The 11 best places to go snorkelling in the world

An island in the Dutch Caribbean, Bonaire is a postcard-perfect destination with some of the world’s most spectacular coral reefs thanks to its entire coastline being a protected marine park. The sugar-soft beaches on the west coast of the island have house reefs you can access just steps from the shore, which eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, seahorses and more than 350 species of fish call home. With toasty 30C sea temperatures, perfect for a dip, you can hop around the other two ABC islands – Curaçao and Aruba – for a world-class snorkelling hat trick. 

In the remote Indonesian province of West Papua lie some of the world’s bluest waters hiding hundreds of active reefs, many of which still remain undiscovered. Classed as one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, the colourful coral reefs hidden among the 1,500 islands are a Marine Protected Area, not to mention an official Manta ray sanctuary. Only accessible by boat, you’ll spot whale sharks, dolphins and turtles up close and swim through giant schools of fish migrating through the ocean day after day. 

It’s hard to narrow down the best place to snorkel in Hawaii, but the Big Island is a great starting point. The island’s underwater state park, Kealakekua Bay, combines history and beauty, being the place where Captain Cook first landed. In this sheltered cove, the clear waters have up to 100ft visibility, dolphins leap playfully through the surf, turtles cruise along the reefs, and fish in a rainbow of colours are hiding in every crevice – it’s paradise found. 

Every island in Australia’s Whitsundays has white sand beaches and glittering waters and is encircled by some of the world’s best coral reefs. Its location at the centre of the Great Barrier Reef – the world’s largest reef system – means dolphins, turtles, Manta rays and vast colonies of fish call these waters home. There are 74 islands; some of the best include Hook Island’s Bait Reef, Blue Pearl Bay at Hayman Island and Black Island (Bali Hai). 

You can’t go wrong snorkelling the translucent waters of the South Pacific. Vying for the top spot in French Polynesia alongside Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea, Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls on earth, where turtles, starfish, brightly coloured anemones, rare fish species and reef sharks are an everyday sighting. Once you’ve snorkelled Pink Sand Beach, the Blue Lagoon and the Tiputa Pass, the rest of the world will pale in comparison.

The Red Sea may steal the limelight for its first-class scuba diving, but where there’s diving, there has to be gorgeous coral reefs and exciting marine life perfect for snorkellers. Tourist hotspots like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada both offer stellar experiences and despite their popularity, Egypt’s Great Fringing Reef is healthier than ever, thanks to protections and plastic bans. Spots like Dahab and Marsa Alam are brimming with species like giant clams, mola mola and sea turtles, making for a North African holiday like no other. 

Europe doesn’t often get credit for its snorkelling or diving, but the Portuguese Azores islands lie in the North Atlantic, meaning the surrounding waters are home to diverse marine life incomparable to that of most European countries. The volcanic landscapes extend below the water, and migrating species such as blue whales, sharks, rays and dolphins are commonly seen on snorkelling cruises around the islands. At São Miguel, Santa Maria or the marine reserve off Villa Franca, you can simply grab your mask and jump straight in from shore. 

Malta’s ancient history, sapphire waters and warm, Mediterranean weather make it a go-to European snorkelling hotspot. Gozo steals the limelight with the famous Blue Hole, a deep creek that hides parrotfish, octopus and pretty coral. While many choose to dive into its underwater cave, snorkellers can also admire the damselfish, mullets and starfish in the Coral Gardens nearby. Comino’s Blue Lagoon gets equally busy, but has the added adventure of snorkelling through caves and there are plenty of beach bars and cafes for afterwards. 

A tropical archipelago where you’re almost guaranteed to swim with whale sharks, Palawan in the Philippines sits close to the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, one of the most ecologically diverse marine sites on earth. The waters around Coron and El Nido are best described as an aquarium, except the schools of fish aren’t behind glass. There are also hidden caves, patches of bioluminescence and sunken shipwrecks all waiting to be explored – all you need is a mask and some fins. 

Venturing to the sun-drenched coastline of South America, Ilha Grande in Brazil is a laid-back island hangout with brilliantly blue waters, jungle-fringed beaches and dozens of shipwrecks. Turtles are heavily protected in Brazil, so expect to see more than one while snorkelling off any local beaches or via organised tours from the island. Seahorses, angelfish and sergeant majors also live amongst the reefs and sunken boats on the ocean floor, while caipirinhas await back on land. 

Not just a honeymoon destination, the Maldives is home to over 1,190 islands, yet only 200 are inhabited. This Indian Ocean paradise has ideal ocean conditions for the 700 species of fish that live under the waves, and most resort islands have protected reefs and coral conservation programmes to ensure they flourish. You’ll be hard-pressed to find an island, sandspit or sandbar that isn’t surrounded by kaleidoscopic house reefs, with species ranging from rays, dolphins and sharks to Moray eels, triggerfish and barracuda. Outstanding sites include the Malé Atoll, Ari Atoll and Addu Atoll.