14 Bucket List Destinations to Visit If You Love the Ocean

The ocean calls us in ways that a few other natural wonders can. From the rhythmic beat of the waves to the allure of underwater mystery and the fresh salty air—being near the sea is nothing short of magical. This guide will get you to the most stunning ocean fronts and offer a few tips to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Whether you’re looking at crystal clear lagoons or rough coasts, these destinations will leave you breathless in amazement at the beauty of the ocean. Pack up your snorkeling gear and sunscreen, and dive head-first into these dream locations.

Palawan, Philippines

Looking for a slice of heaven? It’s Palawan. With limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and hidden lagoons, this Philippine province feels otherworldly. You have to see El Nido and Coron for island hopping, snorkeling, and exploring shipwrecks.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is a honeymooner’s paradise also known as the “Pearl of the Pacific.” Its aquamarine lagoon is dotted with super-luxurious overwater villas, while the coral reefs are home to an abundance of living creatures. It’s a destination that will steal your heart, whether you’re feeding stingrays or just floating around in the warm shallow waters.

Norwegian Fjords, Norway

Norway’s fjords may not scream tropical, but they definitely provide a different kind of ocean experience. The best way to see these deep, glacial inlets is by boat. Towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls frame the icy blue waters. For a unique twist, visit during the midnight sun or northern lights season.

The Great Blue Hole, Belize

Belize’s natural wonder is a diver’s dream. Off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea, there is a giant underwater sinkhole known as the Great Blue Hole. When you descend into the depths, it feels like a different planet with stalactites and curious sharks.

Key West, Florida

Key West is a laid-back slice of paradise at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Closer to home for many, this is an island town that is fun to explore: Snorkel in the warm Gulf waters, kayak through the mangroves, or enjoy the quirky charm of the town. And don’t miss a sunset at Mallory Square, you’ll want to be part of that tradition.

Seychelles

The Seychelles archipelago is a postcard that comes to life. Granite boulders, white sand beaches, and impossibly clear waters make it an ideal place to snorkel, sail, and soak up the beauty of the Indian Ocean. A visit to the Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and giant tortoise home, makes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Any list of ocean destinations is incomplete without the world’s largest coral reef system. It’s more than 1,400 miles long, full of marine life, coral gardens, and turquoise waters. Whether scuba diving, snorkeling, or just taking a glass-bottom boat tour, you’ll be in awe of this wonderland under the sea. Just be sure to tread lightly since this UNESCO World Heritage Site needs to be protected.

Maui, Hawaii

In Maui, the ocean comes alive with energy and stories. Beyond the iconic Road to Hana and its black sand beaches, Maui offers some of the best whale-watching in the world during the winter months. If you snorkel at Molokini Crater or paddleboard at Napili Bay, you’ll see why this Hawaiian island is paradise on Earth.

Maldives

Think overwater bungalows, private lagoons, and sunsets that look like watercolor paintings. If you love the ocean, The Maldives is a dream destination. With its vibrant coral reefs teeming with life, it is a great place to snorkel and dive. You just might see a whale shark or a joyful pod of dolphins.

Santorini, Greece

While Santorini’s whitewashed villages may be the show stealers on postcards, the surrounding waters are the real treasure. It is home to black, red, and white sand beaches with crystal clear waters perfect for sailing. It’s exactly what dreams are made of: a sunset cruise across the caldera.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands should be at the top of your list if you’ve ever wanted to swim with sea lions, snorkel with penguins, or watch blue-footed boobies do their quirky courtship dance. This archipelago is a remote living laboratory of marine biodiversity. It seems as if every dive, hike, or boat ride is a step into a nature documentary.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast combines dramatic beauty and oceanfront charm. Cliffs over the Mediterranean are home to this stretch of coastline, where pastel-colored villages cling to cliff sides in the most romantic ways. You can rent a boat to explore coves or sit and sip limoncello while watching the waves kiss the shore below.

Fiji

Fiji isn’t just a place to visit, it’s an experience. There are over 300 islands to explore as you find powdery beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and some of the friendliest locals on the planet. World-class diving is available for the adventure seeker at the Great Astrolabe Reef, while those wanting to unwind can kick back on a hammock with swaying palm trees.

Cape Town, South Africa

Two oceans meet in Cape Town: the Atlantic and the Indian, and the coast is mesmerizing. The well-known African penguins can be found at Boulders Beach and Cape Point offers panoramic views which is a day trip well worth taking. You can cage dive with great white sharks if you’re an adventure seeker.