The Top 5 Places to Snorkel with Clownfish
By Gilly Bachelor — Travel Expert

If you’ve ever dreamed of finding Nemo in real life, there’s no better way than diving into the world’s most colourful coral reefs. These playful clownfish — famous for their vibrant orange stripes and charming personalities — live symbiotically with sea anemones, creating one of nature’s most iconic underwater partnerships. Here are five of the best places on earth to see them up close.

Thailand

With warm, tropical waters and a wealth of marine biodiversity, Thailand is one of Asia’s easiest and most rewarding places to snorkel with clownfish. Islands like Koh Tao, Koh Ngai, and Koh Kradan offer calm bays and clear visibility, perfect for spotting six different species — from the classic Clown Anemonefish to the rarer Tomato and False Clown varieties. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeller or seasoned diver, Thailand’s reefs are pure magic.

Egypt (Red Sea)

The Red Sea is home to some of the most spectacular coral gardens in the world, and its calm, crystal-clear waters make it ideal for underwater photography. You’ll find the striking Two-Banded Anemonefish (Amphiprion bicinctus) around Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Marsa Alam. Watch them dart in and out of their anemone homes while surrounded by shoals of brightly coloured reef fish — it’s an unforgettable experience.

The Maldives

The Maldives is a dream for any ocean lover, and the home of the beautiful Maldive Anemonefish (Amphiprion nigripes). These pink-orange beauties thrive in the atoll’s shallow reefs and lagoons, particularly on the outer reef slopes. Combine your snorkelling with a stay at an overwater villa, where you can literally step off your deck and into Nemo’s world.

Lombok, Indonesia

While its neighbour Bali gets much of the attention, Lombok is a hidden gem for snorkellers. With calm seas, shallow coral reefs, and a relaxed island vibe, it’s an ideal spot for discovering clownfish without the crowds. You might spot the classic Clownfish, Clark’s Anemonefish, or even the rare Black Saddleback “panda” clownfish. The nearby Gili Islands also offer fantastic visibility and easy access to marine life right from the beach.

Seychelles

For those seeking a touch of luxury with their snorkelling, the Seychelles delivers in spades. The reefs around islands like Mahé and Praslin are teeming with life — and home to the Seychelles Anemonefish (Amphiprion fuscocaudatus), found nowhere else on earth. Snorkel in calm lagoons fringed with granite boulders and pristine coral gardens — a true slice of paradise.

In Summary

Whether you’re floating over the coral gardens of the Maldives or gliding through Egypt’s Red Sea reefs, there’s something magical about spotting a clownfish in its natural home. These tiny, bold fish bring big personality to the ocean — and finding them is one of the pure joys of travel.

So grab your mask and fins, and dive into one of the ocean’s happiest places. After all, the real Nemo is out there waiting for you.