These are the 7 best diving and snorkeling spots in the world

Are you a traveler with a passion for the underwater world? In this article we take you on a journey to some of the world's best diving and snorkeling spots. Of the colorful corals in the Red Sea Egypt to the idyllic waters of the Maldives. Whether you're a novice snorkeler or a seasoned diver, these destinations have it all. Put on your wetsuit, snorkel, and go!

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The 7 best countries in the world for diving and snorkeling

1. Egypt

Egypt is world famous for the impressive pyramids and the Nile River, but the country also has a beautiful underwater world. The Red Sea is one of the most popular diving destinations in the world, and for good reason. Egypt has calm, warm water with good visibility almost all year round. This attracts snorkelers and divers of all levels. So it doesn't matter if you have little experience or already have 100 dives in your logbook. The area is very diverse, from coral reefs to wrecks. The best places for snorkeling or diving in Egypt are:

• Sharm el-Sheikh
Here (location here) you will find some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world, including the famous Ras Mohammed National Park. This park has sizable drop-offs, colorful coral gardens and diverse marine life, including barracudas, turtles and reef sharks.

• Hurghada
This seaside resort (location here) has beautiful coral gardens where you can encounter moray eels, Napoleon fish and dolphins. A highlight is the Thistlegorm, a sunken British freighter from World War II.

• Marsa Alam
This quieter and less touristy area (location here) is known for the famous Elphinstone Reef, where you can spot all kinds of sharks. Marsa Alam is also a good place for night diving.

• Dahab
This place (location here) depends on the Gulf of Aqaba on the east coast of it Sinai-peninsula. Dahab is known for its beautiful diving locations, such as the Blue Hole and the Lighthouse Reef.

There are many more places along the coastline where you can snorkel and dive in the Red Sea, for example Safaga, the quseir en Port ghalib.

What is there to see?

In Egypt the reef is quite close to the coast. Most resorts have a pier to the reef or are located in a bay where you can directly enter the water. There is a lot to see with snorkeling alone, but it is also a matter of luck. The chance that you will encounter rays, parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels and turtles is quite high. In some places there are even local dolphins or manatees. You also have a chance to see colorful nudibranchs, octopus and sharks. Diving conditions in Egypt are usually very good, with little to no tidal currents and calm waters with visibility of up to 30 meters or more.

Best time to travel to Egypt

If you would like to snorkel and/or dive in Egypt, spring, summer and early autumn are the ideal travel periods (April to November). The water is then around 28 degrees and a wetsuit of 3-5 mm is sufficient. When snorkeling it can be nice to wear a long-sleeved swim shirt, this also helps against sunburn. In the summer temperatures rise to 35 degrees, some people find this pleasant and others find it too hot. If you spend a lot of time in the water, you stay nice and cool! In winter the temperature drops towards 20 degrees and the sea is often a bit rougher.

2. Indonesia

Indonesia is located in the middle of the Coral Triangle, an area considered the world's best diving and snorkeling destination. With more than 17.000 islands you can endlessly explore the underwater world. From colorful reefs and impressive coral walls to wrecks and underwater caves. The best places for snorkeling or diving in Indonesia are:

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• Raja Ampat
Once you've been here, everything else is actually hard to beat. Raja Ampat (location here) is a group of islands in the north of West Papua. The waters surrounding this area are known for their high biodiversity. You will find almost everything there, from schools of tuna and dolphins to manta rays and whale sharks. Raja Ampat is also the place to be for macro enthusiasts (slugs, shrimps, crabs, etc.). You'll never get bored of this!

• Komodo
This UNESCO World Heritage Area (location here) is located between the islands Flowers en Sumbawa. In some places there is a nice current, which means that nutrient-rich waters attract animals such as sharks, turtles and giant manta rays. Komodo is more of a place for divers, although you can also go on a boat as a snorkeler.

• Bali
The most popular island in Indonesia (location here) has surprisingly good spots for snorkeling and diving. The east coast is most suitable for this, such as the fishing villages Amed en Tulamben. Don't miss the USS Liberty wreck. Also the nearby island Nusa penida is worth it, here you can snorkel with enormous manta rays! Divers can see the rare sunfish.

• Bunaken
Into this national park North Sulawesi (Location here) has steep walls and lots of marine life such as turtles, reef sharks and schools of fish.

What is there to see?

Diving and snorkeling in Indonesia is incredibly beautiful. The best spots are close to the coast, less than a 10-minute boat ride away. Or you walk from the beach into the sea, the coral starts nearby. Ideal for beginners, but also very interesting for experienced snorkelers or divers. The coral is healthy and has all the colors of the rainbow. Depending on the island, season, and location in Indonesia, you have a chance to see manta rays, turtles, sharks, octopuses, shrimps, nudibranchs, frogfish, moray eels and much more. You're short of eyes!

Best time to travel to Indonesia

The dry season in Indonesia runs from April to October and this is the best time for snorkeling and diving. However, it is useful to check this in advance, because the best time to travel to Raja Ampat is from December to March. Indonesia is a large country and the seasons vary slightly here and there. In most places the water is calm and clear. The water temperature is between 27°C to 30°C, a thin wetsuit or rash guard is sufficient.

3. Maldives

Snow-white sandy beaches, a clear sea, swaying palm trees and a diverse underwater world. That's what you get when you go to the Maldives goes on holiday. Snorkeling in the Maldives almost feels like jumping into an aquarium. In addition to all kinds of tropical fish and beautiful corals, you also have a chance to come face to face with dolphins, sharks and sea turtles. As a diver you can choose from wreck diving or drift diving. Take tours from an island or spend the night on a liveaboard. You won't get tired of this for a while! The best places for snorkeling or diving in the Maldives are:

• Ari Atoll
This atoll (location here) is one of the most popular diving destinations in the Maldives, including the dive sites Maaya Thila en fish head. Swim with manta rays, whale sharks, turtles and colorful reef fish.

• Baa Atoll
A UNESCO World Heritage area with an abundance of marine life (location here) and a good place for an encounter with whale sharks and manta rays. Book a trip to Hanifaru Bay, an unforgettable experience.

• North Male Atoll
Are you looking for one of the best diving locations in the Maldives? Then go to North Male Atoll and visit Banana reef, HP Reef en Male Atoll Shark Point.

• Lhaviyani Atoll
This atoll (location here) is known for its many soft corals and turtles. Fancy an exciting drift dive? Take a trip to Kuredu Express.

What is there to see?

The Maldives are located southwest of Sri Lanka, in the Indian Ocean. It is a destination for honeymooners, peace seekers and divers. The small islands are surrounded by shallow lagoons, dropoffs and reefs with a mix of hard and soft corals. While snorkeling you will see fish such as clownfish, parrotfish, triggerfish and so-called 'sweetlips'. If you want more action, you can explore the channels between the islands and remote atolls, where large species such as hammerhead sharks, reef sharks and manta rays swim around.

Best time to visit Maldives

The sun shines in abundance in the Maldives, the average temperature is around 30°C. The best period for snorkeling and diving is from December to April. The visibility underwater is good and there is hardly any rain. It does depend on where exactly you go, as some atolls such as Baa Atoll and Lhaviyani Atoll have reverse seasons. The advantage of traveling in the low season is that it is a lot quieter.

4. Australia

Australië is one of the best destinations for snorkeling and diving. That's largely thanks to it Great Barrier Reef, which attracts thousands of divers and snorkelers from all over the world every year. In addition to this reef, there are also many other places where you can see many beautiful things when you put your head underwater. The best places for snorkeling or diving in Australia are:

•Great Barrier Reef
The world's largest coral reef (location here) stretches along Australia's northeastern coast and is a top destination for divers and snorkelers. Here you can encounter colorful coral reefs, turtles, sharks, rays, dolphins, and even humpback whales during the migration season.

• Ningaloo Reef
What many people do not know is that on the west coast of Australia you can also snorkel and dive very well in the Ningaloo Reef. Swim with giant manta rays, whale sharks and tropical fish species in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

• Lord howe island
On this remote island (location here), which is on the World Heritage List of UNESCO you can snorkel and dive very well. Lord Howe is located in the Pacific Ocean, between Sydney en Brisbane in. An extraordinary place, both underwater and above water!

What is there to see?

Australia has a lot to offer when it comes to snorkeling and diving. How about snorkeling with sea lions, manta rays, whale sharks, turtles and humpback whales? And the list doesn't end there. Swim among the colorful coral reefs with hard and soft coral or look for seahorses and nudibranchs. If you want to go wreck diving, the SS Yongala in Queensland and the HMAS Sydney in Western Australia interesting. There are diving locations for all levels.

Best time to travel to Australia

Australia has different seasons depending on which places you visit. The best time to travel to it Great Barrier Reef is from June to October. Underwater visibility is good, temperatures are pleasant and there is little rain. You visit it Ningaloo Reef and if you want to see whale sharks, travel between the months of April and August. The water temperature is between 20°C and 28°C.

5. Bonaire

Bonaire is a small island in the Caribbean where you can snorkel and dive well. Do you normally always dive with a guide? Then this is the perfect place to learn to dive independently. The shore dives are very easy to navigate. If you prefer to snorkel, you don't have to go far, because the reef starts about 10 meters from the coast. It does get deep quickly, which is not ideal for snorkelers (unless you want to freedive). The crystal clear water is - depending on the wind strength and direction - calm and without too much current. The best places for snorkeling or diving on Bonaire are:

• Klein Bonaire
This small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Bonaire (location here) has some spectacular diving and snorkeling spots. A popular option is to do a drift snorkel, where you are dropped into the water on one side of the island and 'drift' back to the other side with the current. Here you often see sea turtles, squids and countless tropical fish.

• Hilma Hooker
This famous shipwreck is a must-see for divers. The Hilma Hooker, a cargo ship moored at a depth of approximately 18 to 30 meters. It is covered with coral and there are huge fish swimming around.

• Salt Pier
From the beach you can see the pier (location here) doesn't look special, but underwater it's a different story. Follow the pillars – covered with coral and sponges – towards the sea and look for small sea animals such as shrimps and seahorses. If you go snorkeling here, look in the afternoon in the shallow area to the left and right of the pier. Then you have a good chance of seeing turtles!

• 1000 Steps
A popular snorkeling and diving spot on Bonaire (location here), where you reach the beach via a staircase (fortunately not really 1000 steps). Dolphins, rays, turtles, moray eels and parrotfish are regularly spotted.

What is there to see?

The coral reefs around Bonaire are healthy and diverse, with bright colors. Think of purple tube corals, pink fan corals or green hard coral. Most snorkeling and diving spots are on the west side of the island, but in calm weather the east coast is also an option, only accessible by boat. Do you go diving on Bonaire, you should definitely come around a full moon. A few days after the full moon, you can do an ostracod night dive, which can be compared to luminous plankton. A magical experience! Bonaire is also a good destination for macro photography.

Best time to travel to Bonaire

It is not without reason that Bonaire is called the “Divers Paradise”. The Caribbean island has more than 25 dive sites, almost all of which are accessible from the coast. Load your belongings into a pickup truck, drive to a beach of your choice, park your car a few meters from the sea and walk into the water. It couldn't be easier! Snorkeling and diving can be done all year round, because Bonaire has a tropical climate with temperatures between 35 °C and 28 °C. The water temperature is around XNUMX °C, you can even dive without a wetsuit. The high season runs from January to April.

6. Philippines

More and more snorkelers and divers are finding their way to the Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7.000 islands in Southeast Asia. The healthy coral reefs and high biodiversity make this country a paradise for anyone who enjoys being in the water. Some places are already quite touristy, but others are still unspoilt. For example, take a look at Siquijor, Apo Reef (Mindoro), Moalboal & Malapascua (Cebu), Anilao (Batangas), Balisag Island & You (Bohol). Other good places for snorkeling or diving in the Philippines are:

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• Tubbataha Reef
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a remote atoll in the Sulu Sea (location here) and is considered one of the best diving locations in the world. Here you will find vertical walls covered with coral, sharks, manta rays, turtles and schools of colorful fish.

• Dauin / Apo island
On the southeast coast of the island black lie Dumagette (Location here) On Dauin (Location here), both very suitable for diving, especially if you like macro. Look for special animals such as frogfish, nudibranch and ghost pipefish. You will see much more during a night dive! Also located off the coast Lord Island (Location here), with amazing coral gardens and turtles.

• Puerto Galera
Into this place Mindoro (Location here) is not to be missed if you are into underwater photography and macro. Especially suitable for divers.

• Coron Bay
Coron is an island in the north of Palawan (location here), where you can go wreck diving. The Japanese wrecks are completely covered with corals and that is beautiful to see. There are also a number of beautiful snorkeling spots and paradise islands in this area.

What is there to see?

An awful lot, you are really amazed. From the larger pelagic species such as sharks, manta rays and whale sharks to special nudibranchs, seahorses and octopuses. The coral in most places is colorful and healthy, and full of life. Be careful with tours that offer snorkeling with whale sharks, on most of these tours the whale sharks are fed and sometimes even touched by the guides. You see this, for example, in the town Oslob.

Best time to travel to Philippines

It is a bit difficult to indicate a best travel time, because this differs per region / island. The Philippines has a tropical climate, so the temperature will not be the cause. The water temperature is between 26°C and 30°C. Still, it is nice when the sea is calm and there is a nice sun. Since many travelers the Visayas visits; The best time to travel there is from July to October. The dry season for the vast majority of the Philippines is between November and April, but don't get too hung up on this.

Belize

This country should certainly not be missing from the list of the world's best snorkeling and diving spots. Belize is best known for the Great Blue Hole, a sinkhole in the Caribbean Sea. But there is much more to see, such as friendly manatees, soft corals, nurse sharks, turtles and enormous rays. The best places to snorkel or dive in Belize are:

• Great Blue Hole / Lighthouse Reef
From above you see this dark blue hole (location here) in the middle of the sea looks unreal. The sinkhole is a whopping 124 meters deep, although you will see most of the coral and marine life in the first few meters around the hole. A special experience that you should definitely try. The Lighthouse Reef also has other beautiful diving spots such as Half Moon Caye Wall en Long Caye Wall.

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve
This reserve (location here) is nearby Ambergris Caye and is a popular snorkeling and diving destination. Here you will find beautiful coral gardens and the chance to see sea turtles, rays, manatees and many tropical fish. A great place if you have less experience.

• Glover's Reef
This is a remote location (location here) where you can see sharks, rays, turtles and schools of reef fish. A paradise for snorkelers and divers.

What is there to see?

A highlight are the nurse sharks, manatees, turtles and large stingrays. The reef mainly consists of soft corals in orange, pink and purple. The best snorkeling and diving spots are near the atolls, ring-shaped coral islands in the sea. A disadvantage is that you almost always need a boat to get to the most beautiful places. This makes Belize a fairly expensive destination for snorkeling and diving. The peninsula is a good base Placencia.

Best time to travel to Belize

Thanks to its subtropical climate, Belize is a good snorkeling and diving destination all year round, especially between July and December. During these months the water is calm and visibility is good. The water temperature usually fluctuates between 26°C and 29°C. If you would like to see whale sharks, come during a full moon from April to June.

Closing comments

In addition to the countries above, there are of course many more destinations where you can enjoy snorkeling and diving. Other favorites are Malaysia, Mexico, Palau, Thailand, Galapagos Islands and Fiji. Where do you think we should really go?