Crystal-clear waters, colourful fish and coral reefs: discover 15 snorkelling spots that’ll make you want to dive right in!

A snorkel mask, fins and a spirit of adventure — that’s all you need to explore breathtaking underwater worlds during a spectacular snorkelling session.

Here you’ll find 15 snorkelling destinations that are truly worth it, from exotic escapes to surprisingly nearby places just a few hours away. Discover what makes each location special, what you’ll see underwater, the best time to visit, plus handy info about climate and water temperature.

Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just starting out, find the perfect destination for you to make a splash among the brilliant coral and tropical fish.

Europe

Menorca, Spain

The quieter sister to Mallorca, Menorca is a top destination if you want to snorkel in pristine surrounds. The southwest coast is known for its turquoise waters, rocky coves and underwater life ranging from colourful fish to sea urchins. Thanks to the crystal-clear water, visibility is excellent—even at just a few metres deep.

Best time to visit Menorca

The ideal season for snorkelling runs from June to September, when the sea is warm and calm.

Average summer water temperature: 24–26°C

Recommended snorkelling experiences

menorca snorkelling

Greek Islands: Kos, Corfu and Zakynthos

Snorkelling enthusiasts will already have the Greek Islands on their wish list. In Kos you can explore small islands and sea caves; Corfu is known for its rock formations and colourful fish; and Zakynthos surprises with secluded coves and crystal-clear waters—perfect for spotting turtles and starfish. Each island has its own charm, and they’re all fantastic for snorkelling.

Best time to visit the Greek Islands

From May to October, you’ll enjoy warm waters and plenty of sun—ideal conditions for snorkelling.

Average water temperature: 23–27°C

Recommended snorkelling experiences

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik isn’t just a gem above the water — there’s plenty to discover beneath the surface, too. The Adriatic Sea and the rocky coastline offer a diverse underwater landscape. Snorkelling around the Elafiti Islands, such as Koločep, reveals a surprisingly rich marine life with schools of fish and sea anemones.

Best time to visit Dubrovnik

From June to September you’ll enjoy warm weather, calm waters and excellent underwater visibility.

Average summer water temperature: 23–26°C

Recommended snorkelling experience

Marmaris, Turkey

The vibrant seaside town of Marmaris, on the Turkish Riviera, is surrounded by green hills and an azure-blue sea. Its calm bays are ideal for relaxing snorkelling and discovering colourful fish species and fields of seagrass. Early in the morning the water is crystal-clear and almost completely still, making it the perfect moment to dive in.

Best time to visit Marmaris

From May to October, the water is warm, calm and ideal for snorkelling.

Average water temperature: 25–28 °C

Recommended snorkelling experience

Africa

Cape Verde

The islands of Cape Verde — especially Sal and Boa Vista — offer spectacular snorkelling spots along volcanic rocky coastlines and sandy beaches. Warm Atlantic currents bring tropical fish, sea turtles and even rays to these waters. The calm seas make snorkelling here particularly peaceful and relaxing.

Best time to visit Cape Verde

The dry season runs from November to June, with clear visibility and pleasant temperatures. From July to October the weather gets warmer, but there’s a chance of occasional rain.

Average water temperature: 23–26 °C

Recommended snorkelling experiences

Red Sea, Egypt

The Red Sea is world-famous for its extraordinary underwater world. In resort towns like Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and Sharm El-Sheikh, you can snorkel straight from the beach among vibrant coral reefs, parrotfish, clownfish and even the occasional reef shark. The biodiversity is simply incredible and visibility is nearly perfect.

Best time to visit Egypt

October and November, as well as March to May, offer ideal weather conditions — not too hot, with excellent visibility.

Average water temperature: 22–30 °C

Recommended snorkelling experiences

America

Hawaii, USA

Hawaii isn’t just a top destination for surfing — it’s also fantastic for snorkelling. Whether you’re swimming with sea turtles in Oahu or spotting colourful fish in the protected Molokini Crater near Maui, the water is clear, warm and full of life. Some bays are even accessible directly from the beach.

Best time to visit Hawaii

It’s great all year round, but from April to October the seas are especially calm.

Average water temperature: 25–27 °C

Bonaire

Bonaire, part of the Caribbean Netherlands, is one of the most snorkel-friendly islands in the world. Coral reefs often begin right at the shoreline and the water is incredibly clear. You’ll spot brightly coloured fish, brain coral and if you’re lucky, even a seahorse. The island is also deeply committed to conservation.

Best time to visit Bonaire

It’s warm and dry year-round, with little rain and excellent visibility. The least rainfall and most pleasant temperatures occur from February to June.

Average water temperature: 26–29 °C

Ilha Grande, Brazil

Ilha Grande is a lush paradise off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, where dense jungle meets dreamy beaches and underwater worlds. It’s a snorkeler’s ideal escape: the water is crystal clear, the currents are gentle and the biodiversity is impressive. In peaceful lagoons you’ll swim among colourful fish and starfish — like something out of a nature documentary.

Best time to visit Ilha Grande

The best period to visit Ilha Grande is from April to September, during the dry season. The weather is warm and pleasant, with a refreshing ocean breeze.

Average water temperature: 24–26 °C

Cancun, Mexico

Beyond its idyllic Caribbean beaches, Cancun is also one of the world’s top snorkelling capitals. Just minutes from the coast, you’ll find vibrant coral reefs and even an underwater museum: MUSA. Sail out to Cozumel or Akumal, strap on your mask and fins, and dive into a sea full of tropical fish, sea turtles and coral formations.

Best time to visit Cancun

The ideal season is November to April, when the weather is dry and sunny.

Average water temperature: 26–28 °C

Recommended snorkelling experiences

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Calm, clear waters, a sandy seabed and coral formations just a few metres from the shore — snorkelling in Punta Cana is accessible to everyone, including beginners and families. Catamaran excursions take you to the most scenic spots, where you’ll swim among rays, tropical fish, and — with a bit of luck — sea turtles.

Best time to visit Punta Cana

The best months are December through April, during the dry season. This lets you avoid hurricane season and enjoy ideal snorkelling conditions.

Average water temperature: 26–28 °C

Recommended snorkelling experiences

Asia

Maldives

Snorkelling in the Maldives is a dream come true. Almost every island has a house reef that’s easily accessible from the beach, where you can swim among clownfish, blacktip reef sharks and vibrant coral. It’s one of the few places in the world where you’ll discover a spectacular underwater world so close to the shore.

Best time to visit the Maldives

The ideal travel period is December to April, especially between February and March when temperatures are most pleasant.

Average water temperature: 28–30 °C

Komodo, Indonesia

Komodo National Park is home to exceptionally healthy coral reefs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is globally renowned for its marine biodiversity, making it one of the best snorkelling destinations in the world. You’ll swim among colourful corals, massive manta rays, schools of tropical fish and sea turtles gliding just beneath the surface — an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience.

Best time to visit Komodo

The ideal time to visit is April to October, when you can spot the most sea creatures.

Average water temperature: 24–28 °C

Phuket, Thailand

Thailand’s most famous island is an excellent base for snorkel lovers. In its clear waters you’ll find reefs and a wide variety of tropical fish — often visible in the calm bays right near the shore. With a catamaran excursion, you can also reach nearby islands like Koh Khai and the Phi Phi Islands — true underwater paradises.

Best time to visit Phuket

The best months are November to April, when the climate is warm and dry, and the sea is calm and clear.

Average water temperature: 26–30 °C

Oceania

Norman Reef, Australia

As part of the Great Barrier Reef, Norman Reef is one of the most spectacular snorkelling spots in the world. Located off the coast of Cairns, it offers a unique underwater world: coral gardens, sea turtles, parrotfish and — if you’re lucky — even a reef shark. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Best time to visit Norman Reef

The ideal season is June to November, when visibility is excellent, conditions are dry and the temperatures are pleasantly warm.

Average water temperature: 24–26 °C