Snorkelling is one of our favourite past times while on holiday! Often some of the greatest beauty of a country is found under its waves! Whether you're an advanced under water explorer or a novice here are our top 10 snorkelling destination across the world. 

1. Palawan, The Philippines 

Palawan voted the number 1 Island in the world is the largest island in the Philippines, half the island is still desert so is still under developed but it is home to some of the clearest waters with a diverse eco-system filled with breath taking wildlife! Head to the Bay of Donsol for the chance to swim with whale sharks or visit the coral reefs outside Noa Noa Island. There's plenty of fish filled lagoons to explore for all underwater explorers capabilities!

2. The Maldives

One of the most beautiful destinations in the world, but the islands greatest sights lie beneath the waves. The Maldives are home to over 700 species of fish, from sharks, turtles, octopus and tuna here you can find it all! If you stay in a water bungalow snorkelling has never been easier!

3. Galapagos Islands- Ecuador 

The Galapagos is made up of 19 volcanic islands and offers a glimpse into the natural world that inspired Charles Darwin. The Galapagos are home to a diverse range of marine life, here you can find dolphins, whales, sea lions and many more! If your feeling brave you can swim in the Devils Crown- a sunken cone of a volcano near Floreana Island where you can find moral eels and plenty of coloured fish. 

4. The Big Island- Hawaii 

Hawaii is surrounded by incredible snorkelling spots but the Big Island is home to the largest quantity of healthy reefs, fish and sea life. But if you want to see Green Sea Turtles we recommend heading to Maui.

5. Virgin Gorda- British Virgin Islands 

The Baths on Virgin Gorda are a must! Although its best to try and visit early morning or late afternoon as it can become very overcrowded from cruise ship tours. Gigantic granite boulders form a series of natural tidal pools filled with a myriad of grottoes and tunnels to explore. The further from the shore you go, the better the coral and sea life is.

6. Cayman Islands 

The Cayman Islands are home to Stingray City- a group of sandbars 25 miles of the shore of Grand Cayman. Here you can swim and feed the friendly sting ray and view other marine life. The water is very shallow and crystal clear so is a great place for beginners. 

7. Turks & Caicos 

The White House Reef Snorkel Trail is home to plenty of barracuda, lobster and a few nurse sharks, it is located directly off Grace Bay Beach. The trail markers consist of ceramic tiles made by local artists and are mounted to a reef ball anchored to the sea floor. Each marker describes an important fact about coral reefs and how to protect them.

8. Whitsunday Islands- Australia

The easiest and most accessible way to explore the Great Barrier Reef is through snorkelling! The Whitsundays is renowned for the fringing reefs that surround the Whitsunday Islands, it is also known for its high water temperature, which is what helps the impressive coral growth. Bait Reef has some of the most eye-popping coral formations in the world. Most famous are The Stepping Stones, made up of nearly 20 flat-topped pinnacles lined up like soldiers in formation on the southwest side of the reef. 

9. Phi Phi Island- Thailand

Hire a boat and head to Pi Leh Bay, here you will find incredibly clear green water and surrounded on both sides by 330-foot-tall limestone cliffs. As well as the natural beauty there is an abundance of marine life. 

10. Bora Bora- French Polynesia

The Bora Bora Lagoon is home to hundreds of dazzling tropical fish, sting rays, manta rays and reef sharks. Bora Bora offers snorkelling for all levels and abilities.There are coral gardens inside the calm lagoon, and for more advanced snorkelers why not take a trip to meet the sharks outside the reef in the pacific ocean. 

Wherever you chose to snorkel remember to watch and observe rather than touch and scare the marine life!