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Hand-picked deals by our pirate teamLooking for Snorkeling Activities?
Snorkeling Vacations: Discover Fascinating Underwater Worlds
Glide weightlessly through the water, discover exotic fish, and explore the fascinating underwater world. All this is easily possible with a snorkeling vacation and minimal equipment. You only need a diving mask and snorkel or a full-face snorkel mask. Fins are also helpful for getting around faster. And off you go!
Unlike a diving vacation in the Caribbean, which requires a lot of equipment, a diving certification, and pressure adjustments, a snorkeling trip is an easy and relaxing experience. Don’t get us wrong, we love diving, but sometimes it’s just nice to “only” snorkel. Here are some of the best snorkeling spots that can easily be combined with a beach vacation.
Where is the best place to snorkel?
Similan Islands, Thailand
The Similan Islands are the underwater highlight of Thailand, competing even with the best snorkeling in Maui. It’s no surprise that the nine islands of the Ko Similan National Park are increasingly attracting divers and snorkelers. Some even claim that it is the best place in the world for snorkeling! Enjoy crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, lush island vegetation, and a vibrant underwater world. Many tour providers offer trips to these islands, where you can be picked up from your hotel and taken by boat to the islands, about three hours from the mainland. Bookings are often required at least four days in advance.
Maldives, Indian Ocean
The Maldives are considered a paradise for snorkeling and diving. The combination of warm and cold currents here has created an extraordinary underwater world. Expect colorful corals, impressive schools of fish, and, with a bit of luck, turtles, pufferfish, octopuses, parrotfish, clownfish, moray eels, reef sharks, lionfish, mantas, and even whale sharks! The Maldives, made up of 1,200 islands, offer endless opportunities for snorkeling adventures. Popular islands like Kadhoo, Biyadhoo, Olhuveli View Paradise Island, and Villa Sun Island are home to some of the best house reefs.
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is an island in Mexico in the Caribbean Sea. The coral reefs of Cozumel are among the best snorkeling areas in the world, suitable for both beginners and advanced snorkelers. There are over 25 reef formations here, stretching a total of almost 20 miles! What makes Cozumel especially interesting for snorkelers is the fact that the water is often so clear that you can see up to 230 feet deep. Additionally, there’s a special highlight, the ecological park Chankanaab. It surrounds a lagoon with underwater caves where dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles live.
Pirate tip: Cozumel offers plenty to explore. You can start your snorkeling tour right from the beach or take a boat out to the reefs. There are also special tours such as night diving, photographer dives, discovery tours, and more.
Ras Mohammed, Egypt
Located near Sharm El Sheikh, Ras Mohammed is one of Egypt’s most popular snorkeling spots. As a national park and nature reserve, it offers stunning coral landscapes and large schools of fish. The water temperatures are ideal, and visibility is often more than 80 feet. Popular snorkeling areas in Egypt also include Marsa Alam, where you might even have the chance to snorkel with dolphins.
Makarska, Croatia
Croatia is a relatively new hotspot for snorkeling fans. Makarska, located on the rocky Croatian coast, offers crystal-clear waters and a perfect view for snorkeling. Nearby, you’ll find many more snorkeling spots along the coastline, and you can even explore shipwrecks and caves during day trips.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
The luxurious island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia is all about snorkeling. Many of the stylish bungalows even have glass floors, so you can admire fish, turtles, and whatever else swims beneath you 24/7. However, it’s definitely worth seeing the underwater world from the other side of the water’s surface. We guarantee that snorkeling in Bora Bora will be a unique experience. Here, you have the opportunity to swim with rays and sharks alongside small, colorful fish! However, we recommend not doing this on your own.
There are several providers offering these tours. You’ll join a small group on a boat and head out with the crew to swim with the sharks and rays. Of course, there’s much more to see on these tours, such as coral reefs, moray eels, giant clams, and often even fish feedings. You can book Bora Bora snorkeling tours on our page about vacations in Bora Bora. You can, of course, explore the underwater world on your own, but you should be somewhat experienced. This is important because the area is home to creatures like sharks and rays, and even the smaller, inconspicuous animals can be dangerous. For instance, stonefish live here, and some species are among the most venomous fish in the world.
Snorkeling at the Red Sea
The Red Sea is a snorkeling paradise, just a few hours by plane if you’re already in Greece. With its stunning reefs and colorful marine life, it’s one of the best destinations for cheap snorkeling vacations. Egypt is particularly popular for snorkeling, with incredible underwater worlds and hotels with house reefs.
Cheap Snorkeling Vacations in the Red Sea
The only problem is choosing a vacation destination in Egypt, as snorkeling is possible almost everywhere. Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include:
El Quseir
Marsa Alam
Sharm-el-Sheikh
Nuweiba
The Sinai Peninsula in Nuweiba
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