The world's best snorkeling destinations

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

You don't need much equipment or skill to be able to admire beautiful coral reefs, or swim alongside amazing sea creatures—snorkeling can be a great way to enjoy the submerged wonders our world has to offer.

Our planet is full of fascinating places to go snorkeling. Whether you're into tropical fish, whales, or coral reefs, there is something for you.

With that in mind, we've put together a list of some of the best places to go snorkeling around the world, allowing you to see what's lurking underneath the surface. 

Click through the gallery and marvel at the world's top destinations for snorkeling. 

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

The Coral Triangle covers a huge area, including Eastern Borneo, Bali, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands. It's one of the best regions in the world to snorkel.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

The Great Barrier Reef requires no introduction. Stretching for over 2,300 km (around 1429 mi), this is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations in the world.

The Maldives

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

Exquisite marine life and crystal-clear water makes the Maldives a top destination for snorkeling lovers. From colorful reefs to hundreds of different species of fish, you'll surely have a great time here.

Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

These islands are an absolute natural gem. Raja Ampat has abundant marine life and is home to 75% of all known coral species in the world.

Solomon Islands

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

These idyllic islands attract scuba divers from all over the world, looking to explore sunken warships and the depths of the ocean. But it's also a magnificent place to go snorkeling.

Silver Bank, Dominican Republic

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

Want to swim with humpback whales? This is the perfect spot to do it. Between December and April is the best time to visit.

Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

The place where Captain James Cook was killed in 1779, this island is absolutely amazing for snorkeling. Here, you'll find a wide range of beautiful fauna and flora.

Ilha Grande, Brazil

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

Off the state of Rio de Janeiro's coast you'll find one of the best places in the country to go snorkeling. From shipwrecks to seahorses, expect a mesmerizing underwater world.

Utila, Honduras

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

In this spot, you'll find crystal-clear waters and have the unique opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks.

Ustica, Palermo, Italy

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

This island is home to beautiful sea caves. Check out the Blue Grotto and the Grotta Verde.

Koh Lao Liang, Thailand

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

Thai beaches are famous worldwide, but there's more than just fine white sand and turquoise waters. Koh Lao Liang hasn't yet been hit by mass tourism and it's definitely worth a visit.

Bunaken Island, Indonesia

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

The Bunaken National Marine Park can be found underwater, between five islands: Manado Tua, Bunaken, Montehage, Nain, and Siladen. It's a remote and beautiful place to snorkel.

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

With over 450 species of colorful tropical fish, it's easy to see why this former volcanic crater attracts so many snorkeling enthusiasts.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

Another slice of paradise on Earth makes the list. Expect to find shrimp, spider crabs, and starfish when you snorkel here.

The Medes Islands, Spain

The Coral Triangle, Asia Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Maldives, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, Ilha Grande, Brazil, Utila, Honduras, Ustica, Palermo, Italy, Koh Lao Liang, Thailand, Bunaken Island, Indonesia, Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, Bocas del Toro, Panama, The Medes Islands, Spain

While not the most popular islands in Spain, these small islands in the Mediterranean Sea are nonetheless fantastic for snorkeling.

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