Six Snorkelling Destinations We Think You'll Love

There are thousands of places around the world where you can pull on a mask and snorkel.

But then there are the places that make you lose track of time in the water. The places you'll still be talking about years after you've unpacked.

These are six destinations we find ourselves recommending again and again.

Not because they're the most famous, but because they offer the kind of ocean experiences people never forget.

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

If your idea of adventure is escaping somewhere that still feels wonderfully wild, Raja Ampat should be at the top of your list.

Hundreds of limestone islands are scattered across the region, sheltering healthy coral reefs and an extraordinary diversity of marine life. It's one of those rare places where every time you put your face in the water, there's something new to discover, whether it's a turtle cruising past, a reef shark below, a manta ray gliding overhead or another reef bursting with colour.

It's one of those rare places that somehow exceeds every expectation.

North Sulawesi, Indonesia

North Sulawesi doesn't always make the glossy travel brochures, which is exactly why we love it.

Whether you're floating above the spectacular coral walls of Bunaken or exploring the colourful reefs around Bangka Island, there's an incredible sense of calm here. The water is warm, the reefs are thriving and every day feels just a little different from the last.

It's perfect for travellers who love authentic experiences as much as beautiful reefs.

Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Sometimes the most incredible adventures are closer to home than we realise.

Ningaloo Reef offers the rare opportunity to step straight from the beach into an underwater world bursting with life. Depending on the time of year, your snorkel could include turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, humpback whales or even the unforgettable experience of swimming alongside a whale shark.

If Australia isn't already on your snorkelling bucket list, it probably should be.

Fiji

If your ideal holiday involves spending more time in the water than beside it, Fiji is well worth considering.

With easy access to healthy reefs, warm tropical water and plenty of marine life, it's the sort of destination where it's easy to slip on a mask whenever the mood takes you. It's relaxed, accessible and perfect for people who simply enjoy being in the ocean.

Niue

If you're looking for somewhere that feels truly different, Niue is hard to beat.

This tiny raised coral island in the South Pacific is surrounded by exceptionally clear water, making it one of the best places in the world for visibility. The reefs are healthy, the crowds are almost non-existent, and every swim feels like you've stumbled across your own private piece of ocean.

Visit between July and October and you may even find yourself snorkelling with humpback whales, an experience that's high on many ocean lovers' bucket lists. Add sea caves, dramatic limestone coastline and a wonderfully laid-back island community, and Niue becomes much more than a snorkelling destination. It's the kind of place that stays with you long after you've returned home.

The Philippines

The Philippines offers an incredible variety of snorkelling experiences. You could be swimming alongside turtles around Apo Island, watching the famous sardine run in Moalboal or exploring the crystal-clear lagoons of Palawan. With more than 7,000 islands, it's a destination you could return to several times and still discover somewhere completely different.

So... Where Should You Go?

The best snorkelling holiday isn't necessarily the one that's trending on social media. It's the one that's right for you. Whether that's a remote island in Indonesia, a laid-back South Pacific escape or somewhere you've never even heard of before, choosing the right destination makes all the difference.

If you're still exploring your options, our Destination Guides are a great place to start. They're packed with inspiration, practical advice and honest insights to help you narrow down where your next ocean adventure could take you.

And if you'd rather chat it through with someone who's spent more than 20 years planning ocean holidays, we'd love to help.