Snorkeling is a great activity to do with your kids, and there are plenty of amazing places around the world where you can do it. In this article, we will discuss the top 8 best places to snorkel with kids.
Plus, answer some common questions about snorkeling and provide some tips for making the most of your experience.
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Best Places to Snorkel with Kids
Snorkeling with kids can be a fun and exciting experience, but it is important to pick the right spot. With so many great snorkeling destinations around the world, it can be hard to choose just one. To help you out, we have put together a list of our top ten picks for the best places to go snorkeling with your little ones. These are in no particular order.
Hanauma Bay, Hawaii
If you are looking for a breathtaking snorkeling experience with your kids, look no further than Hanauma Bay on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. This world-famous marine sanctuary is home to an abundance of brightly colored fish and coral formations. The calm waters make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and the beach is great for picnicking and sunbathing.
Also, Hawaii is a great place to take your kids on vacation in general. Other kid-friendly Hawaiian attractions include the Waimea Canyon (the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”) in Kauai, Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, and Pearl Harbor in Oahu.
Roatan, Honduras
The reef that comes up close to parts of Roatan is absolutely phenomenal. You barely have to go out into the water before you have emerged in the reef. It’s easy for kids to snorkel here because they do not have to go out very far to see fish.
Bonaire
Bonaire is a small island in the Dutch Caribbean and it’s known for its amazing snorkeling. The waters are clear and calm, making it perfect for kids of all ages. There are plenty of reefs to explore, as well as sunken ships and WWII tanks.
In addition, Bonaire is a great place to learn how to dive. The island has many diving schools, which offer courses for kids as young as eight years old. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved in snorkeling and diving.
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Turks & Caicos
The Turks & Caicos are an archipelago of eight main islands located in the Atlantic Ocean. The crystal clear waters and white sand beaches make it a perfect place for snorkeling with kids. There are plenty of fish to see, as well as coral reefs.
This place is also great for kids because the water is typically calm, making it a perfect place for beginners. But make sure to bring plenty of sunscreens, as the sun can be quite powerful here.
Also, keep in mind that the Turks & Caicos are a British territory, so the currency here is pounds sterling.
Quintana Roo, Mexico
Snorkeling in Cozumel
The Yucatan Peninsula is home to many incredible snorkeling destinations, and Quintana Roo is one of the best. With its crystal-clear waters and colorful coral reefs, you and your family will be able to explore an underwater world right from the shore. In addition, Quintana Roo is known for its amazing Mayan ruins, which makes for an interesting and fun day trip.
Your kids will love swimming and snorkeling in the cenotes, or underground caves, which can be found throughout the region. Just be sure to watch for jagged rocks and avoid areas with strong currents.
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Whitsundays
Home to the Great Barrier Reef the Whitsundays is a spectacular place to snorkel. There are many outfits that will take you out to snorkel and visit Whitehaven Beach. Some parts of the Great Barrier Reef are much better than others, so be sure and do some research before deciding which part to visit.
Bora Bora and Mo’orea, Tahiti
The islands of Bora Bora and Mo’orea are located in the Society Islands, part of French Polynesia. The turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and lush green mountains make these two islands some of the most beautiful in the world. And they offer great snorkeling for kids too! There are many coral reefs close to the shore, and plenty of colorful fish to see.
In addition, the water is very warm, making it a perfect place to swim and snorkel year-round.
For adults, there is also entertainment and nightlife available in the form of casinos, nightclubs, and restaurants. But for families with kids, Bora Bora and Mo’orea offer a perfect mix of natural beauty, relaxation, and fun activities.
Fiji
Fiji is one of the most popular destinations in the world for snorkeling. With crystal-clear water, diverse marine life, and beautiful coral reefs, it’s easy to see why. The best place to go snorkeling in Fiji is undoubtedly the Coral Coast. This area is home to several amazing snorkeling spots, including Cloudbreak, Musket Cove, and Natadola Beach.
Cloudbreak is one of the most popular spots on the Coral Coast, and for good reason. This large reef is teeming with colorful fish and coral, making it a perfect place for snorkeling. Musket Cove is another great spot, thanks to its sheltered location and abundance of marine life. Natadola Beach is also worth a visit, as it offers some of the best snorkeling in Fiji.
If you’re looking for a bit of luxury while snorkeling in Fiji, consider staying at one of the exclusive resorts on Denarau Island. These resorts offer some of the best snorkeling spots on the island, as well as other amenities like golf courses and spas.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider staying at one of the many family-friendly resorts in Viti Levu. These resorts offer great value for money and some of the best snorkeling spots on the island.
Maldives
The Maldives is one of the most popular destinations for snorkeling with kids. With crystal clear water and a wide variety of marine life, it’s easy to see why this destination tops many lists.
The best part about swimming and snorkeling in the Maldives? Many resorts offer complimentary equipment rentals so you can explore without having to worry about packing your gear.
Also, many of the resorts have private beaches and lagoon areas that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling with kids.
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Thailand
Snorkeling at Phi Phi island
Thailand has some of the best snorkeling in the world and is perfect for kids. The waters are warm and crystal clear, making it easy to spot colorful fish and coral reefs. Popular spots include Koh Phi Phi, Railay Beach, and Ao Nang.
Koh Phi Phi is known for its limestone cliffs, which tower over the azure waters. The area is teeming with marine life and is perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Railay Beach is a secluded beach located in Krabi Province that offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, while Ao Nang is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in Thailand.
In addition, Thailand is a great place to visit with its rich culture and delicious food. You can find everything from street food to fine dining, so there is something for everyone.
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Disney’s Aulani in Oahu
Aulani has a man-made snorkeling area called Rainbow Reef. Since it’s man-made there are tons of fish you are guaranteed to see in a safe environment with lifeguards. Snorkeling here is typically an additional cost.
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How to Prepare for Snorkeling with Kids
You must be well-prepared before hitting the water with your kids. Below are some tips to help make your experience a safe and enjoyable one:
- Make sure your child is comfortable in the water
If they are not confident in the water, it will be difficult for them to enjoy themselves. Make sure they know how to swim and are comfortable in the water before taking them snorkeling. Also don’t forget the inflatable life vest for kids, which can give them a sense of security in the water.
- Teach your child about snorkeling safety
Before heading out into open water, make sure you have talked to your child about basic safety precautions such as not going too deep, swimming with a buddy, and what to do if they see someone in trouble.
- Provide plenty of practice time
Just like with anything else, practice makes perfect. Get your child used to the feel and weight of the snorkel gear before hitting the water. This will help them stay comfortable in open water.
- Make sure they are wearing sunscreen
The sun can be harsh on unprotected skin, even more so when you’re swimming. Make sure your child is wearing sunscreen with a high SPF to protect them from the sun’s rays. Also, be sure to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks
Kids can get hungry and thirsty quickly, especially when they’re swimming and playing. Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks on hand to keep them hydrated and fed.
- Have fun!
The most important thing is to have fun. Snorkeling with your kids can be a great way to spend time together and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget the waterproof camera and you’ll be able to capture all the memories of your trip.
Conclusion
Snorkeling with kids is a great way to spend some quality family time and get them interested in the underwater world. If you’re looking for some great places to do this, then check out the list above. These are some of the best snorkeling spots with kids around the world.
But make sure to do your research before you go and be aware of any dangers that may be present in these locations. With a bit of preparation, you can have a great time snorkeling with your family and explore some amazing underwater worlds together.
After your trip, if you don’t have a pool, you may need to purchase one. Your children will be delighted. However, before buying, pay attention to the basics, such as how to choose a pool heater, what chemicals will be needed, and more.
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