The Top Islands for Snorkeling Tailored to Your Skill Level, As Recommended by Experts

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Sunlit coral gardens, reef-fringed lagoons, and tropical waters clear enough to count the scales on a parrotfish are what the best snorkeling sites in the world deliver. And what better way to enjoy some world-class snorkeling than doing it from the most exotic and beautiful islands on our planet? Some of these islands aim to keep things calm and close to shore for beginners. Others reward more confident swimmers with reef passes, underwater drop-offs, and species that are often found nowhere else. They sometimes start in knee-deep water but lead to currents rich with life, where the ordinary gives way to the surreal. Think hard coral gardens buzzing with tropical fish, coves hiding nurse sharks, and reefs where octopuses vanish into cracks and sharks weave between coral towers.

If it’s an unforgettable snorkeling holiday you’re after or you want to know where to go without the crowds or chaos, these islands may have answers. However, you’ll find that the true greats aren’t always the easiest to reach — but they’re the ones you’ll still be thinking about in years to come. Here are the best islands for snorkeling in the world, with some extra information on the skill levels required to snorkel them.

You may be wondering which Caribbean islands are best for your snorkeling skills. Well, if your expertise level is beginner, then welcome to Bonaire. With calm waters, warm temperatures, and dozens of free, shore-accessible sites, it’s one of the easiest places in the region for taking leisurely swims through nature’s aquarium. Beginners can explore large sections of the reef without ever stepping on a boat, with Sorobon Beach in Lac Bay the standout. There, shallow seagrass and coral gardens host reef fish, upside-down jellyfish, stingrays, mangrove snapper, and the occasional turtle, all behind a protective barrier that helps filter out strong waves. However, Bonaire isn’t all for those new to the sport. Intermediate snorkelers can explore deeper or more exposed sites like Salt Pier, 1000 Steps, and Karpata, where stronger winds and uneven access points require a bit more confidence. However, the payoff is richer coral structures, dramatic drop-offs, and the chance to see larger fish like tarpon, barracuda, and spotted eagle rays.

Klein Bonaire offers excellent visibility and coral slopes where you’ll spot green sea turtles drifting through the current and southern stingrays patrolling the sands. While easy for most, the currents can shift unpredictably, so beginners may want to stick to the calmer edges. Sites like Andrea II, Te Amo Beach, and Something Special are also shallow, colorful, and reliably peaceful, and they are filled with parrotfish, angelfish, dense schools of baitfish, and even the elusive frogfish on occasion. However, due to rocky and uneven access points from the shore throughout the island, you may want to bring suitable footwear like the SCUBAPRO Delta Dive Boots. Urchins and fire corals can also present danger, and you don’t want your toes encountering unexpected hazards.

Maui offers a well-balanced mix of easy-entry snorkeling and more adventurous offshore sites. One of the more famous options is Coral Gardens, a secluded bay that’s protected from winds by the West Maui Mountains, which makes it a reliable site for beginners. It’s only accessible by boat, but with crystal-clear waters and diverse sea creatures, such as parrotfish, octopuses, the occasional monk seal, and frequent green sea turtles, it’s absolutely worth it. Lahaina Baby Beach is perfect for families and first-timers. It provides an easy wade-in with a gradual slope and protection from waves thanks to its outer reef wall. The coral is just feet from shore, and it’s another area with frequent turtle sightings. Ulua Beach offers similar appeal, though the water is a little deeper, and occasional currents make it a better choice for those with a bit more confidence.

If you’re looking to step things up without going full scuba, try Five Caves. This rugged lava formation is full of magical caves and vibrant coral, with reef fingers that attract lobsters, octopuses, eagle rays, and whitetip reef sharks. It may be a site that’s better known to divers, but strong snorkelers can still enjoy the marine life on display. However, for something truly unforgettable, head to Molokini Crater, a submerged volcanic cone with visibility of up to 100 feet. Travel + Leisure says it has the “clearest ocean water in Hawaii,” and over 200-250 species of tropical fish inhabit the site, many of which can only be seen in Hawaiian waters. Among them is the official state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, which you can thankfully just call ‘humu’ for short. This chameleon-like reef triggerfish can change color depending on its mood or what it’s doing.

St. John is another Caribbean island with easy-access snorkeling. The shallow reefs, protected bays, and calm, clear waters of Trunk Bay are one of the best spots for beginners. It’s home to an underwater trail with marked signs and a gentle beach entry. You’ll spot striped sergeant majors, vibrant parrotfish, and fields of chromatic coral not far below the surface. Maho Bay is another top snorkeling spot in St. John that is popular with novices. Sea turtles glide through seagrass beds just offshore, and rays pass quietly along the sandy bottom, with the best activity taking place near the rocky areas on the east side toward Maho Point. There, coral heads attract tangs, wrasse, and damselfish, among other Caribbean creatures.

However, for something more secluded, many snorkelers head to Solomon Bay. It rewards the efforts of making the short hike there with quiet waters and a colorful reef connecting it to Honeymoon Beach, a spot known for its soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and beautiful views. Under the water, parrotfish munch on coral while reef squid, angelfish, and the occasional octopus hover in the shadows. Those with a bit more confidence can venture to North Haulover. Stronger currents and uneven entry might make conditions a little more challenging, but the reward of a vibrant patch reef with large sea fans, scrawled filefish, Caribbean lobsters, and clusters of brain coral makes it well worthwhile for intermediates.

Raja Ampat is touted as one of the best destinations in the world for snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s an archipelago of 612 islands, although only four of them have population centers. Among them is the remote island of Waigeo, the largest of the four and arguably the best base for snorkeling. And, due to the difficulty in getting there, it’s also one of the least visited. Flying into Sorong, then ferrying to Waisai on its southern coast and staying in locally run beach homestays does take a degree of commitment. However, those homestays offer delicious local meals and access to beginner-friendly reefs directly from the shore. They can also arrange guided jungle treks and birdwatching trips, if that’s your thing. But for snorkelers, it’s the reef fingers, coral walls, and otherworldly marine life that are the biggest draw, and you can usually enjoy them without another fin in sight.

Snorkeling sites are not only blissfully uncrowded, but they are also in pristine condition, especially along the western coastline. The reefs off West Waigeo’s uninhabited islets are untrammeled and bursting with life, including a variety of vibrant hard and soft corals, pygmy seahorses, blue-striped flagtail pipefish, Indian lionfish, and clouds of colorful reef fish. The standout site is Aljui Bay, tucked along the northwest coast. Due to deep ocean currents that sweep nutrients into this bay, its reefs are dense and unusually healthy — even by Raja Ampat standards. Nudibranchs cluster among the coral heads, while dolphins have been seen hunting through the shallows. If that isn’t enough, for those brave enough to try night snorkeling, walking sharks and octopuses appear after dark.

Cozumel may be home to one of the best wreck dives in the Caribbean, but it’s an understatement to say snorkelers aren’t short of options. Sitting along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the island delivers exactly what you’d expect — bright coral, clear water, and marine life that’s easy to spot. For beginners, Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park is one of the top picks. The reef sits just off the shore, the water stays calm, and getting in couldn’t be easier. It’s ideal for first-timers and families, and you can expect to see blue tangs, sergeant majors, and angelfish weaving through the coral heads.

Those with a bit more confidence can explore the Dzul-Ha and Playa Corona areas. Entry is still from the beach, and while generally easy, you may require more awareness skills, something that complete novices or less confident swimmers may not have. The coral is shallow, and snorkelers must take care not to stand on it or disturb any marine life close to the surface. However, it is still in a healthy condition, and it draws in a wide range of sea creatures, including schools of snapper, barracuda, and the occasional turtle.

Boat trips open up even more options. El Cielo is one of the island’s signature sites. It’s a shallow sandbar where rays glide across white sand and bright blue starfish rest on the bottom. It’s not a coral-packed area, but the water is so clear that it feels more like you’re drifting through a tropical aquarium than swimming in the sea. Trips are easy to arrange, with local guides running half-day tours covering several spots.

Palawan has long been considered one of the best islands to visit in Southeast Asia, and its outstanding snorkeling certainly contributes to this. The island stands out for the sheer variety across its waters, but Port Barton is the ideal place for those wanting to avoid big tour groups. It offers laid-back snorkeling just offshore and boat trips to nearby reefs with soft corals, starfish, and regular turtle sightings. Then there is El Nido, with its hidden beaches and karst cliffs setting the scene above water. The natural beauty on land is complemented by incredible scenes under the surface that easily make it one of the most stunning destinations for snorkeling in all of Asia. Sites like Shimizu Island and Small Lagoon offer dramatic coral gardens and crystal-clear visibility. You can float above clouds of damselfish, spot moray eels tucked into rock crevices, or follow butterflyfish weaving between sea fans.

Some of Palawan’s best snorkeling sites are only accessible by boat and can involve stronger currents, making them more suitable for confident swimmers who are comfortable in deep, open water. Beginners are still well-catered for, though. There are calmer, more sheltered spots that are easy to enjoy with a guide, such as Isla Cagnipa near Taytay and Luli Island near Puerto Princesa, which offer shallow waters and gentler conditions. In Sabang, you’ll find a quieter base near the famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, with long stretches of coast offering light coral and reef fish close to shore. All in all, the coral-filled lagoons, remote reef systems, and natural wonders of Palawan make it one of the best islands for adventurous souls.

Bora-Bora is a beautiful Polynesian island and a perfect addition to any bucket list. However, if it’s a snorkeling-specific bucket list you have, pencil in this French Polynesian island right away. One of the best snorkeling spots in Bora-Bora is in the inner lagoon at the Four Seasons Spa. The shallow waters there are protected and home to wrasse, surgeonfish, and triggerfish, and it’s the ideal spot to hook in beginners who are just learning the ropes. More experienced snorkelers often go on tours to sites like Anau, where manta rays with 12-foot wingspans cruise slowly beneath the surface. It’s a deeper site with stronger currents and requires good swimming ability to follow the rays without disturbing them. Another standout is L’Aquarium near Matira Point, where clownfish nest in anemones and moray eels glide between coral ridges. The water there isn’t always glass-clear, but you’ll usually get 40–50 feet of visibility thanks to low nutrient concentrations.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can venture outside the inner lagoon to the outer reef. This is where blacktip and lemon sharks patrol, and although you’ll need to go with a guide, the up-close sightings are absolutely worth it. One of the most thrilling sites is Tapu, a small islet where the shark tours often begin. It’s known for attracting dozens at a time thanks to the natural hunting zone of its deep drop-off and strong water movement bringing in plankton and small fish. It’s the ideal place to bring a waterproof action camera like the GoPro HERO13 to record stunning HDR video that you’ll never tire of rewatching.

Kadavu is where Fiji’s wild side takes center stage. It lies off the southern coast of the main islands, and it is rugged, less developed, and wrapped in one of the largest barrier reefs in the world: the Great Astrolabe Reef. With vibrant coral gardens, towering pinnacles, and big pelagics gliding through the drop-offs, this sprawling reef system delivers some of the best snorkeling in Fiji. The combination of tough conditions and underwater beauty makes the Olympus TG-7 the best camera to bring. It’s rugged and waterproof and can survive anything Kadavu throws at it.

From May to October, manta rays cruise through the reef channels around Kadavu. The Oceanic Society notes that “the barrier reef is situated among a network of passages with strong currents, creating a breeding ground for big giants.” They also list marlin, tuna, giant trevally, and sharks as commonly seen, and add, “If you’re lucky, you may even see dolphins and whales.” Sea turtles, grouper, wrasse, and countless butterflyfish are also among the marine life found drifting through the coral heads and along the walls there.

Snorkeling is usually from the beach or a short boat ride, and visibility often hits 30 meters. Beginners can stick to calmer spots on the island’s north side, where lagoons and shallow coral slopes keep things easy. Confident swimmers can hit the outer reef passes, where the current picks up. In terms of accommodation, you’ll find rustic eco-resorts dotted across the island offering gear, guides, and direct access to the reef. However, getting to Kadavu requires a domestic flight or boat transfer, if you don’t mind a choppy ride, from Viti Levu, but the reward is a raw slice of South Pacific reef that’s tough to beat.

The Maldives has literally hundreds of islands with world-class snorkeling, but if we had to pick one, Baros might just edge it. The entire island is a private resort with its own coral-ringed house reef and shallow lagoon that gives guests in the 75 villas on the island direct access to an underwater world of color and life. The reef is packed with soft and hard coral, reef sharks, moray eels, butterflyfish, and the occasional turtle. But, according to the popular U.K. travel blog Atlas & Boots, “The crowning moment of our sorties came on the final day when we spotted two octopuses — the first time we had seen the species in the wild.”

Baros has even mapped out three dedicated snorkeling routes along its reef and offers a Marine Center with information on daily conditions and talks to help visitors get the most out of the experience. It also offers guided excursions with its launch of the Eco Explorer snorkeling experience. This offers guests a guided educational tour with emphasis on reef conservation and marine life awareness. There are even night tours for experienced snorkelers, but whichever time of day you decide on, snorkeling is easy and safe. There are no long boat rides and no stress, just a five-star resort with a five-star reef a few feet from the sand.

To compile our list, we scoured subreddits and forums like Fodor’s Travel Talk, Reef2Reef, and ScubaBoard. We then looked to expert resources like TropicalSnorkeling and Snorkeling Report, as well as renowned travel publications such as Condé Nast Traveler and Lonely Planet, while also getting the views of important organizations dedicated to conservation like Oceanic Society.