5 Places to Snorkel No Matter What Type of Traveler You Are
Choosing where to go on vacation can be a tricky decision. Especially when it comes to all the beautiful places there are in this world to snorkel. So let us help you out! Depending on your traveling style and who you will be going with, here are the top 5 places you need to go snorkeling.
FOR THE BUCKET LISTERS
Punta Espinosa, Fernandina Island, Galapagos Islands
(Photo by Instagram: @islasgalapagos)
This is a classic location for snorkeling. If it isn’t on your bucket list, it should be. It has so many beautiful animals that you and your loved ones can enjoy visiting with, including Galapagos Penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and dolphins! That’s not enough for you? Snorkelers even have the option to swim and kayak with various species of whales!
While the marine life is incredible, the ocean itself is a work of art. Ocean currents and volcanic rock have formed the bottom of Punta Espinosa into a beautiful texture. Sometimes you can even spot the sea turtles and iguanas enjoying the warm water that this feature creates.
Wondering what else you can do on your trip?
Fernandina Island itself has a trail that leads to a colony of sea lions that you can visit with. It is also close to the Island Isabela, where you can hike to the volcano Sierra Negra and bike around wetlands to see tortoises and blue-footed boobies. If you're up to it, you can make your way over to Santa Cruz island where you can cliff jump and explore lava tunnels. Whether or not you had this trip on your bucket list before or not, it should be on there now!
FOR THE FAMILY ORIENTED VACATIONERS
Underwater Marine Park, Curacao
(Photo by Instagram: @libertysuares)
This marine park is like a scene right out of Finding Nemo®, perfect for making memories with the entire family. The scenery includes sunken ships, coral gardens, enormous sponges, and fish for miles. We all know how it can be traveling with children, so let's make it easy on everyone--this location can be reached right off the shore of Curacao! There are opportunities to take a short boat ride to other areas in the marine park as well.
Wondering what else you can do on your trip?
Curacao has great other family-friendly, fun-for-everyone activities. The Sunchild Watersport Center, less than half a mile from the Underwater Marine Park, is a must-see! The center gives visitors a chance to windsurf, canoe, and take boat tours. In addition, there are also ATV and buggy tours on the island! And to end the trip perfectly, there is a dolphin academy right in Curacao for you to get a once in a lifetime experience and make memories your family will never forget.
FOR THE PENNY SAVERS
Avalon Dive Park of Catalina Island, California Guided Snorkel Eco Tour
(Photo by Instagram: @alyssad_burg)
Off the golden coast of California is the beautiful Catalina Island. This snorkeling experience is for those who still want adventure without breaking the bank. The usual package offered at the California Guided Snorkel Eco Tour facility is a two-hour tour that costs $55 per person. Snorkel gear is included and a bag of food to feed all the schools of fish you will see. Win/ win, right?
Wondering what else you can do on your trip?
Catalina Island itself has the Avalon Scenic Tour that you and your travel buddy can check out, along with a Glass Bottom Boat Tour. There are more expensive tour options as well including a helicopter ride around Catalina and an island zip line eco tour. Plus, anything you can do along the California coast!
FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS
Kealakekua Bay, The Big Island, Hawaii
(Photo by Instagram: @allpicturestakenbyme)
This site is not only a tropical beaut but it comes with a unique history. Visitors snorkel right off the shore of the Captain Cook Monument (where Captain James Cook was killed by native Hawaiians in 1779). There are also dolphins and tropical fish as far as the eye can see. Part of the adventure at this location is getting to the water. You can hike a jungle trail, rent a kayak, or go on a guided tour. Whatever floats your boat. ;)
Wondering what else you can do on your trip?
So of course you wouldn’t be able to visit Kealakekua Bay without exploring the Captain Cook Monument as well! It is fascinating to hear all the stories of the Captain and the Hawaiian people. Another must-do, nearby adventure is to hike the Pali Kapu O Keoua trail that leads to the scenic forbidden cliffs behind the bay, where, historically, Hawaiians hid the bones of their leaders. And, as previously mentioned, there are opportunities to kayak and experience The Big Island that way too.
FOR THE ADVENTURE SEEKERS
Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, Belize
(Photo by Instagram: @chelseakauai)
As if I need to sell you on a reason to go to Belize! This spot stands out from the rest. At the Hol Chan Marine Reserve you can see large schools of unique aquatic animals including snappers and barracudas. They come right up to the surface (stiiiiill deciding if that’s a good or bad thing). In the Shark Alley, guests can see nurse sharks and stingrays coming and going as they please. Beyond all the wildlife, the marine reserve also has the option for you and your adventure-seeking partners-in-crime to go night snorkeling! Yeah, that’s right, you heard me. NIGHT. SNORKELING. The bio-luminescence in the area makes it so you can spot glowing fish and eels. The perfect place for those wanting an extraordinary snorkeling experience.
Wondering what else you can do on your trip?
Assuming you want to stay in the wonderful water of Belize, there is also an opportunity for you to go diving at Island Divers Belize too. However, if you are feeling too pruney for that, there are plenty of land options as well. Nearby the snorkeling site is the Mundo Maya Jungle Tours. This place has it ALL. They have hikes to caves and Mayan ruins, zip lining, waterfalls, rappelling, fishing, sailing, and more. SIGN ME UP! And, if at this point of your trip, you are still wanting more adventure, you can jump from a perfectly good airplane with Skydive San Pedro. ;) Don't worry, jumps are tandem for unlicensed jumpers.
Each of these exotic locations is unique in its own way. Let us know which tropical spot seems like the best fit for you! And most importantly, always remember to #sharethewild!
