The best snorkeling in the world offers an enormous range of experiences from gentle drifting through balmy tropical waters to the awe-inspiring encounter of coming face-to-face with a giant humpback whale. Beneath the surface, a hidden world exists for discovery, from alien-like creatures to playful pods of dolphins, whether you’re floating in Okinawa’s East China Sea or seeking elusive sperm whales in Dominica’s Caribbean waters. Not to mention the fact that ocean immersion has been scientifically proven to be healing, offering an instant gateway to happiness and relaxation. Whether you’re seeking a quick weekend escape or a luxurious extended vacation, snorkeling is a must when near any body of water. Below, we spotlight some of the best places in the world to snorkel, from swimming between two tectonic plates in Iceland, to overwater bungalows in French Polynesia, to dolphin-filled bays in Japan. We hope it inspires you to dive in.
This gallery has been updated since its original publish date.
