7 best places for snorkelling

Snorkelling is a truly unique experience that everyone should take part in at least one time in their lifetime. The feeling of diving into clear and warm waters and observing the incredible sea life around you is irreplaceable. If you’re looking to have a great experience but don’t know where to start looking, here are 7 of the best places for snorkelling from all around the world.

Bonaire, Antilles

Known around the world as a premier diving destination (the license plates read “Diver’s Paradise”), Bonaire also offers excellent conditions for snorkelers. Purchase a $10 yearly pass to have access to the island’s National Marine Park and you can pretty much jump into the water wherever you feel like it. There are splendid snorkelling sites all throughout the coast where you’ll be able to find stunning coral reefs and swim with colourful fish and seahorses that make their home there.

Uepi Island Resort, Solomon Islands

This tropical island off the northeast coast of Australia offers a plethora of opportunities to snorkelers and divers alike. Uepi Island houses a small barrier reef on the edge of Morovo Lagoon where you can have the rare opportunity of swimming alongside the spectacular chambered nautilus. Although the nautilus usually inhabits deeper waters, the staff at the resort works tirelessly to safely cage these beautiful creatures during the evening. Make sure to schedule your snorkelling trip early in the morning to observe this rare cephalopod dance around in the water.

Rurutu, French Polynesia

One of the best spots to snorkel if you’re looking to spot some whales. Between the months of August and November, the great humpback whales migrate to these waters to mate. As soon as you plunge into the waters your ears will be filled with the sounds of the imposing whales and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to come eye-to-eye with these 40 feet long creatures.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

You’ll pay more to snorkel in the balmy waters of this archipelago off the Brazilian coast but it will definitely be worth it. Protected under UNESCO World Heritage Status, your snorkelling fee will go towards preserving this small haven in pristine conditions. The clear waters will enable you to have visibility up to 50 metres deep, making this a premier spot for snorkelers who are on holiday in Brazil.

Bimini Islands, Bahamas

These islands provide the best spot for snorkelling in the Bahamas. Besides the spectacular variety of sights from coral gardens to colourful fish, you can also get a glimpse of the legendary road to the lost city of Atlantis. Discover two parallel lines of rock formations running 15 feet long that, legend says, once led the path to the great city. If you’re lucky, you may even run into a pod of spotted dolphins on your way.

Santa Catalina, California, USA

Just 35 km off the coast of greater Los Angeles, you’ll be able to find one of the world’s best snorkelling spots, Lover’s Cove. There, amidst the warm waters of the Atlantic, you’ll be able to find an impressive kelp forest and various sea species from sea stars, to eels, anemones, octopuses and the splendid Garibaldi fish. The fish here are used to being fed so bring along some gloves and treats to find yourself being nibbled by these curious creatures during your dive.

Plaza Sur, Galapagos Islands

Plaza Sur (or South Plaza Island) is home to a number of interesting species on land such as red-billed tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls. But its real treasure can be found in the water. The waters that surround the island are home to one of the Galapagos’ most playful creatures: the sea lion. The younger sea lions will be more than excited to see you and will make sure to swim up to you for a closer look.