This isn't exactly a bold statement, but snorkeling is an incredibly popular activity when people are on vacation. It's one of those activities that people plan vacations around. There are lagoons and reefs in all four corners of the planet that are renowned for their snorkeling.
Naturally, destinations like Australia, Hawaii, and basically anywhere in the Caribbean are on that list. And you should definitely go to all of them if possible. Still, there are some exceedingly unexpected locations in the world with great snorkeling opportunities to check out.
Campbell River, Canada
This is not tropical snorkeling. It is going to be cold and you are going to need a really good wetsuit to stay warm. But this will be one of the coolest snorkeling experiences you've ever had. Pun intended. Campbell River in British Columbia is at the heart of the salmon migration to spawn. You can literally float in the water and watch millions of these beautiful fish swim by.
Crystal River, USA
Snorkeling isn't always about seeing fish. Sometimes it's about taking the opportunity to experience other water dwellers. In this case, you're going to snorkel with manatees in Florida. These docile creatures are curious and are a joy to swim beside. Just keep in mind that it is against the law to touch manatees. You cannot hug them but they can hug you. And there's a good chance one will.
Churchill, Canada
If you thought Campbell River was cold, wait to have your mind blown. Churchill, Manitoba has an absurd number of polar bears, so many that walking around without an armed guide is dangerous. But you're there to snorkel with beluga whales. There are tours that will take you out into Hudson Bay to get in the water with these inquisitive and playful animals.
Silfra Fissure, Iceland
Okay, the goal of this list is not specifically to make you swim in the coldest places possible. It's just that places like Silfra are really unexpected places to go snorkeling. This dive is not about marine life, though. In fact, it is fresh water from a glacier filling up a fissure between the North American and Eurasian continents, which is a crazy experience.
Yaeyama Islands, Japan
When people plan snorkeling trips, they rarely seem to think about Japan. Yet, the Yaeyama Islands provide numerous opportunities. Each island seems to offer its own unique array of sea life and experiences, from manta rays to barracudas to underwater geysers. Plus, you get to spend time in Japan, which is never a bad thing.