While much of the US will be blanketed in snow for the next 6 months (just kidding; it’ll only be like 5 months!), here at the Funjet Insider, we’re dismissing frozen water in favor of the liquid form. We love beach vacations, and part of a great beach getaway is the fact that you can jump into a colorful, sometimes strange world beneath the waves.
Having explored some of the top beach destinations in the Western Hemisphere, we’ve collected five of our favorite underwater adventures that you should definitely experience in your lifetime.
Snorkeling at Napili Bay | Maui, Hawaii
On the Western shore of Maui there is a series of small bays and coves, including Napili Bay. While not large, this little cove is a perfect crescent-shaped strip of sand with views of Molokai and the humpback whales that live here from January to early April. You may see a turtle or two right up by the beach – but the trick is to bypass the inevitable crowd here and head to the south end of the beach. Here, the sand turns rocky and beneath the remarkably clear water coral grows on the rocks. Tons of sea turtles and fish swim here and the waters are not too crowded with other snorkelers. Our best tip is to take a deep breath and dive down to submerge your snorkel tube; once the air bubbles out, listen carefully – if you’re lucky, you may hear the songs of the humpback whales drifting in from the deeper water. Conservation officers tell us that 6 feet of water is the optimal depth for the songs to carry.
- When to go: January-April to see and hear whales
- Where to stay: Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger
Swim with Whale Sharks | Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Don’t let the name fool you: whale sharks are neither whales, nor are they “sharks” in the traditional toothy sense of the word. In fact, they are the world’s largest fish – they can grow to be nearly 50 feet long! Despite their size, you don’t have to worry about being eaten; whale sharks don’t have teeth and they are omnivores. They spend much of their time swimming in circles, scooping up plankton in their massive mouths. From mid-May to mid-September, whale sharks migrate past Isla Mujeres, just north of Cancun, and it’s the perfect time to take a dip with a fish the size of a school bus. You should take a guided excursion; your guides will help you find schools of whale sharks, provide snorkeling equipment, and offer important instructions on safety and eco-friendly practices.
- When to go: May 15-September 15
- Where to Stay: Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun
Underwater museum of art | Cancun, Mexico 
It's true. Museums aren't limited to just the shore. In Cancun, you'll discover more than 400 life-size sculptures on the ocean floor. These masterpieces serve a larger purpose than just a miraculous sight. They act as an artificial reef in an effort to draw people away from the endangered coral reefs in the area. How do you get to them you ask? Either by snorkeling, scuba diving, or with a glass bottom boat. This is an activity you simply can't skip while in Cancun!
- When to go: year round*
- Where to stay: Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun
Snorkel Mesoamerican Reef | Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Mesoamerican Reef system is the world’s second-largest barrier reef system – second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The Mesoamerican Reef is stretches for 600 miles, from Mexico all the way down to Honduras. What makes it unique is its proximity to the coastline; in some places, the coral is within swimming distance of shore, and in others it is nearly 20 miles from the coast. This means the reef is home to a huge variety of different marine species. It is also supported by the mangroves on the shoreline, which provide protection for the reef and surrounding sea grass fields. Together, the mangroves and sea grass provide safe haven for new life to be hatched and grow until it is strong enough to brave the open waters on the reef itself. Snorkeling on this reef, you’re treated to a diverse range of colorful fish, coral and marine plants that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world.
- When to go: year round*
- Where to stay: The Fives Azul Beach Resort Playa Del Carmen By Karisma
Snuba Diving | Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
That’s not a typo up there. “Snuba” is a fairly new way to experience the world under the waves, combining snorkeling and SCUBA diving. The basic premise is that you breathe through a long tube that stretches up to the surface, allowing you to explore the ocean floor more closely than snorkeling on the surface. The waters near Punta Cana are filled with bright tropical fish and coral surrounded by stretches of soft sand, which makes it perfect for a snuba excursion. You can walk on the sandy sea floor and get up close and personal with the fantastic marine life without damaging the coral by walking on it. If you’re not a certified diver but you do want to totally submerge yourself in an underwater experience, snuba is the way to go!
- When to go: year round*
- Where to stay: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
*When traveling during hurricane season (June-November), we highly recommend including travel protection in your vacation package. You are likely to have lovely weather and fewer crowds; however, travel protection ensures you can change or cancel a vacation in the event of stormy weather.
