With ideal visibility, abundant coral reefs, and exciting marine animals waiting to be discovered, islands have always been considered some of the best snorkeling destinations in the world.
From the tropical shores of the Caribbean full of colorful fish to far-flung locations in the South Pacific teeming with stingrays and sharks, there’s no shortage of snorkeling sites to consider for your next vacation.
If you’re looking for your next great underwater adventure, grab your mask and fins and head to one or more of these best islands for snorkeling.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
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Stingray City, Cayman Islands
The waters around Grand Cayman are exceptionally clear; there are no rivers on the island, so there’s no muddy runoff to reduce visibility. As well as spectacular snorkeling, you’ll find wrecks to explore and natural sandbars like Stingray City, where you can stand in the warm shallows and hand-feed docile stingrays.
One of the easiest wrecks to access is the Gamma, which was sunk off Seven Mile Beach in the 1980s. It now serves as a thriving artificial reef and attracts shimmering parrotfish, snappers, enormous tarpon, and lobsters. You can reach the Gamma by snorkeling from the beach, and it’s only in nine feet of water, so it’s easy for all levels of snorkeler.
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Snorkeling in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
There’s more great snorkeling in Grand Cayman at Cemetery Reef, off the northern end of Seven Mile Beach. Experienced snorkelers may be rewarded with sightings of everything from brilliantly colored reef fish to reef sharks and sea turtles. The beach is relatively undeveloped and the reef is a short swim offshore, however, so it’s not suitable for novices.
Grand Cayman has its own barrier reef, which runs parallel to the north shore and offers spectacular snorkeling in clear, shallow water. You could see turtles, stingrays, eels, lobsters, and conch, as well as dazzling corals. You’ll need to take a boat trip for this one, as the Barrier Reef snorkel area is a couple of miles offshore.
Roatán, Honduras
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Snorkeling in Roatán, Honduras
Roatán is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which extends from Mexico to Honduras and is populated by a vast array of species. The reef runs parallel to the north coast, where there are also multiple cays and islets. With white sand and astonishingly clear water, this is one of the best islands in the world for snorkeling.
West Bay Beach is one of the top beaches in Central America, with colorful coral gardens a short swim from the shore and populations of angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish, among others.
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West Bay Beach in Roatán, Honduras
Fans of wrecks will love Half Moon Bay, where you can snorkel over a sunken submarine and out to a wall that plunges down to 150 feet. All manner of corals thrive here, from brain to elkhorn and sea fans. Turtles and stingrays are often spotted, as well as eagle rays and moray eels.
Or head to Sandy Bay, where the sea grape trees stretch down almost to the water. There’s fantastic snorkeling close to the shore before the reef drops away into the blue-green depths. Look out for some of the bigger species here, like moray eel, grouper, barracuda, and snapper.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
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Cane Garden Bay in Tortola, British Virgin Islands
One of the most popular beaches on Tortola is the wide, sandy sweep of Cane Garden Bay. For kids and novice snorkelers, the east side of the bay is a rewarding trip.
The remains of a sunken barge have been colonized by all manner of marine species, from electric blue tang to striped sergeant majors, as well as lobster and, if you’re lucky, octopus.
Some of the best snorkeling around Tortola, though, is a boat trip away. Join a snorkel tour to Norman Island, said to be the inspiration of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic book, Treasure Island.
You can swim right up to the entrance to mysterious caves, where pirates are said to have stashed their loot in days gone by, and admire the teeming marine life beneath you, from yellowtail snapper to blue tang and hulking tarpon.
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The Baths on Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
There’s snorkeling at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, too. It’s an expedition that combines a scramble over and under giant boulders that lie tumbled along the shoreline with swimming and snorkeling in limpid lagoons. The water is deliciously clear here, and you could see sea turtles gliding through the blue, as well as reef fish in rainbow colors.
Read: Best Things to Do in Tortola
New Providence, Bahamas
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Pearl Island in New Providence, Bahamas
The clear waters and coral reefs around New Providence offer some of the best snorkeling in the Bahamas. Some of the top spots are around the cays off the island’s north and west coasts.
Goulding Cay Reef, for example, is a shallow reef less than ten feet from the surface with spectacular elkhorn coral. Nari Nari, also off the island’s western tip, is where a Cessna aircraft was scuttled for a role in a movie. Lying in 25 feet of water, it’s now populated by dozens of species of fish.
Rose Island Reef is a shallow reef suitable for all levels of experience, located a short boat ride east of Paradise Island. As well as fish in rainbow hues, there are two wrecks to spot here for scuba divers: the 19th-century Mahoney and the Alcora, once used for drug smuggling but now serving as an artificial reef 80 feet down.
There’s more wonderful snorkeling at Pearl Island, a popular day trip from Nassau. Close to the shore, you can spot everything from parrotfish to porcupine fish, grunts, moray eels, lionfish, and curiously shaped trumpet fish, resplendent in their bright yellow colors.
Sao Miguel, Azores
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Whale in Sao Miguel, Azores
The clear, nutrient-rich waters around the volcanic Azores, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, are a magnet to large marine species. You can see whales here, as well as dolphins, sharks, giant whale sharks, and manta rays. The underwater topography is dramatic, with volcanic arches and rock outcrops, and visibility can be as good as 100 feet.
Although getting in the water with whales is not allowed, there are abundant snorkeling opportunities where you could encounter other thrilling species. Tour boats depart from Vila Franca del Campo, east of Ponta Delgada, taking you to places where wild dolphins are known to congregate. Swimming with these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat is a life-changing experience for many.
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Islet of Vila Franca, Azores
Close to Villa Franca del Campo is the islet of Vila Franca, an extinct volcano that encircles a tranquil lagoon in which you can snorkel. The waters here are calm, and you could see wrasse, parrotfish, grouper, and damselfish.
Pedreira Beach, east of Ponta Delgada, is an easy snorkel for those who prefer to swim from the beach, a small curve of silver sand. You could spot octopus, moray eels, and sea turtles from here.
Cozumel, Mexico
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Playa Mia in Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel means “The Island of Shallows” in Mayan, which is the perfect name for this island off the coast of Mexico that’s filled with shallow reefs that are perfect for snorkeling.
Aside from its calm reef, the waters of Cozumel boast fantastic visibility, allowing you to spot marine species like sea turtles, fish, corals, and crabs.
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Cozumel, Mexico
Famous Cozumel snorkeling spots include Palancar Reef, where you’ll be able to see angelfish, groupers, barracudas, nurse sharks, and starfish; and El Cielo, which translates to “Heaven”, a sandbar where you can snorkel or spot fish from above while sitting in the shallow water.
Read: Best Spots for Snorkeling in Mexico
Islands of the Great Barrier Reef
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Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Experience the gorgeous beauty of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world. With exotic sea life in all shapes and colors, the Great Barrier Reef is considered one of the best snorkeling destinations on the planet.
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Whitsunday Islands in Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Whitsunday Islands, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, are known for their calm and warm waters that offer excellent snorkeling conditions year-round. Visit Hardy Reef, where you’ll swim with sea turtles and colorful schools of fish, or take a trip to Bait Reef, which is home to over 1,600 species of fish and over 30 species of whales and dolphins.
At Fitzroy Island, located off the coast of Cairns, you’ll find equally calm and inviting waters. Swim around Welcome Bay or Nudey Beach, where you’ll see reefs teeming with clownfish, groupers, cod, and sea turtles.
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
The island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands is known for its lush greenery and white sand beaches. The surrounding turquoise water is highly prized among travelers thanks to its excellent snorkeling conditions.
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St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
One of the best places to snorkel in St. Croix is at its underwater national park, Buck Island Reef National Monument, which consists of the 176-acre Buck Island and the impressive coral reef ecosystem that surrounds it.
Snorkel through the underwater trail at Buck Island Reef National Monument for a tour of the seafloor of this Caribbean island. Submerged signs help you learn more about this underwater trail and the history of Buck Island. The trail is suitable for beginner and advanced snorkelers.
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Cane Bay in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Another impressive snorkeling site in St. Croix is Cane Bay. Don’t miss swimming towards the Cane Bay Wall, a dramatic cliff in the ocean floor that drops from 40 feet underwater to 3,000 feet below.
Read: Best Things to Do in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Corsica, France
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Corsica, France
The rocky coast of Corsica, with its hidden beaches and coves surrounded by transparent waters, is a snorkeler’s dream.
While there are no coral reefs in the Mediterranean, Corsica’s beaches have Neptune Grass seabeds, which are full of local species including octopuses, eels, starfish, and wrasses.
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Lavezzi islands in Corsica, France
Must-see snorkeling spots on the island include the Lavezzi islands, a tiny archipelago close to the main island, and Ajaccio, where you’ll swim in some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean and discover species of sea bream, rainbow wrasse, and sea urchins.
Key West, Florida
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Key West, Florida
There’s a lot more to Key West than raucous Duval Street and key lime pie. In fact, Key West is home to the Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the United States, making it one of the best islands for snorkeling in the country.
Key West is known for its turquoise waters, where you can discover hundreds of marine species, including tropical fish, sponges, jellyfish, anemones, crabs, lobsters, sea turtles, and more.
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Key West, Florida
Aside from the Florida Reef, there are also a number of mangrove islands and shallow sandbars in Key West’s backcountry that are worth exploring, too.
Bonaire
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Te Amo Beach, Bonaire
One of the highlights of the idyllic powder-white beaches of Bonaire is wading into the bright blue water and discovering tropical fish and species right off the shore. Great beaches for easy snorkeling include Te Amo Beach and Eighteen Palms.
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Marine life in Bonaire
If you’re looking for something a little further out, plan a trip to Bonaire National Marine Park, which has one of the Caribbean’s most diverse reef systems, and Bari Reef, where over 300 species of fish have been spotted.
Aruba
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Aruba
You’d be forgiven if all you wanted to do during a vacation to Aruba is lounge on the sand and soak up the sun—but if you did, you’d miss out on spotting the fascinating and diverse fish native to the area.
Just off the shore of Oranjestad is the Antilla shipwreck, a former German trading ship that is now home to hundreds of angelfish, snapper, damsels, and parrotfish. At 400 feet long, the Antilla is the largest shipwreck dive in the Caribbean.
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Flamingos in De Palm Island, Aruba
At De Palm Island, mingle with flamingos, relax by the beach, or snorkel at the small island’s coral reef, which is known for its vast population of blue parrotfish.
In Boca Catalina, you’ll find pristine waters with high visibility, shallow coral reefs, and grassy seabed where groups of green sea turtles often feed.
Read: Best Places to Snorkel in Aruba
Curaçao
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Willemstad, Curacao
Stroll along the colorful pastel buildings by Willemstad’s waterfront before scheduling some time for underwater exploration when you visit the Caribbean island of Curaçao.
Go to Curaçao Sea Aquarium, one of the best snorkel sites in Curaçao. This natural lagoon hosts several stingrays, sharks, and tarpons.
If you want to see something different, visit the sunken tugboat in Caracas Bay, a popular diving site that offers plenty of underwater photo opportunities.
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Kalki Beach, Curacao
Enjoy a more colorful snorkeling expedition at one of Curaçao’s best beaches—Kalki Beach, which is also called Alice in Wonderland. This small cove is a top diving site on the island and has great visibility. The currents can be strong, so make sure you go on a day that the tide isn’t as volatile.
St. Kitts
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St. Kitts
Like most of the Caribbean, St. Kitts enjoys warm water and high visibility year long. Avoid the high winds that are often found on the east coast of the island and instead head to the calmer waters on the west side of Basseterre for optimum snorkeling conditions.
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St. Kitts
Swim in White House Bay, where several shipwrecks are waiting to be explored. At Dieppe Bay, the Caribbean Sea collides with the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique underwater ecosystem, while at Sandy Point National Marine Park, you’ll be able to spot turtles, barracudas, and colorful fish at a natural reef that also features a 100-foot cliff.
St. Thomas
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St. Thomas
Sail off the coast of Charlotte Amalie and head down the historic Windward Passage, the same route the pirate Sir Francis Drake once sailed. Stop at Island Cove and dive into the crystal clear water, where you’ll get to swim with stingrays, starfish, and conch.
For some amazing snorkeling sites, go to Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge, which boasts a number of spectacular reefs, a shipwreck, and gentle green sea turtles swimming in their natural habitat.
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Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas
Spend a leisurely day at Sapphire Beach, a paradisiacal stretch of sand where you can swim, nap, or go snorkeling just off the shore.
Moorea, French Polynesia
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Moorea, French Polynesia
Moorea is an idyllic tropical island in French Polynesia, which will make you feel like you’ve arrived in heaven.
At a blue lagoon called the Lagoonarium, beginner snorkelers will find a rich reef system full of colorful fish including butterflyfish, angelfish, and triggerfish, and calm currents that allow for easy viewing.
Several top resorts on the island also have coral-filled lagoons just outside their overwater bungalows. For a fee, travelers can spend the day snorkeling in their waters and spotting the large numbers of fish and species that live in the area.
Island of Hawaii
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Punalu’u Beach in Kailua Kona, Hawaii
The Island of Hawaii is popular for its world-class snorkeling, which is often touted as some of the best in the island chain.
Discover the tide pools and black sand beach at Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo, where green sea turtles also like to swim. Or head out a little farther to Two Steps, where you’ll see bright schools of fish, such as the yellow tang and butterflyfish, and if you’re lucky, some seals and dolphins, too.
Bermuda
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Snorkeling in Bermuda
Known for its pink sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Bermuda is a top destination for sun lovers looking for a relaxing vacation and nature fans looking for some quality snorkeling.
Unlike the Caribbean, the weather in Bermuda can cool down significantly in the fall and winter months, so it’s best to visit the island from May to October for warm water temperatures.
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Shipwreck in Bermuda
There are over 300 shipwrecks around Bermuda—remember, this is the site of the mysterious Bermuda Triangle—and two of the most popular underwater ships, the Constellation and the Montana, are easily accessible from the shallow shore.
Galapagos Islands
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Galapagos
For a unique snorkeling experience like no other, dive into the special waters of the Galapagos Islands. Its warm, shallow ocean is full of fish and larger wildlife, including endemic species like Galapagos green turtles, blacktop reef sharks, and fur seals.
The Galapagos Marine Reserve, a spectacularly diverse place teeming with different animals and fish, stretches throughout the archipelago of 19 islands.
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Devil’s Crown in Floreana Island, Galapagos
Dive into Devil’s Crown at Floreana Island—one of the best places to go snorkeling in the world—where coral reef covers an eroded volcano crater and sea turtles, manta rays, and white-tipped reef sharks are often spotted.
Look for Galapagos penguins at Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome Island, or say hello to a friendly sea lion swimming in the ocean.
Tagus Cove at Isabela Island is another great spot to see animals due to its nutrient-filled water. You’ll have the opportunity to see tiny sea horses, marine iguanas, and rockfish while on a deep water snorkeling expedition.
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Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Now that you’ve learned all about the best islands for snorkeling, it’s time to book your next idyllic vacation. One of the best ways to discover these beautiful destinations is on a cruise vacation with Celebrity Cruises.
Aside from unforgettable snorkeling excursions, you can explore exciting ports and enjoy all of the entertainment and amenities available onboard our award-winning ships.
If you’re not sure which island you want to visit, browse our cruise itineraries or call one of our vacation specialists at 1-800-852-8086 who can help you plan the perfect cruise vacation.