Snorkeling
The Komodo Archipelago, Malaysia
How about packing up your snorkeling gear and heading off to Indonesia! The truth is my girlfriend Janet who lives in Malaysia is the one who convinced me to write this watercentric blog post in the first place. She was bragging about the superb reefs in Southeast Asia and with 17,000 tropical islands to visit I agree; she is right. Southeast Asia is an ocean sport paradise.
The Komodo Archipelago’s abundance of hard and soft corals provides a Technicolor habitat for many of the great Pacific species of invertebrates and pelagics, including sharks, lionfish, rays and turtles. The great thing about snorkeling in Indonesia is the variety of options for the veteran and beginner alike. The waters sport some wild currents for the experienced snorkeler in search of adventure. On the other hand, tranquil bays abound, providing safe anchorage sites and fabulous snorkeling opportunities, especially for families.
To make this destination easily accessible for families, Asia Transpacific Journeys offers personal, customized journeys, as well as small-group trips with local, experienced guides and unique, cultural and adventure experiences. Other activities can include cruising on traditional Indonesian schooner, whitewater rafting, traditional puppet-making, Balinese cooking classes, a local family home visit with dinner or bicycling to local markets. The dry season starts in late April or May, and is generally recommended as the best time to go.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is absolutely synonymous with snorkeling. The Mesoamerican reef is right off the coast of Cancun and brimming with stunning corals and sea life. For those that like culture and love to snorkel you can actually get the best of both worlds with Cancun’s Underwater Museum.
Hundreds of eco sculptures populate the sea floor off the coast of Isla Mujeres. If you plan your visit from May through September you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel with the biggest fish in the world; whale sharks. You might also spot a Sailfish, one of the fastest fish around (they can swim up to 60 mph). And finally, if you want to switch from salt to fresh water, there are amazing cenotes to explore using snorkel gear.
Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort is one family option. They have a brand new Dolphinarium, which allows you and your children to swim and interact their 8 resident dolphins and a FlowRider Double wave simulator for endless surfing or boogie-boarding using “flowboards.” Other activities include bike tours, water polo, cooking lessons, beach volleyball, even a teen inspired nightclub.
