Top 5 Most Beautiful Snorkeling Spots in the World

Who said that to see the most beautiful specimens you need to gear up with diving tanks? Not at all, with just fins, mask, and snorkel, you will mingle with pygmy seahorses, multicolored sponges, spinner dolphins... Welcome to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Ecuador or within islands cut off from the world...

I am taking you to Pemuteran in the Northwest of Bali. Within the Pemuteran Biorock, just steps from the volcanic sand beach, you will participate in the coral repopulation program. Thus, if you wish, you can acquire a coral and a year later when it is planted, you will receive a photo! At 40 km, on the island of Menjangan, you will evolve within the West Bali National Park accompanied by a guide. You will admire the carved corals, and you can even taste a Nasi Campur, a local dish based on Balinese vegetables and white rice. Otherwise, a few nautical miles away from Sulawesi (Celebes), you will reach Wakatobi. It will then be a real parade of endemic species: ghost fish, frogfish, pygmy seahorses, giant squids not to mention the coral species, over 700 in total! You will not miss visiting the Bajo tribe on the island of Mola whose members had developed exceptional abilities like walking on the ocean floor or diving 30m deep without equipment!  

For our second destination, we will embark for the Balearic Islands. Forget the clichés, sailors know it; Menorca has not lost its soul and has preserved an untouched nature. Moreover, the island was recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1993, and it is home to endemic species. As you land on the island, you will be struck by its waters, sometimes turquoise, sometimes sapphire... Within the S'Albufera d'Es Grau Natural Park, on the Northeast coast of Menorca, with snorkeling gear in 28-degree water in the summer, you will gaze at the gilthead breams, starfish, and groupers... Did you know? The grouper is nicknamed the king of fish. Not far from Mahon, you swim at Cala Tamarells, a protected cove with transparent waters. At Cala Morell (Ciutadella), a tiny beach nestled between cliffs, you will have complete peace to observe the seabed. Take the opportunity to visit the Cavalleria lighthouse and the fishing village of Fornells, a little gem. Treat yourself to a caldereta de langostas, a highly appreciated Menorcan specialty. This secluded cove is very fish-rich: breams, catfish, rock mullets, mullets, colorful peacock wrasses-these superb fish with bright colors!

In the insular province of Bohol, you will be amazed by the coastal reefs ideal for snorkeling. They stretch for 14 KM and form 3D structures in shimmering colors. If diving and snorkeling clubs have chosen this spot, it's because the marine life is spectacular. You will encounter clownfish, emperor fish striped with irregular bands, and boxfish resembling battleships! On site, you take the bangka to get to Pamilacan. Used since the 18th century, these very stable outrigger kayaks transport people and goods from island to island.  If you're not pressed for time, head to Boracay in the Visayas archipelago, 300 KM south of Manila, in the seas of Palawan. Away from the hustle and bustle of the world, Shell Beach at Puka awaits you with its coral sand and coconut trees but what's that out at sea? It's indeed young dolphins performing acrobatics! Or head to Siquijor where the Paliton Beach at the northwest tip offers a breathtaking sunset in addition to its dramatic waterfalls. You will swim in crystal clear and abundant waters. Lastly, I would recommend Apo Island to nature lovers for its coral garden and its multitude of turtles. 

Has the Indian Ocean archipelago located 25 KM from the coast of Tanzania in the middle of the Indian Ocean always fascinated you? Zanzibar got its name from Persian travelers who referred to the eastern coast of Africa this way. The 3 islands that make it up present a varied relief: primary forest, plantations, hills… It goes without saying that Zanzibar is a real green lung but it also has underwater caves and a coral reef! At the end of Nungwi beach, an open pool will allow you to approach turtles. Regarding snorkeling, you will find a Starfish spot with abundant colorful species in Pingwe on the island of Unguja. As for whale sharks, you are very likely to see them around the islands and they measure up to 12 m long. Generally, sharks are visible on the South coast, for example at Kizimkazi. If you appreciate humpback whales, aim for the island of Mafia. They spawn off Chole Bay and Ras Mukumbi between August and October. There, you will also see manatees, imposing but perfectly harmless marine mammals. On the island of Misali, you will swim up to the coral reef to admire the anemones, brightly colored sponges. And then, you spot spinner and bottlenose dolphins, a true dazzlement!

The archipelago consisting of 19 islands and islets off the coast of Ecuador belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage. As these territories have remained untouched for millions of years and in the absence of predators, the wildlife is not shy. Endemic species of the archipelago include sea lions, penguins, manta rays... Snorkeling is therefore perfectly suited there. To give you an idea, you will come face to face with angelfish, reef fish. There is a good chance that the islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Isla Isabela will amaze you. The first, the most cosmopolitan, can perfectly serve as a base if you wish to explore. It is known for its beaches: Punta Estrada, Las Grietas... and it is home to many turtles! As for the second, it was visited by Darwin aboard the Beagle. Subsequently, it was used for sugar cane and then hosted a penal colony. It is at Punta Pitt that you will marvel at the sea lions! Finally, at Isla Isabela, you explore the Caba Rosa tunnels and you might see the blue-footed boobies for the first time, who knows?

Author: Gretel Tamalet