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Drift amidst a dazzling rainbow of fish and above a myriad of vibrant corals in these exotic locales. These are some of our top spots for snorkeling, where mother nature’s beauty undoubtedly shines bright beneath the waves.
Isla Holbox, Mexico
This island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is the place to snorkel right next to whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean. The sliver of an island is part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve where pink flamingos are a brilliant sight against the jade waters, and the beaches are soft coral sands.
The Coral Triangle is a top spot for snorkeling
The Coral Triangle is a marine area with a vibrant blast of colorful corals covering eastern Indonesia, Solomon Islands, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Malaysia. 610 islands composed of soft coral jungles in orange, red, purple, and pink make up Raja Ampat. Here you will find not only 540 species of coral but also nearly 1,700 species of fish. Corals are in shallow waters hanging just below the surface, so it is easy to access these premium snorkeling spots right off the beach.
Galapagos Islands

Great Barrier Reef
The world’s largest coral reef is considered to be one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Additionally, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its expanse is so large that it can be seen from space; it’s pretty amazing from a helicopter, too. The Great Barrier Reef is home to hundreds of islands, hard and soft corals, and countless fish, mollusks, starfish, turtles, dolphins, and sharks. It is unquestionably a favorite for snorkeling!
Snorkeling in the Maldives
Step off the sand into a natural aquarium in these mainly uninhabited islands within the Indian Ocean. The shallow, clear waters of the hundreds of islands are brimming with lion fish and clown fish living amidst the hard and soft corals. You can also swim with manta rays in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
You’ll find the Phi Phi Islands in the Andaman Sea, not too far from the famous paradise of Phuket. These islands are part of a national marine park established in 1983 to protect the area’s biodiversity. The water here is a clear, green shade that shimmers like a sparkling gem surrounded by tall limestone cliffs.
Belize
The Ambergris Caye is home to coral underneath the turquoise waters of the Caribbean coast. Get up close to nurse sharks at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Or rather, float in the tranquil seas of this beautiful paradise and see why it continually makes our top spots for snorkeling.
Ready to take the plunge in one of our top spots for snorkeling?
Finally, dive into one of our top spots for snorkeling by contacting us to begin customizing your own journey. If all this tropical talk has you inspired, you might like our list of Tropical Tales also. For daily travel inspiration, follow us on both Facebook and Instagram.