Where is the best coral for snorkeling?

I am English but live in France and I visit my daughter in Nelson, NZ, every year. I like to break up the long journey home by taking a one week snorkeling holiday, but I was very disappointed last year. I went to Phuket and there was no coral worth seeing. I have been similarly disappointed in the Maldives, where the coral was bleached.
For next March, I am considering New Caledonia (no problem in speaking French) or Vanuatu, or anywhere else where there is good and accessible coral.
I don't want night life - I am 71 - but my passion is seeing coral. I don't dive but I am a very experienced snorkeler.
I prefer snorkeling alone from the beach rather than being in a guided group.
Can anyone recommend the best island for me?

Have you considered the Western province of Solomon Islands?

Thank you - I have just googled The Solomon Islands and they look perfect - I will try to get some quotes for holidays from Auckland.

Some of the best soft corals are in Fiji.

Cheers,
Peter

I would also recommend Fiji - we did some great snorkeling off the beach on Mana and Waya Islands. We were a little disappointed with the off the beach snorkeling in New Caledonia - but we found our research did not bring up much - we basically did boat trips out to the islands.

I'd agree with Fiji - I did some amazing snorkelling off the beaches in the Yasawa Islands.

I've been to Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and French Polynesia too, and I'd say the beach snorkelling off Fiji was definitely the best.

Looks like it will be Fiji then - many thanks for all your helpful replies

I have been given a quotation for five days at the Plantation Resort on Manalolo but one review on Trip Advisor said it was full of rowdy children! Has anybody been there?

Yes, it is certainly regarded as a family resort so expect lots of kids, particularly during school holidays.

Have a look at Navini Resort. A tiny island with excellent snorkelling. It does allow kids, but being small doesn't get overrun.

Its dining is communal, rather like a dinner party and is hosted by the owners. Not for everyone, but if you're travelling alone it may be a good place to talk to people from all over the world. Certainly not a party island. It's also easy to get to from Nadi.

Edited by: agingaquarian

Navini looks like paradise, but a week there costs about £1,000 more than at the Plantation Resort. As I intend to spend most of the day snorkeling, and the coral is just as good, is it worth paying so much extra? I wouldn't be using any of the facilities, as I just have dinner in the evenings and retire to bed with a book or my laptop. I don't mind children being around as I have ten grandchildren and four great-grand-children.