Ever dipped your head under the sea and felt like you entered another world?

Snorkelling isn't just a vacation activity. It's an open invitation to glide through turquoise waters, float above colourful reefs, and lock eyes with curious fish. But not every beach gives you that glass-clear view or thriving marine life. So, where do you go for the kind of snorkelling that sticks with you forever?

Let's look at some of the best snorkelling spots worldwide. With clear water, you'll forget you're underwater.

This crescent-shaped crater off the coast of Maui isn’t just famous—it’s legendary.

Molokini was formed by a volcanic eruption over 200,000 years ago, and now it's a protected marine sanctuary teeming with life.

The visibility here can go up to 150 feet. That's like swimming in liquid glass.

You'll spot over 250 species of tropical fish, including butterflyfish, Moorish idols, and parrotfish. If lucky, a green sea turtle or two might float by. The crater walls also drop sharply, giving snorkelers a peek into the deep without needing scuba gear.

Mornings are calmer, and tours usually start early. Afternoons can get windy, which makes the water a bit choppy.

Belize doesn’t shout. It whispers. But underwater? That’s where it sings.

Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island, and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are just offshore. Sounds dramatic? It is.

Hol Chan means "little channel" in Maya, and the reserve is full of coral canyons and fish-packed swim-throughs. Shark Ray Alley, just a few minutes away, lets you snorkel alongside nurse sharks and stingrays.

Think of coral gardens in every shade imaginable, schools of angelfish, and gentle giants like manatees drifting by. The water here is shallow and transparent, making it beginner-friendly but exciting.

If you're staying nearby, you don't need a boat. Some of the best spots are just a short swim from shore.

It's almost unfair how clear the water is in the Maldives. You'll feel like floating on glass with a snorkel in your mouth and the whole reef at your feet.

Most resorts in the Maldives are on private islands surrounded by their coral reefs. That means you can wake up, eat breakfast, and walk straight into the sea for world-class snorkelling.

Expect to see bright coral, sea turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks, and hundreds of reef fish. The reefs are shallow and calm, perfect for long sessions in the water.

Try Dhigurah, Ellaidhoo, or Vilamendhoo. They all have strong house reefs with direct access.

You might not even need a boat tour. Many of the best reefs are just steps from your villa.

If the Caribbean had a snorkelling capital, Bonaire would take the crown.

This small island near Venezuela is quiet, calm, and laser-focused on protecting its reefs.

Bonaire's reefs start just feet from the shoreline. No need for boats or long swims. It's one of the easiest places to snorkel and still get stunning views.

The underwater landscape is dramatic, with brain coral the size of bathtubs, trumpetfish, and tangs. Over 80 marked snorkel and dive sites exist. Some even have ladders from the road straight into the sea.

Check out "1000 Steps." It's a limestone cliffside with steps down to a gorgeous cove. It's not actually a thousand steps, but after snorkelling, it might feel like it's on the way back up.

This tiny island off the coast of Negros Oriental might be small in size, but it delivers big underwater.

Apo Island is a marine reserve often overshadowed by bigger names in Southeast Asia, but ask any snorkelling fanatic—they'll tell you it's a must.

The coral here is untouched, alive, and bursting with colour. And the water clarity? Unreal. It's one of those places where you don't need to dive deep to see it all.

Sea turtles are everywhere. You can float next to them in waist-deep water. Giant clams, clownfish, and vibrant corals fill the rest of your field of view.

Take a boat from Dauin or Dumaguete. There are no fancy resorts, just simple guesthouses and raw nature.

Yes, snorkelling in Iceland. And no, it's not tropical, but it's unforgettable.

You're swimming between two continents—North America and Europe—in water filtered through lava rock for over 30 years. It's the clearest water on Earth, with visibility often reaching 300 feet.

There is not much marine life here, but the rocks and formations are vivid, like flying over another planet. The blue is otherworldly.

The water is cold (around 2–4°C), but you'll be in a dry suit. And the experience? One of a kind.

Silfra is located in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can snorkel inside a rift valley formed by tectonic plates.

This list wouldn’t be complete without the heavyweight: the Great Barrier Reef.

It's the most extensive coral reef system, stretching over 1,400 miles. The diversity here is unmatched, and the reef is alive with constant movement, colour, and sound.

You'll find clownfish, sea turtles, giant clams, reef sharks, and more coral types than you can name. It's the ultimate underwater safari.

Try Lady Elliot Island, Fitzroy Island, or the Whitsundays. These spots offer amazing access to shallow reef zones and incredible visibility.

Many tours cater to snorkelers, not just divers. So don't worry if you’re new—you’ll still see plenty.

No matter your skill level, there's a snorkelling spot with your name.

Want shallow lagoons full of friendly fish? Head to Belize. Dreaming of a surreal float between tectonic plates? Iceland has you covered. Whether you crave warm tropical waters or the thrill of something unexpected, clear water views are always within reach.

The best part? You don't need a license, oxygen tank, or years of training: just a mask, a snorkel, and the will to look down.

So, where are you snorkelling next?