With the arrival of summer, many of us are heading to the seaside for a refreshing dip in the coastal waters.

Fortunately, Asia is home to the Coral Triangle, a region teeming with an incredible variety of coral reefs, supporting countless species of fish and marine life.

Here are our picks for the best coral reefs to explore in Asia!

1. Apo Island, The Philippines

Apo Island, located 7 kilometers off the southern tip of Negros, is a volcanic island surrounded by vibrant coral reefs that were designated as a Marine Sanctuary in 1982. These waters are famous for their giant coral mounds, drop-offs, and abundant marine life, including clownfish and both green and leatherback sea turtles.

How to Get There: Apo Island is accessible via regular boat services from Dumaguete, approximately 40 minutes away. Dumaguete is well-connected by domestic flights to major cities across the Philippines, and ferries from Cebu to Dumaguete take around 5 hours.

Fees: The entrance fee to Apo Island's Marine Sanctuary is approximately $2 per person. Snorkelling day trips with a guide may cost around $40–$60.

2. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Located off Malaysia's east coast, the Perhentian Islands are a snorkeller's paradise, offering clear waters, white sand beaches, and vibrant marine life.

How to Get There: The Perhentian Islands are reached by a 45-minute boat ride from Kuala Besut Jetty, near Kota Bharu.

Fees: The entrance fee for snorkelling in the Marine Park is approximately $5 per person. Guided day trips typically cost around $30–$50.

3. The Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical haven with over 1,000 islands spread across 26 atolls. It’s an excellent place to snorkel with manta rays and whale sharks, as well as explore vibrant coral reefs and bioluminescent waters.

How to Get There: International flights to Malé, the capital, are available from most major cities. From Malé, resorts are accessed by seaplane or speedboat, which can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Fees: Most island resorts offer snorkelling directly from the beach, and most have free access to house reefs for guests. However, special excursions like whale shark or manta ray snorkelling typically cost around $80–$120.

4. Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Komodo National Park, covering over 170,000 hectares, is famous for its Komodo dragons and rich marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, and dolphins. The waters here are some of the best in the world for snorkelling.

How to Get There: The park is accessible by boat from Labuan Bajo, Flores, which has flight connections to Bali.

Fees: Entrance to the Komodo National Park costs about $10 per person, with additional fees for specific sites and guided tours. A private snorkelling cruise typically ranges from $150 to $300 per day.

5. Tufi, Papua New Guinea

Tufi, located on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea, is a paradise for snorkelers with pristine coral reefs and clear fjord waters. Visibility is often up to 30 meters, providing excellent opportunities for underwater exploration.

How to Get There: Tufi is accessed by domestic flight from Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.

Fees: While there is no formal entrance fee for snorkelling, guided trips around the area cost approximately $50–$80 per day.

6. Havelock Island, India

Havelock Island in the Andaman Islands is famous for its pristine beaches and rich coral reefs. Elephant Beach is particularly known for its excellent snorkelling opportunities.

How to Get There: Havelock Island is a 40km ferry ride from Port Blair, the main gateway to the Andaman Islands. Ferries can be arranged from Port Blair, though an overnight stay in Port Blair is recommended.

Fees: The fee for snorkelling at popular beaches is around $3–$5. Snorkelling excursions to smaller islands may cost about $20–$40 per trip.

7. El Nido, Philippines

El Nido in Palawan is a protected marine reserve filled with stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, including rare species like the dugong and various sea turtles. Bacuit Bay offers some of the best snorkelling in the region.

How to Get There: El Nido is accessible by domestic flight from Manila or Cebu. Island-hopping tours depart from El Nido town.

Fees: Entrance fees for the marine reserve are approximately $5 per person. Guided island-hopping tours, which include snorkelling, range from $40 to $60.

8. Karimunjawa Archipelago, Indonesia

The Karimunjawa Archipelago, a hidden gem, is home to 27 islands and vibrant coral reefs, with the Kura Kura Resort offering direct access to some of the best snorkelling sites in the area.

How to Get There: The Karimunjawa Archipelago is reached by fast boat from Jepara, Java, a 2-hour journey. Alternatively, private yacht or aircraft charters are available.

Fees: Entrance fees to the marine park are around $10 per person. Snorkelling excursions cost between $40 and $70.

Make sure to plan your trip in advance, check the best visiting seasons, and enjoy the beautiful marine biodiversity Asia has to offer!