There’s nothing quite like slipping into warm, clear water and finding yourself surrounded by a world of color and movement. Fish in neon stripes. Coral in wild, brainy shapes. Sea turtles cruising by like chilled-out underwater hippies. Snorkeling brings you face to face with a side of the planet most people only see on postcards.
Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or someone just testing the waters, knowing where to go can make all the difference. Some places have calm bays perfect for beginners. Others boast epic coral reefs that feel like nature’s own light show.
Ready to dive in? Here are some of the best snorkeling spots around the world—and why they deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
1. Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
If you’re heading to Hawaii and want an easy, unforgettable snorkel, Hanauma Bay should be your first stop. This natural crescent-shaped bay is calm, shallow, and packed with colorful reef fish. You don’t need to swim far—just wade in and start exploring.
What makes it great is how beginner-friendly it is. The fish aren’t shy, and the coral reef is close to shore. Plus, it’s a protected marine life conservation area, so the ecosystem is thriving.
Heads-up: There’s a limit to how many visitors can enter per day, so book ahead and arrive early.
2. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
This one’s a no-brainer. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching over 1,400 miles off the coast of Queensland. It’s got every color and creature you can imagine—giant clams, reef sharks, clownfish (yes, like Nemo), and more coral than you thought could exist.
You can snorkel off boats, beaches, or islands. Some of the best access points are near Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Whitsunday Islands.
Pro tip: Visit between June and October for the clearest water and calmest weather.
3. Belize Barrier Reef, Belize
Belize might be small, but when it comes to snorkeling, it punches way above its weight. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world, and it’s full of shallow, vibrant snorkeling spots.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are top picks. You’ll swim with nurse sharks, rays, and all sorts of tropical fish. Don’t worry—those nurse sharks are more chill than they sound.
What’s special here is how close everything is. You can snorkel amazing reefs just a few minutes’ boat ride from shore.
4. Silfra Fissure, Iceland
Okay, this one’s cold. Like, really cold. But it’s also one of the most surreal snorkeling experiences on Earth. Silfra Fissure lies between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and the water comes from a glacier—filtered for decades through volcanic rock.
The result? Visibility of over 300 feet. No fish, no coral—just crystal-clear water and floating between continents. It’s like flying through liquid glass.
Make sure to go with a tour operator, and yes, they’ll hook you up with a dry suit.
5. Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Yes, this is the same place that’s home to the giant Komodo dragons—but it also happens to be a paradise for underwater explorers. The coral reefs in Komodo National Park are packed with life and color. You might see sea turtles, manta rays, parrotfish, and even reef sharks.
Batu Bolong and Pink Beach are two of the top spots for snorkeling. The current can be strong, though, so it’s best to go with a guide or group that knows the area.
Added bonus: You can combine snorkeling with island hikes and dragon-spotting.
6. Molokini Crater, Maui, Hawaii
Molokini is a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater just off the coast of Maui. It forms a natural underwater sanctuary with amazing visibility and a mind-blowing range of marine life.
Because it’s a crater, the conditions are usually calm. You’ll find schools of butterflyfish, moray eels, and the occasional octopus hiding in lava crevices.
You’ll need to book a snorkeling boat tour to get there, but it’s totally worth the ride.
7. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
If you’re a wildlife lover, the Galápagos Islands offer something truly magical. This is the kind of place where you can snorkel with penguins, sea lions, turtles, and marine iguanas—all in the same day.
The water is rich in nutrients, so marine life is everywhere. Kicker Rock and Devil’s Crown are two of the top snorkeling sites. You’ll feel like you’re inside a National Geographic documentary.
It’s not always warm, though—so bring or rent a wetsuit, especially if you’re going in the cooler months.
8. Palawan, Philippines
Palawan isn’t just pretty—it’s unreal. Think limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and hidden coves straight out of a fantasy novel. But the real show starts when you dip your head below the surface.
Coron and El Nido offer some of the best snorkeling in the Philippines. Coral gardens, sea turtles, and sunken WWII shipwrecks? All on the menu.
And the best part? It’s still less crowded than other tropical destinations, so you can enjoy a little more solitude while you float around.
9. Key Largo, Florida, USA
You don’t have to leave the U.S. to find great snorkeling. Key Largo, part of the Florida Keys, is home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park—the first underwater park in the country.
The coral reefs are shallow and easy to access, and you’ll spot everything from barracuda to angelfish. There’s even an underwater statue of Jesus called “Christ of the Abyss” that snorkelers love to visit.
Great for families, beginners, and anyone who wants tropical vibes without a passport.
10. Amed and Menjangan Island, Bali, Indonesia
Bali isn’t just for yoga and beach clubs. It’s also home to some fantastic snorkeling. Amed, on the east coast, has calm waters, vibrant reefs, and a chill local vibe. You can literally walk into the water from the beach and start exploring.
Menjangan Island, on the north side of Bali, is a bit more remote, but totally worth the trip. It’s part of a protected marine park and has pristine reefs with massive coral walls and tons of marine life.
The best time to snorkel in Bali is from April to October—outside of the rainy season.
Final Thoughts
Snorkeling isn’t just a vacation activity. It’s a reminder that there’s an entire world beneath the surface, just waiting to be discovered. You don’t need fancy gear or scuba certification—just a mask, a snorkel, and a sense of wonder.
So whether you’re gliding over coral reefs in the Caribbean or floating between tectonic plates in Iceland, take the plunge. These snorkeling spots aren’t just beautiful—they’re unforgettable. The only question now is: Which one will you visit first?
