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Sensational Snorkelling – Some of the best sites from around the world

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Leave the dive gear behind. Grab your masks, snorkels and fins. Jump in and see some amazing marine life.

Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen), Cuba

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A snorkel experience not for the faint-hearted in Cuba

Get up close with a crocodile called Niño, whilst passing the time between dives, at Jardines de la Reina. An amazing destination for scuba divers, that has this top wildlife encounter as an added bonus. With changes coming quickly in this amazing country, put this destination to the very top of your list. The diving will enchant you with pristine reefs and plenty of sharks, but it is the chance to snorkel with a crocodile that was the highlight for us.

cubandivingcenters.com/en

The Exumas in the Bahamas

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The highlight of snorkeling in The Exumas is the swimming pigs off Big Major Cay

One of the best snorkelling excursions you can have, your tour boat will stop at several mind-blowing snorkelling sites on a day trip that takes you down this long series of tiny cays and islands. You can snorkel over a crashed drug plane and explore the Thunderball Grotto, made famous by the James Bond movies, but the highlights for us were the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay and the nurse sharks that gather on the pier at Compass Cay. A fabulous, family friendly day out.

exumawatertours.com

The Sardine Run, South Africa

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Dolphins come in the thousands to the Sardine Run in South Africa

Whilst it is mostly divers that head to this wildlife pilgrimage each year, there is often not enough time to even think about getting into your scuba kit. When the action starts, grab your mask, fins and snorkel and jump in to catch dolphins, whales, sharks, gannets and more all feast of the schools of fish.

www.frogfishphotography.com

Crystal River, Florida, USA

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Family fun at Crystal River in Florida where you can get very close to Manatees in the winter

Each winter huge numbers of manatees head inshore to the warmer (and yet still cool) spring waters of Florida. Crystal River is a popular place for people to snorkel with these gentle and enigmatic creatures. They are big and often come right up to those that come and visit them. There are strict rules to ensure they do not get stressed by snorkelers that visit here, but it is still a wonderful experience.

www.birdsunderwater.com

Mantas in the Maldives

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Mantas in the Maldives offer a wonderful experience as part of any diving trip to these lovely islands

Mantas move around the islands of the Maldives, following their food as it concentrates in different areas depending on the weather and ocean currents. Many divers, whilst diving on a live-aboard or staying at a single location, will get the chance to snorkel with both mantas and even whalesharks (if they are luckier than us!) The key to a close encounter is not to chase these magnificent giant rays, but to watch their feeding patterns and just hang out in the right area.

www.emperormaldives.com

Grand Bahama, Bahamas

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Deserted islands off the West End of Grand Bahama offer perfect places to snorkel with stingrays

Off the coast of the West End of Grand Bahama lies a handful of deserted, uninhabited islands that just stick out of the water and are home to a few palm trees. Just off the perfect white sand, however, you can find numerous stingrays swimming in the shallows. This is a great way to spend the day, whether you want to take photos, have a romantic day, or take the whole family for a day out in the sun.

www.oldbahamabay.com

Aliwal Shoal, South Africa

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Adrenalin-packed freediving at Aliwal Shoal in South Africa

Getting in the water with the sharks off Aliwal Shoal is for the adventurous diver or freediver. The sharks are attracted in using chum, and soon surround the boat. The boat ride itself is an adventure with huge waves breaking on this wild coastline. Aside from the sharky main event, which can have numerous species of sharks gathering, we were treated to dolphins surfing along the beach and a whaleshark too!

bluewilderness.co.za

Basking Sharks, Cornwall, UK

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Basking Sharks in the summer in the UK offer one of the top snorkeling experiences anywhere in the world

Each summer these giant sharks begin to gather off the coast of Cornwall to feed on the plankton that starts to bloom as the sun comes out. If you are lucky, on a clear day, with flat seas, you might see a huge fin sticking up out of the water and slowly patrolling one of the ragged bays along the magnificent coastline. You need to slip gently into the water, so as not to disturb these sharks, and then stay still in the water and let them approach you. The experience can be extraordinary. The water is still cool though, so bring plenty of warm clothes, as well as a drysuit, hood and gloves.

charleshood.com

Think we missed a top snorkelling destination off our list? Let us know in the comments below!

All photos: www.frogfishphotography.com

Nick and Caroline (Frogfish Photography) are a married couple of conservation driven underwater photo-journalists and authors. Both have honours degrees from Manchester University, in Environmental Biology and Biology respectively, with Nick being a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a former high school science teacher with a DipEd in Teaching Studies. Caroline has an MSc in Animal Behaviour specializing in Caribbean Ecology. They are multiple award-winning photographers and along with 4 published books, feature regularly in the diving, wildlife and international press They are the Underwater Photography and Deputy Editors at Scubaverse and Dive Travel Adventures. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Photo-journalist of the Year for a feature on Shark Diving in The Bahamas, and they have been placed in every year they have entered. Nick and Caroline regularly use their free time to visit schools, both in the UK and on their travels, to discuss the important issues of marine conservation, sharks and plastic pollution. They are ambassadors for Sharks4Kids and founders of SeaStraw. They are Dive Ambassadors for The Islands of The Bahamas and are supported by Mares, Paralenz, Nauticam and Olympus. To find out more visit www.frogfishphotography.com

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Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire

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Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.

Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.

Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:

  • 12 April
  • 5 July,
  • 20 September
  • 29 November

Partnership with Casita Palma

If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.

Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.

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SOMABAY: Scubaverse Trip Review (Watch Video)

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In a video created exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman visits SOMABAY in the Egyptian Red Sea to experience the diving on offer there.

Book your next Red Sea dive adventure with SOMABAY! For more information, visit www.somabay.com.

Stay at the Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge when you visit! For more information, visit  www.thebreakers-somabay.com.

Find out more about ORCA Dive Clubs at SOMABAY at www.orca-diveclubs.com/en/soma-bay-en.

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Experience the Red Sea in May with Bella Eriny Liveaboard! As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to dive into the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. Join us on Bella Eriny, your premier choice for Red Sea liveaboards, this May for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Explore vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs Enjoy comfortable accommodation in our spacious cabins Savor delicious meals prepared by our onboard chef Benefit from the expertise of our professional dive guides Visit our website for more information and to secure your spot: www.scubatravel.com/BellaEriny or call 01483 411590 More Less

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