Despite everything these destinations have to offer onshore, the real action is often taking place under water. From swimming with green sea turtles to exploring ancient volcanic craters, here is our Luxury Retreats round-up of must-experience snorkeling adventures.
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Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii 
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The most famous snorkeling destination in Hawaii, Oahu’s Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is prized for its abundance of fish, coral reefs and calm shallow waters. Created by a volcanic crater, this sheltered cove is an ideal snorkeling destination for families and snorkelers of all experience levels.
Where to Stay:
Honolulu Sky Villa, Honolulu (Above right)
Known for its hip retro vide, this modern hillside oasis offers stunning views of the city and the Pacific beyond. This property features a main house and guest house with two independent suites, for a total of 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms
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While Virgin Gorda is home to several popular snorkeling spots, Mahoe Bay is considered the best place to see tropical fish and sea turtles. Check out The Baths for a chance to snorkel between enormous boulders and keep an eye out for octopuses hiding among the rocks.
Where to Stay:
Villa on the Beach, Mahoe Bay (Above right)
Known for its hip retro vide, this modern hillside oasis offers stunning views of the city and the Pacific beyond. This property features a main house and guest house with two independent suites, for a total of 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.
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Five time winner in the Leading Beach category of the World Travel Awards, Provo’s Grace Bay Beach is beyond compare. With crystal clear waters and 12 miles of pale sand, the beach also boasts colorful coral reefs several miles off its northern shore. More adventurous travellers enjoy excursions to nearby reefs where they may even explore an old shipwreck or two.
Where to Stay:
Twelve Palms, Ocean Point, Providenciales (Above right)
This Mediterranean style 4-bedroom villa is located on the Southwest shore of Providenciales, making for spectacular sunset and ocean views. Twelve Palms guests enjoy an impressive array of outdoor amenities, including an infinity pool, Jacuzzi, private swim deck, and 2 kayaks.
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Molokini Crater Marine Preserve, Hawaii
Rated one of the world’s Top Ten diving spots, the partially submerged volcanic crater of Molikini is also a favorite for snorkeling. Just 2.5 miles off the coast of Maui, this crescent shaped island’s coral reef is home to over 250 marine species including parrot fish, butterfly fish and even the occasional manta ray.
Where to Stay:
Jewel of Maui, Kapalua (Above right)
Architecture and design buffs appreciate this extraordinary 5-bedroom beachfront villa, which has been featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. A sweeping staircase leads to an open air living space, infinity pool and dramatic ocean views, blurring the line between indoors and out.
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Anse de Colombier, St. Barts
Accessible only by boat or a 20-minute hike from the end of Flamands road, this secluded beach is a hidden gem for snorkelers. Stick close to the bay’s rocky edges to spot the most fish, or look for green sea turtles foraging in the seagrass beds. As this beach is relatively isolated, it’s best to bring everything you may need for the day, from snorkeling equipment to a picnic lunch and extra sunscreen.
Where to Stay:
BWH – La Fleur Sur La Mer, Colombier (Above right)
This 5-bedroom hilltop villa’s panoramic views are comfortably enjoyed from the spacious wooden deck and heated pool. A lily pond in the courtyard makes an interesting feature, and guests of the Master Suite enjoy their own private outdoor Jacuzzi.
