Best destinations to swim with sea life
# 15 Big Island, Hawaii Home to the giant manta rays.
These behemoths can span fifteen foot across, and these waters are one of the only places
in the world where you can get up close and personal with them.
They’re most frequently spotted in Keauhou Bay, where the giant manta rays gather to
feast off of clouds of plankton.
They are completely unbohtered by tourists, and will even get right beside snorkellers
during their nightly feeding sessions.
It’s a little bit like getting up close and personal with a mythical animal.
They certainly don’t look like creatures that should really exist!
#14.
Malaysian Bornea’s Sipadan Island Home to some of the most varied marine life
in the world.
This is because there are strong currents from the Celebes Sea that come right up to
the island… making it the perfect home for both green turtles and hawksbill turtles.
In fact, it’s not uncommon to find upwards of twenty sea turtles on a single dive from
South Point!
The turtles aren’t all you can find at Sipadan!
It’s also home to sea cucumbers, rare sea stars, and the Triton’s Trumpet sea snail.
You’ll be able to lay eyes on marine life that is almost impossible to find anywhere
else in the world.
#13.
Tysfjord, Norway Home to some truly arctic waters… and some
of the largest marine life in the world.
That’s right; orcas.
Ten hour trips are run off the coast daily, where those who are confidant in their abilities
as a snorkeller can take a dip in the frigid waters and have a truly stunning encounter
with these massive beasts.
Killer whales have a bad reputation but the truth is that they mostly feast on Norwegian
herring.
Safaris designed just to spot these massive orca’s have been on going since the early
nineties and remain a pivotal part of the Norwegian tourist industry.
#12.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Jump to the northern waters of the Galapagos
Islands in Ecuador and you can find yourself with a chance to go swimming with sea lions.
These waters have practically no current, which means they’re great for even beginner
snorkellers.
Even better is if you pop by during breeding season, you’ll be able to spot some of their
pups along with the adults… and don’t forget that these waters are also home to
marine iguanas, whitetip reef sharks, and even penguins!
Not to mention that the sea lions themselves are endemic to these islands; meaning that
this species of sea lion can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Despite the ‘lion’ of their name, they eat almost exclusively fish that are native
to the region.
#11.
Eil Malk Island in Micronesia If you go to Eil Malk Island in Micronesia,
you’ll find Jellyfish Lake.
Like the name implies, this is the home to golden jellyfish.
Their sting is so mild that it can’t even be felt by humans, which means that swimmers
are able to just go straight through the masses of thousands upon thousands of golden jellyfish
without any worry.
It’s an experience that truly can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
The lake itself is actually too dangerous for scuba diving due to the high concentration
of toxic hydrogen sulfide – but it’s still perfectly safe to don a snorkel and go for
a quick dip with these golden gelatinous orbs!
#10.
New Brunswick Canada From Micronesia to New Brunswick Canada, where
you’re able to take part in the salmon run!
Guests are encouraged to swim alongside the traveling Atlantic salmon and help count their
numbers.
This is only possible during September, so it’s a trip that you’re going to want
to make sure to plan for in advance.
The salmon run is a huge part of the local culture, so you’re bound to find some incredible
on land events to go too as well.
#9.
Ningaloo Reef, Australia, For whale sharks – and of course, the chance
to swim with them.
These fish might be massive but they’re actually incredibly gentle.
They’re known for being the largest fish in the world, and you have to go through sustainable
tours to be able to swim with them.
Bonus points, because you can also spot humpback whales in the region during the summer months!
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out some of the other land locked lake for
the chain pickerel and muskies!
#8.
South Africa’s Eastern Cape For sardine run.
Specifically, you can find this just off the shore of KawZulu-Natal.
It happens every year between May and July, where experienced snorkellers can watch millions
of silvery sardines migrate north to warmer waters.
Sometimes you’ll even be able to spot bronze whaler sharks or dolphins come in to take
advantage of the copious amounts of their natural prey.
The dolphins and whaler sharks will push the sardines off in clusters for easy eating – and
are generally uninterested in the humans in the area.
This natural phenomenon is highly recommended as something that any snorkeller or diver
should absolutely attend at least once in their swimming career.
There really is nothing like being surrounded by this silvery, glittering fish.
#7.
Madeira, Portugal Portugal’s waters are home to countless
creatures, but the dolphins that live around Madeira are some of the most well known out
of all of them.
Over six different species of dolphins can be spotted here, among them the spotted dolphins,
bottlenose dolphins, and both common and Atlantic dolphins.
You might even be able to catch sight of a sperm whale!
You can see them year round, but your best bet to actually swim with them will be a summer
trip to Funchal harbor, where a guided trip will all but ensure you get to spot at least
one of these lovely dolphins.
It’s an incredibly popular part of the tourist industry, and you’ll be thrilled to know
that you only need to go three miles off shore to see them!
#6.
Florida’s Crystal River known for its warm waters, clear springs…
and its manatee population.
In fact, this is actually one of the only places in the world where you can legally
swim with a manatees!
During the winter, over four hundred manatees are known to congregate in these waters, some
of them friendly enough that they’ll come right up to see the divers that have gone
into their waters.
These good natured animals are actually some of the most friendly that you can swim with.
Florida is incredibly proud of its manatee population, and they’re very protective
about them as well.
There are almost a thousand manatees killed by boats every year, so those who continuously
come to the Crystal River are regarded with extreme care, caution, and love.
#5.
Churchill, Manitoba Home to ocean canaries.
Never heard of them?
You might recognize these animals by their more common name: beluga whales.
They’ve gained this nickname from the way they sing like birds beneath the waters – and
in the Hudson Bay, you’ll be able to have your own personal beluga whale concert.
Thousands of these ceteceans comes to the bay to molt – that’s right, they shed
their skin once a year, much like a snake might.
They’re curious and often friendly, meaning you can not only take a swim with them, but
you can also get right near a pod of beluga whales with your kayak
#4.
The Maldives The Maldives are already known for their network
of coral atolls, but did you know that they were also the home to masses of manta rays?
These channels are just deep enough that manta rays will come through to feed on the microscopic
plankton that come in with the current at Hanifaru Bay.
You can only swim with these magnificent creatures between May and November – right at the
height of monsoon season.
While you’re not allowed to go for a deep sea scuba dive, snorkellers are still able
to catch glimpses of these creatures during their swims.
Even more incredible is the fact that it’s not just home to the worlds largest population
of reef manta rays – it’s also home to a large population of oceanic manta rays.
#3.
Dyer Island, South Africa Take a trip to Dyer Island in South Africa
if you want to have an encounter with one of the most well known sharks in the world.
That’s right.
Because these waters are filled with both jackass penguins and cape fur seals, they’re
also one of the favored hunting grounds of great white sharks.
They’re just as incredible to see in real life as you’re picturing – and are often
on the bucket list for divers all across the world.
While you can see them from your boat as they breach the surface of the water during a hunt,
the real thrill comes from taking a cage dive straight into their swimming grounds.
#2.
Bahamas In the Bahamas, you can find two small islands
called Bimini.
These islands are best known for the wild dolphins that live in the waters surrounding
the shores.
These dolphins are so used to tourists coming out that it’s common for them to come right
over to those who have gotten into the waters.
The only rule is that you’re not allowed to actually touch them, no matter how much
you want to or how close they get!
These are primarily Atlantic spotted dolphins; they have their calves in Bimini, and then
that calf will live out its life in the waters surrounding the island before repeating the
pattern.
It’s a transforming experience to be able to swim alongside these wild dolphins and
to see them enjoying life in their natural habitats.
#1.
The Magdelena Bay The Magdelena Bay can be found in Baja California
Sur, in Mexico.
And it’s one of the most magical encounters you can ever have.
Every winter, gray whales come to the bay in the hundreds….
Because the protective nature of the lagoon is an ideal location for these gray whales
to give birth.
Fishing in the bay is strictly prohibited, but if you plan ahead of time, you can take
a licensed tour out on a small panga boat and have an experience that you will never
forget.
Where would you like to go and swim with sea life?
Let us know in the comments below.