Snorkeling may not have the romance and adventure associated with scuba diving, but what it lacks in sexy black neoprene and pretending you are Darth Vader, it compensates for in its selection of fish. From the largest sharks to the littlest sea slug; donning your mask, snorkel and fins is usually the best way to experience the undersea world.
From having led snorkeling tours I'm of the opinion that it is in those first couple of meters of water where you find the colour, coral and characters that makes the sea such an extraordinary place to explore. Washed in light, it is like being on the surface of an interactive aquarium that is really just as interested in you as you are of it.
Here are the most glorious snorkeling locations on the globe.
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Stretching more than 2,600kms down Queensland's East Coast lies the most famous reef system in the world. From cheeky clown fish topping out from their anemones to swimming with inquisitive dwarf minke whales, the 'GBR ' offers something for everybody. Easily accessed for each age and ability, a visit to Queensland truthfully isn't complete without a look at some of the most varied marine life on planet earth.
The Kona Coast, Hawaii
Found on the Big Island, the Kona Coast supports some of the most varied and wonderful marine life found anywhere in the Americas. With resident dolphins, frequent visits from manta rays and a stunning coral and tropical fish population, it suggests more than one trip under the waves is inevitable. A night snorkel in Kona with manta rays is an experience you will never forget.
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Over on the west coast of Australia lies a remote stretch of reef that provides pristine coral, no crowds and the biggest fish in the sea: the whale shark. As Whale sharks aren't fans of bubbles it is only by snorkeling that we will be able to experience these amazing giants.
The Galapagos, Ecuador
In direct contrast to the barren landscape of the islands, beyond the shore there is abounding life just below the waterline. Unafraid of humans, sea lions gleefully swim up to visitors as marine iguanas glide past. This is the only place in the world where snorkelers can safely swim with hammerhead sharks and see the captivating penguin burst past at superfast speed.
New Britain, Papua New Guinea
On rare occasion human intervention can actually provide an opportunity for marine life to prosper. Though most wrecks are found in deeper water, in the New Britain province of PNG, WWII wrecks can be experienced close to shore in 1 or 2 meters of crystal-clear water. Fighter planes, bombers and Japanese boats litter the floor and provide life even as instruments of war and destruction.
Although snorkeling may not push the boundaries of equipment or experience, it still offers the most intoxicating underwater experiences. So be sure to always pack your mask and snorkel, because you never can tell what could be waiting just under the surface.
From having led snorkeling tours I'm of the opinion that it is in those first couple of meters of water where you find the colour, coral and characters that makes the sea such an extraordinary place to explore. Washed in light, it is like being on the surface of an interactive aquarium that is really just as interested in you as you are of it.
Here are the most glorious snorkeling locations on the globe.
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Stretching more than 2,600kms down Queensland's East Coast lies the most famous reef system in the world. From cheeky clown fish topping out from their anemones to swimming with inquisitive dwarf minke whales, the 'GBR ' offers something for everybody. Easily accessed for each age and ability, a visit to Queensland truthfully isn't complete without a look at some of the most varied marine life on planet earth.
The Kona Coast, Hawaii
Found on the Big Island, the Kona Coast supports some of the most varied and wonderful marine life found anywhere in the Americas. With resident dolphins, frequent visits from manta rays and a stunning coral and tropical fish population, it suggests more than one trip under the waves is inevitable. A night snorkel in Kona with manta rays is an experience you will never forget.
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Over on the west coast of Australia lies a remote stretch of reef that provides pristine coral, no crowds and the biggest fish in the sea: the whale shark. As Whale sharks aren't fans of bubbles it is only by snorkeling that we will be able to experience these amazing giants.
The Galapagos, Ecuador
In direct contrast to the barren landscape of the islands, beyond the shore there is abounding life just below the waterline. Unafraid of humans, sea lions gleefully swim up to visitors as marine iguanas glide past. This is the only place in the world where snorkelers can safely swim with hammerhead sharks and see the captivating penguin burst past at superfast speed.
New Britain, Papua New Guinea
On rare occasion human intervention can actually provide an opportunity for marine life to prosper. Though most wrecks are found in deeper water, in the New Britain province of PNG, WWII wrecks can be experienced close to shore in 1 or 2 meters of crystal-clear water. Fighter planes, bombers and Japanese boats litter the floor and provide life even as instruments of war and destruction.
Although snorkeling may not push the boundaries of equipment or experience, it still offers the most intoxicating underwater experiences. So be sure to always pack your mask and snorkel, because you never can tell what could be waiting just under the surface.
About the Author:
Paul Kent is a Well-Travelled Globetrotter and Managing Partner of Boutique Experience Company www.mraristotle.com. Visit MrAristotle to find the most dazzling seaside holiday experiences plus out of this world anniversary gifts for him - and her!
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