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Off the coast of Kefalonia, there’s an underwater cave where a school of fearsome lionfish holds court. To call on them, you must gulp in enough air to last about 30 seconds, plunge a few feet below the water’s surface, and hold yourself down by clutching onto a rocky outcrop. “Just stick your head in and you’ll see them,” a fellow snorkeler shouts at me. What I’ve yet to mention is that the lionfish’s venomous sting is agonizing. I read somewhere that thrusting your hand into a pot of boiling water hurts less than a lionfish sting. And I’m supposed to just “stick my head” into their lethal sanctum? When I finally work up the courage, three are floating motionless, staring back at me as if to say, don’t even think about it. They are a peculiar species with riotous stripes extending out onto a flamboyant mane of fins and spines (hence the ‘lion’ moniker). Like a fish that swallowed a grenade and is halfway through exploding. I pop back up and spit my breathing tube out. “Incredible!” This was two years ago, and one of my first real snorkeling experiences.
I more or less grew up in the water. My dad, a surfer from Santa Monica, put me on his board before I could walk. My sisters and I used to choreograph dances and songs to persuade our parents to take us to the p-o-o-l. Summers were spent camping at Refugio Beach along the California coastline. And despite all this, I’ve only arrived at this love of snorkeling in the last few years. Among the irrational fears I inherited from my mother, an anxiety surrounding not being able to breathe is one of them. But here’s the thing about anxieties: usually when you confront them, they chill out. This Kefalonia excursion was part of an ‘earlymoon’ in Greece that my fiancé and I went on, and in an effort to share his passion for snorkeling, I rearranged outdated assumptions about myself. In this case: That I can’t inhale and exhale through a tube while submerged underwater. And reader, I’m glad I did.
Ever since that pivotal afternoon in the Ionian Sea, several ‘stamps’ have been added to my snorkeling passport. An octopus sighting in Lānaʻi, a private island beach with barracudas in the US Virgin Islands, and most recently, an eye-popping coral reef along Vietnam’s remote Phu Yen Province. The best places in the world to snorkel, I’ve found thus far, are destinations with calm, clear water. Where it’s saline enough to keep you effortlessly afloat, and where a habitat of colorful coral and fish can thrive unabated. Maybe all of this is obvious. It is. But if you stop to really think about it, the opportunity to ditch dry land and meditate on this mysterious ecosystem is—well—incredible! Even better, après snorkel is unadulterated bliss. Climbing back onto the boat, swapping stories, enjoying a snack and drink while sea salt travels on the breeze. How to summarize such an experience? I can’t. And shouldn’t. Because you should go and have your own come-to-snorkeling-moment, if you haven’t already that is.
Below, 13 of the best snorkeling (and diving) destinations around the world that will take your breath away… in a good way.
Galapagos Islands
Journey 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador to a legendary chain of islands with perpetual warm temperatures and mind-boggling species once chronicled by Charles Darwin. Land excursions are a must while in the Galapagos, but so is snorkeling. The small ships and yachts company Quasar Expeditions sails on can access the hidden gems of the Galapagos, and during each cruise you’ll explore snorkeling sites where everything from schools of water jacks to Pacific seahorses and whale sharks can be spotted.
Manggis, Bali
Experience the quieter side of Bali in the seaside village of Manggis. This curved coastal area on the island’s eastern shoreline is an abundant destination for snorkeling—clear water, colorful reef, and plenty of marine life. If you’re staying at Alila Manggis, there’s a snorkeling journey that can take you aboard the resort’s traditional jukung boat to enjoy an underwater outing. At nearby Amankila, excursions to snorkeling destinations further afield (including Manta Point and Crystal Bay) are arranged via half-day cruises.
Belize
Belize is well regarded as one of the best countries in the world for snorkeling. This is largely due to The Belize Barrier Reef, which is the largest reef in the northern hemisphere and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reef extends almost 200 miles long and is home to dozens of coral species, 500 different species of tropical fish, plus crowd favorites such as sea turtles. Guests renting this breathtaking private island estate through the platform ThirdHome are positioned just three miles from the reef and its exhilarating scuba and snorkeling sites.
Madagascar
When it comes to African wildlife tourism, safaris get all the fame and glory. But something you should know: the snorkeling scene is equally life-changing. Specifically in destinations like Madagascar and the private island of Miavana, which are characterized by white sands and flourishing marine life. Book a visit through luxury tour operator Stanley Safaris to embark on your own underwater journey to spot it all—spinner dolphins, manta rays, reefs basically untouched by other humans. There’s even a species called a bumphead parrotfish, should that pique your interest.
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
Hop on a private seaplane and zip over to Bawah Reserve in the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia. This group of six islands has 13 beaches and three lagoons, and explorers staying in one of the 36 suites and bungalows can expect to spot turtles, black tip reef sharks, and clown fish (among numerous other breathtaking species). There’s both soft and hard reefs, all of which are high quality and well protected within this incredible marine conservation area.
Canouan Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
With its turquoise waters and tropical weather, snorkeling in the Caribbean is a no-brainer. Begin your underwater adventure at Canouan Island in the island country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. From any one of the three properties within Canouan Estate, snorkelers can swim around shipwrecks, rolling coral reefs, and a notable amount of sea turtles. While here, hop on a short boat ride to go see Tobago Cays Marine Park, which is encircled by Horseshoe Reef. Because it is a protected area, green sea turtles are basically guaranteed in these parts, particularly around Baradal Island.
Nimmo Bay, British Columbia
If you’ve never cold-water snorkeled, you’d better do it at Nimmo Bay. This luxury wilderness lodge is about as secluded and serene as they come, tucked away in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest where snorkelers can plunge into the Pacific Ocean Broughton Archipelago (outfitted in a neoprene wetsuit with a hood of course). Once below the water’s surface, swim through giant kelp forests and observe fascinating species like kelp crabs, jellyfish, and sea stars. When you’ve worked up an appetite, pop up to a floating table for their Snorkel Picnic, where a chef prepares fresh Pacific Northwest seafood.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Is there a snorkeling bucket list without Great Barrier Reef? This world-famous destination in Australia is perhaps best experienced with a stay at Lizard Island Resort. Here, you’ll have your pick between 24 private beaches where sites like Clam Gardens have everything from reef sharks to turtles and cuttlefish. And the reef! Vibrant and otherworldly. The resort can also whisk guests off on a guided tour of nearby reefs like Mermaid Cove and Cod Hole to make sure you’ve seen it all. Back on dry land, swing by the Lizard Island Research Station to learn about what you just spotted underwater.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Mexico’s Riviera Maya is well-known for its Mayan ruins and underground cenotes, but the snorkeling scene shouldn’t be overlooked. Here, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second largest in the world) is home to 65 species of coral and 500 species of fish. It’s also a refuge for protected and endangered species, including several types of sea turtles, queen conch, and black coral. And for the manatee lovers in the room, this reef system has one of the largest populations in the world (between 1,000 and 1,500 of them). Position yourself in the sanctuary of Kanai, an exclusive development made up of a small handful of luxury resorts, including the covetable Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Indonesia often tops world’s best snorkeling lists thanks to its intense marine biodiversity. It lies in the heart of the Coral Triangle and has over 17,000 islands, making it an aquatic idyll. Understandably, the more remote areas you reach, the more spectacular the setting becomes, which is why a Celestia sailing appeals to luxury adventurers. You’ll be positioned up close and personal with over 600 species of coral and over 1,500 species of fish, with kaleidoscopic color at every turn. Even better: Celestia enlists a marine biologist to guide the journey, so each snorkeling excursion is like its own curated underwater expedition.
The US Virgin Islands
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into coral reef restoration, book a stay at the breathtaking Lovango Resort Beach Club in the US Virgin Islands. This private island resort is just 10 minutes by boat from St Thomas and a snorkel tour will give you a firsthand look at their three-stage restoration project that is actively replenishing the coral reefs in the surrounding waters. You’ll be taken to all three “zones” to see how the regeneration plays out, from rescue to restoration. On another day, head down to the private Crescent Beach where pristine coral reefs and marine life are waiting.
Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
For a milestone vacation, consider a trip to French Polynesia to stay at The Brando, a legendary luxury resort on the private atoll of Tetiaroa. Guests can snorkel right off their villa’s private beach or join The Reef Quest excursion, where you’re whisked away to spot vibrant fish and sea cucumbers as they tuck themselves into beautiful coral gardens. And keep your eyes peeled for stingrays and shark!
Maldives
The Maldives are practically synonymous with “crystal clear waters,” so it’s unsurprising this destination is coveted among avid snorkelers. A stay at JOALI puts visitors in the center of the action, with colorful coral reefs and marine life all within flipper’s reach. To deepen your knowledge, join an excursion with the resort’s resident marine biologist to visit Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO biosphere reserve for whale sharks and manta rays.
