Cruises for Snorkelers: The 6 Best Snorkeling Destinations in the World

The best cruises for snorkelers are those that go to tropical and exotic locations with clear waters and diverse marine life. There are many places across the globe where one can take an underwater adventure, but not all snorkel spots are created equal. Some stand out thanks to their otherworldly and awe-inspiring landscapes or for their unique marine life. Whether you are an experienced snorkeler looking to complete your bucket list, or you haven’t even donned a snorkel in your entire life, we’ve got a few cruise destinations that will excite any snorkeling enthusiast. Here are our picks for the best snorkeling destinations in the world.

Cozumel, Mexico

The vibrant underwater world of Cozumel’s coral reefs is located along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, and is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean. Here you will find a kaleidoscope of marine life, from otherworldly coral formations to tropical marine life like sea turtles and schools of fish. The clear and tranquil waters around Cozumel allow for visibility of up to 200 feet, allowing you to take in vast underwater landscapes. Popular spots to check out during a cruise here include Palancar Reef and Chankanaab Beach Park, which are accessible from the cruise port.

Related: Cruise to Cozumel: 5 Things You Don’t Want to Miss

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Cruises for snorkelers don’t get much better than a voyage to St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, thanks to the pristine and clear turquoise waters filled with coral reefs just off the coast. Head to Trunk Bay and follow the 650-foot self-guided snorkeling trail to fully experience its vibrant coral gardens and wide range of marine life. Virgin Islands National Park, where Trunk Bay is located, is a protected marine sanctuary, so you can expect to find tons of healthy and happy marine communities of fish, sea turtles, and stingrays.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

The Caribbean continues to be a hotspot for cruises for snorkelers with our third pick, Grand Cayman. Like our previous picks, here you will find clear water with great visibility, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Explore the world-famous Stingray City sandbar, where friendly southern stingrays swim through shallow waters. The best snorkeling spots should make you feel like you are on an adventure to another world, and Grand Cayman delivers exactly that with captivating sites like the Coral Gardens and the USS Kittiwake wreck. Be sure to bring a camera that works underwater!

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia is the largest coral reef system in the world and is even visible from space, so it should come as no surprise that this is a good destination for cruises for snorkelers. The colorful coral gardens here are teeming with schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, sharks, and so much more. You can take a snorkeling excursion from ports like Cairns or Airlie Beach to get an up close up look at the wonders of the reef. Any excursion will do, as you are liable to have one of the best snorkeling experiences of your life anywhere in this massive reef system.

Bora-Bora, French Polynesia

Known for its crystal clear lagoons and overwater bungalows, Bora-Bora is a dream destination for many travelers. But beyond the stunning scenery and luxurious

Next on our list of the best cruises for snorkelers takes us deep into the Pacific Ocean to Bora-Bora in French Polynesia. Cruises that stop here will usually stop along other islands in the Pacific, so you will get plenty of exotic snorkeling opportunities, but Bora-Bora is the one that you don’t want to miss. Head to Matira Beach and dive into crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush tropical landscapes to find vast coral gardens and a bustling marine community. Here you will see manta rays, reef sharks, plenty of tropical fish, sea turtles, eels, and more.

The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are home to such unique wildlife that they inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, making this an easy pick for the best cruises for snorkelers. The renowned marine reserve here is full of species that can’t be found anywhere else on earth, like marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, and the smallest and most adorable fur seals on Earth. Swim among the sea lions and colorful reef fish on expert-led snorkeling excursions to prime spots like Devil’s Crown and Kicker Rock to see the best of this underwater wonderland!

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