Going on a beach holiday and relaxing may be appealing to some. But for those that are seeking an extra sense of adventure, then scuba diving is an activity that will open up your mind to a whole new world. Imagine yourself being able to go into an underwater world where you can appreciate nature’s beauty of underwater flora and fauna. These incredible diving spots aren’t subject to one location. We take a look at some of the most highly rated scuba diving spots from around the world.
Ras Mohammed, Egypt
The Ras Mohammed national park is located at the southern extreme of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt and is accessible from the tourist region of Sharm El Sheik. The scuba diving experience offers divers a fantastic day of diving under warm skies and clear waters. The fish will surround you and the sea will feel warm to swim in. People have described the diving experience in Ras Mohammed as ‘An experience of a lifetime!’
See it for yourself with this incredible underwater image that was captured at Ras Mohammed and was one of the winners of Scuba Diving Magazine’s 2013 photo contest.
Sipadan, Borneo, Malaysia
Described as the ‘Diamond of the ocean’, Sipadan Island offers one of the best experiences for divers that want to see the natural treasures of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The coral ecosystem is home to over 3000 species of fish and offers a rich habitat for coral and marine life. Due to its diverse marine life, it is highly popular as a dive destination. More information on scuba diving in Borneo can be found here.
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Located in the northeastern area of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders and is home to the world’s largest coral reef. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is the only living thing that is visible from space. Expect to see coral gardens and wild sea life in the marine park that stretches over 3000km. There are a number of diving operators in Cairns that can help to get you certified or take you out on day trips. The reef is easily accessible from Cairns.
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands is an archipelago off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. These islands are home to giant tortoises and land lizards, as well as many types of fish. If you are a diver that is looking for an experience that will broaden your sense of marine evolution, the Galapagos Islands will offer you a melting pot of marine species and animal life. National Geographic has even suggested traveling there to swim with Hammerhead sharks, as something to tick off your life’s bucket list.
Baa Atoll, The Maldives
The Maldives is one of the most beautiful locations to have a dream holiday, but it isn’t often associated with scuba diving. There has recently been a new expedition led by the Manta trust. Visitors are guaranteed to see sharks, eels, turtles and more! Many people that have visited, often rave about how fantastic their experience has been in the Maldives.
These are just a few of the most popular scuba diving options. Consider what you would like to see and what type of experience you are after. The next thing you will have to do is dive in!