If you have dreamed of seeing a shark, this is also the right place. During the summer months, these gentle giants swim near the surface feeding on plankton. Its eastern part, Cabo Pulmo, a protected UNESCO-protected National Marine Park, is home to one of North Americas three coral reefs. Venice Public Beach, Florida Gulf Coast, 48. The underwater scenery in these islands, atolls, cayes, and reefs is unmatched, but sadly climate change is endangering the watery wonderland. These protected animals congregate in Donsol Bay between November and June, feeding on the rich nutrients coming from the mouth of the river. While the Philippines may not seem like the most obvious snorkeling destination, the waters surrounding the 7,000 islands in the archipelago make up a diverse eco-system filled with breathtaking wildlife. Regina Underwater Preserve, Florida Gulf Coast, 40. As the planet's largest reef system, the Great Barrier Reef is made up of 2,900 individual reefs and coral cays stretching 1,400 miles off the Queensland shoreline. Cancun and Tulum get all the attention, but it's this sleepy island off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico that's now garnering buzz as a top ecotourism destination for swimming with whale sharks. Over millions of years, a unique biosphere was formed in the ancient crater of the Koolau volcano. Cocos Island is considered one of the best places to snorkel and dive with pelagic species like manta rays, moray eels, bottlenose dolphins, the occasional whale shark, and schools of hammerhead sharks. 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It is surrounded by a reef, the width of which is from 100 to 150 meters. Fiji's most beautiful coral reefs are halfway between the islands of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu. All Rights Reserved. You can also go snorkeling on your own at small reefs near the shore. With more than 7,000 islands, choosing the right snorkeling spot is not an easy task in the Philippines. Snorkeling tours are available at the north end of the beach town of L'Estartit. It consists of a barrier reef, vast expanses of seagrasses, and a coastal area covered with mangroves. The giants come here to mate and breed, and they are completely relaxed about the presence of humans. The Philippines as a whole boasts diverse flora and fauna and has become a popular destination for divers. The Polynesian island of Bora Bora is located in the center of the largest and perhaps one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Utila Island is considered the most popular among divers, as its coastal area is a true paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling. The presence of coral reefs and natural seaweed beds make the Islas Palomino Reserve an excellent snorkeling spot. Theres so much to see in Raja Ampat that it would take decades to see it all. The impression of a beautiful underwater world is somewhat spoilt by the water, muddy due to plankton. The south and east coasts have very strong tides, so all the interesting wildlife is hidden deeper. Snorkelers can see up to 20 whale sharks on a single boat tour. Egypt is a really iconic destination and has been known for its incredible reefs and clear blue waters. There is hardly a fan of tropical destinations who has not heard of the Great Barrier Reef. The Sinai Peninsula is rich in flora and fauna, and its crystal clear waters allow you to explore it in detail. There is no shortage of snorkeling opportunities, from diving into the Bay of Donsol for the chance to swim with whale sharks to visiting the coral reefs outside Noa Noa Island. Fort Pickens Jetties, Florida Panhandle, 44. The Great Barrier Reef consists of nearly 3,000 ordinary and coral reefs that are home to over 1,500 species of fish and many sea turtles. In this article, we will note 20 of them. The Red Sea has gained special fame among divers in recent years. Reef sharks, turtles, moray eels, puffers, scorpions, octopuses, and colorful shrimp can be found here. This archipelago is made up of seven small islands located in Catalonia, near the Costa Brava. These small fish have an affinity for humans and are therefore often called water puppies. One of the best snorkeling spots here is Whitsundays Islands, with stunningly beautiful Whitehaven Beach and a densely populated reef nearby. Areas with coral reefs are especially densely populated. Deadmans Island Snorkeling Trail, Florida Panhandle, 81. But the main attraction of the Sea of Corts is the magnificent coral reef in the Cabo Pulmo National Park, a UNESCO-listed area. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Florida Gulf Coast, 14. Hanauma Bay in Oahu is considered one of the best places to snorkel in Hawaii. Around the shores you will find underwater rock formations, coral reefs and various sea creatures. However, you can choose cleaner areas for snorkeling, where the coral reefs meet divers in all their glory. Around the perimeter of the island, there are many dive sites and interesting shallow places for snorkeling. Home to the largest barrier reef outside of Australia (185 miles! You can only get to the islands as part of an organized group, but the trip is worth it. Picturesque beaches, massive granite cliffs, and crystal clear, blue waters of the bays of Chileno and Santa Maria are waiting for fans of snorkeling in the resort of Los Cabos. There are three most exciting snorkeling spots here: the Santa Caterina underwater stone complex, the granite rocks of Isola di Serpentara e Variglioni and the nave di cavoli recognized by a large rock shaped like the prow of a ship lying on the bottom among a thicket of posidonia. This reef is 20,000 years old and is home to over 800 species of marine animals. The fauna is extremely rich, including manta rays, moray eels, bottlenose dolphins, and whale sharks. Bay Islands Department is the second-largest reef system globally, second only to Australia's Barrier Reef. Snorkeling is considered the most popular pastime in the Bahamas, and Bimini Islands offers plenty of opportunities. The coastal waters of Zanzibar Island are home to humpback whales, turtles, whale sharks, and over 350 species of fish. Within a few minutes of snorkeling at Devil's Crown, you will spot a myriad of sea life including sea turtles and eagle rays gently "flying" above lavender and green-colored coral reefs. Occasionally, small patches of coral replace the thickets, but the bright tropical inhabitants are not found here. Throughout history, many ships have wrecked along the shores of Bermuda. The tropical nation of Papua New Guinea is located north of Australia in the Coral Triangle, also known as the Amazon of the ocean. Many lemon sharks inhabit nearby reefs. Near Fonimagoodhoo, there is a stunning reef inhabited by rare creatures of the Indian Ocean. If you venture outside the crown, you may even see hammerhead sharks. The crystal-clear turquoise water is a splendid panorama of the seafloor and its inhabitants. The islands are uninhabited, which has led to the preservation of beautiful reefs and marine fauna in the nearby depths. Whichever one you end up visiting, you'll see underwater sights that would make your jaw drop if you weren't breathing through a snorkel, of course. Stingray Hole is home to stingrays, which are happy to snatch fish right out of your hands. As most tourists know, the Cayman Islands provide entertainment for young and old and are a common choice for family vacations. Now it and its waters are recognized as a natural reservation area and are protected by UNESCO. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Even more of a reason to start planning that snorkeling trip you've been dreaming about. According to local researchers, the kingdom of coral and reef formations are near Bimini Shoreline, and the underwater rock blocks of Bimini Road, according to local researchers, are part of the ancient Atlantis. The corals here form real underwater cities with caves, grottos, and miniature walls. The region abounds with diverse marine flora and fauna, which is why it has been declared a nature reserve. These clumsy animals on land turn into swift predators underwater. It takes only 20 to 30 minutes to reach this incredible underwater kingdom by kayak from the Riviera Beach Marina. Warming waters are causing the coral to bleach, and scientists predict that the reef could become extinct as soon as 2050. The underwater mountains, rising from the bottom of the ocean, almost reach the surface of the water. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. The most popular places to snorkel are Mnemba Island, Boribi Reef, and Menai Bay. The ocean graces more than 70 percent of our planet, and millions of marine species call these waters home. Interesting marine life is not all it offers, Palau also has some pretty incredible reefs. Alex is a Snorkel Venture and Dive Safari Asia guide as well as the video and photo pros for both companies. Snorkel between the elkhorn coral barrier reefs as you follow colorful parrot fish along an underwater trail through this sunken national treasure. Today, the park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of tourists not only because of its land resources but also because of the surrounding reefs, where you can meet exotic aquatic inhabitants such as dugongs, manta rays, sharks, etc. Copyright 2022 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. However, scientists predict that the reef may disappear by 2050 due to climate changes. Not only that, but it also boasts vibrant hard coral reefs, exhilerating drift snorkels, and with a bit of luck manta ray encounters. The best way to experience this year-round destination is on a boat tour to various spots from your basecamp in Cairns or Port Douglas. Crystal clear waters, pure-white sand beaches, and plenty of opportunities to get up close to stingrays right from your overwater bungalows await in Bora Bora. 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However, in a typical snorkeling tour in Raja you can expect to see manta rays, reef sharks, a vast diversity of some of the worlds healthiest reefs exploding with colorful reef fish, large schools of fish, and so much more. If you are planning your vacation on one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, keep in mind that the most preferred months are from December to April. Use Of This Web Site Is Covered By OurUsage Covered By Terms Of ServiceTERMS. There are at least 360 kinds of hard corals, and you probably have the most densely populated and rich ecosystem on Earth. Here you will find various marine species such as barracuda, tuna, snapper, and reef sharks, as well as sunken ships from the time of the WWII. 13. This giant fish feeds on plankton and is not dangerous to humans, and while it feeds, you can swim very close and even touch it. Snorkeling in Bligh Waters requires good swimming skills, as the currents are strong in this area. Nowadays, 40 species of corals and more than 160 species of fish have been recorded in the reserve. The area's nickname was derived from the circular formation of jagged lava rocks. In some areas, coral reefs rise above sea level, and they are up to 2 billion years old. Visit the island in March or April to enjoy its full beauty. Located on the Queensland shoreline, the reef offers the opportunity to meet thousands of different fishes, six species of sea turtles, a diverse variety of corals. Cayo Costa State Park, Florida Gulf Coast, 36. Learn More. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Having enjoyed protected status for more than 30 years, the reefs are thriving with an abundance of exotic undersea life, including dugongs, manta rays, sharks, and over 1000 species of tropical fish. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is considered one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Central Africa. Komodo is one of the most predictable places weve ever snorkeled. As a result, it attracts lots of interesting marine life like reef sharks, manta rays, groupers, napoleon wrasse, turtles, and it even has its own stingless jellyfish lake. Coral bleaching is already affecting many of the world's reefs, coral is disappearing across the globe, and some scientists expect it could die out entirely as soon as 2050. Alor is one of Indonesias newest snorkeling destinations and as it is still very much an undeveloped area, it offers truly pristine reefs and loads of potential where marine life is concerned. Visit the island's fish-filled lagoons, dive into Honda Bay, explore Tubbataha reef, and plan a day trip to meet the underwater inhabitants of Starfish and Cowrie Island. It supports one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, and hundreds of manta rays gather to take advantage of the zooplankton trapped in the bays from June to November. Cocos Island is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and is the only place in the Pacific Ocean with tropical rainforest. Hard coral and soft coral grow in stunning formations here while an interesting array of critters like frogfish, sea snakes, octopus, and moray eels are regularly spotted. The small uninhabited island of Menjangan is part of Bali Barat National Park. Adventure seekers can continue to go snorkeling in wet suits during January through March. Cabo Pulmo's living reef is estimated to be 20,000 years old, with 800 species of marine life, making this "Aquarium of the World" a perfect destination for snorkeling to see parrot fish, angelfish, damselfish, dolphins, sharks, and whales. Komodo National Park is centrally located along Indonesia's Lesser Sunda archipelago, a chain of volcanic islands extending eastward from Java. The marine part of Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve consists of coral reefs of alluring beauty. The Caribbean island famous for its spices, lush mountains, and scenic cliffs is also home to the first ever marine sculpture garden at Molinere Sculpture Park. The shallow, gentle waters are ideal for beginning snorkelers. The luxurious underwater nature of the Maldives in Baa Atoll is a snorkeling paradise. Snorkel Ventures Photography Workshops , Whats the Focus? Alex is also a field editor for a popular underwater photography magazine. Misool Resort Snorkeling Tour - 14 Nights, Belize Snorkel Week - Turneffe Island Resort, Underwater Camera Accessories for the Olympus TG-6, Comparison: GoPro-Smartphone-Olympus TG-6. You may also witness sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins. Entrance to the beach is paid. This area was named after the captain of the Bounty, who sailed here in a rowboat with several companions to escape a rebellious crew. Be careful not to swim directly over them or step on their long tails. Marine Protected Area Capo Carbonara is located on the southern and eastern coasts of the Italian island of Sardinia. Holidaymakers noticed this, so a tradition appeared to feed these huge but very friendly fish by hand. The bottom near the clusters of corals has a huge variety of landscapes. The bright blue and crystal clear water, illuminated by the sun, allows you to take stunning underwater photos without using a flash. Snorkeling has become a favorite hobby for lovers of sea depths and the study of marine life. Parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish are just a small part of the exotic representatives that you can meet here. The Molokini Crater, a half-sunken, crescent-shaped caldera a few miles from Maui's shores, boasts calm waters with visibility up to 100 feet. These "water puppies," as they are often called, inhabit the warm waters surrounding Bora Bora and neighboring islands. Alternatively, visit the sea surrounding the Komodo National Park, which offers unmatched underwater exploration with over 1,000 species of fish, 260 types of coral, and 14 types of endangered whales, dolphins, and giant turtles. Situated atop an ancient volcanic mountain, it is nicknamed "Treasure Island" as the former hideout for pirates hundreds of years ago, and today, it's renowned for its natural treasures. "The most beautiful island in the world" is what Jacques Cousteau once called Cocos Island. This is especially true when the waters surrounding the archipelago have a diverse ecosystem filled with breathtaking wildlife. Maria Island National Park, Australia, 80. Turtles are also quite frequently found sleeping on the reef or passing in the blue. You can meet blacktip reef sharks, turtles, and a lot of exotic wildlife in the coastal waters of the Surin Islands. The water holds a multitude of other marine wonders, too, like sharks, turtles, anemones, coral, and octopuses. Stump Pass Beach, Florida Gulf Coast, 75. Peanut Island is a tiny artificial island near the popular resort of West Palm Beach. The Karang Makasar dive site, better known as Manta Point, and the coastal waters of Bidadari Island are the best places for snorkeling in the reserve.