Quick answer: The best snorkeling is in the Great Barrier Reef, the Maldives, the Red Sea, Raja Ampat and Hawaii.
You don’t need a tank to see the best of the underwater world. These ten offer clear water, healthy reefs and easy access from shore or boat.
The 10 best snorkeling destinations
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The world’s largest reef, with endless coral and reef fish.
Maldives
House reefs off your villa, plus manta and whale-shark encounters.
Red Sea, Egypt
Warm, clear, affordable reefs straight off the beach.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
The most biodiverse marine area on earth.
Hawaii
Turtles and reefs at spots like Hanauma Bay and Molokini.
Belize Barrier Reef
The Hol Chan reserve and Shark Ray Alley.
Galápagos, Ecuador
Snorkel with sea lions, turtles and marine iguanas.
Philippines
Turtles at Apo Island and vast reefs nationwide.
Bonaire, Caribbean
Famous shore snorkeling on protected reefs.
Komodo, Indonesia
Vivid reefs alongside the famous dragons.
How to choose
For warm, easy shore snorkeling choose the Red Sea, Hawaii or Bonaire; for bucket-list marine life, the Maldives, Raja Ampat or the Galápagos. Check seasons for big animals and always reef-safe sunscreen.