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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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