With its rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters and some of the Mediterranean’s oldest marine reserves, Sicily is one of Europe’s top snorkeling destinations. The region displays hundreds of snorkeling spots around the islands, of which a huge majority are freely accessible from the shore. In Sicilian protected waters, you are likely to snorkel amongst schools of sea breams, tropical-colored wrasse, moray eels and small dusky groupers, a few meters only from the beach.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Numerous small surrounding islands are also part of this Italian region, including the legendary Aeolian Islands.
Sicily is teeming with sandy beaches, volcanic shores and rocky coves with crystal clear waters, which are all fantastic places to snorkel. While it is possible to get into the water almost anywhere along the coasts of Sicily, some spots, particularly those located in marine reserves, are highly recommended.
The small island of Ustica, laying some 60km off Palermo, is considered as one of the best snorkeling and diving destination in the whole Mediterranean Sea. The island’s waters are protected as a marine reserve since 1986 (the first marine reserve established in Italy), and hosts a vibrant and tame marine life.
Cala Sidoti, Caletta Acquario and Al Faro Beach (where you can also explore a natural pool) are all great snorkeling spots accessible from shore. You can also take part in boat trips to explore some more remote spots.
Zingaro Natural Reserve, just South to San Vito Lo Capo, may be the best snorkeling areas on Sicily main island. This reserve protects 7km of coastline, that you can snorkel from many small pebbly coves, such as the very recommended Cala Capreira.
Laying just a few kilometers from Sicily’s western coast, the Aegadian Islands boasts enchanting snorkeling spots and beaches, which are continually ranking among the most beautiful in Europe. Cala Rossa, Cala Faraglioni and Cala Rotonda, all nestled along Favignana Island rocky shore, are some of the best options in the region.
Other exciting snorkeling hotspots in Sicily are Plemmirio natural reserve (near Syracuse, with its natural rocky pools and caves), Lipari Island black-sand beaches, and Taormina’s shore (located halfway between Messina and Catania).
The sea around the islands of Sicily abounds with an amazing wealth of marine life, including sea bream, mullets, wrasse, crabs, octopuses and sea slug. In the marine reserves, you’re also likely to see dusky groupers (juveniles being surprisingly common there at snorkeling depths), huge gilt-head bream, greater amberjacks, and schools of barracuda.
If you are planning a snorkeling trip to Sicily, we recommend you take with you the Europe and Mediterranean Marine Fish identification guide, a comprehensive guide that includes all the marine fish species that may be encountered in the Mediterranean up to 50m depth.
As everywhere else in the Mediterranean, late spring and summer are the best snorkeling seasons in Sicily. From May to October, the weather is indeed warm and sunny around the islands, with daytime temperatures frequently exceeding 30°C and water temperatures ranging between 22 and 28°C.
Outside of this period, the sea temperatures drop, to be as low as 11-12°C during winter months. Even during summer, we recommend wearing a rashguard, which will protect your back and shoulders from the strong UV radiations that occur in the Mediterranean.
Our selection of the best rashguards and wetsuits for snorkeling may help you to make your choice!
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Common on all reef spots
Found in all Okinawa reef areas; abundant at Furuzamami Beach
Frequently sighted at Ama Beach at high tide; occasionally seen at Furuzamami Beach
Found in all Okinawa reef areas; common at Furuzamami and Aharen
Frequently sighted chasing on Furuzamami Beach reef
Juveniles are frequently seen in protected areas, hiding in caves or rock overhangs.
One of the most colorful mediterranean fish. Can be seen on all rocky spots.
On all rocky spots
On all spots, more common in protected areas.
On all spots
On all rocky and grassy spots
Mostly seen in protected areas.
Protected bay and islet with a diversity of fish
Level: Free shore access
Rocky creek with sandy beds, rock drop-offs and Posidonia
Preserved rocky islet with a diversity of fish
Level: Free shore access Resort nearby
Rocky shore with a diversity of fish
Small cove with rocky beds and fish
Rocky shore with a good diversity of fish
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Taiwan’s crystal clear waters, warm subtropical climate and beautiful sea life make for a pleasant snorkeling experience. There are many nice snorkeling locations are found on the main island, but don't miss the outer islands of Taiwan, in particular Liuqiu Island, Green Island and the Penghu Archip (...)
With more than 7600 islands to explore, it makes sense that the Philippines is one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world. Part of the Coral Triangle, the epicentre of global marine biodiversity, the archipelago has a mind-blowing array of sea life. With pristine coral reefs, lush soft cor (...)
Located some 850km east of the Philippines, Palau comprises 26 main islands and more than 300 smaller islets, most uninhabited, and all fringed by coral reef. From the scenic Rock Islands to its marine lakes full of thousands of jellyfish, there's an astonishing array of snorkeling spots to be explo (...)
Pristine white-sanded beaches fringed with swaying palms and crystal clear waters... welcome to Guam! This territory of the United States is the southernmost island in the Mariana islands chain and the largest island in Micronesia. With its wide range of beaches and its healthy coral reefs, Guam is (...)
Vietnam is not a top snorkeling destination, but some sites are fascinating and the country is slowly growing in popularity. You’ll find along the extensive Vietnam coastline several islands and small archipelagos hosting various and diverse snorkeling spots, especially in Nha Trang, Phú Quốc and Cô (...)
Consisting of two land regions divided by the South China Sea, Malaysia comprises more than 850 islands, of which 394 are located in the state of Sabah, in Borneo. Most of the Malaysian coasts and islands are fringed by spectacular coral reefs. This exceptional geography offers a huge variety of sno (...)
Indonesia is a vast archipelago of 17,000 islands located at the heart of the Coral Triangle. The country features some 30% of the world’s coral reefs. The archipelago hosts pristine coral gardens, which are home to the richest marine biodiversity on earth. You will never get tired exploring its war (...)
Despite an overtourism contributing to the overall decline of the country's coral reef, Thailand remains a good snorkeling destination. Its lush tropical coastlines, reefs and islands offers a diversity of snorkeling spots, in both Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. More than 900 species of reef (...)
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