What Makes for a Good Snorkeling Destination?

Technically, you can snorkel in any body of water, but there are several features you can look for in a destination to see if it’s conducive to a great snorkeling experience.

Look for spots where the water is clear. There isn’t much point to snorkeling if you can’t see very much below the surface!

Choose a location that is not crowded. Make sure no other water sports are taking place in the vicinity. This is important not only for your convenience but also your safety.

Find s snorkeling spot where the weather and water is calm and currents are minimal. Once again, this is important for your enjoyment as well as your safety.

Shallow waters (ranging from 1 to 4 meters deep) are ideal for snorkeling, as they allow you to observe underwater life and the sea or ocean floor up close. While snorkelers do sometimes dive in deeper waters, this requires additional skills and training.

Warm waters are most comfortable for long periods of snorkeling. If you do decide on a location with cooler water, make sure to wear a wetsuit and protective boots and gloves.

Look for spots where you can find interesting marine life, but don’t limit yourself! While colorful coral reefs and tropical waters with exotic fish may be what first come to mind when thinking of snorkeling, there is a wide variety of species that you can look out for. From sea turtles to manatees, dolphins, penguins, stingrays, manta rays and even whale sharks, there may be a range of worthy attractions near your holiday destination or home. Diverse flora or distinctive geographic features can also make for a unique experience!

There is plenty of easily accessible information on the top spots for snorkeling across the world, and if you are a big enthusiast, such information may guide the choice of your next holiday destination. You may even want to opt for a specialty excursion centered entirely on snorkeling or sign up for an extreme-snorkeling trip to an unconventional destination like Antarctica! If you have an Asian itch, try out snorkeling in Thailand. If, however, this is not an option for you or if you are simply looking to try it out for the first time, don’t be discouraged. You don’t necessarily need to travel to a faraway, exotic location, and with some research you may be able to find a good spot for snorkeling closer to your home or pre-decided holiday destination.

Once you are familiar with your destination and have gone snorkeling in the day, you could even revisit the same location at night. Snorkeling at night can transform the same area into a completely different ecosystem, and can be a truly magical experience, but try it only if you are a confident swimmer and are very familiar with your surroundings.

The marine life that emerges at night is usually very different from that of the daytime. A host of nocturnal fish, shrimps, lobsters, and more are visible only at night, and in some locations, you may even encounter some bioluminescent fish or plankton. If you choose to snorkel at night, don’t forget your waterproof flashlight and an emergency whistle. While it’s best to keep your flashlight on at all times to avoid getting disoriented, you can try turning it off for a brief period if you are lucky enough to come across bioluminescent phytoplankton. These tiny creatures are normally found in large swarms or ‘blooms’ that light up when disturbed by movement, providing a unique experience for anyone swimming through.

To make the most of the destination you choose and whichever time of day you prefer to explore it, you may want to spend some time getting to know the marine life you are likely to encounter. Being able to identify the species you see can provide an added dimension to your experience. Books on identifying fish as well as marine plants and animals are widely available, and once you have decided on your location, you can look for guidebooks specific to the region.

Source: https://www.jenreviews.com/snorkeling/