Snorkel Spots in Australia That Will Make You Wish You Lived Underwater

Every human being has an inherited need to reconnect with nature. Escaping city noise and obligations can only help us reduce anxiety and remind ourselves who we truly are outside social structures and overly complicated relationships. It is like meditation, but healthier.

Usually, when we want to make such an escape, our go-to location is some remote mountain or peaceful forest, which is, by all means, a great way to reach that much-needed calm. But honestly, why would our interactions with Mother Nature remain landlocked? Threading the same paths will never allow us to grow.

About 70 percent of this beautiful planet is water and the opportunities for new experiences are limitless. That is why we will take a look at some of the best snorkeling spots in Australia that will ignite your passion for underwater life.

Why snorkeling? It is an amazing activity that improves your breathing, strengthens your muscles, and does wonders for your mental health.

Why Australia? You would be hard-pressed to find a place on Earth that is as riddled with beautiful beaches and unique animal life as this primeval content.

So, set up your snorkeling equipment and brace yourself for a life-changing experience. We are diving into the sea.

Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

Lord Howe Island is a small island located 600 km off the northern Australian coast. It measures just 11 kilometers from end to end and allows only 400 visitors at a time, so there is very little chance that a bunch of noisy tourists will disrupt your snorkeling adventure.

What makes this location so special for explorers who want to experience marine life and learn something new about the world are more than 90 types of corals and 500 fish species you can find once you dive under the water.

Another great thing about this particular location is that, once you get back to mainland New South Wales, you can book a tour of swimming with sharks. The experience is both humbling and incredibly empowering. Definitely something you have to try out.

Coral Bay, Western Australia

Going to the western Australian coast we can find Coral Bay, a picturesque settlement located 1200 km from Perth, the capital of Western Australia and the biggest city on this part of the continent. The thing that makes Coral Bay so special is its location—right at the spot where the Australian most western coast meets the stunning Indian Ocean.

Dive beneath the water and you will find Ningaloo Reef, a fringing reef system separated from the shore only by the calm, shallow lagoon. The very reef and the sea life you can find there are amazing even on their own. This is one of those places where you can play with giant turtles and breeze through the water with stingrays.

However, this piece of the ocean has another amazing advantage. The water is incredibly calm and serene with no big waves on the horizon. If you want to truly find a quiet and peaceful environment where you can meditate, self-reflect, and why not, even try out underwater yoga, you won’t find a better one than this.

Moreton Island, Queensland

Located on the opposite side of the continent is Moreton Island, a real jewel of the state of Queensland and, for that matter, entire Australia. As you would expect, this small piece of paradise is lush with sea life. If you are lucky, you can even spot a lionfish and a wobbegong, two incredibly rare and beautiful marine species.

The other thing that makes Moreton Island unique is a long line of shipwrecks that were purposefully sunk back in the 60s to create an anchoring space for local boats. The way in which these iron juggernauts are juxtaposed against this peaceful Darwinian refuge is truly shocking.

And yet, in spite of all the differences, these industrialist monuments and lush sea life somehow manage to create a peaceful and harmonious environment. A profound and provocative sight you must experience firsthand. So, rent yourself a quality full face snorkel mask and set your sails to Moreton Island.

Lady Elliot Island, Queensland

Finally, we have a Lady Elliot Island, home to a coral cay (starting point of Australia's fabled Great Barrier Reef) and a perfect getaway if you want to introduce your family to the beauty and harmony of sea life.

The water on the eastern shore on the island is very calm, clear and serene, and the sea life in this part of the ocean seems to follow this laid-back, lackadaisical lifestyle. The colorful tropical fish and gentle turtles will certainly put a smile on the face of your children.

Travel to the opposite side of the island, though, and you will find megafauna in the form of whales, dolphins, manta rays and even reef sharks. In short, you'll get fun and excitement, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share your love for nature with your loved ones.

I hope these four locations will help you discover something new about yourself and get a fresh look at our planet. It’s really amazing to think that there is a huge chunk of this world that goes its way as if the human species never existed. An opportunity to get out, if even for a couple of days, from our crowded cities and get something out of such environment should not be missed.