15 Unique Snorkeling Experiences Around the World Per Viator Travelers

Offering some of the best snorkeling in the world, the 1,430-mile-long (2,300-kilometer-long) Great Barrier Reef in northeastern Australia is the largest living structure on Earth. While there are many places along Queensland’s long coastline where you can depart for the reef, this snorkel tour from Cairns makes for an easy day out. Travel to two locations on the outer reef by superyacht, get plenty of time to snorkel or dive, and refuel with an on-board barbeque lunch.

What one reviewer said: “We had such a fun time snorkeling on one of the 7 natural wonders of the world! The staff was helpful, nice, and professional. The food was good! We also got to ride in the helicopter, which will be the memory of a lifetime!” Tiffani_N, August 2025

Cathedral Cove, on northern New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula, is one of the country’s most popular destinations, which means the beach—and the walking track to get there—can be crowded on a hot summer’s day. This boat tour departs from Whitianga (so you don’t have to walk) and gives you a different perspective of Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve from the water. Snorkeling gear is provided so you can check out the volcanic landscape and wildlife up close.

What one reviewer said: “Great time out on the water. Fun, friendly crew and lots of local history facts. Then finish off with a snorkel around in the marine reserve. Saw big snapper and stingrays. Worth every penny.” 6gv2k4vs6y, March 2025

Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand is famous for its diving (and nightlife!), but you don’t have to take such a big plunge to enjoy the beautiful warm water and colorful marine life here. Snorkeling is accessible to everyone, including kids, and this full-day tour has many activity options. Snorkel from the boat with the provided gear and make the most of other amenities, including a water slide and climbing wall.

What one reviewer said: “My second time on this boat trip, and it was just as good as the first time! Well organized, great itinerary, and good food. Definitely recommend!” charlottesmith2000, April 2025

The French Polynesian island of Bora Bora is a beloved honeymoon destination, but even honeymooners need to leave the resort occasionally. Be tempted by some of the best snorkeling in the South Pacific. This half-day boat tour and snorkeling adventure visits three snorkeling spots, which are selected by the captain to suit the conditions on the day, and may include a coral garden and places where you can see manta rays.

What one reviewer said: “Amazing. We saw so many fish. Beautiful colors. Sharks, manta rays, stingrays. Swam through a school of yellow and blues. Went to multiple locations plus a boat ride around the island. It was a perfect experience.” Micki_B, August 2025

At Turtle Canyon, off the coast of Waikiki on Oahu, there’s more than just a chance of spotting green sea turtles. On this sea turtle tour from Honolulu you get about two hours to swim and snorkel among the magnificent creatures—while keeping a respectful distance, per local law.

What one reviewer said: “This was a remarkable experience! The whole crew was helpful, knowledgeable, and personable. They were very good at explaining the excursion and letting us know what to expect and how to maximize our experience. Once in the water, we saw a wide variety of sea life; the guides were so good about pointing out things to see and explaining what we were seeing. This was a great experience!” Stephanie_H, August 2025

There are many fun places to enjoy family snorkeling worldwide, but you don’t need to travel to the ends of the Earth with your kids. Everyone will love this half-day cruise from Florida’s Panama City Beach to Shell Island on a stable catamaran. You can use the provided snorkel gear or paddle boards, play on the water slides, and look out for dolphins.

What one reviewer said: “Great fun! The best thing we did all week in PCB! We saw dolphins, found sand dollars and hermit crabs, and had a blast both on the boat and during the snorkel trip.” Heather_D, September 2025

Isla Tortuga means “Turtle Island” in Spanish, and while spotting turtles is definitely a highlight, these are not the only wonderful sea creatures you can see on this snorkeling tour to the Costa Rican island. Snorkel in clear waters around a volcanic reef, looking out for moray eels, angelfish, spotted eagle rays, and more. You’ll also stop at a white-sand beach for some fun in the sun.

What one reviewer said: “My two friends and I had a great experience on this tour! We snorkeled in two locations and saw tons of fish, sea urchins, a starfish, and a small shark! Our tour guides set up a really nice lunch for us on a quiet beach. We had time to explore the beach and see some more wildlife (lizards, deer). Overall great value for the price and a really fun day!” Molly_C, April 2025

While the Bermuda Triangle might be the stuff of urban legend, there are more than 225 documented shipwrecks around the North Atlantic island of Bermuda that are great for diving and snorkeling. On this half-day snorkeling tour, don your mask and fins to check out at least two wrecks—the Constellation and the Montana—as well as the offshore reefs that contributed to many of the shipwrecks.

What one reviewer said: “I rode solo and the entire group was less than 10 people. Captain Gaby and Omari were everything and more as guides. It was an ideal day for the boat ride and we learned all the facts. We were lucky to see 3 shipwrecks instead of the normal 2 due to our group size. This activity is a must!” Erin_R, August 2025

The island of Aruba is one of the Caribbean’s snorkeling hot spots, with sheltered, calm waters and colorful marine life. This catamaran cruise and snorkeling trip takes you to two snorkeling spots—a reef and the wreck of the Antilla, one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean. Once you’ve had enough, make use of the water slide and rope swing, and refuel with a light lunch and drinks from the onboard open bar.

What one reviewer said: “Best money I ever spent! The shipwreck was the highlight of the tour. I was hesitant at first because the water was not clear, but once we started snorkeling I could see everything! It was amazing, beautiful fish that ate right out of your hand and the captain was a vibe!” Lisa_T, August 2025

Japan isn’t all neon megacities and ancient temples—not in tropical southern Okinawa, anyway. Snorkel in the otherworldly glow of the Blue Cave, a hidden snorkeling destination, on a tour from Onna-son. Many sea creatures live in this limestone sea cave and you can learn about the unique ecosystem from a private guide. Novice and experienced divers can also dive here.

What one reviewer said: “Really great experience! The company thought of everything to make it most comfortable for us and our 5-year-old. The sights were unbelievably beautiful and the guide was great. Highly recommend. Photos and videos were amazing! Great value.”

The Indonesian island of Bali is renowned as a beachy destination, but the smaller islands just off Bali—including Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida—are less widely known. However, they shouldn’t be overlooked as they offer some of the best snorkeling. Join a full-day tour of the best isolated snorkeling spots around Nusa Penida that can be tricky to get to alone, including places where you can spot manta rays.

What one reviewer said: “Amazing snorkeling experience. We got to see manta rays, sea turtles, and a lot of fish. All the staff were very friendly and helpful.” Paige_N, March 2025

Iceland may not be the first place that comes to mind to snorkel, but the “Land of Fire and Ice” offers one of the most unique snorkeling tours, between tectonic plates at the Silfra Fissure. Located where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, the fissure is full of clear spring water, meaning the visibility is very good. It’s a memorable place to snorkel or dive—kitted out in a heavy-duty wetsuit, of course.

What one reviewer said: “We absolutely loved this!! Our tour guide Armand was great. He made us comfortable, was patient, explained instructions clearly, and he was most of all fun. Snorkeling this site was a dream experience for us, and the views were spectacular and truly amazing.” Zachary_S, September 2025

The sheer cliffs of Tavolara, a small island off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, provide a stunning backdrop for a snorkeling adventure in Italy. This boat tour from Olbia takes you snorkeling in protected waters near the island, where white sand, blue water, and red cliffs meet. The crystal-clear sea is a highlight—as is the tasty Sardinian lunch served aboard the boat.

What one reviewer said: “We loved the whole experience. Francesco was very knowledgeable about the nature, history, and made it fun. The snorkeling in three areas was brilliant with seeing numerous types of fish. I would definitely recommend the trip.”

Cruising the Aegean Sea is on many travelers’ Greece wishlist. But if you’d like to do more than just laze around on deck, dive into the sparkling waters with a snorkel mask and fins to explore reefs and sea caves. This guided boat trip from Chania takes you to Crete’s spectacular Elephant Cave, which actually shelters the fossilized bones of an unusual elephant species.

What one reviewer said: “One of our best snorkeling adventures. We went to 3 different spots and saw varieties of fish, urchins, sponge, eel. Adriana was a wonderful guide and very knowledgeable when asked about marine life. She and Kostas, the boat captain, were very supportive of non-swimmers like me and made sure I was all right and comfortable in the water.” Carolyn_L, August 2025

After exploring the Giza Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, and other ancient treasures, many people like to spend some time on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Renowned as a diving hot spot thanks to its numerous dive sites, the area around Hurghada is also great for casual snorkeling excursions. This full-day tour takes you out to Orange Bay Island, where there are many opportunities to swim and snorkel in the tropical waters.

What one reviewer said: “The experience was great with pickup at the resort. The guys gave us a good experience on the boats and improved our confidence for snorkeling. They played nice music and the lunch was delicious.” Jo_O, August 2025