White sand beaches and the gentle sound of lapping waves spilling onto the shoreline. For many, the luxury villa holiday dream is a mirage of unspoilt moments spent basking in the sun, with the occasional sea dip to cool off. But, beyond the tranquil, turquoise waters lies an underwater paradise that’s yearning to be explored. Teeming with life, snorkelling on a villa holiday is the perfect way to discover a newfound love for the undersea world. With schools of fish and colourful coral formations, the underwater scene promises to be an unforgettable, out-of-body experience! Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeller or looking for additional activities to do on a villa holiday, read on to discover the best places in the world to snorkel for your next holiday…
1. Greece
The Greek Islands have an illustrious allure on land, owing to their distinct Cycladic architecture, welcoming hospitality, and Mediterranean cuisine. However, did you know they’re also a popular snorkelling destination in Europe? From the Ionian Sea to the Aegean, there are countless beautiful places to snorkel in Greece. Featuring exotic fish species, sandy bays and rocky beds filled with anemones, sponges and urchins, their crystal-clear waters are open to snorkellers of all abilities.
But how can you choose the best island in Greece for snorkelling? Crete and Zakynthos stand among the best places to snorkel in Greece. The isle of Crete offers over 1,000km of coastline, home to several beaches where you can snorkel directly from the sandy shores or by boat; Elafonissi Beach, Balos Lagoon, and the bays around Elounda present some more well-known snorkelling spots in Crete to explore. Meanwhile, Zakynthos is famed for the striking shipwreck beach (Navagio) where loggerhead turtles can also be spotted! Other notable locations for snorkelling in Greece include Antiparos, Corfu, Mykonos and Paros.
While knowing where to snorkel in Greece is key, it’s also important to choose the perfect time to visit, dive and explore! The best time to snorkel in Greece is during the peak summer and shoulder seasons (May to October). Browse our handpicked collection of luxury villas in the Greek Islands to inspire your next getaway to Greece.
2. Portugal
Although it might not initially come to mind, Portugal is another top destination in Europe to snorkel. Of all of Portugal’s best places to snorkel, the Algarve is a highlight. With an elegant atmosphere, authentic charm and a lively nightlife scene, the Algarve also has plenty to entertain out of the water. Stretching along the southern coastline with over 130 beaches, the destination is reputed as one of Europe’s best beach destinations, making it the perfect setting for a snorkelling holiday.
For snorkelling, the Algarve is fantastic for underwater explorers. Its rugged coastlines create a hidden world of discovery, made up of many sheltered coves and reefs that are home to diverse marine life. Colourful fish, intricate rock formations, octopuses, sea turtles and even potential dolphin sightings are unforgettable experiences. What’s more, with crystal-clear visibility, there’s an even greater chance to tick these off. Of all snorkelling highlights in the Algarve, Praia do Camilo, Praia da Luz, Praia de Benagi and Praia da Marinha are perfect for all ages.
The best time to go snorkelling in Portugal is during the summer months. However, you can enjoy specific areas, such as the Azores, all year round too. In terms of accommodation, Villa Hibiscus Beach House is one of our heavenly beachfront villas in the Algarve. It’s just 30 minutes by car from Praia da Marinha where visitors might sport vibrant marine life including sea urchins and octopus. You can also snorkel on Portugal’s islands, such as Madeira and Azores, for additional spots away from the mainland.
3. The Caribbean
The Caribbean is not only one of our best luxury holiday destinations, but also one of the best places in the world to snorkel. With over 700 islands, the Caribbean is a region full of astonishing natural beauties. Paradisial beaches, luscious rainforests, and underwater utopias epitomise the barefoot luxury experience across every island. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Caribbean villa holidays have it all!
Snorkelling in the Caribbean is the epitome of the ‘classic’ underwater scene. With warm, clear waters, protected reefs and a diversity of marine life, the region is an oceanographer’s dream. Discover vibrant corals and tropical fish, including parrotfish, angelfish and butterfly fish. There are also turtles, stingrays and even nurse sharks, for an unforgettable snorkelling adventure.
Typically, you can snorkel in the Caribbean all year round whether you’re looking to spend Christmas in the Caribbean or any other time of year. Larger archipelagos, such as the Turks and Caicos Islands and the British Virgin Islands, have highly acclaimed snorkelling beaches to explore. However, Saint Martin and Anguilla are among the best Caribbean islands to snorkel too, with more snorkelling secrets to discover.
Saint Martin has 67km of coastline and 35 beaches, home to around 15 very good snorkelling spots. This includes a 30km² marine protected area, and the beaches of Coconut Grove, Cupecoy Beach, and Grand Case. The latter is also a starting point for boat trips to the beautiful snorkelling and scuba diving at Creole Rock. Alternatively, discover snorkelling in Anguilla where there’s numerous great spots including many that are accessible directly from Anguilla’s beautiful beaches. The island is located just a 30-minute ferry ride from Saint Martin. On your next vacation to Anguilla explore the snorkelling spots on the northwest coast, including Meads Bay, Limestone Bay, and, possibly the best, Crocus Bay.
4. The Maldives
Like the Caribbean, the Maldives is a beautiful tropical paradise. Of the 1,200 Indian Ocean islands that make up the Maldives, around 160 are luxury resort islands. These are the most quintessential setting for a villa holiday escape. Expect pearly beaches, palm trees, and coral reefs for the ultimate in barefoot luxury.
Maldives holidays offer a wealth of experiences for visitors. However, snorkelling holidays in the Maldives are special, above and below water level. If you’re wondering, ‘Where can I snorkel in the Maldives?’, the answer is everywhere! Although there are, of course, a few hotspots which attract visitors specifically for a snorkelling holiday, like Vilamendhoo and Hanifaru Bay. Additionally, one-island resorts, such as Soneva Fushi, are also considered some of the best places in the world to snorkel.
This is as a result of their shores being particularly well-protected. By nature, most are coral islands, with a protective reef system encircling them, named a ‘House Reef’. Here, you can discover a diverse array of marine life, including tropical and anemone fish and vibrant corals. If you’re searching for larger animals when exploring the best places to snorkel in the Maldives, it’s best to head to bigger lagoons, home to whale sharks, manta rays and more.
The Maldives offer some of the most stunning snorkelling destinations in the world. Typically, the best time to snorkel in the Maldives is during the dry season, from December to April. However, it is possible to snorkel year-round.
5. Croatia
Croatia is the last of our top snorkelling destinations in Europe to feature. Travellers often fall for its romantic charm and allure, yet few realise it’s among the best places for a snorkelling holiday. Its captivating history and impressive landmarks, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, often make it more popular for cultural visits. However, with a thread of over 1,200 island gems along the coast, there are plenty of secret snorkelling spots to enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate and calm waters.
Croatia’s islands and Adriatic Coast are famed for clear waters, with excellent visibility, and rich marine biodiversity. Charming coastal towns showcase secret coves, marinas and attractive bays for underwater exploration. In addition, numerous shipwrecks form ecosystems and mesmerising photo opportunities for snorkellers. The Adriatic Sea boasts a dramatic array of life, with over 300 species of fish and other sealife, to ensure your camera never stops snapping! Of all the best places to snorkel in Croatia, the Brijuni National Park, Vis Island (specifically the Blue Cove), and the Makarska Riviera are most notable.
Summer presents the best time to snorkel in Croatia, when the water warms to a pleasant 25°C on average. This temperate climate, as well as the adventurous spirit of the local coves and bays, makes Croatia one of the best places in the world to snorkel.
6. Thailand
Thailand is the last place to feature on our list of best places in the world to snorkel. It’s a tropical paradise with an enticing blend of underwater wonder and villa-perfect beaches. There are almost 500 islands across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, home to 900 species of reef fish and coral gardens. While some reefs have experienced bleaching and visitor pressure, Thailand continues to deliver world-class snorkelling experiences.
When considering the best places to snorkel in Thailand, Koh Tao is often named the snorkelling capital. Across shallow reefs at Tanote Bay, Shark Bay and Hin Wong Bay, divers can view a variety of sea life. At Hin Wong Bay, there’s also the opportunity to see turtles and reef sharks gliding through the crystal waters! On the Andaman Coast, the Similan and Surin Islands have marine parks that protect pristine reefs and rare species.
Due to the tropical climate, the best time to snorkel in Thailand is December-April, when seas are calm and visibility is high.
When choosing your perfect destination for a luxury villa holiday, many factors come into play. For snorkelling holidays, it’s as equally important to consider what’s on offer in the water. Our list of the best places in the world to snorkel should have hopefully narrowed down your location choices. However, if you require further assistance to find the best luxury villa for your stay, then we’re here to help. Get in touch with our Villa Specialists today by sending an email, or give us a call on
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