There is more to explore than just the above-ground world we walk around on daily. If you’re tired of seeing what’s above ground while on your vacation, consider going scuba-diving. Experienced divers know that an underwater world awaits those who dare to dive in. Vibrant coral, marine life and landscapes that have existed for millennia, and sinkholes and shipwrecks live all over the (underwater) world. We’ve rounded up some of the best dive sites for experienced divers worldwide.
1) Dive the Great Blue Hole in Belize
Belize’s mysterious Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole and is the largest ocean sinkhole worldwide. At 125 metres deep and 300 metres wide, experienced divers can explore limestone caves, marine life including sharks and colourful coral. The Great Blue hole likely formed during the last ice age and once was above-ground caves. When the water levels rose, it filled in the cave system and has now formed a large ocean sinkhole. Given the geological structure, the dive is deep and is recommended for experienced divers only.
2) Dive the Galapagos
Diving off the Wolf and Darwin Islands provides experienced divers with the opportunity to swim alongside endless marine life, as one would expect given Darwin used the location to study the origin of species. Wolf and Darin Islands are massive volcanic rocks in the northwestern Galapagos and are considered to be one of the best diving locations in the world. Expect sea lions, whales, sharks, iguanas, in addition to tropical fish and other fascinating marine wildlife.
3) Dive Barracuda Point in Malaysia
The deep drop-down at Barracuda Point on the Malaysian island of Sipadan is 22 metres and often has very strong currents. Here you can find a tornado of barracuda. There are all kinds of marine life awaiting you below, including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles and of course, barracuda. After a nice drift in the current, you finish your dive in the shallow of the coral garden. This location is an underwater photographers dream!
4) Dive Tiger Beach in the Bahamas
Aptly named after the tiger sharks that experienced divers may encounter when diving Tiger Beach on Grand Bahama, this destination is best visited in the spring and autumn months. The small, shallow and flat sandy area is only about an hour by boat from the West End of Grand Bahama Island. Here, you can expect to encounter other shark species on a dive here too including lemon sharks and hammerheads. Tiger Beach is a by far the best place in the Bahamas to experience sharks and it's not unusual to experience 2-3 dozen circling the boat at any point in time! Are you daring enough to swim with the sharks?
5) Dive Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of marine wildlife. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef with year-round visibility for spotting marine life including barracudas, clownfish and shark species, as well as admiring the healthy coral. The reef is one of 7 natural wonders of the world; is the largest living structure on earth which makes it visible from space; is home to over 980 individual islands, 3000 individual reefs, 300 coral cays, and 150 inshore mangrove islands. The Great Barrier Reef is a must experience on any divers bucket-list!
6) Dive the Blue Corner Wall in Palau, Micronesia
Diving into the Blue Corner Wall is best reserved for experienced divers given the possibility of strong currents. When the currents are just right, it's game on for scuba diving and experiencing everything the Blue Corner has to offer! With visibility ranging from 45-60 feet on an outgoing tide to 90+ feet on an incoming tide, it is typical to spot all the action coming at you from all around on any given day. Diving off the Eastern Wall and descending 75-80 feet leads to a cave. Once there, look up!...Slightly higher above you, marine life including turtles, Napolean wrasse and sharks swim about.
7) Take a night-time dive with Manta Rays in Hawaii
If you're visiting Hawaii’s Big Island, and you are an experienced diver, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to join a nighttime dive with the Manta Rays off the coastal town of Kailua-Kona. This dive is one of the most memorable dives on the planet. Bright lights shine in to the water from a floatation board to attract the plankton which illuminate the water. Manta Rays dine on plankton and come to the surface to feed, often within a nose-length of where you sit to enjoy the natural show. Manta Rays somersaulting around is practically guaranteed.
8) Dive amongst a shipwreck in Thistlegorm, Egypt
Diving Thistlegorm in Egypt’s Red Sea involves investigating a shipwreck from the 1940s. It is located on the west coast of the Sinai Peninsula and 40 km from Sharm El Sheikh and is known as one of the best dive sites of the Red Sea. German bombers sank the 125m long British army freigher carrying transport vehicles including trucks and motorbikes during World War II, just 18 months after it's launch. Encounters with some marine life are also possible. This dive is best suited for intermediate to experienced divers due to the strong currents.
9) Dive Big Brother and Little Brother in the Red Sea
Big Brother, in the Red Sea, is one of Egypts offshore islands and is protected by marine park status. These islands dive locations are in the middle of the red sea and have bright colourful scenery. The islands are basically steep-sided cones perfectly formed by volcanic action by the spreading of the Red Sea Rift. Big Brother and Little Brother Islands are quite small and therefore are hard to miss if you don't know what to look out for - the Victorian sone lighthouse which towers 32 metres above the island. Big Brother is also home to two Red Sea wrecks which are covered in both soft and hard corals, bringing the ship back to life with its vibrant colours and marinelife. This dive is for experienced divers only due to the unexpected currents and it is likely that you will want to visit at least 3 times to see all that these unique islands have to offer.
10) Be amazed by the colours and marine life in Cape Kri, Indonesia
Stunning coral reefs with its intensely vibrant colours alongside a vibrant marine life, this beautiful coral reef boasts over 374 fish species, that includes barracuda, Manta Rays and sharks, making Cape Kri of Raja Ampat a top pick for experienced divers. A minimum of 50 dives is required due to the strong currents in the area. The reef slopes down to around 40 metres. The top of the reef is made up of many hard corals that are patrolled by black tip reef sharks. Divers will find all types of marine life in all shapes and sizes.
For more information about this article or to plan your next adventure getaway, contact Krista Tovell today!
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