One of my favorite activities to do when I travel is to snorkel.  You’re transported to a new world you can only explore by getting under the water.  You get to see fish, corral and other items you wouldn’t see anywhere else.

I recently ran across this article from Island Magazine about the top places to snorkel in the world.  I had to check it out to see if there where places I had been but more importantly to see where I should go next.

First on the list is Santa Catalina, California
“Slip into the temperate waters of Lover’s Cove on Santa Catalina. Just 22 miles from the coast of greater Los Angeles.”

Next is Dimakya Island, Philippines
“Forget sharks, whales and dolphins. If you want true bragging rights in the snorkeling world – in the world in general, for that matter – swim with dugongs.”

Uepi Island, Solomon Islands
“Imagine floating through Grand Central Terminal during a fire alarm at rush hour: You’re still not really close to the amount of action, color and movement that awaits mere steps off the beach at Uepi Island.”

Lord Howe Island, Australia
“At the southernmost coral reef in the world, more than 490 tropical and temperate species mix and mingle. And because only a limited number of guests are allowed on Australia’s Lord Howe Island at a time, you can witness the spectacle in what feels like total isolation.”

Huahine, Islands of Tahiti
“Underwater and above, Huahine has some of the best – and least-known – places to discover in Tahiti. There’s a small motu, or islet, at the entrance to Port Bourayne Bay, a short outrigger ride from Te Tiare Beach Resort.”

Bonaire
“Discover what a vibrant, lush and pristine Caribbean reef is supposed to look like. Come to Bonaire.”

Andros Island, Bahamas
“From the air, Andros Island looks like someone sprayed it with a machine gun, riddling the island with holes, Chicago gangland style. In the Southern Bight of this Bahamian island, you’ll find a series of oceanic versions of blue holes.”

Big Island, Hawaii
“If you want to encounter the full range of local Hawaiian marine life, including many endemic species, come to Kealakekua Bay. The sheltered bay is only about 12 miles south of Kailua Kona on the Big Island and is home to green sea turtles, spinner dolphins and, from about December to May, humpback whales. Even if you don’t go eye-to-eye with the gentle giants — an experience that will rock your world – you will defi nitely feel and hear their haunting whale song.”