I have been an avid snorkeler for as long as I could swim and travel. I was very lucky and started travelling at the tender age of 7. It was this first trip to Europe which lead to a lifetime passion. for snorkelling. For me is not just about the visuals and the amazing experience of being in the water it is about the feeling of freedom and relaxation and as corny as it sounds being at one in the water.
What is snorkelling?
This might seem like a silly question but snorkelling and scuba diving can get mixed up. I have never been scuba diving so I can not tell you about that. But snorkelling I do have lots of experience.
Snorkelling is swimming with a snorkel, mask and flippers on. The snorkel is a little tube that helps you to breathe underwater. you wear a mask which helps you to see and of course, keep the water from your eyes.
Now that we know what we are talking about let's talk about the best places in the world to go snorkelling. I will be focusing on places I have actually been snorkelling as I have first-hand experience.
1. Hurghada, Egypt
Egypt is known for its hot climate, pyramids and sandy beaches but it also houses some of the best snorkelling in the world. I have first-hand experience snorkelling in Egypt and hands down there is no better place than Hurghada. I have snorkelled in a few places in Egypt so I can compare them.
There are so many varieties of fish and plants to see not to mention there are turtles sharks and lionfish the list is endless. I have never experienced such a wonderful sensory overload as snorkelling in Hurghada. It is honestly like your best dream of snorkelling and so much more. What I really like is there are options for everyone. You can see beautiful fish when you are not even out of your depth. Making it perfect for beginners to try snorkelling.
There are a lot of beachfront hotels in this area which offer their own snorkelling but if you are not staying in one of these hotels or fancy a bit more variety I recommend booking some Sea trips in Hurghada. There are so many trips to choose from that will all include some snorkelling and sometimes other activities too. I personally use Landious Travel for my trips when I am in Hurghada.
Not only do they offer specialist sea trips but they offer a wide range of excursions. They have everything from Sightseeing tours from Hurghada to places like the pyramid in Cairo and Luxor to island and beach trips. They really have something for everyone and are great value so check them out. Let's face it you might as well see Hurghada whilst you are there right?
2. Cuba, Cayo Coco
Cayo Coco is a beautiful island off the main island of Cuba. This island is connected to the mainland with two bridges so is easily accessible. Cayo Coco is the perfect place for any snorkeler. Just like Hurghada, you are treated to warmer water and a crystal clear blue sea.
With an abundance of fish species and coral reefs. You will not be disappointed in snorkelling here. I was mesmerised by the variety of small fish and even a barracuda or two. I also saw sea turtles and dolphins and sting rays.
It is worth booking an excursion snorkelling trip here there are some incredible shipwrecks to explore and even some underwater caves. A beautiful experience. I found this better for more experienced snorkelers.
3. Scotland
I bet you didn't see this one coming did you? Scotland is my home and I would be doing an injustice if I didn't mention one of my favourite places to snorkel. Let's get the elephant out of the room. This is not for the faint-hearted the water is cooler here even in summer. It is cold. You will want a wet suit. I am a highlander so I do snorkel up here. You can say I am made of the hard stuff or at least own a good wetsuit.
I have had the pleasure of snorkelling in Scotland with the Moray firth dolphins. Well actually I was snorkelling and they came to investigate me. This was one of the scariest and most amazing experiences.
I lived in a small village called Nairn at the time. I was out with my husband snorkelling when all of a sudden. I felt a nudge. Thinking it was my husband I didn't think much about it til it happened again and I was face to face with a pod of very inquisitive dolphins. They swam with me for around 10 minutes but it felt like a lifetime. I felt completely relaxed and not scared until after I realised how big they really are.
I have had this experience as a wonderful memory. But I know not everyone will have this but there is a wealth of wonderful sea life to see here in Scotland. We have a diverse and wonderful ocean and sea and an abundance of marine life but yes it is cold.
I hope this has given you some places to add to your bucket list of places to go snorkelling.
No comments