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The rare wobbegong shark crouches, waiting for prey.

Read More GoNOMAD Stories about Snorkeling

Beneath the ocean's surface is a realm of mystery and beauty. GoNOMAD offers snorkeling stories from beautiful environments all over the world!

Here are some sample stories:

Indonesia's Raja Ampat Islands: The Best Snorkeling in the World

There is no doubt about it – the best snorkeling and diving in the world is in Raja Ampat.

This west Indonesian archipelago contains more marine bio-diversity than anywhere else in the world – more fish, more corals.

In 2002, The Nature Conservancy conducted a scientific survey of the Raja Ampat Islands to collect information on its marine ecosystems, mangroves and forests. The survey brought Raja Ampat’s total number of confirmed corals to 537 species — an incredible 75 percent of all known coral species.

In addition, an amazing 1,074 fish species were found. (One source has recently upped that to nearly 1,300.)

My wife and I have snorkeled all around the globe. Previously, we thought the best was in Palau. Raja Ampat, we decided, was even better.

Nevis: The Queen of the Caribes

Inexplicably, quite a few years ago I broke off a long time love affair. Thanks to the Caribbean Island of Nevis, I have rekindled love anew.

From the runway at the Vance W. Amory Airport, I noticed the clouds swirling around Nevis Peak even as the bright Caribbean sun blazed around me.

Snorkeling in Nevis is a visual paradise

In 1493 Columbus thought Nevis Peak looked snow-capped; I thought it crowned. That is in fact how Nevis got named; Columbus called the island the Las Nieves, Spanish for snow.

I spent the next several days on an island blessed with history and beauty, the island is also called “Queen of the Caribes” -- all hail the queen. It could only be Nevis that would restart my long-time affair with the Caribbean.

 

Read more GoNOMAD stories about Snorkeling

India: A Magical Trip to the Andaman Islands

tila, Honduras: Killing Lionfish to Savethe Seas

Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands

Hanging Loose in Hawaii: Maui is Unparalleled

St. Lucia: Adventures and Relaxation on Coconut Bay

Roatan Island, Honduras

Cuba: Lost in Time, Lost in Space

A Family Vacation on Menyawakan Island, Indonesia

Hobknobbing With Sperm Whales in the Azores

Swimming with Sharks in Yucatan, Mexico

Taiwan’s Hidden Islands

British Virgin Islands

Three Queensland Islands

Finding Sea Legs in the Galápagos

Awestruck Again: Three Jaded Travelers Find Paradise in Palau