Best islands for snorkelling

I loved the snorkelling in Fiji (Yasawas and Caqualai)) and Cook Islands (Aitutaki). Although I wouldn't mind going back to Fiji again, it would be nice to explore another group of islands in the Pacific.

Can anyone recommend something that is safe for an older solo female traveller, with great snorkelling, preferably off the beach? I will travel there in July/August. Other than snorkelling, I like to hike (nothing too strenuous though) and I'm interested in the local culture/people. A bit of a social scene with like minded travellers would be nice too.

Thanks in advance for any comments and/or recommendations!

The very best snorkeling would be in PNG or the Solomons, but they may be a bit too rough for you.

The next best, Vanuatu, ticks all boxes though.
Up on Santo island you can find one of the Pacific's finest beaches, great snorkeling, very friendly locals and (inland) traditional culture.
Vila, which you must pass through anyway, will offer more of the social scene, though don't expect anything like in Fiji.

Thanks for the recommendation, Laszlo. I have been to Vanuatu a couple of years ago, and loved it there. I was only on Efate (Port Vila and Nguna) and Tanna then, so Santo might be interesting. I'll definitely do some research.

Could you elaborate about PNG and the Solomons maybe being too rough for me?

Well, both countries have a reputation for crime and violance, though as usual, things are not as bad on the ground as in the news, and the outer islands in both tend to be very peaceful.
Also, if you were to stay in a resort, it would keep you safe.
Independant, budget travel is also possible in them, but is more for the adventurous than for the cautious traveler!

OK, thanks for the quick reply!

I beg to differ with Laszlo as far as Solomon Islands is concerned. I am a woman and have lived there for 5 of the last 20 years, and visit regularly. While I wouldn't recommend walking around Honiara alone at night, I probably wouldn't recommend it anywhere else either.
Laszlo visited Solomon Islands not long after the end of 5 years of ethnic unrest, when things were a bit unsettled. I travelled there during those years, and took the advice of local friends, never experiencing any more violence than I would at home in Australia. There has been no serious problem since 2006.
The most imortant thing to remember, if travelling to islands outside the capital is to dress modestly, covering your legs over the knees, and don't wear trousers in Malaita.
There are a number of resorts in the Western province reommended for snorkelling, though I haven't visited there. I can however, recommend Maravagi, a low key resort a short boat ride from Honiara, where there is great snorkelling off the beach.

Thanks Ozziegiraffe, I'll do some research on the Solomons as well.