The Hawaiian Islands in the North Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos in the Pacific and the Caribbean in the West Indies are among the most popular locations for snorkeling. Many tours are offered in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia with a price tag starting at $60.

Snorkeling tours include tropical fruits, snacks and juices and sodas. Some also include the use of an underwater hydrophone, lunch, fresh water showers and a no-host bar. Sightings of exotic marine life are guaranteed backed by the offer of a free visit if none occur.

Dolphins and whales, endangered fish, turtles and even manta rays greet snorkelers in Hawaii. Each year, the humpback whales, one of the largest animals on Earth swim over 3000 miles from Alaska to Hawaii. The peak season for snorkeling in Hawaii is from December to March.

Visitors at the Galapagos will see various creatures flying, swimming or basking on the beaches. They can also see an abundance of marine life a few feet down in the water, a just off shore. Look for the magenta octopus, sea turtles and penguins, too.

The Great Barrier Reef offers snorkeling tours on its outer as well as inner reef. The Outer Reef in the Great Barrier Reef can be reached within two hours on a high-speed boat. The reef is believed to be around 10,000 years old and stretches for over 1,200 miles along the Northeast coast of Australia.

Tours at the Reef offer chances to view coral, which forms only in clear and salty water. Snorkeling tours are guided tours with marine biologists, featuring underwater observatories and semi-submersible vessels.

Snorkeling or underwater sightseeing is gaining wide popularity. The gear, much like the scuba gear, includes a mask, fins and a short tube called as snorkel. Snorkeling is done just below the surface of still bodies of water, such as lagoons, where moving water won't enter the snorkel. Many water resorts now provide snorkeling as an added attraction.

Snorkeling has become popular mainly due to the fact that it opens up a whole new underwater world for sightseeing. People are attracted to the various colorful fishes, mollusks, kelps, jellyfishes, rays and even seaweed and algae, which they can touch and feel. Add to this the fact that there are more organisms underwater than on land, which most people haven't seen before.

Snorkeling can't be totally described as an adventure sport. It isn't risky like water rafting or bungee jumping, but it provides great thrills. Even the sport that comes closest to it - scuba diving - is different because scuba diving is done in deep waters, so gear is lightweight and more comfortable--it does not have to withstand huge pressures. Snorkeling can be enjoyed at any age--you just have to know how to swim.

However, to enjoy snorkeling to its fullest trainers advice divers to prepare for hazards such as mask (or snorkel) flooding, building up of pressure in the ear canals, low visibility under water due to silting, etc. Snorkeling does have some dangers. People have been known to emerge from he water with cuts on their hands and legs due to contact with coral. Also some sea urchins may inject venomous spines into inexperienced divers. And there are some of eel, which may bite. Yet, these dangers do not dampen the spirits of snorkelers.

Snorkeling destinations are spread all over the world, wherever the water is calm and abundant in sea life, such as the Caribbean, Hawaiian Islands and the Galapagos islands. Snorkeling at night is even more popular because various nocturnal marine lives can be observed. A bright underwater torch is used for nocturnal snorkeling with a chemical light tied around the waist of the diver to warn boats.

Shops that sell diving gear on the coasts usually also conduct snorkeling expeditions, providing guides. Fishermen also provide such expeditions at a small fee. Snorkeling is included in most travel packages to beach resorts.

Family holidays do not have to be filled with roller coaster rides and cotton candy for the children to enjoy every minute of your family holiday. There are many wonderful and exotic holidays available that adults and children will both enjoy from the beginning of the adventure until the very second it ends.

The world is full of exciting and unique places to travel that will give your family holidays a memorable experience other than just the thrill of a amusement ride that can be found at any state fair. When you begin to think about your family holidays consider such exotic places as the Galapagos Island, China, Costa Rica, Mexico, Turkey, Alaska, Belize, Tanzania, Egypt, Ecuador, and even such places as the grand canyon in the United States.

Family holidays are meant to be shared by the entire family and can have as much and excitement as you could imagine. Just think about riding mules down the Grand Canyon and camping out over night. This is one experience that will not be forgotten any time soon.

What about a cruise along the Alaskan Shoreline, no child would ever forget the beauty and the difference in this wonderful countryside, or maybe a family holiday in Belize where you and your children could explore the undersea adventures by snorkeling. Seeing the coral reefs, the fish and being able to be up close and personal is so much better than a trip down log flume.

Family holidays are ways to enjoy each other and to share what time and adventures together. Make the most of your family holidays by showing your children the world around them. You will enjoy these family holidays just as much as the kids and you will all take home memories that will last a lifetime. So, check out all the exotic places that you can find, maybe some are a lot closer than you ever imagined.