10 Best Snorkeling Locations

 

My Top Dives!

10 Incredible Snorkeling Spots You Need to Explore

You lean back off the boat or take a bold jump into the water, there’s a splash, and suddenly, you’re immersed in an entirely new world where you are merely a guest. 

 

While scuba diving gets much of the attention, its close relative, snorkeling, is often overlooked. And that’s a shame. Not only is snorkeling free, but with a little practice and the right gear, like added weights, it opens the door to an incredible range of underwater locations, making the wonders of the ocean more accessible than ever.

Let's explore some of my favorite sites!

1.    The Great Barrier Reef, Eastern Australia

The Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world, stretches over 1,400 miles (2,300 kilometers) along the northeastern coast of Australia. Home to an astonishing diversity of marine life, it boasts more than 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, and countless other sea creatures, including sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins. 

 

This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only a natural wonder but also a vital ecosystem that supports marine biodiversity. Snorkelers and divers from around the globe flock to its vibrant reefs, where they can witness dazzling coral gardens and schools of tropical fish in crystal-clear waters. 

 

Depending on where you stay and snorkel, the temperature ranges from warm and tropical waters near the Northern tip of Australia, to cold temperatures that require a wet suit at its Southern end.  

2.    Port Philip Bay, Melbourne

Located near the southern tip of Australia, in the state of Victoria, Port Phillip Bay is a stunning marine environment just outside the bustling city of Melbourne. While it serves as a major shipping harbor, it is also a haven for marine life, making it a fantastic destination for snorkelers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. 

The bay’s unique blend of accessibility and rich biodiversity offers an unforgettable underwater experience, drawing visitors eager to explore its hidden treasures beneath the surface.

Port Phillip Bay is technically classified as a seagrass ecosystem, which means it provides a vital habitat for a diverse range of marine species. Snorkeling here presents the chance to encounter an array of colorful fish, and even dugongs. One of the bay’s biggest highlights is the opportunity to swim alongside playful fur seals, known for their curiosity and energetic antics. 

Another incredible sight is the elusive yet mesmerizing weedy sea dragon, a large, ornate relative of the seahorse that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. 

Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner looking for an accessible yet rewarding spot, Port Phillip Bay delivers an unforgettable experience. 

3.    Sitka, Alaska

Alaska?  But isn't it cold?

 

Why, yes.  Yes, it is! But you get a wetsuit!

 

Snorkeling in Sitka Sound, Alaska, offers a truly unique and unexpected underwater adventure in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the North Pacific.  Sitka Sound is home to a thriving ecosystem of cold-water marine life, including vibrant sea anemones, colorful starfish, giant kelp forests, and even curious sea otters. Dressed in thick wetsuits or drysuits to combat the chilly temperatures, snorkelers can glide through crystal-clear waters teeming with rockfish, salmon, and the occasional giant Pacific octopus hiding among the rocky seabed. 

 

The rugged coastline and remote setting add to the sense of adventure, making every dive feel like an exploration into an alien world. With its breathtaking scenery both above and below the surface, snorkeling in Sitka Sound is a one-of-a-kind experience that showcases the hidden beauty of Alaska’s marine wilderness.

 4.    Monterey Bay, California

 

 Snorkeling in the kelp forests of Monterey Bay is like drifting through an underwater cathedral, where towering golden fronds sway with the ocean’s rhythm. These giant kelp forests create a mesmerizing, ever-shifting landscape that shelters an incredible variety of marine life. Schools of silvery fish dart between the kelp stalks, while sea lions glide effortlessly through the canopy, sometimes playfully approaching snorkelers. Hidden among the kelp holdfasts, bright orange Garibaldi fish, rockfish, and even elusive octopuses can be spotted. 

The cool, nutrient-rich waters support an entire ecosystem, making every snorkel a chance to witness nature’s intricate balance up close. With sunlight filtering through the kelp like stained glass, the experience is both surreal and serene.  A true glimpse into one of the ocean’s most enchanting habitats.

5.    Saint Barthelemey, the Caribbean

Snorkeling the coral reefs of St. Barthélemy (St. Barts) offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Caribbean’s turquoise waters. The island’s protected marine reserves, such as Colombier Bay and Gouverneur Beach, boast vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. 

 

As you glide over the reefs, you'll encounter a dazzling array of tropical fish, from parrotfish and angelfish to schools of darting blue tangs. Graceful sea turtles often make an appearance, while eagle rays and barracudas patrol the deeper waters. 

 

The crystal-clear visibility allows snorkelers to fully appreciate the intricate coral formations, swaying sea fans, and hidden nooks where moray eels and lobsters take shelter. With warm, calm waters and an abundance of marine biodiversity, snorkeling in St. Barts is a magical way to explore the island’s underwater paradise.

 

6.    The British Virgin Islands

Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a breathtaking experience, offering crystal-clear waters, thriving coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life. The islands are home to some of the Caribbean’s most spectacular snorkeling spots, including The Indians, a cluster of rocky islets teeming with colorful fish and sea fans, and The Caves at Norman Island, where snorkelers can explore mysterious grottoes filled with shimmering schools of fish.

 

 The waters around the BVI are rich with biodiversity, from vibrant parrotfish and angelfish to graceful sea turtles and spotted eagle rays gliding through the reefs. Coral gardens, underwater tunnels, and sunken shipwrecks add to the adventure, making every snorkel a chance to uncover something extraordinary. 

 

With warm, calm waters and stunning scenery both above and below the surface, the British Virgin Islands offer an unforgettable snorkeling paradise for all skill levels.

 7.    Seogwipo, Jeju, South Korea

 Snorkeling in Seogwipo, Jeju, South Korea, offers a unique blend of volcanic seascapes, temperate marine life, and crystal-clear waters. The island’s rugged lava rock formations provide a striking underwater backdrop, home to vibrant soft corals, sea urchins, and an array of colorful fish.

 

 One of the highlights of snorkeling in Seogwipo is the chance to see Korea’s famous haenyeo, the traditional female free divers who have harvested seafood in these waters for centuries. The area around Seogwipo, including spots like Munseom and Beomseom Island, is part of a marine reserve, ensuring a thriving underwater ecosystem filled with butterflyfish, damselfish, and even the occasional octopus. 

 

Unlike tropical snorkeling destinations, Jeju’s waters offer a cooler but equally mesmerizing experience, where the mix of temperate and subtropical marine species creates a fascinating underwater world waiting to be explored.

 8.    Studland Bay, Dorset

While the UK might not be your first choice for snorkeling, it does provide a beautiful vista for locals.

 

Snorkeling in Studland Bay, Dorset, offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the UK’s most ecologically rich marine environments. Nestled along the Jurassic Coast, this shallow bay is home to extensive seagrass meadows, which serve as a crucial habitat for a variety of marine life. 

 

Snorkelers can glide through the swaying underwater grasses, spotting elusive seahorses, darting sand eels, and crabs scuttling along the seabed. The bay’s calm, sheltered waters make it an ideal spot for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike, while its diverse ecosystem provides an ever-changing underwater landscape. With its mix of marine biodiversity, historical shipwreck sites, and stunning coastal scenery above the water, Studland Bay offers a fascinating and tranquil snorkeling experience along England’s southern coast.

 

 9.    Cornwall, UK

Snorkeling in Cornwall offers an incredible glimpse into the rich and diverse marine life of the UK’s southwest coast. With its rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters, Cornwall is home to some of the best snorkeling spots in Britain. Locations like Porthkerris, Kynance Cove, and the Helford River boast thriving underwater ecosystems, where snorkelers can encounter colorful wrasse, shimmering sand eels, and even playful seals. 

 

The seagrass beds and kelp forests provide shelter for an array of marine creatures, including crabs, cuttlefish, and the occasional jellyfish drifting gracefully through the water. Thanks to Cornwall’s designation as a Marine Conservation Zone, many areas remain well-protected, allowing wildlife to flourish. Whether you're floating above rocky reefs or exploring sea caves along the coastline, snorkeling in Cornwall offers a truly wild and immersive experience in British waters.
 

 10.    Isle of Mann

 

Snorkeling around the Isle of Man offers a remarkable opportunity to explore some of the UK’s most pristine and wildlife-rich waters. Situated in the Irish Sea, the island's rugged coastline is home to kelp forests, rocky reefs, and secluded coves teeming with marine life. 

 

Snorkelers can encounter an array of fascinating species, from colorful wrasse and jellyfish to crabs, lobsters, and even the occasional basking shark gliding through the deeper waters. One of the highlights of snorkeling here is the chance to swim alongside curious grey seals, which are often spotted around the Calf of Man and other coastal areas. 

 

With several Marine Nature Reserves protecting its waters, the Isle of Man offers a thriving underwater ecosystem that remains relatively untouched. Whether exploring tide pools or drifting over underwater landscapes shaped by centuries of tidal currents, snorkeling here provides an unforgettable connection to the island’s rich marine biodiversity.

 

Snorkeling is more than just a way to explore the underwater world; it’s an invitation to connect with nature in a way that few other activities allow. Whether you're gliding through tropical coral reefs, weaving between towering kelp forests, or discovering the hidden marine life of colder waters, each snorkeling experience offers a unique glimpse into the planet’s incredible biodiversity. 

 

From the playful curiosity of sea turtles to the mesmerizing dance of tiny fish in sunlit shallows, every moment beneath the surface is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our oceans. No matter where your next adventure takes you, snorkeling provides an accessible, thrilling, and deeply rewarding way to discover the wonders of the underwater world.

 

So grab those fins, snorkel, and mask and dive in!

 

Have an awesome day!