The Ultimate Guide to Snorkeling Vacations
Aren’t you a diver? Or do you also just really like snorkeling? Then too, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we dive into the enchanting world of snorkeling, focusing on the best snorkeling vacations around the world. That could be a snorkeling vacation by itself, or a destination where you can do both beautiful diving and snorkeling. We also explore in this article what equipment you need to snorkel comfortably – because a good gear is also very useful if you want to get everything out of your snorkeling vacation!
The 5 Most Beautiful Snorkeling Sites
Of course you can snorkel in many places around the world, but there are some destinations that offer just a little bit more
Bonaire – A Snorkeling Vacation Paradise: Bonaire is known as a snorkeling vacation Valhalla, ideal for snorkelers seeking the freedom to go wherever they want – because with your rental car and snorkeling gear, you drive yourself to the best snorkeling spots. The water temperature in Bonaire is a pleasant 28°C and visibility quickly 20 meters. Particular snorkeling spots include 1000 Steps, Klein Bonaire, the Salt Pier and Wayaka in the Park. Here you can snorkel to your heart’s content, surrounded by turtles, tropical fish, colorful coral, and maybe even a curious barracuda or tarpon.
Norway – Snorkeling in Europe with a Twist: In Norway, you can experience something very unique – snorkeling with orcas & whales! This takes place in the heart of winter, when large schools of herring move along the coast, closely followed by orcas and humpback whales. This is when you can snorkel with them! The water is decidedly cold, but the experience of snorkeling with orcas is unforgettable and absolutely worth it.
Egypt – Best Snorkeling Site in Egypt: Abu Dabbab in Egypt is a fantastic diving and snorkeling destination. The bay of this spot is home to green sea turtles, stingrays, and an abundance of tropical fish and colorful coral. You can easily walk from the beach I the water and explore both left and right around the coral. Our tip? Book a snorkel excursion to find the local manatee. You won’t regret that!
Maldives – Whale Shark Snorkeling Holidays: For whale shark lovers, the Maldives is the perfect snorkeling vacation destination. Around South Ari Atoll, you can snorkel with as many as 300 different whale sharks, identified by local NGOs. This can be done from a liveaboard or from various resorts we offer in the Maldives.
South Africa – The Sardine Run as snorkeling vacation: The Sardine Run in South Africa is a unique moment where snorkelers get to see more than divers. This natural spectacle, in which millions of sardines swim in huge schools along the east coast, attracts an array of marine life, including dolphins, sharks, whales and seals. For snorkelers who like big stuff and action, the Sardine Run is an ideal opportunity to witness one of the largest natural events in the ocean.
Also experience this diving trip?
What Do You Need to Snorkel?
To snorkel, you need a few things: a snorkel mask that fits properly, a snorkel for easy breathing, comfortable fins for movement, and snorkel clothing. For a wide selection of snorkel gear visit SubLub’s snorkel collection.
Snorkel masks: Snorkel masks come in two types: traditional masks and full-face masks. Traditional masks cover your eyes and nose, while full-face masks cover the entire face, allowing breathing through both nose and mouth. Full-face masks offer a wider field of vision and are often more comfortable for beginners, but can be trickier when clearing the ears. There are also prescription masks available for people with glasses. Which snorkel mask will you choose?
Snorkel: Snorkel types range from basic, semi-dry, dry to flexible. Sounds complicated but a basic snorkel is a simple hollow tube. Semi-dry has a splash guard to keep water out. Dry snorkels completely prevent water entry, ideal for freediving. Flexible snorkels, with a one-way valve, make it easier to blow out water. Most snorkel kits include a snorkel.
Fins: There are two types of fins: closed heel and open heel. Closed heel fins are worn directly on the bare foot and are comfortable for calm, shallow water. Open heel fins are worn with special booties, ideal for rough terrain or rocky beaches. These provide more protection and stability when walking to and from the snorkeling site.
Snorkel wear: To protect yourself from the sun, coral and (almost) invisible jellyfish, a rashguard is recommended. A rashguard is a tight, lightweight shirt that provides UV protection. In slightly cooler waters or for extra protection, a 2/3 mm thick wetsuit may be sufficient for snorkeling in tropical waters, provides warmth and protection from abrasions.
Buy or Rent Snorkeling Equipment?
Unsure whether to buy or rent your snorkeling gear? This is often a trade-off between how often you use something, what it costs to rent, and whether you like using stuff that someone else has already used.
Prices for renting snorkeling equipment range from one of free to about €20 per day. If you go snorkeling for a week then it will soon be interesting to purchase your own snorkel set. This is often economically and hygienically the wisest choice. At SubLub, they have a wide range of snorkeling equipment to choose from, in addition of course to all the scuba gear in their range.
Also perhaps interesting
Diving in Dominica: a complete guide
Dominica offers a unique diving experience with volcanic landscapes, pristine reefs and impressive marine life. In addition, the combination of nature above and below the water and the presence of sperm whales makes this destination...
Read more
Trip report – Bram’s liveaboard trip in Egypt: Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone
Bram takes you along the iconic NDE route in Egypt, with strong currents, deep blue dives and encounters with large pelagic species. An honest and inspiring account that gives you a good idea of what...
Read more
Best dive destinations by month (July to December)
Discover the best diving destinations from July to August. Per month 4 top dive sites and why you should go there during that period.
Best dive destinations by month (January to June)
Discover the best diving destinations from January to June. Per month 4 top dive sites with ideal conditions and unique underwater experiences.
Trip report Bonaire: a day of diving in Slagbaai
Wondering what a diving day on Bonaire looks like? In this trip report, we drive to Washington Slagbaai National Park for a reef dive at Slagbaai and end the day with a special night dive...
Read more
The best wreck diving destinations
Want to explore multiple impressive wrecks during one dive trip? These six destinations offer historic ships, clear waters and unforgettable wreck experiences for any diving enthusiast.
Japanese wrecks in the Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is full of Japanese World War II shipwrecks, perfect for adventurous wreck divers. This blog takes you through the top destinations where history, tropical reef life and unforgettable diving come together.
All about technical diving
Find out all about technical diving: destinations, courses and the equipment needed for deeper and more challenging dives.
Diving vacations for diving associations
Looking for a destination for a diving trip with a group or diving association? We’ve listed our favorite destinations for groups here.
Diving in UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the world’s most extraordinary underwater areas
Diving in UNESCO World Heritage Sites takes you to the world’s most extraordinary underwater worlds. Each destination shows that nature is at its best when we respect and preserve it.
What is black water diving?
What is black water diving and where can you do it? Discover this special night dive over open sea, with Romblon in the Philippines as the top destination.
Dive report Dahab: diving in the Blue Hole
One of the most famous dive sites in the world, and perhaps also one of the most talked about. This is Margaret’s underwater experience in Dahab’s Blue Hole.
Our 10 favorite diving destinations of the Philippines
Discover our favorite diving destinations in the Philippines. From Malapascua and Dauin to Tubbataha and Romblon. Inspiration for your next diving trip.
Diving in the Philippines: all about the different regions
Read all about the different regions in the Philippines here and find the place that best suits your needs.
The best activities in the rainforest of Belize
Did you know that Belize also has a rainforest? It is a perfect ending to a diving trip. Read our favorite rainforest activities here.
Day trip from Dahab: the Coloured Canyon
A day trip from Dahab: the Coloured Canyon! Read all about this unique place in the middle of the desert here.
Traveling with scuba gear: our tips
Traveling with your own dive gear? Read all our tips for packing and transporting here.
Trip report – Group trip in Dahab, Egypt
Sebastiaan was diving with a nice group in Dahab, a fantastic diving destination in Egypt. They dived in the Blue Hole, camped in Ras Mohamed and most of all did a lot of diving, laughed...
Read more
5 blue holes that belong on the bucket list of every diver
Read all about the most beautiful blue holes worldwide, from the Great Blue Hole in Belize to the Blue Hole of Gozo. Discover depths, diving opportunities, underwater landscapes and which locations are suitable for beginners...
Read more
What sharks are there in Egypt?
You can encounter different kinds of sharks in Egypt. Read all about where, when and most importantly, which sharks!
Trip report – Group trip in the Maldives
In mid-October the group trip with Robbert to the Maldives was planned: ten nights on the Nautilus II for the central itinerary. Read here how the dives were and what tips Rob has for trips...
Read more
Mexico’s sardine run | Magdalena Bay
Did you know you can also experience a sardine run in Baja California? This impressive natural spectacle lets you watch thousands of sardines huddle together in shimmering schools, pursued by hungry predators. Discover the unique...
Read more
Diving in Alor: a complete guide
Indonesia’s Alor is a relatively unknown destination that not many people go to. However, it is more than worth it: the island offers world-class diving and you may just come face to face with mola...
Read more
The giants of Alor: all about the whales
Alor is a special region in Indonesia where you have the chance to spot 2 enormous whales. Read more about this phenomenon here.