Five of the best places to snorkel this fall
Snorkeling is an acquaintance with the underwater world in all its glory without risks to the lives of both people and marine life. In this review, we will tell you about the TOP 5 places for snorkeling this fall, taking into account the restrictions caused by the virus situation. Yes, we will miss the Maldives, Australia, and the Caribbean, they are all closed for now and are not going to let tourists in until the end of the year. But there are places closer and they are very cool for beginner snorkelers.
For successful snorkeling you will need: the right snorkel, a good mask and reliable fins.
Tips for beginners in snorkeling:
# Test the snorkeling mask on land – the silicone seal should fit your face tightly and the mask should stick to your face for a couple of seconds without fastening – this will prevent water from getting under the mask
# a snorkeling tube must have a non-return valve (below) and an anti-flood at the end of the tube (above) – these two features will add comfort even with agitated breathing
# fins for snorkeling are better suited with a fastener than with galoshes – if the fins are tightly fastened to your leg, then you can easily catch up with even the fastest turtle, and they swim fast!
Well-chosen snorkeling equipment is the key to vivid emotions and a safe holiday on the water! Even the coolest place with a huge amount of beautiful corals and marine life can be ruined by a leaking mask or constantly falling fins.
So, we’ve discussed the equipment, now let’s move on to the incredible beauties of the underwater world.
TOP 7 snorkeling spots
No. 1 Komodo Island, snorkeling in Indonesia
While the giant lizards that call this island home get most of the attention from visitors, Komodo has a lot to see underwater. Head to Pink Beach to swim with stingrays, huge schools of fish, and hawksbill turtles in the underwater garden. Plus, the sea surrounding Komodo National Park offers unparalleled underwater exploration with over 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral, and 14 species of endangered whales, dolphins, and giant turtles. If that’s not enough reason to put on a mask, there are also stingrays, sharks, and a lush coral reef to make this a memorable underwater trip.
#2 Palawan, snorkeling in the Philippines
While the Philippines may not seem like the most obvious place to snorkel, the waters surrounding the archipelago’s 7,000 islands have formed a highly diverse ecosystem filled with breathtaking wildlife. The fabulous beauty of the underwater world will be revealed after diving into Donsol Bay, where you can quite realistically swim with whale sharks or visit the coral reefs outside Noa Noa Island. However, the stunning island of Palawan offers something different for every underwater explorer. There you can visit the island’s fish-filled lagoons, dive into Honda Bay, explore Tubbataha Reef, and be sure to plan a day trip to meet the underwater life of Starfish and Kauri Islands.
#3 Snorkeling in Egypt
Snorkeling in Egypt is one of the most wonderful experiences on the planet. Despite the effects of coral bleaching in the Red Sea, there are many very well-preserved areas underwater. What is remarkable about Egypt compared to other destinations is the density of vibrant colors of fauna and flora. During underwater excursions in Egypt, we constantly snorkel to witness the explosion of colors and life.
Snorkeling in Safaga
Safaga is a great place for snorkeling in Egypt. Safaga is still not very touristy and has all the necessary infrastructure as well as excellent snorkeling spots. If you go snorkeling in Safaga, you can see turtles, gorgonians, butterfly fish, stingrays, parrot fish, and many other fish from the Red Sea.
#4 Snorkeling in Iceland, Silfra
Yes, the water in Iceland is not particularly hot, and the fauna is not particularly dense. On the other hand, Iceland offers an amazing snorkeling experience in Silfra. This place is located between two tectonic plates and has exceptional architecture. The topography of the snorkeling site is impressive. In addition, this place has the best visibility in the world, with visibility of more than 100 meters. We dive there in a very thick wetsuit and the Silfra snorkeling excursion lasts only 20 minutes.
#5 Koh Tao, Thailand
What makes it special: is the one-of-a-kind granite boulders of the Japanese Gardens, home to amazing corals and aquatic animals.
Surrounded by calm azure waters and dotted with enchanting coves and beaches, the small island of Koh Tao in Thailand is synonymous with world-class diving and snorkeling and is just minutes from the famous island of Koh Samui.
After exploring the Japanese Gardens, named for the impressive boulders covered in decorative hard and soft corals, continue your adventure to Aou Leuk, one of Koh Tao’s most beautiful beaches. Baby sharks, clownfish, triggerfish, and blue spotted rays come out to swim in this underwater playground.
On our Asia tours, we make sure to snorkel between yoga and meditation classes. The underwater world is extremely interesting and we know so little about it that every time we put on a mask, we begin to explore it with bated breath as if it were the first time. You can find out more about our tours on this page.
