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Are you an avid fan of snorkelling or diving and trying to find the next best place to go for your upcoming holidays? There are literally so many places across the world that provide excellent snorkelling and diving as well as opportunities for boat trips that can take you out to fantastic reefs, just teeming with life. While diving requires training and expertise in order to perform, you can go on try dives and introduction courses even if you have no intention of doing it long term which helps you get a feel for the underwater world away from snorkelling. If you don’t want to have to put all that equipment on every time you go to enjoy the sea though, snorkelling is just as good – sometimes better. Here is a list of some of the world’s best snorkelling destinations and diving countries.
Egypt
It’s no secret that some of the best ocean life is found in Egypt’s Red Sea. Whether you’re a diver or a snorkeller, it’s likely that you will be shocked at the amount of fish as well as their colour when you visit some of Egypt’s dive sites and reefs. The corals as well are typically in good condition and provide a colourful backdrop, especially in the springtime when they bloom and provide a whole myriad of colours and shades. Boat trips to various reefs in the Red Sea are popular and sought after from mainly Sharm El-Sheikh or Dahab. Book a cheap flight to Sharm El-Sheikh to get your dive on.
Indonesia
With thousands of islands and pristine reef throughout, Indonesia is easily one of the most amazing countries in the world for both diving and snorkeling. Whether you’re staying on Bali, the Gili Islands or you’re going further afield to the likes of Raja Ampat, the Banda or Cai Islands, one thing is for certain, and that’s the fact that when it comes to sea life, Indonesia has it going on. Raja Ampat is one of the most beautiful and pristine marine reserves in the world and has limits on building in the marine park as well as limits on what can and cannot be done as well as the number of tourists that go through there in order to keep its ranking as one of the best in the world. That being said though, the rest of Indonesia also has pristine reefs, so finding something truly spectacular isn’t too difficult.
Australia
Home to the world’s most famous reef, the Great Barrier Reef, Australia has some seriously impressive reefs and coastline where you can catch a whole variety of earth’s marine life. Comprised of almost 3000 individual reefs, the Great Barrier Reef is a truly unique and beautiful reef system. Considering the state of the reefs across the world and how important the Great Barrier Reef is to the overall health and wellness of the overall marine system worldwide, strict rules are enforced when it comes to the Great Barrier Reef. While some of it is experiencing coral bleaching due to climate change, any tour operator worth their weight will know where you should and shouldn’t go in order to minimise further reef damage.
Thailand
One of the most popular island destinations in the world, Thailand is home to several gorgeous islands that have great reefs just waiting to be explored. While some films such as The Beach made certain coves, bays and beaches insanely popular, the Thai government has recognised this and have taken steps to minimise further reef damage by closing beaches. That being said though, you can still visit various reefs around the islands – the main ones being Koh Phanang, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao and Koh Lanta. Come see for yourself the Thai reefs and waters that have many different things to offer. Boat trips to island hop are a popular way to see more than one island chain and its offerings in an afternoon, often an excellent way to see as much marine life as possible due to the fact some islands have better reefs than others.
So if you’re looking for the best reefs to check out in the world, hopefully this short list will help you make some great plans in regard to going to visit various reefs, teeming with life. With so many great reefs to choose from, the only question you will have is “where to first?”.
