The adventure doesn’t have to stop just because you’ve run out of land to explore…

Take your trip of a lifetime off land and into the water with our range of snorkelling tours and holidays. From the white sandy beaches and turquoise colours of the Whitsundays to the protected coral systems in the Galapagos Islands, you’ll never run out of oceans to explore and aquatic animals to spot. Promising a different (yet just as breathtaking) perspective on the wildlife that lives under the waves, this water activity allows you to observe your favourite creatures in their natural habitat as they play around with each other and hunt for food. So, whether you want to catch glimpses of sea turtles as they float towards the surface around the Gili Islands in Indonesia, drift alongside tropical fish in Vanuatu or swim through limestone caves in Thailand, the magic of the world’s marine beauty is waiting – all you have to do is step onto the sand and head for the water. 

Our snorkelling tours & holidays 

10 Days From 36261

Journey through Borneo on a wild 10-day adventure from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan,...

10 Days From 55101

Discover amazing wildlife and natural beauty in the Galapagos Islands.

13 Days From 79985

Travel through East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania, stopping at the Masai Mara, the...

9 Days From 21578

Visit Thailand, a country with all the ingredients for a holiday in paradise – pristine...

12 Days From 22129

Travel to Bali and Lombok in Indonesia. Raft down Class 2 and 3 rapids, cycle along the...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

13 Days From 168658

Embark on an immersive Adventure Cruise through the Galapagos Islands and experience...

8 Days From 32877

Travel from Manila to El Nido via the spectacular Sabang. Cruise the Puerto Princesa...

5 Days From 38210

Take a five-day expedition to the islands of Vanuatu, explore the origins of land...

8 Days From 92640

Come face-to-face with the extraordinary central islands of the Galapagos on an 8-day...

8 Days From 57725

Explore Western Australia on an easy 8-day walking adventure that will reveal the most...

18 Days From 104875

Travelling from Sydney to Cairns, soak up the best of Australia’s east coast beaches,...

14 Days From 74015

Travelling from Sydney to Cairns, soak up the best of Australia’s east coast beaches,...

12 Days From 72775

12 days to uncover Queensland’s best, from Brisbane to K'gari (Fraser Island), the...

12 Days From 63118

Discover highlights and hidden treasures on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, taking in...

23 Days From 55180

Discover the best of Thailand’s west on a trip that takes you from the jungles of the...

Highlights of our snorkelling tours 

Man sitting on the edge of a boat with a snorkel on in the Galapagos Islands.

Island hop around the Galapagos Islands

Boasting 18 main islands to explore (each with its own sparkling blue water and coral-tinged reefs), the Galapagos is the perfect place to let your marine fantasies play out (game of mermaids, anyone?). Share the water with harmless whale sharks, sea turtles, brilliantly coloured starfish, and majestic manta rays on a snorkelling adventure you’ll never forget. 

Aerial view of turquoise waters off the coast of Zanzibar.

Take a dip in the clear waters of Zanzibar

The white sands and sparkling blue seas await you in northern Zanzibar where curious sea green turtles and playful bottlenose dolphins roam the waters. But that’s not all. Slap on your snorkel and treat your eyes to the sight of tropical fish – including powder blue tangs, anthias, and lionfish - as they flit over colourful coral and through twisted reef systems. 

The diverse marine life in Sabah off the coast of Borneo

Go on a snorkelling trip around Manukan Island

Get up close and personal with your favourite marine animals on an unforgettable snorkelling trip around Manukan Island in Borneo. Let the secrets of the South China Sea unfold beneath you as you swim through the turquoise water of this paradise-like region and be mesmerized by the varied aquatic species you meet along the way. 

The picturesque scenery of El Nido Bay in the Philippines.

Glide among the tropical fish in the Philippines

Speckled goby, picturesque dragonet, and long-spine ponyfish are only some of the native tropical fish species you’ll see on your snorkelling adventures around El Nido Island in the Philippines. Pass by jagged limestone coves above the surface and marvel at the eye-catching coral systems these endemic fish live in when you dip below the waves.  

A group of travellers standing on a beach, smiling and waving at the camera.

Learn about coral on a trip to Ningaloo Reef

There are only a few things that make a snorkelling trip to Ningaloo reef in Western Australia better and speeding out into the middle of the azure water in a glass-bottomed boat is definitely one of them. Not only can you hype yourself up for the fascinating fish you’ll get to swim with as you see them whizzing beneath you, but you can also spend the journey learning about the 250 species of coral the marine life inhabits. 

Woman swimming in the water off Cuba.

Enjoy the clear waters off the coast of Cuba

Tropical beaches just don’t get any more beautiful than the secluded Caleta Buena in Cuba - and we’re not even exaggerating. Whether you want to spend your time relaxing on the pure, white sand or head out into the water with a snorkel and a sense of adventure, this Caribbean gem promises unforgettable memories and picturesque scenery that’ll be imprinted in your mind long after you’ve caught your flight home.  

Snorkelling tour reviews 

Snorkelling FAQs

Trips on or before 31 December 2022

If your Intrepid trip starts on or before 31 December 2022, you must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional. 

Children under 18 are exempt. Children aged between 5 and 17 years old must provide proof of either vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Your destination or airline may still require specific proof of testing or vaccination. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy

A snorkel is constructed of a clear, hollow tube with a fitted mouthpiece on one end which will go into your mouth so that you can breathe underwater. The top of the tube will stick out of the water so you can breathe as you're swimming around, without having to come up for air. 

We're not saying you need to have qualified for the 100-metre freestyle at the next Olympics but having a basic/good understanding of how to swim is essential before undertaking any water-based activity, including snorkelling. This is so that you remain safe during your time in the water. 

No, you don't have to bring your own snorkel with you when you go on snorkelling trips as they'll be provided for you before the activity begins. However, if the thought of putting your mouth over something that hundreds of other people have also put their mouths on grosses you out a little, feel free to pack your own snorkel. 

This depends on the type of trip you're doing and what country/s you visit. On some trips, you might be able to scuba dive instead of snorkel and some destinations might also have other water-based activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking available for you to do. Your leader will let you know the possibilities when you get to that stage in your trip. 

Unfortunately, you can't wear glasses while you're snorkelling as there's no room in the mask to have them fit comfortably but there are ways around this. Some alternate options include wearing contact lenses while you're snorkelling and buying a prescription snorkel mask. 

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

Read more about tropical getaways