Snorkeling in Germany: The best spots on the North Sea and Baltic Sea

Too murky and too wild – that's a common misconception about snorkeling in the North Sea and Baltic Sea. But there are also quiet spots where you can see seagrass meadows with crabs, mussels, starfish, fish, eels, and even historic wrecks. However, the fun can quickly become dangerous due to the tides.

We reveal where the underwater world of the North Sea and Baltic Sea is particularly good for snorkeling and what you should definitely pay attention to.

Especially in the North Sea, snorkelers can quickly be drawn out to sea at low tide. Therefore, it's important to check the tide times before heading out. You can find out when high and low tides are online using the tide calendars for most coastal towns.

Therefore, you should enter the water half an hour before high tide, and ideally end your trip no later than 15 minutes after low tide. Beginners should avoid snorkeling in the North Sea due to strong currents and limited visibility.

Although snorkeling is a little easier in the Baltic Sea , it is best to go into the sea near a DLRG station and only explore the underwater world with someone.

Snorkeling is possible in the Baltic Sea and North Sea – but often only for advanced divers.

Source: IMAGO/Pond5 Images

Important to know: The breathing tube of a snorkel must be a maximum of 35 centimeters long and 2 centimeters thick – anything longer can be life-threatening! If the snorkel is too long, you'll rebreathe your own used air. This so-called pendulum breathing can lead to unconsciousness – and that's extremely dangerous in the water.

Those well-prepared can look forward to interesting snorkeling experiences in several locations in the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Many islands, in particular, offer excellent snorkeling conditions. However, some coastal towns on the mainland also have beautiful snorkeling spots. The best time for snorkeling in the North and Baltic Seas is from May to September , when the water temperatures are at their most pleasant.

On Hörnum's eastern beach on the North Sea island of Sylt , you can discover starfish, mussel beds, eels, and sea bass near the shore. The shallow waters are perfect for capturing local flora and fauna on camera.

One highlight is the Reichsseezeichen steamer, which sank in 1944 off Hörnum's eastern beach. The wreck of the "WIK" lies at a depth of only twelve meters, making it easily accessible to divers and snorkelers. The remains of the ship serve as a substitute coral reef for sea anemones, razor clams, and butterfish.

Want to see a sea bass? It's possible in the Baltic Sea.

Source: IMAGO/imagebroker

Jellyfish, crabs, flounder, eels and cod – Germany's largest island offers some of the best snorkeling spots in the Baltic Sea with exciting marine life.

Those interested in archaeological finds should go snorkeling in the north of Rügen . There, you can discover submerged coastal settlements from the Stone Age and lost ship cargoes such as cannons, furnaces, and copper plates.

You can often see eels while snorkeling in the Baltic Sea.

Source: imago stock&people

The Baltic Sea island of Fehmarn offers a diverse underwater world along its cliffs and offshore islands. Among other species, mackerel, various flatfish, garfish, and sea trout can be found there.

The shallow Flügger Beach is ideal for first snorkeling attempts. The water slopes very gently, allowing you to stand right up to the sandbar. The small Strukkamphuk Beach in the southwest of the island also attracts beginners to dive in the shallow water. Since both beaches are natural, you'll find plenty of wildlife, as well as algae and plenty of grass.

Warnemünde is also a great place for snorkeling in the Baltic Sea. For example, at Cape Geinitzort, west of the Baltic resort, you'll find cod, sea trout, herring, flounder, crabs, and eels, among other species.

A special highlight in Warnemünde are seals. Currently, the Marine Science Center , the seal research center of the University of Rostock, doesn't offer the opportunity to snorkel with the animals. However, those who wish can swim or even dive with them. A diving license is required for diving.

In our WhatsApp channel, you'll find the best travel tips, unusual places, and affordable travel deals at a glance. If you want to receive our news immediately, simply activate the bell in the channel. You'll then be notified of new messages.

An excellent snorkeling spot is located in Eckenförde near the harbor pier. There, you can see starfish, anemones, and other fascinating sea creatures in the shallow Baltic Sea waters. All you have to do is enter the water at the sheet pile wall. There's also an artificially created reef made of concrete pipes to explore.

Plaice and crabs zipping across the seafloor can usually only be observed from a distance. Diving equipment is often required for a closer look.

There is a lot to see while snorkeling in the Baltic Sea.

Source: imago images/Westend61

In the Bay of Lübeck, there's also a fascinating underwater world at the "Steinwall" in Neustadt in Holstein. For example, you can snorkel along the wall and observe mussels, starfish, and rockfish, or take photos of the fascinating wildlife.

Those who want to explore the shallow waters with professionals can also go snorkeling in the Baltic Sea with a marine expert. The BUND Environmental Center has a mobile trailer with complete snorkeling equipment, allowing children as young as eight years old to participate in excursions.

Calm waters and a diverse wildlife await you in the Bodden waters of the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

The Darß Sill off the Darß peninsula is particularly exciting for snorkelers and divers. There, the salinity is lower and the saline flora and fauna are less abundant, allowing freshwater creatures to be found.

Animals such as sea scorpions, eelpout, pipefish, sticklebacks, and lumpfish live in the shallow waters. Particularly rare marine creatures frolic alongside cod, herring, and garfish in the deeper waters: porpoises are the only whales native to the Baltic Sea. But with a little luck, you might even spot one of these shy creatures, which can grow up to 1.8 meters long.

A look beneath the water's surface on the coast of Schilksee near Kiel is worthwhile: the bottom is densely populated with seagrass and mussel beds, home to many marine creatures. Sea hares, sticklebacks, pipefish, as well as pike, zander, trout, carp, bream, and eels can be found. Porpoises are also common.

Equipped with a wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins, you can enjoy snorkeling in the Baltic Sea to the fullest.

Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter , and the best travel deals on our deals page .

travel reporter