Flying to Asia to check off your bucket list is always a good idea. The planet’s largest continent comprises different ravishing cultures, outstanding natural landscapes, and vibrant metropolitans. Furthermore, being tucked between the Pacific and Indian oceans, Asia boasts brilliant underwater scenes. From the sparkling waters of the Philippines to the untouched coral reef of India, Asia is a paradise for snorkeling. Then, here are the 10 best snorkeling in Asia places you should put in your bucket list!
Best Snorkeling in Asia Destinations – Summary
- Perhentian Island, Malaysia
- Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- El Nido, Philippines
- Koh Lao Liang, Thailand
- Maldives
- Havelock Island, India
- Moalboal, Philippines
- Pigeon Island, Sri Lank
- Okinawa, Japan
- Kakaban Island, Indonesia
Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Located off the east coast of Malaysia, Perhentian Islands is Southeast Asia’s lost paradise. Flawless powdery beaches fringe the coastline and gradients of turquoise and aquamarine tint the waters. However, the real deal of these islands is the underwater life.
A spectrum of marine life, from tropical fish to pelagic creatures, lives among the colorful coral reef. You can also swim along green sea turtles and black-tip reef sharks. Due to the crystal-clear water, visibility reaches 20 meters under the surface. Visitors don’t need to dive deep to see the marine beauty, making it one of the best snorkeling in Asia destinations.
How to get there: Fly from Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, to Kota Bahru. Then, hop on a speedboat from Kuala Besut jetty to the Perhentian Islands. Speedboats are only available between 9 PM to 4 AM.
Where to stay: Perhentian Island Resort (a three-star resort on the main island), Tuna Bay Island Resort (a house reef resort which often used as a basecamp for divers and snorkellers), and Perhentian Island Jungle Villas (Airbnb in Perhentian Kecil island’s jungle).
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
This archipelago in Eastern Indonesia is recognized as one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. It is a treasure trove of marine life, comprising 540 types of corals and 1,000 types of tropical fish. The coral reefs are scattered around an area of 1,500 small islands. Travelers can stay on Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, or Misool, which are the four main islands in Raja Ampat. Then, you can enjoy several days in the water to spot some moray eels or even epaluatte sharks.
However, a trip to Raja Ampat is far from affordable as it is located in Indonesia’s easternmost province of Papua. Prices skyrocket in the remote area, even for staples and food. Moreover, you need to pay an IDR 1,000,000 or EUR 57 entrance fee. The fee is used for environmental and conservation efforts in Raja Ampat, ensuring its legacy as a sustainable travel destination.
How to get there: Direct flight from Jakarta (capital city) or connecting flights from Bali to Sorong. Then, transfer to a small plane that will take you to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat.
Where to stay: There are numerous villas and resorts in Raja Ampat’s mainland or large islands. We recommend staying in Misool and Batanta for easy access.
El Nido, Philippines
The Philippines’ Palawan archipelago has successfully stolen travelers’ hearts with its beautiful beaches and sparkling turquoise waters. Besides that, Palawan’s famous island of El Nido is one of the best snorkeling in Asia destinations. Covering an area of 96,000 hectares, El Nido keeps vibrant coral reefs, amazing tropical fish, and distinctive marine species. You can find unique creatures such as manta rays, whale sharks, and dugong (sea cows) in the warm waters.
A snorkeling trip in El Nido usually comes with an island-hopping activity. You will be taken to the small islands and lagoons, which keep beautiful underwater life. Some of the famous snorkeling spots include Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach.
How to get there: Direct flight from Manila or Cebu. Alternatively, you can fly to Puerto Princesa and connect with a van to El Nido.
Where to stay: El Nido is a well-developed island, so finding accommodation is fairly easy. You can stay in seaside accommodations including Outpost Beach Hotel, The Funny Lion El Nido, and Nacpan Beach Glamping.
Koh Lipe, Thailand
Thailand stays at the top of the list when it comes to beach vacations. Islands like Koh Samui and Phi Phi are on travelers’ bucket lists. However, Koh Lipe deserves a shout-out as one of the best snorkeling in Asia spots. It is home to unusual corals, distinctive marine species, and crystal-clear waters. The high water visibility of Koh Lipe makes it easy for snorkelers to spot beautiful corals.
You can go snorkeling in the inner or outer area of Koh Lipe. The brilliant turquoise waters of Koh Lipe’s main beach allow you to see cool corals, schools of tropical fish, and starfishes. Alternatively, you can book an organized tour or private long-tail boat to explore other areas. Snorkeling spots like Koh Jabang display diverse coral reefs with anemones, tropical fish, and other marine species.
How to get there: 3.5-hour boat ride from Krabi or Phuket. Commercial boats are also available from Langkawi, Malaysia.
Where to stay: Stay in seaside accommodations that allow you easy access to the snorkeling spots, like Castaway Resort Koh Lipe, Lipe Beach Resort, and Ten Moons Lipe Resort.
Maldives
Savor luxury and relaxation in the lavish floating resorts of Maldives. This country of 1,190 islands is a world-class destination, attracting 200,000 visitors annually. Everyone looks forward to Maldives’ powdery beaches, flawless turquoise waters, and all-year-round sunshine. However, little did they know that Maldives is one of the best places to snorkel in Asia.
Tucked in the Indian Ocean, Maldives’ tropical waters have become home to 700 species of fish and corals. You can also swim along moray eels, triggerfish, barracuda, or even gentle black-tip reef sharks. On lucky days, you can spot a pod of dolphins.
How to get there: Direct flights to Male are available from London, Singapore, Istanbul, Berlin, and many more. You can transfer from Male to your resort by seaplane
Where to stay: House-reef resorts and villas in North Male Atoll, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and Faafu Atoll. They give you easy access to snorkeling spots.
Havelock Island, India
Experience the best out of the Andaman Sea in Havelock Island. The ravishing underwater scene includes unique-shaped corals, colorful anemones, and diverse tropical fishes. Moreover, the crystal-clear waters are equal to high visibility, allowing snorkellers to enjoy the view from a surface level. Havelock Island is still considered a non-touristy destination, offering a relaxing and quaint atmosphere. It is also one of the best snorkeling in Asia destinations to check out. Then, where are the places to snorkel on Havelock Island? The Elephant Beach and South Button Island!
How to get there: Direct flights to Port Blair from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Then, continue by a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Port Blair Jetty to Havelock Island.
Where to stay: Havelock Island Beach Resort, Matsya Hotel, Symphony Palm Beach Resort, and Barefoot Resort
Moalboal, Philippines
Are you looking for an out-of-the-ordinary snorkeling in Asia? Then, head to Moalboal. This seaside town in Cebu houses the world-famous Moalboal sardine run. The natural phenomenon features millions of sardines swimming in a synchronized movement. For that reason, thousands of tourists fly to Cebu to witness this amazing scene, making Moalboal.
Besides the sardine run, Moalboal has an array of interesting snorkeling spots. You can swim into a seabed where nudibranchs and pipefish live. Additionally, spot some green sea turtles grazing on the seagrass. Beautiful coral reefs where hundreds of tropical fish swim are also available off the shores of Moalboal. So, don’t miss your next snorkeling trip to this island!
How to get there: Direct flight from Manila to Cebu City. Then, take a bus toward Barili/Barito from the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City.
Where to stay: Pescadores Suites, Teobas Homestay, and The Blue Orchid Resort.
Pigeon Island, Sri Lanka
Sometimes, the most exciting adventures lie beyond the tourists’ radar. Pigeon Island in Sri Lanka is the perfect example. It is remotely located off Sri Lanka’s eastern coast. Due to its remote location, Pigeon Island is well-preserved and pristine. It houses flawless white-sand beaches, boulder formations, and lush hills.
Furthermore, Pigeon Island is one of the best snorkeling in Asia destinations. The underwater scene comprises colorful coral reefs and unique marine species. You can easily spot a sea turtle gliding along the waves or parrot fishes grazing the corals. Besides that, on a lucky day, you can encounter dolphins or whales.
Okinawa, Japan
When we talk about traveling to Japan, we would not miss out on futuristic Tokyo or culturally-rich Kyoto. But do you know that Japan has an awesome beach destination? Often considered the ‘Hawaii of Japan’, Okinawa boasts an exquisite natural landscape. White-sand beaches, winding hills coated with lush vegetation, and a turquoise-sapphire sea are what you can find on the island. Besides that, Okinawa has an outstanding underwater landscape.
Okinawa is one of the best snorkeling in Asia destinations. Its crystal-clear waters yield visibility exceeding 30 meters. You can find unique-shaped corals and colorful tropical fish beneath the surface. Besides, that, you can get unforgettable experiences like swimming with whale sharks in Kerama Island or spotting the unique soldierfish in an underwater cave.
How to get there: Direct flight from Tokyo or Osaka; high-speed ferry ride from Naha City
Where to stay: Pescadores Suites, Teobas Homestay, and The Blue Orchid Resort.
Those are the best snorkeling in Asia destinations that you and your travel buddies can explore worldwide. Not enough? JoinMyTrip has more to offer just for you. There are many trips around the world guided by like-minded TripLeaders that will take you on the best adventures of your lifetime. So, get ready for that and book your next vacation with JoinMyTrip now!