World's Best Snorkeling Destinations

By Staff

Snorkeling is swimming on the surface of a water body equipped with a diving mask called a snorkel. The divers also use swim fins. The primary difference with scuba diving is here the divers do not go too deep inside the water. The primary attraction of snorkeling is the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting. This may include coral reefs and their denizens, such as fish, cephalopods, starfish, sea urchins, and mollusks, jellyfish, shrimp, sea turtles. Some of the best Snorkeling destinations in the world are:

Ningaloo Reef
Located in Western Australia, Ningaloo Reef is one of the best destinations in the world for underwater snorkeling. The place also boasts of having more than 500 species of tropical fishes and over 220 species of coral. The place provides spectacular views of the ocean and the rare whale sharks can be spotted here. It is one of the rare places on earth where a person can straight walk into the coral reef.

Great Barrier Reef
It is home to some of the most diverse populations of marine life on the planet. Combined with breath talking flora and fauna it is one of the best places to snorkel. Declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site the place provides locations for all levels of snorkeling from the beginners to the professionals. It has some of the worlds rare sea creatures like humpback dolphin, humpback whale, green sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle, hawksbill turtle, and the olive ridley

Houtman Abrolhos
It is the southern-most coral reef in the world and over the years has been has been a place for numerous research. Diverse and rich, it hosts a plethora of unique temperate and tropical species. This place is a hot favorite among the marine lovers and is popular for diving and snorkeling. It provides excellent and diverse exploration for all levels of underwater adventurers.

Ras Mohamed (The Red Sea)
Ras Mohamed or the red sea is one of the very best places to snorkel. The renowned Ras Mohamed National Park boasts of having over half a dozen species of sharks, more than thousands of species of rare fish. There are three shipwrecks here and and thus prove to be the ideal places to snorkel for all those people who have a taste for adventure.

Sinai Peninsula
Sinai Peninsula boasts of having many colorful fish and coral reefs many of whom are less than ten meters off shore. The waters are crystal clear and home to some amazing flora and fauna. These provide an ideal place for snorkeling and other water activities.

Bocas del Toro
A large group of islands off the North West coast of Caribbean, the Bocas del Toro are an amazing location to snorkel. Crystal clear water, many smaller islands that are accessible by boats and easy access to snorkel gear make it the perfect place to snorkel. Many areas with in the Bastimentos National Park are protected and it is a delight to watch nesting sea turtles on isolated beaches.

Hanauma Bay, Hawaii
Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful marine habitat in the world, and there are various locations for those who wish to snorkel. Hanauma Bay is the most famous of all snorkeling destinations in Hawaii and renowned as an exquisite area for underwater exploration. It is home to diverse array of marine life. This place is visited by the largest number of snorkelers. There are a number of shipwrecks where where the adventurers find snorkeling and exploring the ocean a treat.

Caribbean
The crystal clear waters of Caribbean islands have some of the best locale to snorkel. St. Martin and Provo are two of the most popular destinations. St. Martin is one of the most protected places and thus with its calm waters and shallow reefs provides the most natural views of the marine life.

Provo
Provo is located in the Turks and Caicos, is famous for being one of the world's best dive sites, but it also gives the snorkelers . Just off the shoreline there are many gorgeous reefs and are home to many of the rare marine species. A view of the spectacular coral gardens is a treat to watch.