10 Top Spots to Snorkel in Asia

10 Top Spots to Snorkel in Asia

Explore the stunning underwater world by snorkelling at these 10 top spots in Asia – from Japan, to Indonesia, to Malaysia and more!

Snorkelling is a fantastic way to explore the stunning underwater world, and Asia boasts some of the most captivating destinations to witness underwater life.

Let's dive into 10 incredible snorkelling spots in Asia, each paired with a short write-up and some gear we'd recommend on your trips!

Snorkeling in Maldives

1. Maldives

Photo credit: VIAJ Maldives

The Maldives is a paradise for snorkelers, with its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. What's more, it boasts one of the best marine biodiversity on Earth!

Check out spots like Banana Reef at Kuda Kalhi, HP Reef at Malé Atoll, and Manta Point at Lankanfinolhu Island, where you might be able to catch manta rays if you're lucky.

Explore marine life like never before with the Subea Mask and Snorkel 520. This set ensures a comfortable fit and excellent visibility, allowing you to immerse yourself in the underwater wonders of the Indian Ocean.

Snorkeling in Palawan

2. Palawan

Photo credit: Spend Life Traveling

Palawan's turquoise waters and diverse marine ecosystem make it a must-visit snorkelling destination.

The Adult's Easybreath Surface Mask 500 provides a 180-degree panoramic view, bringing you up close to colourful fish and intricate coral formations, turning your snorkelling adventure into a visual feast.

Snorkeling in Bali

3. Bali

Photo credit: Pelago

Bali's vibrant culture extends underwater with its rich biodiversity. 

Check out popular spots like Nusa Dua and Blue Lagoon – both are popular with beginners and kids due to the calm waters in its reefs.

The Adult SNK500 Snorkelling Kit with Fins, Mask, and Snorkel is perfect for exploring Bali's hidden treasures. Its adjustable fins and ergonomic mask design guarantee a comfortable fit, letting you focus on stunning aquatic life.

Snorkeling in Similan Idlands

4. Similan Islands

Photo credit: Similan Seven Sea Club

For a unique experience, head to Thailand's Similan Islands. It is located in in Southwest Thailand, about 60km from the mainland of Khao Lak.

Underwater visibility is usually up to 30m – which means taking photos while snorkelling here is highly recommended!

Capture every moment with the Snorkelling Camera Mount, which can be attached to the Easybreath 500 mask.

Record the mesmerising underwater landscapes and playful marine creatures for memories that will last forever.

Snorkeling in Komodo Island

5. Komodo Island

Photo credit: Hello Flores

Komodo Island offers a rare chance to snorkel alongside majestic manta rays, sea turtles, and millions of fish.

Get there by flying into Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores and doing a single or multi-day boat tour from there.

To protect your snorkeling gear during travel, the Diving and Snorkeling Mask Storage Case keeps your equipment safe and organized, ensuring you're ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Snorkeling in Komodo Island

6. Perhentian Islands

Photo credit: Tripadvisor

Perhentian Islands is a cluster of small islands about 20km from the Northeast coast of Malaysia. The area boasts clear waters and diverse marine life.

There are two main islands: Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhantian Kecil. You'll be able to get there via bus from Kuala Lumpur.

The FF 100 Soft Black Diving Fins provide excellent propulsion and comfort, allowing you to navigate through the gentle currents and explore the underwater world effortlessly.

Snorkeling in Okinawa

7. Okinawa

Photo credit: Getyourguide

Didn't think that you'd be able to snorkel in Okinawa? Think again. Okinawa is one of the most coral-rich places on Earth – it is home to 200 of the world's 800 coral species.

The waters here are crystal clear and harbour a teeming marine life. Be sure to put Blue Cave (a cave shaped out of limstone cliffs) and Yabiji Reef (which contains multicoloured reefs with a multitude of tropical fish) on your to-go list.

Snorkeling in Sri Lanka

8. Sri Lanka

Photo credit: Holidify

Sri Lanka's warm waters teem with marine biodiversity. The best part is that it's also known for affordable prices for snorkeling, which is always welcome news.

The best time to visit Sri Lanka to snorkel is from November to April, when visibility is the best. Popular spots include Negombo for clownfish and anemones, and Colombo for wrecks and fish.

Snorkeling in Gili Islands

9. Gili Islands

Photo credit: Villa Almarik

The Gili Islands offer an enchanting underwater adventure. You'll get to observe plenty of turtles, corals and marine life.

We'd recommend taking a day trip to Gili Meno or Gili Air if you're planning to stay – both are great options for observing the best snorkeling locations.

Planning to take the kids on the trip? Enhance their safety with the Snorkeling Observation Buoy. Junior will be able to observe the underwater while keeping their head afloat on the buoy.

Snorkeling in Havelock Island

10. Havelock Island

Photo credit: Tripoto

Havelock Island's pristine waters and vibrant coral reefs that start at a depth of less than a metre make it a snorkeling haven.

Be sure to get a snorkel in at Elephant Beach, which is known for its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. It's approximately a 30 minute boat ride from Havelock Jetty.

Asia's diverse underwater landscapes offer snorkelers a chance to witness breathtaking marine life and stunning coral reefs. 

Whether you're exploring the Maldives' azure waters or swimming with manta rays in Indonesia, these destinations will promise unforgettable snorkeling adventures!

10 Top Spots to Snorkel in Asia

Written by: Alicia Kho

Content SEO, Decathlon Singapore

If the Earth comprises 70 per cent water, we haven't discovered most of what there is to discover on Earth – underwater!

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