The allure of the sparkling oceans is a call that many cannot resist because of their love for marine beauty and adventure. If you belong to that gang, splashing around the romantic beaches and islands of the world should be one of the most wonderful ways to have fun. The excitement of water sports redoubles if you are visiting some of the topmost diving destinations of the world. If you are a diving freak and raring to go places, you should not miss these real interesting facts about the best diving places of the world.
1. The Bahamas, Western Atlantic
Touf with Sharks / Photo from therocketscientist
A group shot, complete with a grouper / Photo from active2gether
The Bahamas are an archipelago consisting of 700 islands extending over 100,000 square miles of the Western Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by its formation through the sinking of a plateau resulting in the shallow seas you find in the shore area. The average depth of the sea is of 20 feet except where a deep underwater trench called ‘The Tongue of the Ocean’ cuts through the submerged plateau.
Bahamas – Stuart Cove’s shark feeding / Photo from remainingoceansart
A warm ocean current influences this islands and is responsible for the vivid marine life particularly the extensive coral reefs. You can have endless scopes of adventure in the longest cave and cavern network found on the Grand Bahama Island.
A complete vacation package is very advantageous for you can get diving, accommodation and transportation facilities. There are separate charters for snorkeling, exploring the caves and wrecks and plunging into the Blue Holes. You must not miss the Biminis, Abacos, Eleuthera, Cat Island, San Salvador and Inagua if you want to make the most of your diving vacation in the Bahamas.
2. Papua New Guinea, Bismarck Sea
Nakajima Kate / Photo from Murray Cornish
The coastlines of Papua New Guinea are marked by rugged mountainous terrain that is difficult to cross. Papua New Guinea stands at the confluence of three seas namely the Bismarck Sea, the Solomon Sea and the Coral Sea and hence a rich site for marine flora and fauna.
Pez Escorpion / Photo from Squalo Divers
Triggerfish / Photo from Boogies with Fish
You can get both live-aboard and land-based diving facilities in these islands that you can take up to explore the marine life and World War II wrecks found in the Bismarck Sea. Chartering the neighboring area in local boats leaving from Alotau is also a great way to explore the place. However, if you are bent on a diving spree, you must visit Kimbe Bay, Madang, Rabaul and Kavieng to have an unforgettable diving experience.
3. Galapagos Islands
Whale Shark / Photo from PedroAlberto98
Galapagos Islands archipelago is a real paradise for scuba divers because of its wide array of gorgeous marine life and challenging geographical conditions. You must take the advice of the dive shops to know which areas for diving should suit your level best and get the right diving gears for the varying temperatures. You must know how to tackle the marine creatures, currents, shape and depth of the dive spots to enjoy the experience.
Green Turtle. Chelonia mydas. / Photo from hsacdirk
Wolf island / Photo from hsacdirk
The Pacific water of Galapagos is clear as a glass and as such, there is nothing to impede your vision of the colored fish through 15 to 25 meters depth. In some places, you can find bright rich waters due to the presence of green algae phytoplankton. Most of the islands of the Galapagos group are suitable for drift diving, night diving and deep diving.
If you like, you can take up the offers of dive trips, day trips and shore diving classes.
4. Rangiroa, Polynesia
Rangirora – Green Lagoon / Photo from JulienNarboux
The vast coastline of Rangiroa will tell you that it counts among the largest atolls of the world and definitely the biggest one of the Tahiti Islands. Its intricate network of islets and coral rings are the home to various species of sea animals. Rangiroa consists of two different dive locations located near the lagoon Paio motu, namely Ava Toru and Tiputa pass. Both these spots offer fantastic glimpses of marine wealth of French Polynesia.
Under the sun / Photo from Autopsea
The average temperature of the seawaters remains around 70 F in winter and 80 F in summer, and hence Rangiroa is a year-round diving destination. You can take a dive for 45 minutes at a stretch in the clear underwater region. The maximum depth is around 80 feet and you must take a boat dive to look at the dolphins, sharks, manta rays and jack fish floating around.
5. Riviera Maya, Mexico
Cenote – Yucatan, Mexico / Photo from okinal
Photo from macrisbruse
Riviera Mayo or the Mayan Riviera is located beside the Highway 400 running parallel along the Caribbean coastline of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The reef formations of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System along the coasts attract tourists and divers alike. The best way to explore this underground river network is to dive through sinkhole collapses. You can see the wonderful natural phenomenon in the formation of the carbonate caves due to the commingling of fresh and saline waters.
Cavern diving in the Chac Mool cenote in Quintana Roo. / Photo from brad77
In fact, Riviera Maya contains the two longest underwater cave systems in the world called Sac Actun and Ox Bel Ha. These offer rare sights to divers like fresh water creatures swimming atop the saline water floods. If you are a novice in diving, go for snorkeling in the reefs of Playa del Carmen and Tulum. More seasoned divers can enjoy the incomparable experience of cave diving in the sinkholes of Dos Ojos. You can access a range of diving facilities including live-aboard between every resort.
6. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Queensland, Australia / Photo from !snednas!
Consisting of more than 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system sprawling over 2,600 kilometers in Coral Sea. This World Heritage Site is the home to several wonderful species of marine creatures and hence, divers are rewarded by the sight of an astounding bio-diversity. You could also enjoy staying at its live-aboard as a tourist or a scuba diver.
Heart of a Giant Clam / Photo from Kälaino’ono’o
While you take the plunge into warm seawaters, you can catch sight of over 400 coral species and other endangered species of sea animals. You must do the necessary paperwork, planning and preparations before undertaking a diving expedition here.
7. Little Cayman, British West Indies
Grand Cayman 9ft Bronze Mermaid / Photo from Sam Cathey
The Little Cayman Islands is a UK dependency situated in the Caribbean Sea just to the south of Cuba. This is an abode for rare species of birds as well as aquatic animals. If you choose Little Cayman Islands as a diving destination, you must make your visit between June and August when the water temperature remains favorable and the calm sea permits maximum visibility. The north part of the island containing a protected marine park is best for diving. You could sail here in boats though anchoring is forbidden.
Silversides Spawning / Photo from courtneyplatt
If you are looking ahead to wall dives, come to the Bloody Bay Wall on the northwestern side of the islands. You can go down to more than 3000 feet underwater and observe the undisturbed oceanic world up to a distance of 100 feet. Jackson’s Bay is another hot diving spot in Little Cayman Islands from where you can wade off to the Big Blue. While exploring the underwater crevices and tunnels, you can encounter a Gray Reef Shark over the wall, Nurse Shark, Sting Rays, Eagle Rays and Turtles adding to the fun of diving.
8. Bonaire
Farewell Bonaire / Photo from Kälaino’ono’o
The geographical location of Bonaire is perfect for the flourish of aquatic flora and fauns. Its perfectly calm waters and natural shelter from trade winds encourages the growth of corals and makes a beautiful location for family vacations. As a diver, you will enjoy exploring its marine parks full of the vivid richness of the Caribbean waters. The spot has been preserved as a virgin diving locale and its crystal clear waters with a visibility up to 150 feet offer a toast to underwater photographers.
Turtle / Photo from edpdiver
9. Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands
Marshall Islands / Photo from Povilas Redko
Situated amid the Micronesian Islands of the Pacific Ocean, Bikini Atoll is counted as a part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. This group of 36 islands is located midway between Australia and Honolulu and one of the best spots for divers to view shipwrecks. Among the most famous wrecks are the former warships like USS Saratoga and the Japanese Nagato. Bikini Atoll has also remained an experimental ground for nuclear tests conducted around the 1950s.
Nagato Battleship / Photo from rjdiver
USS Saratoga Aircraft / Photo from rjdiver
Today Bikini Atoll and lagoon is one of the prospective sites for diving, fishing and other water sports. Though this island is barely inhabited because of the radiation pollution, it is an abode for an amazing variety of fishes. It recently came into the limelight as a diving destination and only a handful of divers have been venturing forth because of the extravagant $5,000 charged for a weeklong diving holiday.
10. British Columbia, Canada
Orca / Photo from pranjal2008
British Columbia is the most amazing diving destination of North America, thanks to its extraordinary variety of sea-life. As a diver, you will be rewarded by the sight of prawns, Dungeness crabs, Orca whales, sea lions, large octopuses, lingcod or any other creature belonging to the 5,000 species of invertebrates or 400 species of colored fish. Its coastline is protected keeping the divers’ safety in mind.
Orca Breeching / Photo from christinamcraft
Although British Columbia is characterized by some of the strongest currents of the world, its mild mid-40 degree water will perfectly suit long diving expeditions. You can start by testing the slack tides near the underwater rock walls and gradually go into deeper waters. As you swim round the myriad straits surrounding Vancouver Island, you can see the beauty of the colorful algae that add to the beauty of the marine world.
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38 Comments, Comment or Ping
By Paul posted on Mar 29th, 2009
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Thanks for recognizing British Columbia as one of the best dive destinations in the world! That was a nice article with some great pictures!
http://www.cooldives.com
By George posted on Apr 1st, 2009
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Amazing diving places indeed. I like them very much, although i haven't dived yet. After this photos i am sure there is no one who could say no to diving..
By Ann posted on Apr 7th, 2009
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These photos are really beautiful. I was afraid the shark and I did not swim in the sea. But, when I have cover and I can see around yourself, I have no fear. So, I started to dive for the beginning of the depth of 35m and I can tell you the experience is incredible.
By deliceso posted on Apr 8th, 2009
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The world is so beautiful. I wish i were rich enough to be travelling most of time.
By Amy Wagner posted on Apr 14th, 2009
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4. Rangiroa, Polynesia this one has to be the best look at that clear blue sea. To be honest I have never dived I think its because i am scared of drowning, but to see some of this stuff wow it must me amazing.
By gry online posted on Apr 17th, 2009
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not much time and too much to see in the world.
By play65 posted on Apr 18th, 2009
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very great photos and places of the world thanks..
By Boris Said posted on May 3rd, 2009
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The scenery in Great Barrier Reef, Australia is beautiful! But… I would rather be in Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands!!! =D
By Tkaniny Obiciowe posted on May 7th, 2009
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I remember diving in Bismarck Sea. It was amazing although I don't recall finding any planes underwater. I guess I will have to try visit the rest of those places.
By amy posted on May 19th, 2009
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Awesome!
I hope can visit all these 10 places before i die
http://free-stuff-2u.blogspot.com
By Andrey posted on May 21st, 2009
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Just did a few "Dos Ojos" cenote cavern dives in Quintana Roo, Mexico
check out my fist cavern dive underwater video: http://vimeo.com/4695023
By steven posted on Jun 1st, 2009
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looks like my bucket list just got longer
By rentdn posted on Jun 5th, 2009
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Great post , but I believe you've forgot to mention Palau , Roca Partida in Mexico . some of mine blogposts too , I believe most of you will find them as good addition to this exellent post for divers.
http://www.dailyscubadiving.com/carusel/best-trav...
By ebook store posted on Jun 13th, 2009
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Tubbataha Reef up in the philipeans (is that the spelling srry) or ine GBR near cairns there is a ;little town there is greta or try down in huskison on the south coast of nsw not the best but ym local spot…
By gas card posted on Jun 24th, 2009
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I have never been deep sea diving before, but have always wanted to go. I guess it was Christmas time in the second photograph, as everyone is in their Santa hat. I have always wanted to go to the Bahamas… but for now one can only dream. Wow though I think my #2 spot would have to be the Galapagos islands. Although I would probably save it until I became a bit more experience at diving, as you say it has challenging geographical conditions. Wow though the water in Rangiroa looks so crystal clear.. its aqua colored. Haha we cant forget the Great Barrier Reef. I have always wanted to visit Australia… and with 2,900 different reefs… you cannot miss checking it out.
-Randy
By ebook store posted on Jul 1st, 2009
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hi this is a nice post but all about of this topic I do not properly understand. so please descried it.
By Cash Back posted on Jul 9th, 2009
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These are all very beautiful dive locations. As much as I'd like to check these places out, I don't think it is for me. Even just trying snorkeling I had breathing problems. So I'd likely panic even more if I was deep underwater without regular breathing ability.
By ed hardy posted on Jul 10th, 2009
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thanks for your post.perhaps you will like ed hardy
By SUFIY posted on Jul 15th, 2009
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Thank you very much. I am wonderring if I can share your article in the bookmarks of society,Then more friends can talk about this problem.
By used tires posted on Jul 19th, 2009
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I'd love to go diving sometime in a full scuba gear, but I would be super scared to dive near with the Sharks, I'd want to do it in an island with no near by sharks! That's for sure!
Till then,
Jean
By used tires posted on Jul 19th, 2009
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I'd love to go diving sometime in a full scuba gear, but I would be super scared to dive near with the Sharks, I'd want to do it in an island with no near by sharks! That's for sure!
Till then,
Jean
By Furniture posted on Jul 26th, 2009
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Most of my dream dives have been in the Philippines. I also understand Palau is great but I have not got there yet.
By Reminder free posted on Jul 26th, 2009
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I have never been deep sea diving before, but have always wanted to go. I guess it was Christmas time in the second photograph, as everyone is in their Santa hat. I have always wanted to go to the Bahamas.
By Haruyoshi posted on Jul 30th, 2009
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Great view, great photos, I love the places,
By Haruyoshi posted on Jul 30th, 2009
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love the 8th place most, :0
By NJ Injury Lawyer posted on Aug 14th, 2009
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I went diving in the Bahamas years ago, and it was such a beautiful sight to see with the utmost tranquil feeling. When you go diving, you don't hear a thing… It's just you, the ocean, and the coral reef. The group shot with the grouper made me do a double take… I thought I saw santa hats, but it didn't make sense haha.
By EFD posted on Aug 19th, 2009
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Great list. Hard to really pick ten, but your choices all are great destinations! Thanks.
By Pena Budaya posted on Sep 25th, 2009
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Have you been to Raja Ampat, Indonesia? I read that it has the richest marine biodiversity in the world!
By link building posted on Oct 3rd, 2009
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The green turtle is not green, but very pretty anyhow.
By godaddy coupons posted on Oct 4th, 2009
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Wow, your site has the best pictures of all time. The fish in picture 2 looks really scary though
By best diving holidays posted on Oct 6th, 2009
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Unfortunately the growing popularity of diving today is giving rise to the number of irresponsible divers messing round with the eco system…
By Rechelle e. Lingo posted on Oct 11th, 2009
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what a wonderful spot.its really amazing!
By cartier jewelry posted on Oct 28th, 2009
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wonderful spot.its really amazing!
By cartier jewelry posted on Oct 28th, 2009
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wonderful @
By Vehicle Financing posted on Nov 2nd, 2009
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I would not be able to choose which one I would like to go to I would have to go to them all, as they are just as stunning as each other, I just love Mother Earth and all that is her. I now really seriously have to think about taking up that diving coarse, and really soon.
By cartuse Imrimanta posted on Nov 2nd, 2009
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I remember diving in Galapagos Islands. It was amazing although I don't recall finding any planes underwater. I guess I will have to try visit the rest of those places.
By Annie posted on Nov 9th, 2009
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Amazing picture. getting a feel that we are also traveling with you all these way
38 Responses to “The 10 Best Diving Places of the World”
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