There is nothing quite like scuba diving. Not only is it an immensely serene yet thrilling experience, but it also offers a gateway to some of the earth’s most breathtaking and uncharted territories in the depths of the ocean. Presenting vibrant coral reefs teeming with unique marine life and mysterious shipwrecks echoing tales of the past, these seven destinations around the world will surely offer unforgettable experiences underwater.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Scuba diving in Galapagos is high on the bucket-list for many deep-sea adventurers. Known for its unique and fearless wildlife, dive sites like Darwin Island, El Arco, and Isabela Island are famed for schooling hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, sea lions, penguins, and even whale sharks. The islands’ geographical isolation guarantees excellent visibility and pristine underwater conditions that are revered as some of the best in the world.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Regarded as the most marine biodiverse place on earth and home to 75 percent of the world’s coral species, Raja Ampat is located in the heart of the Coral Triangle and comprises over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals. Those who are fortunate enough to explore its abundant waters are graced with the likes of pygmy seahorses, majestic manta rays, various shark species, and hard and soft corals that are brimming with life and colour.
Socorro Islands, Mexico
Part of the Revillagigedo Archipelago, Socorro Islands is a dream for lovers of big creatures. This remote paradise is only accessible via liveaboard vessels and due to its geographical location, attracts numerous pelagics including manta rays, bottlenose dolphins, and humpback whales. Despite the long 24-hour journey it takes to get to the UNESCO Heritage Site from Cabo San Lucas, the unparalleled diving experience that awaits will surely be worth the trip.
Red Sea, Egypt
When it comes to the northern hemisphere, nothing beats diving in the Red Sea. Whether you choose to dive in the north or south, the Red Sea overflows with amazing wrecks, including the world-famous SS Thistlegorm, and many fascinating encounters with diverse shark species, manta rays, and numerous endemic species. Have we mentioned that the Red Sea also boasts excellent diving conditions and near perfect visibility all year round?
Sipadan Island, Malaysia
Situated off the coast of Borneo, Sipadan is a premier diving destination formed by living corals growing atop an extinct volcano pinnacle, bringing about a rich and varied marine ecosystem. Dozens of sharks, countless turtles, barracuda tornadoes, and herds of bumphead parrotfish are just some of the highlights you can expect when diving there. In order to safeguard the precious reefs, all divers require a permit to be able to dive around the island.
French Polynesia
Spectacular diving is abundant no matter where you dive in French Polynesia. Home to the world’s largest population of grey reef sharks, some of the most popular islands for diving are Tahiti, Moorea, Bora-Bora, and Fakarava. Divers can look forward to coming across outstanding reefs, various spark species, manta rays, whales, huge schools of cardinal fish, snappers, and barracuda, and more.
Palau
Palau is renowned for its stunning underwater landscapes, including the famous Blue Corner, which is a submerged promontory with strong currents that attract large pelagic species like sharks and mantas. Amongst the other highlights are the WWII wrecks, jellyfish lakes, and vibrant coral gardens. Another thing that makes diving in Palau so special is that it is home to the world’s first shark sanctuary, protecting over 135 Western Pacific shark species.
Featured image: NEOM via Unsplash
