My Top 5 snorkeling places

[Vladmoryana]

I am a snorkeling junky, always on a lookout for good snorkeling spots. Diving with all that

heavy and uncomfortable equipment is not for me while snorkeling opens a big enough window

into an underwater world I am so fascinated with.

When planning travel to my next perfect snorkeling location I always check Google maps and

would like to share list of my favorites with fellow Google searchers.

Here are my top 5:

1. Telyakovskogo Bay, Vityaz’, Russia
   

The bay is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of unique greenery and is the best snorkeling place in the area. Spectacular cliffs, scenic rocks and mysterious Island of Languishing Heart provide a backdrop for this amazing part of the Sea of Japan. The bay can be reached by car from Vladivostok or by bus from Vladivostok to Andreevka and futher…

While snorkeling you will see a world of very different colors compared to usual tropical underwater locations. Nature is modest and colors are subdued, but this is another kind of beauty, still mesmerizing. Lots of sea urchins, starfish, sea anemones are a part of the underwater landscape. Highest water temperature do not exceed of 24°C (75,2°F ) even in mid-August, so wearing a wetsuit is highly desirable.

2. Hon Mun Island and Madona Rock, Nha Trang, Vietnam
   

The best way to get there is by a boat from pier in Nha Trang, and then snorkel between the

island and Madona Rock. You may see enormous flat table corals, various colorful fishes and enjoy

clear and warm water. Here I met my favorite Tomato clown fish and enjoyed his brave attempts to scare me while defending his home.

3. Fihalhohi Resort Island, Maldives
   

Stay on this paradise island can be pricey but a budget traveler can instead purchase a one day tour from Male or any local island. ‘Local’ islands are places where regular Maldivians live while Resorts are private island-hotels. Fihalhohi house reef is packed with all kinds of tropical fish and sea creatures while water is clear and incredibly blue. We had a hard time getting out of the water to experience drinks and delicious food included in the price of our trip.

4. Managaha Island, Northern Mariana Islands
   

The island is surrounded by gorgeous underwater scenery of white corals and multicolored fish, and can be reached in only 10 minutes by speedboat from Saipan island. It was getting at times so overrun by visitors that taking a picture without someone’s leg in it represented a challenge. Nevertheless, snorkeling experience was definitely worthy of the trip. .

5. Sabang, Mindoro Island, Philippines
   

I came to the beach looking forward to snorkeling only to discover that I was too naive, and it was easier to say than to do. All my attempts to get into deeper water were unsuccessful due to sharp dead corals covering the seabed. I realized that I have to find a boat. Fortunately, right on the beach there were many of them - one just had to bargain for the price. So I hired a little Philippine style boat and went to so called Coral Garden for one hour of snorkeling (500 pesos or about $10). It was truly a garden! Corals, giant clams (really giant), fish of all kind and colors, and finally a huge turtle that I met face to face – as big as me! What a day!

Later I met Nikolay Kolpakov who trained divers there, and he showed me a hidden path through corals into open water, and supplied me with gloves which were necessary for getting though the path without getting scratched.

I know there are other great places for snorkeling in the world let’s share our good and no so good experience?

[AmitDaniel]

Looking at your photos i say bravo for your talent and skills.

the way you compose and play with backround and forground is very inspiribg.

[Vladmoryana]

Thank you but this is the place which is so beautiful so I just made a shot

[Bruno_Dery]

My favorite place for snorkeling is the Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook memorial) on Hawaii Island. From outside, the place as nothing special, but as soon as you look under water you see wonderful things. The water is clear. The coral reef has many shades of blue, green and grey. You will see many colorful fishes. It’s not too deep, so you are close enough of the fishes and corals.

My second favorite place for snorkeling is at the Roatan Island in Honduras. There is less shades of color for the reef, but more living coral species. It’s deeper, so fishes and corals are just a little bit too far if you stay at the surface. There is less colorful fishes, but enough to have a good time. That is where I saw a moray.

My third favorite place is Hanauma Bay on the Ohau Island. Many people will tell you not to go there, that it doesn’t worth it. But I think it should be done once. The water is full of coral debris. The coral has only one color, beige. There is to much tourists. But, there are plenty of fishes, with many colors, and they are very, very close to you. It’s not deep enough over the coral reef, but fishes very close. At least, try it one time.

[Vladmoryana]

@Bruno_Dery Thank you so much for sharing good places if I ever be around I will definitely try them.

[Natalia_20-12]

Like it @Vladmoryana ,great job .

[system]

@Vladmoryana Firstly, thank you for posting these amazing trip details. I too am a snorkeling junky and am so happy to meet someone like you on Connect. @Natalia_20-12 @Bruno_Dery @AmitDaniel I didn’t know #russia was famous for #snorkeling! I look forward to you sharing more of your snorkeling photos soon! Where are you based?

[Vladmoryana]

Hi, @user_not_found , glad you liked my post. Russia is not famous for snorkeling and most people will be disappointed to see the modest underwater scenery espcially those who expect to see bright colours and a wide fauna diversity. It is like a modest meadow to compate with a botanic garden. But I like it, able to see it’s beauty and enjoy it.
I am located in Vladivostok and use every chance to snorkel here in our short summer period.

I will place my latest local snorkeling adventures soon and meanwhile you can see them on my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz7gFmVIeNm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

See you