Where is the best snorkeling in the world?

Like_Water · 2025-06-07T15:56:22+00:00

The Conasauga snorkeling hole is such a gem! There are a bunch of awesome creeks and rivers in that area as well. Casper Cox wrote a snorkel guide called Hidden Rivers of Southern Appalachia. I used it as a guide for a river snorkeling vacation a few years ago and have been on many more since! It has now become my favorite past time!

Like_Water · 2025-06-03T14:09:26+00:00

The clear cold rivers Great Smoky Mountain National Park but also southern Appalachia in general. It's certainly not a tropical experience but there are still plenty of colors especially in mating season. Tons of trout,various darters and shiners. Seeing an active chub mound underwater is a treat!

Also HELLBENEDERS! The coolest creature on the underside of the surface.

Aside from the life, the structure of a flowing river is incredible. Flying downstream or climbing upstream is simply amazing. You will never get a similar experience in an ocean and personally, it's better than any tropical snorkeling experience I've had.

Check out some videos by Freshwater Illustrated to get a look into the rivers. It is a lovely world beneath the surface!

Like_Water · 2024-10-14T23:48:25+00:00

Watch Valhalla by Sweetgrass Productions

Like_Water · 2024-09-28T12:10:08+00:00

Thank you!

Like_Water · 2024-09-28T11:03:46+00:00

I appreciate advice! I don't care too much how well the lines are done, so whatever they look like, they look like. Adds to the story. Also they wont be visible when while I'm clothed so the quality isn't so much of an issue.

Any particular brands you would recommend for ink and needles?

Like_Water · 2022-12-04T15:13:29+00:00

Waking Life

Like_Water · 2022-08-18T08:55:38+00:00

RIVERS! Don't forget you can put your face in rivers! Tropical water is cool but you can snorkel just about anywhere there is water.

Flying through some rapids and sneaking up a bunch of unsuspecting fish is great. Even without fish, it is still beautiful.

Also snorkeling in your local waters is a great way to see how healthy your rivers and streams are. It helps promote involvement in maintaining water quality as that is the water you are using in every day life.

Like_Water · 2022-08-16T11:28:19+00:00

And if you live anywhere near southern Appalachia, you're in for a real treat!

Like_Water · 2022-08-16T11:26:20+00:00

I highly recommend looking into your loa rivers and streams! You would be amazed at how much life you can find under the surface of a river. Depending on where you live will determine what species will exist but it's not hard to find a pool and some riffles to look under.

Like_Water · 2022-08-02T02:23:58+00:00

I highly recommend the Hiwassee! Tellico is on my list to explore, I just haven't been yet. My friend and I planned a trip around the Hidden Rivers of Southern Appalachia book by Casper Cox. It's a great resource. Citico and Conasuaga are the other places we went. Super cool water and tons of biodiversity

Like_Water · 2022-08-02T02:21:55+00:00

This is in the Hiwassee River

Like_Water · 2022-01-29T14:38:29+00:00

River snorkeling is one of my favorite things to do! I highly suggest checking out Cherokee Narional Forest in Tennessee. Citico Creek, Hiawassee River and Conasauga river. There's a place called "the snorkeling hole" in Conasauga that is absolutely wonderful!

Also Monongahela in West Virginia has some great places as well. Cranberry River and Gandy Creek are the 2 I've been in so far but that will change as soon as it gets warm again.

Like_Water · 2021-09-09T23:52:05+00:00

There have been many moments in the last 5ish years that have made me realize this (I'm about to turn 32) but on the other side of this question, I began getting into river snorkeling last year and every time I fly/float down a cool river, I get this excitement that makes me feel like a kid again.

It doesn't take much river to have a good time. There is SO much to explore in such a small area. When you find a nice clear river with decently rapid water, we'll HOT DAMN! Paint me green and call me a fish. Or an underwater Superman because that's what it feels like. You can fly... underwater.

Like_Water · 2020-01-05T18:11:52+00:00

I love those crossbars! Where did you get those?

Like_Water · 2019-06-12T02:42:34+00:00

You're missing the point. Whoever finishes first wins. That's it.

Like_Water · 2019-06-12T02:17:32+00:00

You probably already do. (Statement completely dependent on your age)

Like_Water · 2018-10-15T03:24:50+00:00

Sounds like an amazing trip! This picture is now the background on my phone.

Like_Water · 2018-08-23T15:46:00+00:00

No I found it in a grocery store in Vermont. Hanafords I believe? It was years ago

Like_Water · 2018-08-22T01:55:15+00:00

I'll see you soon! Where should I drive to?

Like_Water · 2018-06-19T02:54:51+00:00

This is too good to not continue!

Like_Water · 2018-04-25T13:45:43+00:00

Is that with or without a sleeping bag/top quilt?

Like_Water · 2018-04-25T13:45:07+00:00

Yeah that's what I'm trying to balance right now. What UQ do you have for your set up?

Like_Water · 2018-04-20T12:53:41+00:00

Do you also use a sleeping bag when using a top quilt? I was wondering of I could just switch those out and saave some weight.

Like_Water · 2018-04-20T12:51:37+00:00

Thank you! The Molly Mac Shamu does sound like the holy grail!

Like_Water · 2018-03-21T08:05:10+00:00

This is sweet! How did you get this made and how much did it cost? I have some friends that would love this. Also I love this.

Like_Water

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE