While snorkeling in the tropics you'll marvel at the clear blue shimmering waters, colorful marine life and silvery schools of fish, maybe even a dolphin or two"all under a sparkling sun. No wonder the tropics are favored for snorkeling.

The beaches are shallow, less than a hundred fathoms (1 fathom = 6 feet or 1.8 meters) making them continental shelves. Sunrays easily find their way to the seabed where they feed on the plentiful plankton.

The Hawaiian islands, the Caribbean islands, the beaches of Florida, Brazil and Argentina"all famous snorkeling destinations"are considered the tropics, with waters warm enough to make snorkeling irresistible. And the view can't be beat"above or below the water"just can't be beat.

A whole world of colorful fish turns tropical waters into one exotic aquarium with plenty of angelfish, yellow fin, the strawberry trooper and the parrotfish among others. Tropical seabeds are covered with breathtaking varieties of coral and coelenterates like sea anemones, sea cucumbers, and jellyfish. Snorkelers can also feast their eyes on friendly turtles, which seem to guide snorkelers to new destinations underwater. There are also seemingly endless varieties of ray fishes moving gracefully and effortlessly. And dolphins are a prize view in certain snorkeling destinations. It's no surprise that snorkeling in the tropics is a traveler's favorite pastime. The clear water, brilliant colors and white sandy beaches make the tropics a snorkeler's paradise.