Top Snorkeling Destinations for the Adventurous Traveler

Snorkeling is a great activity that is adventurous and thrilling. It can be extreme or very tranquil, and is suitable for people of all levels. From calm, shallow reefs to deeper tropical waters, snorkeling is a fascinating way to explore the underwater world. Here are a few of the best places to snorkel in the world. Keep in mind that there are many gorgeous spots for snorkeling, and that these represent only a few of the best.

Australia

Australia is home to some of the best snorkeling in the world and most diverse amount of marine life. Ringed by the Great Barrier Reef, the Ningaloo Reef, and the Houtman Abrolhos, as well as many other destinations, snorkeling in Australia is an unforgettable experience. Ningaloo Reef is located in Western Australia and is one of the best areas in the country for underwater exploration like diving and snorkeling, and is most well known as a home to Whale Sharks, which are mostly visible from May through August. The Great Barrier Reef is home to one of the most diverse populations of marine life in the world, and many conservation efforts have gone into ensuring the beauty of this amazing reef. Teeming with myriad underwater flora and fauna, it is a spectacular place to snorkel, and there are a number of locations for to suit all levels of snorkelers, from advance to beginners. The Houtman Abrolhos is the southern-most coral reef in the world, and has been the subject of intensive marine research for many years. Diverse and rich, it hosts a plethora of unique temperate and tropical species and is considered one of the best places in the world to snorkel.

Egypt

Egypt has long been known in the marine community as one of the premier areas in the world for diving and snorkeling, providing excellent and diverse exploration for all levels of underwater adventurers. Ras Mohammed (The Red Sea) and the Sinai Peninsula are two of the most well known sites for marine exploration.

Ras Mohammed (The Red Sea)

The Red Sea is one of the very best places to snorkel, with a number of sites for all experience levels. The Ras Mohamed National Park is a favorite, with over half a dozen species of shark.1, 000 species of fish and three wrecks, including the famous Thistlegorm, make Ras Mohammed an excellent place to explore. The Sinai Peninsula is less well-known than Ras Mohammed, but is an ideal site for snorkeling as well. It boasts many varied and colorful fish and coral reefs that are less than ten meters off the shore in some areas. It is ideal for every level, and another great option for snorkeling.

Panama

Panama is a rich, diverse country, and its waters are even more so. Home to some amazing flora and fauna, Panama's clear waters are a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and other water activities. The Bocas del Toro are some of the best areas in Panama for snorkeling. An archipelago of islands off the North West coast of Panama, the Bocas del Toro are an amazing location to snorkel. Crystal clear water, many smaller islands that are accessible by water taxi and easy access to snorkel gear make the Bocas del Toro an awesome place to snorkel. Some areas are protected within the Bastimentos National Park, where you'll find nesting sea turtles on isolated beaches. Snorkeling here is very popular, and it is ideal for both experienced, intermediate, and beginning snorkelers.

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 one such location that is internationally renowned as an exquisite area for underwater exploration.
Hanauma Bay is home to a diverse array of marine life, and is one of the most popular snorkeling areas in the world. Careful planning is needed before visiting as strict visitor limitations were enacted a decade ago in an attempt to conserve marine life threatened by an excess of swimming, snorkeling, and diving. It remains one of Hawaii's most beautiful bays, so arrive early and plan ahead to explore its amazing treasures.

Caribbean

There are a plethora great places to snorkel in the Caribbean, and St. Martin and Provo are a couple of the more popular sites, though there many, many more.
The great thing about St. Martin is that the government has zealously protected its calm waters and shallow reefs. On the northeastern side of the island there is an underwater reserve that is ideal for snorkeling, and there are many small coves along the reefs to explore.

Provo

Provo, located in the Turks and Caicos, is known primarily as one of the world's best dive sites, but it also offers a vast array of snorkeling possibilities. Snorkel trails have been established in areas like Smith's Reef and Bight Reef. Right off the shoreline, these gorgeous reefs are home to the glorious, fragile world of coral gardens that are easily accessible and some of the most dramatic in the area.