In terms of sea conditions, there is very little difference between the snorkeling trips we would recommend for beginners and the snorkeling trips we would recommend for more advanced snorkelers. Regardless of if we are snorkeling in the Caribbean where the currents are mild to none, or Indonesia's Alor where the currents can rip like a river, the areas where we snorkel are essentially the same. Yes, in very specific sites there could be some current, but it's never the main current, we brief you fully before it, and we always drift with it. Any site we are taking you to, on any of our snorkeling safaris around the world can easily and safely be snorkeled by someone who's never snorkeled before. The biggest reason why the following list of snorkel safaris have received the “Advanced” rating has more to do with overall trip logistics than anything else. These trips are longer, might require a bit more domestic travel, and a few have slightly more basic accommodation as a result of their remoteness. While these tours are amazing, and we want everyone to join them, we just want to make sure that you don't bite off a bit more than you can chew, so to speak. Basically, the hardest part of these specific snorkeling tours are the flights. Alor & Komodo Safari | 14 Nights This is not a particularly difficult snorkeling trip, it's actually our most popular snorkel safari by far. We run anywhere from six to ten of these each year and have run these tours with everyone from advanced freediving folks to beginners without any issues whatsoever. The big reason why I say it's advanced is that it requires quite a bit of flying at uncomfortable hours. The snorkeling is as good as it gets in both
In terms of sea conditions, there is very little difference between the snorkeling trips we would recommend for beginners and the snorkeling trips we would recommend for more advanced snorkelers. Regardless of if we are snorkeling in the Caribbean where the currents are mild to none, or Indonesia’s Alor where the currents can rip like
We have a full range of snorkeling safaris all over the world that we believe suit a vast range of snorkeling preferences. We have open ocean pelagic snorkeling safaris, we have reef-based snorkeling safaris, we have snorkel safaris that offer a solid mix of reef and big animals, we have remote resorts, liveaboards, short trips, long trips, photo workshops, and snorkel trips that combine multiple different destinations. Each snorkeling trip is unique in its own right, and of course, uniqueness is subjective to each person's own set of preferences and past experiences. For someone that has only ever snorkeled in the Caribbean, a trip to Alor & Komodo will be very unique. For someone like myself who has spent the vast majority of my time snorkeling in Indonesia, a snorkeling trip to Cuba or Belize is very unique. Anyway, with so many great snorkeling trips to many different destinations, we've done our best to put together a list of what we consider to be just some of our snorkeling safaris where people can have truly unique experiences. Alor & Komodo Photo Workshop | 14 Nights Our Alor & Komodo Snorkel Safari is one of our most sought-after snorkeling safaris as it combines two of Indonesia's most unique snorkeling destinations where you can encounter everything from blue whales and mola molas, to fleets of mantas, turtles, and fields of stunning reefs. This snorkeling tour is unique in itself, but we've made the experience even more original by offering it as an underwater photography workshop which will be led by one of our photo pros who will be hosting daily lectures to help you get the most out of your camera. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6ZEOWGyxbA Alor & Komodo Family Safari | 14 Nights Again, like the Alor-Komodo Photo Workshop, this snorkeling safari combines two of
We have a full range of snorkeling safaris all over the world that we believe suit a vast range of snorkeling preferences. We have open ocean pelagic snorkeling safaris, we have reef-based snorkeling safaris, we have snorkel safaris that offer a solid mix of reef and big animals, we have remote resorts, liveaboards, short trips,
While snorkeling is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, when choosing a snorkel vacation, it's a good idea to choose one that is more suited to your own particular skill level. As you may have seen on our site or in our newsletter, we offer a ton of different options and destinations for snorkeling safaris. If you are new to snorkeling or have never been on a snorkeling safari before there are a few things to look out for. For example, if you have never been on a multi-day snorkel-specific trip before, or really have not spent much time on or around the water, I wouldn't suggest a liveaboard or a multi-destination snorkel safari, no matter how easy the conditions may be. Second, I wouldn't go for a snorkel safari that involves a lot of travel logistics or is overly remote. We have plenty of great snorkeling trips that offer fantastic accommodation on solid ground, easy travel logistics, and world-class snorkeling, that don't involve overly strenuous conditions—not that many of our tours do. Here is a list of snorkeling trips we recommend for those that would consider themselves to be beginner snorkelers. Resort Based Belize Snorkel Week – Turneffe Island Resort | 8 Nights The Caribbean in general is a great place to start out if you are new to snorkeling. Travel is easy, and the sea conditions—current—are very very mild to none at all. Our Belize Snorkel week is all about relaxation, great snorkeling, and just enjoying being on your own private island in the middle of the Caribbean. This tour is based on the fantastic Turneffe Island Resort located in the south of the Turneffe Atoll where some of the best snorkeling is found. Reefs are easily accessed from the
While snorkeling is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, when choosing a snorkel vacation, it’s a good idea to choose one that is more suited to your own particular skill level. As you may have seen on our site or in our newsletter, we offer a ton
When we first started Snorkel Venture, we didn't have any liveaboard snorkeling safaris. All of our snorkel tours were land-based at resorts. As interest in snorkel travel grew, and our many repeat guests were looking for different snorkeling itineraries and destinations, we ventured into the realm of liveaboards. Personally, I was excited about this as I spent five years living and working on a liveaboard in Indonesia prior to joining Snorkel Venture. But more than just having a background with liveaboards, I genuinely believe the snorkeling options and overall travel logistics can be more favorable in many ways, here's why. Travel Logistics: Liveaboards typically depart from larger port towns that have quick and easy access to airports and supplies. In order to arrive to the boat, you just have to meet the team waiting for you at the airport and let them shuttle you to the harbor where you'll board the vessel. With a liveaboard, you can explore much further than you can at a resort as you have the ability to sail through the night and also during surface intervals. With liveaboards, there is also the option to snorkel in several different destinations without having to do the whole pack, transfer, and unpack routine as you would if you were land-based and moving from resort to resort. For example, our Raja Ampat-Halmahera-North Sulawesi liveaboard snorkel safari takes us from Raja Ampat through Halmahera and into Lembeh in North Sulawesi, or vice versa, all without having to step foot in an airport or transfer boat. Snorkeling: Sea and weather conditions are always changing. With a liveaboard, in most locations, we have the ability to move the boat so we're in the most accommodating conditions for that area. For example, in Belize, if the weather is unfavorable around the Turneffe Atoll,
When we first started Snorkel Venture, we didn’t have any liveaboard snorkeling safaris. All of our snorkel tours were land-based at resorts. As interest in snorkel travel grew, and our many repeat guests were looking for different snorkeling itineraries and destinations, we ventured into the realm of liveaboards. Personally, I was excited about this as
On all of our snorkeling safaris, the resort or liveaboard will have a selection of alcohol. Some of the liveaboards and resorts will have a reasonable selection of beer, wine, and spirits, while others' selections will be quite minimal. Some of the resorts and liveaboards that we use for our snorkeling safaris will have it as an additional charge, while at other places it will be complimentary. Prices can also vary in countries like Indonesia & Palau where there is a hefty tax on alcohol, particularly liquor and wine. If you fancy an evening cocktail after your final snorkel of the day made with your favorite spirit without breaking the bank, it’s almost always possible to bring a bottle or two of your favorite spirit. Nearly all the resorts and liveaboards that we use allow guests to bring whatever they like. Just make sure you know how much you can legally bring into the country. Please note that alcohol and snorkeling do not mix. As a safety precaution, we do not allow guests to snorkel after they've had any sort of alcoholic beverage. Alcohol should only be consumed after your final snorkel of the day. Resorts and Liveaboards with Complimentary Alcohol Belize's Belize Aggressor IV Liveaboard Belize's Belize Aggressor III Cuba's Jardine Aggressor II Liveaboard Egypt's Aggressor IV Palau's Palau Aggressor II Liquor Allowances by Country Indonesia - 1 liter per person Belize - 1 liter per person Egypt - 1 liter per person Mexico - 3 liters of liquor or beer and 6 liters of wine French Polynesia - 2 liters of liquor and 2 liters of wine Palau - 1 Bottle per person, bottle cannot exceed 2 liters Cuba - 2 Bottles per person, the total amount can not exceed 3 liters in total *Please note that the
On all of our snorkeling safaris, the resort or liveaboard will have a selection of alcohol. Some of the liveaboards and resorts will have a reasonable selection of beer, wine, and spirits, while others’ selections will be quite minimal. Some of the resorts and liveaboards that we use for our snorkeling safaris will have it
