The 5 Best Places in the World to Snorkel and Scuba Dive

If your putting together your “bucket list” of places you want to go scuba diving, there are a lot of candidates for you to consider. Oceans cover ¾ of the Earth’s surface so there is no shortage of places to explore. Many of the same few names keep popping up, leaving you wondering what else is out there to be explored. While some popular locations are definitely worth checking out, there are even more locations left to be seen!

If you have never been scuba diving and are interested in trying it, you first need to get certified. There are two main organizations you can get certified from; PADI and NAUI. They both have similar programs, although PADI is more well known. Scuba diving is not hard to learn how to do; millions of people get certified every year. Why not you? As inspiration, here are some well-known popular sites and a few off the beaten path.

Great Barrier Reef in Australia

The Great Barrier Reef has nearly 3,000 breathtaking reefs to explore, making it a perfect destination for snorkeling and diving. The water in the area is warm year round – allowing for a comfortable snorkeling experience.

While the area is a well-known and popular destination, it is with good cause! Without a doubt, this is a must see for anyone. The beauty tucked beneath the water’s surface is endless. Fish and coral are just waiting to be seen.

Big Brother, Red Sea, Egypt

In the Red Sea, there is incredible variety with fish and coral. The colors are nearly impossible to express in words, and no number of photographs can do it justice. This site is perfect for divers to explore the incredible variety of fish.

The Napoleon Wrasse fish alone is worth seeing – its grand size measuring as great as nearly 115 feet in length! At Big Brother you can dive down to over 150 feet, to reach these depths you need to be an advanced open water diver.

One major attraction to this area above sea is the Aida II. This massive ship sunk in the area approximately 50 years ago. This is a deep dive so you will need to be a certified advanced open water diver and have a scuba diving computer.

Koh Nang Yuan, Thailand

This is a must-see for snorkelers. This area is a marine reserve, allowing the area to remain unharmed by humans. The natural beauty of the area is captivating; with three islands, vibrantly clear blue waters, and numerous fish and coral varieties.

Being as the area is so well preserved, it is nature at its most beautiful. The earth’s natural splendors are right in front of you.

The islands themselves are beautiful and clean. The area is a paradise with unfathomable beauty. While snorkeling, you can also check out the mountain on the smallest island, Nang Yuan Island. The adventure does not take too long and makes a great side trip.

Cozumel, Mexico

This unique diving site offers a many interesting experiences. There are wreck sites to explore, coral walls to see, deep-sea adventures, and coral tunnels that can be ventured through.

In the heat of the summer, this area is prime spot for scuba diving with visibility approaching 100 feet. Reasonable prices for flights and lodging make this an ideal destination.

Hanauma Bay, Oahu

This area is fluttering with rainbow fish, making it an impressive location for underwater sightseeing. You can get to the coral reefs from shore making this a great destination for snorkelers and scuba divers alike. Hanauma Bay is famous for its sea turtles, also known as “Honu”.

Even if you are not able to scuba dive or want to take time to get certified, excellent snorkeling awaits you, all you need is a set of snorkel gear. So what are you waiting for?