Top Ten Amazing Snorkeling Destinations Around The World – YOU MUST VISIT!
Earth is known as the blue planet for a reason. Its vast bodies of water are home to the most breathtaking coral reefs filled with millions of marine life which take up more than 70 percent of its surface.
With up to 80 percent of life living in the oceans, it is certain that you will encounter the most extraordinary creatures you will ever see in your lifetime.
Below is a compilation list of the best places to snorkel to witness the world’s natural beauty underwater.
Being the home of the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem made it one of the world’s most famous diving and snorkeling spots. Over 1,400 miles off the Australian shoreline, it is made up of 2,900 individual reefs that shelter 125 species of sharks, over 1,800 species of fish, and 5,000 different types of shellfish.
The Great Barrier Reef is the go-to spot for turtle snorkeling, clownfish, sea horses, and marine crocodiles sightseeing.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is now threatened by climate change. The intense ocean warming is causing the dramatic coral decline and coral bleaching that immensely affects the marine life population.
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this snorkeling spot is known for being the hotspot for magnificent congregations of manta rays, whale sharks, schooling fish, and dolphins.
It is said that around the full and new moons from May to December is the best time to see the whale sharks and manta rays.
But if that sounds intimidating to you, the PADI 5 Dive Centre of Baa Atoll has staff that you can book who grew up and know the area like the back of their hand, and they are more than happy to give you snorkeling tips and training.
Arguably one of the best snorkeling spots globally, the Molokini Crater offers crystal clear water, spectacular coral reefs, and unique marine wildlife that make it a popular destination for marine life observation. 
In 1977, Molokini Crater was declared a Marine Life Conservation District, which means you can see diverse marine life uninhibited in their natural habitat.
Aside from its brilliantly colored marine life, the Ilha Grande Bay became famous because of its largest shipwrecks in the world. The remnants of the battles between the Portuguese and pirates will give you a touch of the island’s history.
Home of the most beautiful marine life ecosystems in the world. Between November to June, you can snorkel alongside the largest living fish, the whale shark, where you can see up to 20 of them in a single tour.
Located in Asia Pacific’s Coral Triangle, also known as the Amazon of the Ocean, its biological resources make it a global hotspot for marine biodiversity. And 75 years later, you can still find a variety of World War II shipwrecks here.
Home to a marine life that you can only find here—this UNESCO World Heritage is one of the richest aquatic habitats in the world. Its geographical location and the islands’ extreme isolation make it the perfect shelter for marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and many more.
No site in the world can offer the same experience of diving with a marine population so accustomed to human beings that they accompany snorkelers and divers.
Known as the biggest living mosaic, the Belize Barrier Reef mixes the breathtakingly beautiful colors of the reef with the vibrant colors of the inhibiting fishes.
It is also the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. This site is one of the most pristine reef ecosystems globally, uniquely having a wide assemblage of reefs contained in a relatively small area.
Known as the “Treasure Island,” its remote location and conservation efforts made it one of the best conserved marine tropical waters.
Schooling hammerheads, white sharks, manta rays, and turtles are best seen between June to August.
One of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 97,000 hectares of the marine preserved area—the Tubbataha is recognized as one of the centers of marine biodiversity.
Studies since the 1980s state that this reef alone contains more than 600 species of fish, 300 coral species, and various whale and shark species. It is also the nesting ground of green sea turtles.
Currently, Tubbataha is under a grave threat due to overfishing and destructive fishing practices, which made many advocates promote marine life conservation practices in the area.
Despite the vastness of the oceans, it is more easily damaged and polluted than we once thought, but our lifestyle choices can help preserve the seas for the future generations to enjoy.
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Everyone is encouraged to take part in reducing the effects of climate change. Manage carbon footprint with something as simple as switching to compact fluorescent lights or simply driving less to help reduce emissions. Make sustainable food choices, order plant-based meals online, and help reduce the demand for overexploited species by choosing healthy and sustainable food.
The bottom line is, taking part and getting involved in the conservation efforts, when done collaboratively, creates a significant impact in fighting climate change.
About the Author: Kat Sarmiento 
is a Molecular Biology Scientist turned Growth Marketing Scientist. During her free time, she loves to write articles that will bring delight, empower women, and spark the business mind. She loves to bake but unfortunately, baking doesn’t love her back. She has many things in her arsenal and writing is one of her passion projects.