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There’s nothing quite like floating suspended as bright, beautiful fish float by. Submerged in the endless calm and quiet of the ocean, you’ll likely feel a sense of calm quiet connection that’s hard to come by in today’s hectic world. But if you’re ready to spend a few precious vacation days out on the water, it’s important to make sure you’re visiting the most spectacular destination possible. Here are five of our favorite destinations for snorkeling and open water diving.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the top destinations for adventurers looking to make a splash with a unique diving or snorkeling experience. The area, which spans over 1,400 miles, is known for its beautiful coral reef formations and interesting undersea life. Divers and snorkelers who plan trips to the Great Barrier Reef will not be disappointed. The reef is home to more than 1500 different species of fish, as well as giant sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins. You may also catch a rare glimpse of an undersea crocodile and several species of shark here. Diving and snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, while beautiful, is not for the faint of heart!
Fiji
For many, Fiji is a dream vacation. For those who love snorkeling and scuba diving, it’s paradise found. Fiji is a great choice if you have a spouse or family member that’s hoping to combine a more relaxing spa or beach vacation while you’re off exploring. The location has 330 islands for adventurers to check out, and the aquatic life is colorful and diverse. The vivid colors of the coral and reef plants are unmatched by any location in the world, and you should expect to see a number of different fish species, mollusks, and beautiful coral pillars. If you are seeking a truly colorful snorkeling experience and are excited about reefs and coral in particular, Fiji is a must-visit.
Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos
For travelers looking for an atypical snorkeling and scuba diving experience, Salt Cay may be your top destination. Adventurers can explore the site of a 1790 shipwreck at an easily accessible 20 feet of water. The shallow depth makes this a great location for those who are interested in getting up close and personal with a centuries old water craft. There are also a number of unique coral formations to explore that are home to various sharks and rays.
Plaza Sur, Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are home to a number of amazing underwater creatures, including a large population of sea lions. If you are seeking a fun snorkeling or diving experience that allows you to watch and interact with a variety of sea mammals, this is one of the world’s best destinations. When you take the plunge of Plaza Sur, you’re greeted by a number of curious and playful sea lions. These friendly creatures swim close to you and love putting on a good show for people. If you’re interested in swimming with sea lions, Plaza Sur is the place to visit!
Stingray City, Grand Cayman
If you love the graceful, eerie beauty of stingrays, then you should head to Grand Cayman for a once in a lifetime adventure. Here you can dive or snorkel along with Atlantic southern stingrays. They are surprisingly social creatures, so you can expect to get up close and personal with them. Chances are several will brush up against you on your excursion, as they are naturally curious. No need to worry though; these giant creatures are very gentle!
When you’re on the lookout for a world-class snorkeling or diving experience, these are the top five destinations in the world. Each has its own special appeal, offering something different for individuals who love seeing the world from underwater. Whether you want to swim with sea lions or stingrays, or hoping to explore a shipwreck, there’s an incredible experience for all adventurers!
About the author: Adam Franklin writes about traveling and travel destinations. Adam is a writer for Scottsdale Thunderbird.
Photo by Ilse Reijs and Jan-Noud Hutten on Flickr
