Dive Destinations

Asia, particulary South East Asia, is abundant in marine life. This is why this part of the region is a popular diving destination. Among the two most popular diving sites are the Philippines' Tubbataha in Palawan and Thailand's Richelieu Rock.

Tubbataha, Palawan, Philippines

As the only natural marine park in the Philippines, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Divers enjoy the spectacular underwater views that include colorful reefs, reef fish, and corals. Other marine life found in this diving site include mackerels, turtles, nudibranchs, crabs, shrimps, and corals. North atoll dive sites in this area are the Bird Island, Amos Rock, and the Malayan Wreck. If you wish to visit this diving site, plan a trip to Tubbataha, Palawan, Philippines any day from March to June. Divers can access this site Palawan's Puerto Princesa.

Richelieu Rock, Thailand

Thailand's Richelieu Rock is considered as one of the best diving sites in the world. If the Philippines' Tubbataha Marine Park boasts of amazing reefs and corals, the Richelieu Rock is home to whale sharks that divers can swim around with. Other breath-taking marine animals found here are white-eyed moral eels, manta rays, soft corals, barrel sponges, sea fans, anemones, yellow boxfish, mantis shrimps, Malabar groupers, chevron barracudas, and nurse sharks.

Because of Asia's diverse marine life, there are many diving sites found in this region. Divers from around the globe continue to flock to these sites because of the awesome underwater views one can enjoy, not to mention the diverse marine life that include rare species such as whale sharks.

If scuba diving is one of your favorite adventures to take, then here are some of the world’s greatest scuba diving spots you must really try.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia as one of the best diving spots

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is one of the world’s famous reef and is home to one of the world's most diverse habitat of sea creatures. Imagine a paradise that has never been touched and pure of beauty. The Great Barrier Reef is a protected landmark and is gracefully preserved. Scuba diving here would truly be enjoyable due to the many species of aquatic animals you can encounter here especially the rare ones. You will definitely have the scuba diving of a lifetime and get your money’s worth.

Scuba diving at Phuket, Thailand

The Andaman Sea is right off of Thailand and is best accessible through Phuket. It is considered to be among the top ten scuba diving sites in the world and can definitely support this claim. The diving spot boasts of crystal clear water, rock formations, and spectacular reefs that you just can’t get enough of. The aquatic plants and animals here are also rich in purity and beauty.

The number of tourists and divers visiting this reef are increasing every year and doesn’t seem to end at that. Scuba diving in this spot will all be worthwhile and is an outstanding experience.

If you enjoy scuba diving and you are dying to dip into one of the beautiful beaches of Maldives, then Kuredo Island Resort is the best diving destination you should explore. My family and I went on a vacation in Kuredo for two weeks, and it was really the most exciting scuba diving experience I ever had. Located in Lhaviyani Atoll, the resort is a paradise for people who truly enjoy scuba diving, white beaches, and aquamarine lagoons.

Scuba diving is one of the best leisure activities that you can do in your vacation in Kuredo Maldives. As soon as you arrive at the resort, the beauty of the beach will definitely entice you to discover its underwater wonders. The resort offers a scuba diving facility, which caters to the diving needs of its guests and visitors. You can catch the daily boat trips that lead to numerous dive sites of the resort. Also, you should try the resort's top diving sites, which includes channel crossing, diving currents, and caves.

You will not only enjoy the underwater wonders of Kuredo's lagoons and beaches, you can also revel in the excellent accommodation services of the resort. Spacious villas and exotic-looking bungalows are the accommodation options you can choose from. The villas and bungalows are all in line with the beach, so visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean. With the superb convenience of Kuredo's accommodations, you will surely have a relaxing place to retire after a day of diving activities.

Ever tried scuba diving in Egypt's Red Sea? If not, then you'd better go and dip into Red Sea's luxurious water and see its underwater wonders. Hey, its worth your glamorous time to go and visit Sharm El Sheikh, since it is noted as among the world's extraordinary diving locations. You can also choose from the place's selections of luxurious hotels and resorts, fancy casinos, elegant and renowned restaurants, and disco bars.

Sharm El Sheik is truly an amazing and breathtaking deep-sea diving destination I have been to. The magnificent corals, the tropical fish, exotic sea flora, and of course crystal clear waters are what you will surely enjoy when you happen to go to Sharm El Sheik for some diving leisure. During my visit at Sharm El Sheik, I was so overwhelmed with the white sandy beaches and spectacular desert landscape.

The grand and luxurious hotel reservation at the peninsula of Sinai are well-acclaimed for their contemporary hotel designs and intimate accommodation atmosphere. You should never underestimate Sharm El Sheik's fine amenities, which is the kind you would expect from a busy and glamorous tourist center. There are golf courses, health facilities, nightclubs, discos, and casinos. All in all, Sharm El Sheik is not just for one extraordinary scuba diving escapade, you'll get to enjoy other leisure activities as well.

Rich historical events usually involve pirates, sea monsters, and shipwrecks here and there. But in this modern age, most people now know that some sea monsters aren't actual monsters, and that pirates are now known as pricks that either plagiarize other people's work, or distribute copyrighted materials without authorized permission. But when it comes to shipwrecks and other seafaring disasters, there is enough evidence to support history's claims. There is a shipwreck on top of the beautiful Spiegel Grove, in which it indeed offers a truly marvelous scuba diving experience.

The beautiful Spiegel Grove is an area on top of the ocean floor of the actual Florida Keys. Despite lacking beautiful marine life, this spot is rather a nice scuba diving destination. Why? Well, that would be because of the shipwreck which stands on top of it! But don't rush to the damn airport and spend your hard earned cash on a spontaneous scuba diving holiday, my man. Nope, there's definitely no treasure hunting going on here, and that would be because there's no damn treasure anywhere in the beautiful Florida Keys!

The marvelous Florida Keys have a lot of scenic places, and lots more of wonderful scuba diving spots. In this portion of America, it is no wonder why in hell is Florida the retirement state of the USA! Now a good diving spot in the beautiful Florida Keys would be the magnificent Spiegel Grove. This diving destination doesn't have a lot of actual marine life to boast of, you know. But if you're more into scuba diving adventures than leisurely ones, you should check it out yourself. A major turn-on for adventure seekers out there: a damn shipwreck stands on top of it!

Are you tired of your usual diving site? Looking for a fresh one? Philippines has been blessed with beautiful beaches. Previously, Philippines is just known because of Boracay, however, today there are other places there wherein we can enjoy diving at its best. Known as the "City of Island Adventure," Surigao is the new diving destination in the Philippines. Surigao City, which is located at the northernmost tip of Mindanao, is composed of 17 islands. Another thing, this site is not only for diving. Everyone will enjoy the beauty of the Buenavista Cave, which interior has
been compared to the King's Court with the presence of chambers and frozen stalactite and stalagmite figures.

If you're looking for white sand, you can spend visit Sagisi Island which is also a great diving location. Another area known as Mabua Pebble Beach, which has a parallel line of native cottages is a perfect location for water sports like windsurfing and jet skiing. Travelling is not also a problem because Surigao City can be reached thru plane via Philippine Airline by Manila to Cebu to Surigao City route. So, if you're looking for pleasurable diving destinations, give Surigao City a chance and you will not be disappointed. It is as exciting as having a London vacation for sure.

Are you looking for a perfect diving place? Guam might be the answer to your problem. Guam is considered as the richest coral reef marine environment of any United States territory or state. It offers a great natural biodiversity because this area is a home to more than 700 fish species and nearly 400 types of corals. Diving in Guam is very easy. Here, there are many walk-in reef dives, a very wide choice of boat dive sites, and virtually no swells except after storms. So 95% of the year the seas are perfect for diving. In addition, most diving sites in Guam are just 10 to 20-minute ride by boat. There are also some very good scuba equipment deals at the various Guam dive shops.

Two of the best destinations in Guam are Orote Peninsula and Agat Bay Reefs because they offer a protected bay that is accessible to divers throughout the year. This place is also known for water clarity. Aside from these two destinations, there are other areas in Guam where you can dive and experience the beauty of marine environment. So, if you're a marine enthusiast and diving is your passion, Guam is the place to be. Aside from diving, this place can a be great honeymoon destination where you can enjoy together with your beloved.

Hey, divers and enthusiasts. I hope you have already decided just where to spend your next diving holiday. In the meantime, may I add one more great destination for your diving activity? I do not mean to rack your brains when thinking of the perfect place to go, but I hope this will help you plan your diving feats.

The most remarkable way to have a great African adventure is by exploring the waters of African coasts on the southernmost area of the continent. You can expect diverse aquatic species here. The fun seems non-stop on this side of Africa because according to my diving instructor, winter season is the best time of the year to go to the South and catch a glimpse of sharks. On the other hand, diving at night would be favorable in Sodwana, a bay near the exact spot where dolphins and whalesharks hunt for food. But, hey, you will not be included in the cuisine since these dumbos eat while the sun shines its brightest.

Reefs, anyone? Expect the most beautiful and rarest corals. There are sponges in various colors. If you are not interested in diving, then spear fishing is also permitted in the coast. Just ask for permission, alright? On the northern most area of the cost, a garden of kelps could be spotted. It will be really hard to go there if you do not know the twists and turns because you might just get entangled with the kelps.

The formerly quiet city located along the Caribbean coast has become another holiday vacationing spot because of its magnificent scuba diving sites. The 'Playa', as it is informally called, is discovered by tourists when they just wanted to avoid the crowdy Cancun. Although the sights here aren't as fabulous as those that can be found in Cozumel, people still go here for a mindblowing snorkel and scuba diving experience.

The Chimenea is a diving spot famous for its coral Chimney and deep depth which is appropriate for the skilled divers. The Los Arcos also has a dive depth of 30 meters and among those which you can see here are the stingrays and moray eels. The Barracuda is named after the sea creatures that can be found here. The Deer Point's (its name did not originate from the animal) main attraction is its vast coral garden abundant of hard corals, nurse sharks, parrot fish, and moray eels. There's a lot more diving spots here if you really are in for the water adventure.

The town can be reached by bus or taxi from Cancun. The best time to go there is on the months of March to June, as ports are usually closed in January to February because of heavy winds. But even if you won't be able to go in for a dive, there are tons of stuff to do around the exciting Playa.

I have first read of Cayman Islands in some of John Grisham's book, like The Runaway Jury (which had already been made into a great suspense-thriller film, by the way) when one character would wire money or something like that. Anyway, I am not here to talk money, but to talk nature, and Cayman Islands happen to be one of those places which has the best of underwater wonder you'll ever get to see. Yes, I will also talk about the best scuba diving sites you can find here.

Grand Cayman lives up to its name-- it is simply grand. Aptly called the king of all the Caribbean diving destinations, the Cayman prides itself with everything a diver could ever want. The weather is superb all year round, with occasional rain pours on the summer months. Divers are lured into its warm, inviting, glassy waters where you can see all its underwater beauty.

Some of the best diving sites are the West Wall (where you can see magnificent sponge and coral formations and schools of colorful tropical fishes), the North Wall (where you can swim with most large sea creatures like eagle rays and sharks), and the Stingray City where you can get up-close with stingrays. Cayman Islands is best visited on the months of December to April. So get your flippers ready and experience Cayman.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jayne Jenkins and her team for setting a world record. Whew! What they did was more like a death-defying stunt. These guys must have been really crazy with diving.

It was actually a walk underwater at one of the most beautiful bays in the great Australian continent. If you think that they did it as easy as diving down the ocean and padding their way from one point to another, you are absolutely under-estimating the diving skills of these guys. Performing the act is never an easy task. They obliged themselves to complete the course in 48 hours, though they did it two hours less than the intended time. All the six members of the team took turns in walking underwater, guided by a rope that extended from the coasts of Chowder Bay. They had to alternately walk the path while allowing each member to rest for at least for hours.

All in all, they walked 60 miles. I was anxiously waiting by the shore, when finally, after almost two days underwater, Jenkins and her team reappeared on the coastline. I even joked on their worn-out diving boots. It was definitely a record to last for a long time. I am proud of you guys!

If you think lovely Asian countries like the Philippines and Thailand have pristine beaches to boast of, what makes Taiwan any different? Well, almost nothing. Of course, when we speak of Taiwan's geography and tourism offerings, its features are unique compared to its neighboring countries. These distinct features can only be found underwater in Taiwan.

What would a scuba diver find in the waters of Taiwan? Mostly, amazing rock formations, that's what. In the cape of Yeliu, for instance, the combined effects of weathering, wave erosion, and crust activities have resulted to rocks and underwater depressions of extraordinary shapes like that of foods; you name it -- mushrooms, bean curds. In fact, there are already nicknames for these potholes and rocks such as Fairy Shoe and Candlestick.

On the other hand, there is also the coast of Tiaoshi, where the stones and pebbles from volcanic eruptions are a sight to see for scuba divers and swimmers alike. These formations have become a natural part of the country's pebble beach and have long been considered as the special treasures that makes Taiwan's waters different from the rest.

Here is yet another diving haven for the scuba goers out there. I suggest that you try to go to Aruba and visit the Bonaire Divi Flamingo Beach and Casino. Judging from the name of the resort, it's not just scuba diving that you will be enjoying from this marvelous resort.

The said resort offers a five-star diving service to its clientele. Also, the site has 2 gigantic swimming pools. Plus, there are several great amenities, restaurants, convenience store, fitness center, spa services, gift shops, etc. that the guests of the resort can avail. Furthermore, children who are below 15 years of age may actually stay in a room for free when they are with adults.

As for the scuba diving adventure, guests can avail of the scuba diving amenities from morning until evening. They will be accompanied by experienced scuba diving crew from the resort. Divers will be pleased to know that strong currents, bad weather, and big seas are not going to be a problem. They can scuba dive all day and night secure in the thought that their diving experience will be a most pleasurable one. They will surely find out that life under the sea is just as colorful compared to the shores, or maybe even better!

The Philippines abounds in natural resources. Since it is a tropical country, and it is geographically located, it has become a popular diving destination which dates back a long time ago, and still holds true to this day and age. It does not cease to lure divers around the archipelago and the world.

Being mainly separated by different forms of bodies of water, the Philippines takes pride in its rich colorful underwater resources. Throughout the years, diving has also become a well-loved water sport in the country, but not all divers dive for such reason. Many others, local and foreign divers, dive to do researches, take photographs, or simply get mesmerized by the splendid beauty of our rich and glorious underwater treasures especially diverse fish species.

Some of the most commonly visited diving spots in the country are the ones located in Batangas, Bohol, Boracay, Mindoro, and Palawan which is also the home of one of the world's best diving destinations. So whatever purpose you may have, come and visit the Philippines and behold its amazing underwater beauty plus, of course, experience the warm Filipino hospitality and learn its rich history.

A whale shark (more commonly called Butanding in the Philippines) is not easily seen if you are diving from anywhere else in the world. But, if you visit Sorsogon on the southern province of Luzon called Bicol, you might just have a wonderful and memorable sighting of these gentle giants. Scuba divers can travel for less than two hours from Manila to Legazpi city and to Sorsogon via airline flight and experience swimming with these sea creatures.

The Philippines is home to sundry marine creatures, among them the Butanding and the Dugong, and the sting rays or Mantas. If you were diving in the coasts of Palawan, you'll find seacows or manatees. But if you are on the lookout for whale sharks (Rhincodon Typus), scuba diving in Sorsogon will not fail you.

There are certain precautions, though. Even if the whale sharks are tame creatures, it is not advisable to dive and frighten them in the process. Only six divers are allowed per whale shark. You should keep about 4 meters of distance from the whale shark's body and if you would like to take pictures, don't use flash cameras. If you would like to visit other diving sites in Sorsogon, better proceed to the Manta Bowl, where schools of stingrays feed. You can find them on Ticao Pass off the shore of Bulan.

Scuba diving is a kind of recreation that most people who loves to swim using equipment that will enable them to breath even they are underwater. Swimmers dive to explore the underwater world. For fun and professional purposes. Divers want to discover the beauty that is hidden under and sometimes they conduct studies on the inhabitants of the water.
When you are planning to go scuba diving it is better if you have an idea on the places or the suggested diving destinations. In the Philippines, since it is a tropical country, diving can be done any time. It also has famous diving destinations that divers may consider to explore. These includes Apo Island that has preserved its coral reef. Another is Puerto Galera and Cebu.

If you are wondering if there are diving sites in United Arab Emirates, the answer is yes. Even if UAE is generally a desert place ther are also diving destinations that divers could try. One of these is Martini Rock. It is famous for its unique feature which is the three huge rocks located underwater with corals which look like teddy bear. Here, you will have the chance to be close at the fishes of different specie. You could also try Inchcape II, Musamdam Sites and many more to make your trip very recreational.

Hawaii is known for its great beaches and magnificent scenery. One of the things that Hawaii boasts of is Kona. Scuba divers will definitely love Kona. It has crystal clear blue waters. The beach is just absolutely amazing. Other than that, a lot of people say that there is a story behind Kona's waters.

Legend has it that a beautiful young woman, who was aboard a sailboat, had to get rid of little men. Now, these men were green in color. Apparently, the only way that the young woman had to do was to purge the men with fire. Wood plus fire. Hmmm, not a very good combination. One can just imagine what happened next.

Afterwards, the sailboat sank and the woman was left afloat in the angry waters of Hawaii. The young woman made it alive. However, the waves have stripped her of her clothing. As for the sailboat, it stays by the sand as if awaiting a passenger. The remains of the infamous sailboat is located on the sandy floor of Kailua Bay's harbor.

Now, isn't that something to keep a scuba diver thrilled about his/her diving experience? Who knows? There might still be green little men lurking around? Nah! Just kidding.

If you love scuba diving and enjoy learning about marine and maritime history, then why not board a plane to Panama soon? It is absolutely diving paradise, a place where two of the world's greatest oceans converge-the Atlantic and the Pacific. Plus you'll get to chance to learn more of the many things that make Panama a cultural melting pot.

You probably don't know it but Panama's waters has been the final resting place of pirate ships for ages. As you dive, you'll see the remains of what used to be the most dreaded cutthroat pirates of the Caribbean Sea. And of course, other than the pirate ships, you'll see the natural aquatic wonders that only you can see in Panama.

Scuba Diving Magazine readers has named Islamorada as the top dive destination. Other awards given by scuba diving readers include snorkeling, wreck diving, underwater photography and many other categories divers considers before chosing their dive destination.

Islamadora is a village in Monroe Country Florida and is part of the Upper Florida Keys group of island. The climate here is perfect for water activities. Islamorada also has top underwater visibility with a teeming population of marine wildlife. Sounds too good to be true? Why not find out for yourself and visit Islamorada in your next summer vacation.