10 Best Snorkeling Spots in the World

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

It's hard to believe that this paradisiacal snorkeling stop is just a few miles offshore from one of the busiest, messiest, Señor-Froggiest spots in the world (Cancun, of course). Yet Isla Mujeres, just off Mexico's Caribbean coast, couldn't feel further away from the spring break party capital of the world. Here, off the Yucatan Peninsula, you'll find some amazing snorkeling conditions, crystal-clear visibility, and seas as warm, calm, and turquoise as the South Pacific.

See: Whale sharks. Visit from June through September to see the magnificent beasts, which can grow up to 40 feet long. (Don't worry, they're vegetarian.)

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(Photo: Isla Mujeres, Mexico Eddy Galeotti / Shutterstock.com)

Andaman Islands, Thailand

The west coast of Thailand boasts some of Southeast Asia's best seas for snorkeling, although you'll have to head out in one of the nation's iconic longtail boats for the top spots around Koh Lanta and the other Andaman Islands. Surrounding each small isle's cliffs, just below the surface, are a number of vibrant reefs. For a truly undiscovered experience, swim through the nearby Emerald Cave at low tide to one of the world's most hidden beaches.

See: Manta rays, leopard sharks, occasionally dolphins, and plenty of clownfish (a la Finding Nemo).

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(Photo: Similan Island, Thailand via Shutterstock)

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Some have called the Great Barrier Reef "snorkel heaven," and even Jacques Cousteau listed nearby Heron Island as one of his favorite dive spots. Listen to the experts. In many places, you can snorkel right from the beach for free (just rent or bring your own equipment). Or if you want to explore less discovered areas, hop on a boat tour of the nearby reefs. Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Outer Reef are all popular areas packed with Australia's most stunning marine life.

See: The resident reef sharks, naturally, and from June through September, you may just glimpse a humpback whale or two.

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RELATED: 10 Best Places to Go in Australia

(Photo: Great Barrier Reef, Australia via Shutterstock)

Bermuda, Bermuda

Welcome to Bermuda, where the resorts are ritzy, the shorts are long, and the rum swizzles are aplenty. Oh, and the water is warm and gin-clear from May through October, which means perfect snorkeling conditions can be found across most of the island. Elbow Beach especially is known for its accessibility, healthy reef, large schools of fish, and even a shipwreck, reachable from shore. Also check out Church Bay and Tobacco Bay.

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(Photo: Bermuda via Shutterstock)

Galapagos, Ecuador

For many travelers, cruising the wild Galapagos islands off mainland Ecuador is a bucket-list-topping experience, and snorkeling the surrounding Pacific Ocean is a wonderful option for those without expensive dive training. Both Santa Cruz and Floreana islands offer incredible diversity, from sea lions to tortoises to marine iguanas. In cooler temps, you may need a wetsuit.

See: Sea lions, bull sharks, turtles, and speedy little Galapagos penguins, the second smallest penguin species and the only one found north of the equator.

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RELATED: Mashpi Lodge: Ecuador's Wild Kingdom in the Clouds

(Photo: Galapagos Turtle via Shutterstock)

Seychelles

Yes, this honeymooners' destination is far away for most, but visiting the Seychelles is a rewarding experience for swimmers, snorkelers, and divers alike. Just a few miles from the main island of Mahe, Ste. Anne National Park offers a rainbow assortment of coral reefs and exotic wildlife. Hop a glass-bottomed boat tour for another view under the sea.

See: Bottlenosed dolphins! Lucky snorkelers can swim with the curious mammals.

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(Photo: Seychelles via Shutterstock)

Cayman Islands

Yes, the Cayman Islands are a bit touristy, but few other places on the planet offer the same snorkeling opportunities as Stingray City, a series of shallow sandbars just off the coast of Grand Cayman. Consider this cosmopolitan Caribbean isle and its well-preserved coral reefs a true haven for snorkelers and divers.

See: As the name implies, stingrays—dozens and dozens of them. The resident rays are friendly and will gently brush up against you if they feel safe.

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(Photo: Stingray City, Cayman Islands via Shutterstock)

Dominica, Dominica

The Nature Isle of Dominica is a still largely undiscovered Caribbean destination. Fewer crowds mean unpeopled beaches, bigger adventures, and pristine snorkeling. Champagne Reef, so named for the underwater geothermal springs that cause tiny bubbles to spurt from the sea, is known for its magnificently preserved reef and bathwater-like temperatures. In fact, the water often reaches 90 degrees.

See: Corals and sponges in every Crayola shade, plus sea horses, snakes, lobsters, and countless more.

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(Photo: TripAdvisor, LLC)

Big Island, Hawaii

With multiple islands, plenty of reef, and some of the world's most famous beaches, Hawaii makes it hard to pick a best snorkeling location. You can't go wrong with Kealakekua Bay near Kona, though: The protected Marine Life Conservation District happens to be where Captain James Cook sailed in the 18th century, and its warm waters, caves, and crevices are filled to bursting with marine life.

See: Large groups of playful spinner dolphins are one of the main attractions here as they leap and spin through the air.

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You Might Also Like:

• 12 Things You Should Never Do in Hawaii
• 10 Best Places to Go in Florida
• World's Most Unique Snorkeling Sites

Dara Continenza has been exploring the world and writing about it since 2010. Her writing has appeared on Hopper, SmarterTravel, USA Today, Money, U.S. News and World Report, Yahoo, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Boston.com, and others.

(Photo: Hawaii via Shutterstock)