Scuba divers have different opinions on the best places to go. Some prefer the warm, clear waters of the Caribbean, while others enjoy diving in colder environments such as Alaska. In this article, we’ll discuss 6 favorite spots that will definitely appeal, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver.
Mexico
The Great Maya Reef is the largest reef in the Americas and offers you a chance to see a wide variety of marine life. Isla Mujeres is known for its clear waters and beautiful coral reefs. Punta Mita is famous for its Whale Shark encounters.
Cozumel is home to a number of shipwrecks that are popular with divers. There are also local companies that offer PADI certification courses and you can have fun scuba diving with certified operators. Their websites provide videos from their galleries, details of their diving team and information about their rental equipment.
The Great Barrier Reef
This natural miracle is located on the northeastern coast of Australia. It’s the world’s largest coral reef system, composed of thousands of individual reefs and hundreds of islands. The reef can be seen from outer space and it’s home to a variety of marine life. This includes over 1500 species of fish, 5000 species of mollusks, and 630 species of echinoderms. The reef also supports a large population of seabirds, turtles, and dugongs.
The Great Barrier Reef can be divided into three major areas: inner reefs, outer reefs, and atolls. Each area features a different type of diving experience. The Inner reefs are close to shore and offer gentle slopes and sheltered waters, making them perfect for beginners. The Outer reefs are further offshore and feature steep drop-offs, strong currents, and diverse marine life. Atolls are ring-shaped coral reefs that surround a lagoon in the center. They offer some of the most challenging diving conditions – but also some of the most beautiful underwater scenery.
The Philippines
There are many great scuba diving locations in the Philippines. Puerto Galera is one of the most popular spots, as it offers a variety of dive sites for all skill levels. Anilao is known for its clear water and the abundance of marine life.
Moalboal offers beautiful coral gardens and plenty of opportunities to see turtles. Apo Reef National Park is a must-see for any scuba diver, as it’s home to the largest coral reef in the Philippines. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is also a must-see, as it’s one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world.
Thailand
Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, and it’s one of the top destinations for scuba diving. Similan Islands National Park is located off the west coast of Thailand near Phuket. It’s a group of islands with white sand beaches, coral reefs, and clear blue waters. The Phi Phi Islands are known for their limestone cliffs, crystal clear waters, and beautiful beaches.
Koh Lipe is a small island near the Thai-Malaysian border. It’s a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling, with clear water and colorful coral reefs. Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are two dive sites that are known for their deep waters and large pelagic fish.
Malaysia
Redang Island is popular for scuba diving because of its ample marine life and clear waters. Mabul Island is located off the coast of Sabah, in northeastern Malaysia. It’s known for its macro diving, where divers can see small creatures up close.
Sipadan Island is located in northeastern Malaysia and it’s known for its turtles, which can often be seen swimming around the island. Lankayan Island is also to be found in northeastern Malaysia, and it’s known for its whale sharks.
The Red Sea
The Blue Hole is hundreds of meters deep, and it’s located off the coast of Dahab in Egypt – and it’s famous for its clear blue water. Ras Mohammed National Park is a beautiful spot with coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. There are also high numbers of different kinds of fish.
The Soma Bay is known for its beautiful coral reefs, being home to many turtles, dolphins, and rays. The Brothers Islands are both located off the coast of Egypt and are known for their clear water, marine life, and shipwrecks.
You may also want to check out Indonesia, Palau, Roatan, and more. By visiting some of these scuba diving locations, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime. So why not do some more research right now, and then organize the trip and equipment? Before you know it, you’ll have memories that will last forever, and desire to return sometime soon.