Africa might not be at the top of your mind when it comes to snorkeling. However, as the meeting point between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, Africa’s underwater scene is an undiscovered treasure. Get ready to glide along the waves and witness the mesmerizing scene of gaudy corals, colorful tropical fish, and astonishing sea creatures. Here are the 7 best snorkeling in Africa destinations to check out for your next adventure!
Best Snorkeling in Africa Destinations – Summary
- Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
- Watamu Marine National Park, Kenya
- Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
- Skeleton Coast, Namibia
- Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
- Sodwana Bay, South Africa
- Mahe, Seychelles
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Sitting on the coast of the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh describes a wonderful beach vacation. Sapphire waters blend in with golden sun-soaked shores, lavish beach resorts lining the coastline, and 300 days of sunshine greet every visitor. However, the real adventure starts as you dive into the waters. Discover a magical underwater landscape you cannot find anywhere else.
Sharm El Sheikh is home to some of the best snorkeling in Africa spots. Find a blooming garden of flower-shaped coral reefs with various tropical fish swimming around them. Swim further along the reef, you might spot a barracuda lurking behind the coral walls or a giant clam sitting on the ocean floor. Simply put, snorkeling in Sharm El Sheikh will fascinate you in different ways. Some of the snorkeling spots you should check out include Gordon Reef, Jackson Reef, and Ram Um Sid.
Best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh: April to May
Watamu Marine National Park, Kenya
When talking about Kenya, our minds run straight to safaris and wildlife. However, TripLeader Nicole, who has been hosting trips to Kenya for two years, shows us another side of Kenya. The coast of Kenya houses powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and exquisite marine life. She highlights Watamu Marine National Park for its biodiversity and beauty.
Watamu Marine National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Fascinating land and sea creatures roam around the sanctuary, including exotic birds and humpback whales. Its underwater landscape will blow your mind with its astonishing colors and unique corals. Find various schools of tropical fish swimming around, as the national park is home to over 1,000 species of fish. On a lucky day, you could also spot manta rays or black tip reef sharks. In a nutshell, Watamu National Park is one of the best snorkeling in Africa destinations you should check out.
Best time to visit Watamu National Park: July to October
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Throw your worries away as you set foot in this tropical paradise. The Bazaruto Archipelago is located off the northern coast of Mozambique, becoming an exquisite destination due to its white-sand islands and coral gardens. The underwater landscape of the Bazaruto Archipelago comprises diverse reefs, thousands of tropical fish, and spectacular marine species. Moreover, it is also home to Africa’s last population of dugongs.
Whether you are an outdoor fan or a relaxed traveler, the Bazaruto Archipelago is the perfect place to be included in your bucket list. Therefore, it is one of the best snorkeling in Africa destinations.
Best time to visit Watamu National Park: July to October
Sodwana Bay, South Africa
South Africa might be famous for its dynamic culture and exquisite safari. However, its coastline also deserves a shoutout. Divers and beach vacationers head to Sodwana Bay to spend a relaxing time away from home. Tucked on the eastern KwaZulu-Natal coast, Sodwana Bay depicts the harmony of nature. Lush tropical forests fringed with powdery beaches and spectacular marine life can be found in the area.
Sodwana Bay deserves a spot in the list of ‘Best Snorkeling in Africa Destinations’. The sapphire waters keep an array of wonderful coral reefs, including the unique brain corals and pretty fan corals. Hundreds of tropical fish and dozens of mollusks live in the vibrant garden. On a lucky day, you can encounter manta rays, loggerhead turtles, or coelacanths. It is also an amazing place in Africa to see sea turtles, as they nest almost all year round at the beach.
Knysna Lagoon, South Africa
Snorkeling in Knysna Lagoon is far from ordinary. Imagine plunging into the waters and finding a new ecosystem growing out of a shipwreck. Knysna Lagoon keeps Paquita, a German sailship that sunk in 1903. Interestingly, Paquita has attracted travelers to dive and discover the marine creatures lurking in it. It lies around nine meters underwater, but the high visibility makes it possible to see it by snorkeling.
Moreover, Kynsna Lagoon is home to quirky sea creatures. You can see sea horses swimming around a quaint coral reef they call home. Barracudas, nudibranchs, and blacktails can be spotted around the Paquita shipwreck. It is a unique snorkeling spot in South Africa, calling in the adventurous souls.
Best time to visit Kynsna Lagoon: July to September
Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
A private island fringed with white-sand beaches and dotted with star-rated villas, Mnemba Island describes a luxurious vacation perfectly. It is located off the coast of Zanzibar and has become home to spectacular marine life. Once splashing into the waters, you can find a formation of beautiful coral reefs with thousands of colorful fish swimming around it. You can also have the opportunity to swim alongside green sea turtles and reef sharks. Moreover, the snorkeling spots are located just a stone’s throw away from the island. It is one of the best snorkeling in Africa destinations to check out.
Best time to visit Mnemba Island: November to March
Mahe, Seychelles
Seychelles has successfully charmed travelers with its world-class beaches and glimmering waters. Additionally, it offers the ‘best snorkeling in Africa’ experience. Passionate divers and snorkelers must head to Mahe, the largest island in Seychelles. It features vivid-colored coral reefs and healthy seagrass beds where distinctive species of marine species roam around. You can find green sea turtles grazing on the seagrass or manta rays glide along the gentle waves. Mahe has numerous gorgeous snorkeling spots to check out, including Port Launay and Sainte Anne Marine Park.
Best time to visit Mahe: May to September
If you are thinking of traveling to Africa, don’t just say yes to the safari trips or wildlife-watching experiences. These best snorkeling in Africa destinations will make you bring back home unforgettable memories. Soak up the sun and discover the beautiful underwater paradise!
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