Why do we love travelling to such far-flung and exotic places? Quite simply because nothing beats the feeling of getting away from it all, escaping from real life for a week or two, and luxuriating somewhere with long sandy beaches, turquoise seas and plenty of opportunity for adventure. What’s more, your Sanwin swim shorts allow you to enjoy your perfect getaway in style, meaning no matter where you end up exploring, you’re sure to look fantastic as you do so.

If you’re the sort of chap who really enjoys getting up close and personal with the natural world, and revelling in the sea’s ability to help you disconnect from the outside world, the chances are you’re a big fan of snorkelling. This simple activity is the perfect way to cut yourself off from the hustle and bustle of the outside world when on holiday… but where can you find the ultimate snorkeling experience? We’ve scoured our atlases and trekked our way around the world, and we’re delighted to bring you our definitive guide to the best snorkeling holiday locations on earth for 2018. See you at the beach!

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

When people think of snorkeling holidays, their minds immediately turn to the Great Barrier Reef of Queensland, Australia. Why? Quite simply because it’s a monumental natural wonder, and one of the most majestic, colourful, spellbinding places on earth to strap on your flippers and explore an underwater world of breathtaking beauty.

The best snorkeling sites are probably found around many of the stunning islands, which are dotted all along the Queensland coast - Lady Musgrave Island, the ever-glamorous Whitsundays, the Low Isles - as well as the reefs which ribbon their way along the tropical North Queensland coast. Thousands of fish of all sizes and colours await, as do turtles, sharks, corals and everything else you could possibly wish for from a snorkeling holiday. In a word: perfection.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is one of those places whose name simply exudes exoticism and a sense of adventure. For many, it’s the ultimate tropical paradise, and among the white sand beaches and calm shallow seas, there are dozens of incredible snorkelling spots which every keen explorer of the waves simply must check out in their lifetime.

Snorkeling in Bora Bora is likely to bring you face to face with some amazingly colourful denizens of the deep, but the main draw in this part of the world are fish of greater size and majesty. Bora Bora is one of the few places in the world where snorkelers can swim among gentle giant manta rays and elegant reef sharks - an experience which nobody could ever forget!

Apo Island, The Philippines

Apo Island is one of the world’s best kept secrets for snorkelers, and it’s gathering plenty of attention at the moment due to the fact that there are more flights than ever before taking holidaymakers to the beautiful Philippines. This volcanic island is surrounded by shallow reefs and calm seas - perfect for some casual exploration while dressed to the nines in your Sanwin swimwear!

While there are fish and corals aplenty in this part of the world, most snorkelers come to Apo Island in the hope of being able to share the seas with turtles. These beautiful and curious creatures are a joy to swim among, and can grow to massive proportions as they feed among the coral gardens that bloom here. Amazing!

Florida Keys, USA

Who could resist a holiday in 2018 in the gorgeous Florida Keys? It’s one of the world’s most idyllic and relaxing locations, and if you like your holidays to be a little on the luxurious side, it’s got everything you could possibly wish for. The waters around the keys are regularly frequented by pods of dolphins, whales, sharks and all manner of other sea creatures, meaning every underwater snorkeling exploration is sure to reveal plenty of amazing treasures and unforgettable experiences.

For most people, Key Largo is the place to head to if you’re looking for sea grass gardens teeming with colour and life. Bahla Honda is perfect for exploring the stunning world of sponges and corals, and Biscayne Bay is the best for snorkeling with families or for beginners.

Baa Atoll, Maldives

The Maldives is possibly the most relaxing and beautiful place on earth, in our opinions (and we’ve taken our Sanwin swimwear around the world multiple times!) and it’s absolutely perfect for a lazy afternoon of snorkelling. Here, the sea is clear, warm and welcoming, and ideal for splashing around in while marvelling at the beauty of the sea bed and all its wild visitors.

Baa Atoll is one of the best places in the world for snorkelers seeking some serious thrills in the water. Hammerhead sharks, reef sharks and rays of all shapes and sizes frequent this beautiful oceanic landscape, and to swim among such creatures is to experience the natural world in a totally unique and utterly memorable way.

Maui, Hawaii

We could dedicate an entire article to snorkeling in Maui, really, as it’s one of those places in the world with so much to offer the committed beach lover. With its white sand coastline and iconic seascapes, it really is an island paradise that has to be seen to be believed… and the nightlife isn’t bad, either!

There are dozens of top snorkeling spots around this Hawaiian island. However, the best ones are arguably Molokini Crater, which is a partially submerged volcanic crater, and Turtle Town, where you can swim with the beloved Hawaiian green turtles. However, no matter where you go on this incredible island, you’ll find no shortage of unbelievably fun and beautiful locations to enjoy a good swim and a perfect snorkeling experience.

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Ambergris Caye is the largest of the Belize islands, and despite its popularity, it remains relatively unspoilt by mass tourism. As such, it’s ideal for those looking for a snorkeling holiday in 2018 during which they can forget their cares, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Caribbean Sea. What’s more, this isla bonita has an amazing party and bar scene that would make any trip there with your Sanwin shorts a holiday of a lifetime.

The barrier reef of Ambergris Caye is a genuine natural marvel. It runs for 298 kilometres in a meandering path of coral, and is absolutely teeming with life and amazing opportunities for getting up close and personal with a massive wealth of underwater species. Sharks, rays, tropical fish and dolphins all call the Caye their home, so prepare yourself for some seriously wild adventures!

Ilha Grande, Brazil

If you want to truly get away from the pressures and pace of modern living, there are few places in the world quite as spectacular and remote-feeling as Ilha Grande in Brazil. Despite the presence of a handful of luxury hotels, a short walk away from the beautiful beach leads you into monkey-filled jungle… an amazing place to lose yourself in the majesty of nature for a while!

Of course, the real draw of Ilha Grande is the shallow sea which attracts dedicated snorkelers from around the world. It’s widely regarded as one of the finest snorkeling sites found anywhere on earth, and it isn’t difficult to see why: this was the site of sea battles between the Portuguese Navy and pirates, meaning there are plenty of incredible shipwrecks - now home to thousands of fish - just waiting to be discovered and explored by you.

Komodo, Indonesia

Komodo is one of those islands which instantly conjures up images of true exoticism. It’s the home of the famous Komodo dragons - gigantic lizards who lazily wander through the forests - and also home to a vibrant beach culture and some of the best snorkeling spots in the world.

Most visitors head to Pink Beach when snorkeling in Komodo. Here you can find huge shoals of massive grouper fish, as well as turtles and rays of all kinds. However, if you’re looking for something a little wilder and more challenging, take a dive around the Komodo National Park; whales, dolphins, sharks and all kinds of fish visit this stretch of coastline to feed among the enormous corals that cover the sea floor. A phenomenal and truly unique location.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

For any nature lover, the Galapagos Islands are something of a holy grail. It’s the place which inspired Darwin himself in his theory of evolution, and as you might expect, the sheer breadth and variety of wildlife found around these volcanic islands is simply second-to-none. It isn’t the most glamorous or luxurious of destinations, but to visit the Galapagos is an exclusive experience like no other, and one which certainly ticks the boxes for remoteness and swimming experiences par excellence.

To snorkel around the Galapagos is the ultimate underwater experience, as every type of sea creature imaginable calls this far-flung part of the world its home. Sharks, whales, dolphins all swim around the islands throughout the year, as do seals, penguins and the famous marine iguanas. It’s a tropical idyll like no other, and the gold standard for all serious snorkelers to aim for!

So, there you have it - our top ten snorkeling holiday destinations for 2018. Are you planning on visiting any of these amazing places next year? Have we missed any top suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!