Gearfuse Technology, Science, Culture & More
When was the last time you took a vacation with your family without your laptop as your constant companion? This modern bubble of working super hard and not counting leisure and family time as productive needs to burst.
You need to indulge in nurturing and maintaining familial bonds because, in the end, you come home to them. Don’t you want to spend some extra time with your spouse and children, getting updated about their lives?
There are numerous vacation ideas that you might explore as a family. However, nothing has risen in popularity more than snorkeling. What better than being in the waters with manta rays and docile reef sharks and seeing the excitement in everybody’s eyes?
This blog post will take you across three snorkeling spots in different parts of the world, deemed nothing less than surreal. These locations have been thoughtfully chosen for their calm waters, easy accessibility, and diverse marine life.
Eilat, Israel
One of the most important port towns in Israel, Eilat, is nestled along the Red Sea coast. This resort town is known worldwide for its ‘glimmering sea,’ home to some of the world’s best aquatic life.
Moreover, for tourists coming from all over the world, the Red Sea is by far the best place for snorkeling, diving, and other water sports. To put things into perspective, Eilat beaches host over 13 licensed diving centers and nine water sports clubs.
The Coral Beach Nature Reserve is a must-visit for you and your family. It is a protected area that is sure to take your breath away with its array of colorful coral reefs and exotic fish species.
The shallow water near the coast and marked underwater trails make it ideal for kids and beginners. Located just 1.2 km from the city center, this reserve is easily accessible by foot, car, or public transportation.
The Dolphin Reef is another must-visit spot, just about 8 km away from the south of the city center. Here, you can enjoy the surreal experience of snorkeling alongside playful bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
You have the freedom to decide between a beachside vacation or immersing yourself in nearby islands, with the option to visit breathtaking beaches whenever you desire.
There are some amazing boutique hotels on the islands, too. For example, the Royal Garden Hotel is perfect for a family vacation. These boutique hotels have idyllic views and services like pools with water slides and intimate boulevard cafes.
Moreover, according to Isrotel, many of these hotels have a few dedicated rooms to accommodate individuals with hearing impairments. These rooms provide visual or tactile cues to indicate specific sounds.
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Our second stop is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Touted as the biggest coral reef system in the world, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to more than 10% of the world’s fish species, it is made of over 3000 reefs and stretches for over 2,300 km along the coast of Queensland.
Just to give you an idea of its massive size, the Great Barrier Reef surpasses the combined area of the United Kingdom, Holland, and Switzerland!
Now, several snorkeling spots across the Reef are perfect for families. Green Island can be great for your family. It is a stunning coral cay that boasts a vibrant rainforest and offers tranquil waters and convenient beach access. Snorkeling with your family is bound to be a lifetime experience here.
Aside from snorkeling, there are numerous activities that you and your family can participate in. Make sure to experience the glass-bottom boat tours and visit the Marineland Melanesia crocodile exhibit.
Fitzroy Island offers another great option. Barely a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns, this island is the perfect destination for exploring a vibrant reef replete with exotic marine life. There are plenty of activities for your family, including hiking trails, a turtle rehabilitation center, and a water trampoline park.
You can opt for accommodation by the beaches or on the beautiful Reef islands. All these hotels, like the Bedarra Island Resort and Dunk Island Resort, have rooms for all budgets.
Akumal Bay, Mexico
It is time to explore a laid-back beach town nestled along the Caribbean Sea. Akumal, a Mayan word meaning ‘place of the turtles,’ has become renowned as one of the world’s top destinations for observing and swimming alongside sea turtles in the Riviera Maya.
This picturesque bay is about 100 km south of Cancun and 25 km north of Tulum. Moreover, it also borders the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-longest coral reef system in the world.
Akumal has made it onto the list of must-visit snorkeling sights for two compelling reasons. First up, the clear waters offer great visibility. This allows children and beginners to easily explore under the water. Moreover, the bay’s calm waves and soft sandy bottom make it a perfect spot for snorkelers of any age to enjoy a safe and pleasant experience.
Second, the vicinity of Akumal Bay provides a wide range of accommodations suitable for families. These include all-inclusive resorts and charming beachfront vacation rentals. Some of the attractions in the vicinity are the Aktun Chen eco-park, the Xel-Ha water park, and the historic Mayan ruins of Tulum.
To sum up, take this vacation. Here, we have mentioned three countries, but you are free to do your research and pack your bags. Do not underestimate the power of a short vacation with your spouse and kids.
Coming across such varied cultures and landscapes can be highly enriching for your family, especially, the kids. Not much is generally taught or spoken about marine animals and the ecosystem. What better way to learn and experience these beautiful creatures firsthand, and that too, on a vacation!
