Indonesia is an archipelago of 17,000 islands, housing 20% of all the coral reefs in the world. Boasting beautiful waters filled with colorful marine life, including more than 2,000 fish species, Indonesia is one of the best destinations to visit at least once in a lifetime. With over 500 coral reef species, a warm year-round climate, calm, and clear waters, snorkeling is definitely a favorite activity in Indonesia.
Nestled right at the heart of the Coral Triangle, this country is the place to experience some of the world’s healthiest coral reefs on a snorkeling adventure. These best snorkeling spots in Indonesia have the most gorgeous coral reefs, crystal clear waters, and a breathtaking underwater world – and are bound to offer thrilling snorkeling experiences.
10 Nusa Pineda, Bali
Bali is the most iconic tourist destination in Indonesia, known for its incredible collection of historical and cultural attractions.
It also houses some of the world's most breathtaking marine life and is bordered by magnificent reefs. Nusa Pineda is one of its best snorkeling spots and is well worth a visit.
Located on Bali's southeast coast, Nusa Pineda is home to Manta Rays, which snorkelers can easily spot as they swim above the gorgeous reefs.
If snorkeling is the goal, then travelers can’t afford to miss the best snorkeling spot in Indonesia.
9 Komodo National Park
Best recognized for housing the largest lizard on earth, Komodo National Park offers an incredible snorkeling experience, and shouldn't miss on the bucket list.
The park got its name from the largest lizard in the world, the Komodo Dragon, weighing at least 70 kgs.
Home to an incredible diversity of marine life, Komodo is a great spot to explore, offering snorkelers a chance to see sharks, pygmy seahorses, and mantas on their fun adventures.
Here, both experienced snorkelers and beginners will have fascinating experiences.
8 Wakatobi Island
Wakatobi houses incredibly diverse marine life and beautiful coral reefs, making it one of the best snorkeling spots in Indonesia.
Located in Sulawesi's southeast, Wakatobi is also among the most remote snorkeling destinations in the country, as travelers can only find one snorkeling resort in the region, the Wakatobi Resort.
The fact that the area is associated with little development and vibrant reefs makes it Indonesia's top snorkeling spot that tourists should definitely visit and experience.
7 Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is believed to be the core of the Coral Triangle biodiversity hotspot, with some visitors claiming it to be the world's most diverse destination.
Located on the east side of Indonesia, Raja Ampat boasts over 500 special coral reefs and an incredible collection of aquatic life, snorkelers will always find its coral reefs decorated with spectacular fish of different kinds, making it a paradise not to miss on a snorkeling adventure in Indonesia.
Visitors may see mobulas, sharks, and more aquatic species as they swim over Raja Ampat’s stunning reefs.
6 Bunaken National Park
Bunaken National Park is known to be one of the most impressive snorkeling and scuba diving spots in the world, and it's not hard to see why.
The place is brimming with stunning coral reefs, and 400 species, matched with a fantastic range of aquatic creatures.
Pink skunks, clownfish, boxfish, porcupine fish, and perhaps some turtles are always available to see when snorkeling.
Home to five small islands, Bunaken National Park is also packed with beautiful restaurants serving tasty foods.
5 Gili Islands
Boasting a beautiful semi-circle shape, Gili Islands is one of the most breathtaking snorkeling spots in Asia and is best suited for snorkelers with less advanced skills.
Its incredibly blue-green waters make it a safe spot for beginners to practice. Travelers will encounter sea turtles, underwater sculptures, and more fun experiences during their snorkeling adventures.
Whether visiting this gorgeous island from Lombok or Bali, it is a must-experience for an amazing snorkeling experience.
4 The Banda Islands
Initially recognized as the Spice Islands, this spot hasn’t been a well-known snorkeling spot for a long time, but it offers an unforgettable adventure experience.
Banda Islands boast a beautiful underwater world with unique landscapes, housing plenty of fish species and colorful reefs. The beautiful combination of breathtaking coral reefs and stunning aquatic creatures make this place a must-visit snorkeling destination in Indonesia.
Travelers may see scalloped hammerheads on their snorkeling adventures between September and November.
3 Cenderawasih Bay
Cenderawasih Bay is the perfect snorkeling spot in Indonesia, especially for visitors looking to swim with whale sharks. Tourists will find plenty of tours offering opportunities to adventure with the gorgeous creatures.
Home to over 1,000 fish species and 500 reefs, this place will offer a lifetime snorkeling adventure.
Being one of the lesser visited spots, Cenderawasih is the best option, as travelers will enjoy large spaces to roam as opposed to more popular areas like Raja Ampat, which are always crowded.
2 Bangka Island
Bangka is one of the best tourist destinations in Indonesia, and its pristine coral reefs make it among the most impressive snorkeling spots.
Travelers will have incredible opportunities of spotting some cuttlefish and squids, thanks to the place’s crystal-clear waters.
For less experienced snorkelers, Bangka House Reef is the best spot to visit. Other sea creatures to see on fun snorkeling adventures include trumpetfish, sweetlips, butterflyfish, and damselfish.
1 Jemeluk Bay
Located in the heart of Amed, Jemeluk Bay offers snorkelers some of the best adventures in Indonesia.
With its incredibly colorful reefs matched with breathtaking fish species, Jemeluk is suitable for snorkelers with advanced experience because its reef drop-offs are dramatic, and one will encounter small fishing boats passing by.