reef ecosystem on the planet, comprised of some 2,500 individual reefs of an array of shapes and sizes.
The more than 900 islands that are speckled throughout the reef range in size from large cays that covered with lush vegetation to small sandy cays, and even expansive rugged continental islands that rise, in one area, more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The depths of the waters vary widely, too, ranging from shallow inlets to mid-shelf and outer reefs, and the ocean waters that lie just beyond plunge more than 6,500 feet deep.
The diverse landscape combined with warm, pristine waters, it’s easy to see why so many species of animals either call the Great Barrier Reef their permanent home or stop by for a spell on their journeys. The interconnectivity of an array of species of animals and habitats makes it one of richest and most complex ecosystems on the planet.
Though the numbers aren’t precise (as it’s exceedingly difficult to collect exact calculations), it’s been estimated that there are more than 1,500 species of fish, around 400 species of coral, 240 types of birds, and more than 4,000 kinds of mollusks found in the Great Barrier Reef; there’s a vast collection of sponges, marine worms, anemones, and crustaceans here, too.It truly is one of the most incredible destinations for snorkelers and a spot that you must experience at least once.
There are ample opportunities for snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. One of the best ways to experience the wonder and majesty of this truly one-of-a-kind destination is by charting a boat tour from Port Douglas or Cairns; numerous companies offer bookings year-round.
2. Grenada, The Caribbean
Once a mystical spice island turned beloved tourist destination, Grenada sits where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. The waters here are warm year-round, and the crystal clear blue color juxtaposed off the talcum smooth snow-white sands is so beautiful that it will truly take your breath away. The beaches of Grenada are a literal paradise for snorkelers.
Here, you’ll find vast expanses of unspoiled natural coral reefs, pristine visibility, and truly unique marina flora and fauna. As if all of that wasn’t enough, what really sets Granada apart is that it is the home of the Molinere Sculpture Park, the first underwater sculpture park in the world!
Hop aboard a boat off the coast of Pink Gin Beach, chartered by a friendly and knowledgeable native, and in about 30 minutes, you’ll find yourself in a world of underwater wonder. On the sandy bottom of the Molinere Bay, you’ll find a vast collection of ecological and subaqueous contemporary artwork.
The submarine artwork was sculpted by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, and it opened to the public in 2006. The concrete sculptures set on the ocean floor largely consist of human shapes, including individuals to the renowned ring of children holding hands. Initially, the sculpture garden was intended to engage locals with the underwater world that surrounds them (the sculptures were derived from casts of volunteers from locals who resided in the community).
Over time, however, it has been realized that the sculptures are invaluable, as they relieve stress on the natural reefs from snorkelers and divers. There are more than 65 concrete pieces that span an area of more than 8,600 square feet.
Of course, the underwater sculpture park isn’t the only snorkeling spot worth visiting in Grenada. There are numerous other spots worth checking out in this West Indies destination, including Dragon Bay, La Sagesse Bay, Carriacou, Morne Roughe Beach, and Levera Beach.
3. Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Another fantastic destination for snorkelers is Komodo National Park. Situated within the Lesser Sunda Island within the border region that lies between the provinces of East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara, in Indonesia, the park was established in 1980 to protect the famed Komodo dragons, the largest lizards in the world.
The park protects a variety of other native species, as well, including a vast array of marine animals. In 1991, Komodo National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it earned a spot on one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature list.
The waters that surround Komodo Island are home to a diverse array of marine life, and are part of the Coral Triangle, which is comprised of one of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet. The waters here are pristinely blue and warm year-round, and the following is just a small sampling of some of the marine life that you’ll be able to find when you’re snorkeling here:
- Clown frogfish
- Pygmy seahorse
- Eagle rays
- Manta rays
- False piperfish
- Blue-ringed octopus
- Sponges
- Tunicates
- A vast array of coral
- Nudibranchs
- Whale sharks
Of course, while you’re here, you’ll probably also want to see if you can catch a glimpse of the lizard that the park is named after – the Komodo Dragon.
4. Bay of Donsol, The Philippines
Home to more than 7,000 islands, endless opportunities abound for novice and experienced snorkelers alike. While it may be one of the best-known destinations for marine life enthusiasts today, it wasn’t always that way.
In fact, until 1998, Donsol, which is located about 28 miles southwest of Legazpi, was a remote, sleepy fishing village that really was only known to those who called it home. When a local diver recorded an underwater video in 1998, however, things changed. Why? Well, because that video captured whale sharks, the largest, yet gentlest fish on the planet.
While the presence of whale sharks was known by Donsol natives for more than 100 years, they believed that the marine animals were dangerous. The video the diver took revealed that they couldn’t have been more wrong! A local newspaper published a story about the finding, and from then on, Donsol attracted a tremendous amount of attention, launching it to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines – and it remains the same to this day.
Of course, the whale sharks aren’t all you can see in the underwater world off the coast of Donsol. The warm, impeccably clear waters are also home to a wide variety of marine animals. Examples of some of the other species that you may have the opportunity to get an up-close look at include:
- Blue-ringed octopi
- Banded pipefish
- Decorator crabs
- Pygmy seahorse
- Warty frogfish
- Starfish
- Pelagic thresher shark
- Dolphins
- Clownfish
There are also corals galore here. Needless to say, the waters that hug the shores of the Donsol are certainly worth exploring.
5. Madang, Papua New Guinea
Situated north of the island continent and nation of Australia sits another island nation that is also an amazing site for snorkeling, and that’s Papua New Guinea. The island nation is a part of the Coral Triangle, which is also referred to as the Amazon of the Ocean, and contains the highest amounts of marine biodiversity in the world.
Papua New Guinea is comprised of about 600 main islands, and the azure blue waters, which are warm year-round and are crystal clear, instantly call you to explore.
As part of the Coral Triangle, the waters here are bursting with marine life. In fact, the reef communities are home to more than 1,000 species of tropical fish and more than 500 species of corals. Because of its remote location, Papua New Guinea is considered one of the last unspoiled wildernesses on the planet.
There are more than 700 tribes that call the islands home, and because the natives highly respect the marine life and since it hasn’t been overrun by tourism, the coral reefs and the waters remain pristine and are bursting with life that is just begging to be explored.
Sitting just off the shore of Madang is Planet Rock, a volcanic seamount. Here, you can find barracuda, snapper, tuna, and a variety of reef sharks. If you enjoy SCUBA diving, there are a few wrecks from World War II not too far down that you can explore, too.
6. Baa Atoll, Maldives
Nestled in the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean lies a collection of some of the most pristine and breathtaking islands in the entire world: the Maldives. Here, you can find more than 1,200 undisturbed coral islands, which hundreds of species of marine animals call their home or that stop off while they make their trek across the oceans of the world.
Examples of some of the animals that you may be able to encounter while you are snorkeling here include a variety of sharks and octopi, as well as manta rays, sea turtles, and fish of virtually every color of the rainbow.
Baa Atoll, which has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is one of the 26 geographical atolls in the Maldives. This location supports one of the biggest collections of coral reefs in the entire Indian Ocean. Every year, from June to November, hundreds of manta rays flock to the bays here to feast on the zooplankton. It truly is a sight to behold.
7. Silver Bank, Dominican Republic
Does the idea of swimming alongside humpback whales sound like a dream come true to you? If so, then back your bags and head to Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, where you just may have the opportunity to make that dream come true!
Situated in the Caribbean Sea, about 80 miles north of the Dominican Republic, the gentle giants swim through the waters here every year between the months of December and April. The submerged limestone plateau is where these magnificent animals migrate to mate, give birth, and raise their babies. A Marine Mammal Sanctuary, it’s one of only three locations in the world where you are permitted to swim and snorkel with the North Atlantic humpback whales.
As if swimming with these majestic creatures wasn’t enough, there are plenty of other submarine animals to explore in these crystal clear blue waters, too. Other species that you may have the opportunity to encounter while you’re snorkeling here include:
- Leatherback, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, Green Turtle, and Loggerhead sea turtles
- Dolphins
- Manatee
- Moray eels
- Parrot fish
- Doctor fish
- Groupers
- Manta rays
- Great barracuda
- Snapper
- Red snapper
- Sea bass
- Tuna
- Jacks
8. Maui, Hawaii, United States
A list of the top snorkeling destinations would not be complete without Maui. The lush remote island, which sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is part of the island chain that makes up Hawaii, one of the 50 United States. The volcanic island is comprised of lava rocks and there are so many coves, which make for incredible spots for snorkeling.
You can opt to explore the waters right off of the beaches, or you can charter a boat and venture out to one of the popular coral reefs, where you will be able to see a rainbow of fish, coral formations, and sea turtles.
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Four Season’s Resort Maui – one island’s most popular hotels – is the Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve. This is the ideal spot for novice snorkelers to get their fins wet and experience the wonders that the underwater world beholds, as the waters are warm, clear, calm, and are bursting with marine life.
Just a few miles off of the shores of Maui, you’ll find a truly unique geological formation: the Molokini Crater, a partially sunken, crescent-shaped caldera, which also boasts calm waters and pristine visibility up to 100 feet. While you’re snorkeling here, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with an assortment of species, including friendly monk seals, sea turtles, rainbow fish, and eagle rays. It truly is a sight to behold!
9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
When most people envision paradise, Bora Bora is what comes to mind. This French Polynesian island is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. The sand is snow white and silky smooth, and the waters that hug them are the most incredible aquamarine, with visibility that spans for what seems like eternity.
The waters here are home to an impressive collection of marine fauna, as well as some incredible marine flora. Stingrays are one of the most notable species of animals located in the waters of Bora Bora, which the locals have affectionately dubbed “water puppies”, and for good reason, as they are super friendly and have quite the affinity for human companionship; don’t be surprised if they brush up right against you! There’s also an array of species of sharks that call the shallow tropical waters off the coasts of Bora Bora home, including blacktip reef and lemon sharks.
An assortment of sea turtles and an array of vibrantly colored reef fish also abound in these waters. If you really want to treat yourself, book a stay in one of the famed overwater bungalows, which feature glass floors, where you can view the marine life right from your bed, and some even feature water slides that glide right into the warm waters.
10. Devi’s Crown, Galapagos
Rounding out our list of the top 10 destinations for snorkelers is situated within yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site: Devil’s Crown, off of Floreana Island, one of the many archipelago volcanic islands that make up the Galapagos Islands.
Situated off of the shores of the Republic of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, the Devil’s Crown is a ring of rugged rocks that protrude from the water. Devil’s Crown is aptly named, as the collection of rocks are a circular formation that resembles a crown, and because the rocks are so jagged, it was said that only the devil would be able to festoon himself in something so painful.
Long ago, the Devil’s Crown as a volcanic crater, and as the crust of the earth shifted, the volcano went extinct, and the pressure from the water and the wind eroded the majority of the crater, leaving behind only the collection of rocks that still remain.
Today, the Devil’s Crown is regarded as the premier snorkeling destination in the Galapagos, and once you submerge self into the water, it’s easy to see why. The collection of rocks are the prime location for small fish to seek refuge from predators, and because they are the prey of so many larger species, well, naturally, they’re attracted to the area, as they try their luck at catching dinner. When you’re snorkeling here, you can expect to see a large selection of marina fauna.
Reef fish in virtually every color of the rainbow call the volcanic rocks home; examples of some of the species that you’ll have a good chance of seeing include parrotfish, surgeonfish, king angelfish, Moorish idol fish, and wrasses. Dive or just look down to the bottom of the water and on the sandy bottom, you may spot sea stars. On occasion, sea lions will make their way through the area, and they may even try to get up close and personal with you!
Other examples of marine animals that you may be able to observe in the waters that surround the Devil’s Crown include:
- Manta rays
- Spotted eagle rays
- Sea urchins
- Garden eels
- Sea turtles
- White tipped reef sharks
- Hammerhead sharks
There are also several species of coral that call this area home. The location of Devil’s Crown also makes it an ideal spot for both novice and experienced snorkelers. That’s because it is situated so close to the mainland that it’s well-protected from winds and currents, and though swimming here can be a challenge, it’s much easier than it would be if you were to go further out.
Summing It Up
This list is far from comprehensive, as there are just so many wonderful places to explore the vast expanses of water and marine life that cover this world; however, given the impressive collections of marine flora and fauna, the pristine seas, and the undistributed visibility that each of the 10 locations featured on this list offer (among a long list of other incredible benefits), we think that it is safe to say that these are the top 10 places to snorkel.
