Snorkeling is an accessible and enjoyable activity through which you can explore beautiful coastlines and underwater ecosystems.
It gives you a unique perspective on some of the best vacation destinations all over the world, and if you’re looking for the best snorkeling tours and destinations, the following locations have you covered.
Snorkeling Key West, FL
Key West is one of the best snorkeling locations in the Sunshine State.
In a state known for its coastal treasures and ideal vacation spots, that’s saying something!
Key West is home to one of the largest coral reefs in the world and you’ll also find an array of sea turtles, manatees, and other beautiful marine life.
If you go a little further out, you may encounter some dolphins, and no matter where you go, the water always seems to clear and beautiful.
Companies like Fury Water Adventures operate here and provide cheap snorkeling, cruises, parasailing, and other water adventures in Key West.
Snorkeling Key Largo, FL
Key Largo is where you will find the John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park and the submerged Christ of the Deep statue.
You can explore a beautiful world underneath the water and there are plenty of tours and rental options nearby.
Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, Oahu
Oahu is the place to be for fans of water sports and underwater adventures, including surfing and snorkeling.
It has an unrivaled reputation in North America and countless surfers, swimmers, and snorkelers flock here every year.
Hanauma Bay has previously been voted as the Best Beach in the United States and in addition to the snorkeling adventures you can also explore a nearby marine education center.
The sea life is beautiful here and it is also protected—all visitors are required to treat the animals with the utmost respect when they are in the water.
Snorkeling in Miami, FL
Miami has miles and miles of pristine beaches and just off the coast, you will find a barrier reef that is one of the largest in the world, as well as the only one in the United States.
Snorkeling is very affordable in Miami and there are many areas to explore and companies willing to take you there.
Snorkeling sessions will typically cost you upwards of $100 and include the snorkeling tour itself, as well as basic equipment.
If you have the equipment yourself, you can take your entire family on a Miami snorkeling vacation for less than $50.
Snorkeling in Destin, FL
Destin, Florida is known for its sugar-white beaches and emerald-green waters.
It’s a massively popular tourist destination and definitely not the place to be if you want to avoid the crowds, but it’s easily one of the best places for snorkelers in the United States.
Hop on a snorkeling tour and be transported to crystal clear waters.
Alternatively, you can take that boat a little further out and see the many dolphins that make this such a popular tourist resort.
Snorkel gear is easy to come by and the competition among snorkeling tour companies and dolphin tour companies means it’s a relatively affordable experience.
Catalina Island Snorkelling
Catalina Island is a beautiful location with turquoise water and waves of giant kelp forests.
You can snorkel near the beach or grab your snorkeling gear, hop on a boat, and go a little further out.
There are guided snorkeling tours and rental shops and Catalina Island is a little over 20 miles from Los Angeles.
La Jolla Cove Snorkelling
La Jolla is one of the best places to swim alongside beautiful marine life in California.
There are lots of sea lions and seals that call this place home and it’s perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, paddling, and other aqua adventures.
Snorkeling in Iceland
Snorkeling in Iceland is a different beast to snorkeling in the Florida Keys and California.
There are deep caves to explore, cold waters to brace, and an almost-alien volcanic world to immerse yourself in.
Iceland is a beautiful country and it’s unlike anywhere else on earth.
It’s well worth a visit, and if you happen to be in the country, you should definitely consider some water activities like snorkeling around the coast or relaxing in the Blue Lagoon.
Cozumel Snorkelling
Cozumel is a beautiful island off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
It is considered to be one of the best places to snorkel in the world and provides an unforgettable experience for snorkelers everywhere.
Cozumel is part of the second-largest coral reef in the world and there are plenty of remote and beautiful spots to explore.
The visibility is great and the water is warm—what more could you ask for?
Santa Cruz Island, CA
Head to the Channel Islands National Park and enjoy some of the best marine life and the most pristine waters in California.
Explore the vast kelp forests, swim among the garibaldi fish and sheepshead fish, and explore a unique side of this amazing part of the world.
You can book a snorkeling tour to guide you through the area or you can go it alone.
It’s one of the best areas to snorkel in the United States and is best explored during the months of July and August.
Summary: Preparing for Your Snorkelling Adventure
Whether you’re exploring the Florida Keys and swimming among bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles or venturing out to Mexico and Iceland, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared.
Buy or rent all of the snorkeling equipment that you will need and check with local boat tours and snorkeling guides before you depart.
The internet is your friend, so look for a phone number, ask about reservations, costs, and directions, and don’t leave yourself high and dry when you finally arrive.
