Diving into Paradise
Diving into Paradise : A Guide to The World’s Best Scuba Diving Locations
Scuba diving is fast becoming one of the most popular recreational activities in the world and with good reason! The beauty of the open water, stunning marine life and shipwrecks attract adventure junkies and serenity seekers alike. Indeed, there is something magical and mysterious about the world that lies beneath–the untraversed and undiscovered watery depths beckons and calls out to our inner Jacques Cousteau! So, whether you’re an experienced scuba diver or a beginner, we’ve curated a list of some of the best scuba locations in the world! You may just want to add a few of these locations to your scuba bucket list!
The Wreck Trek, Florida Keys
Anyone who has seen the Titanic (everyone) understands the excitement of exploring a shipwreck. It’s the combination of adventure, discovery, and history that makes it a particularly popular scuba diving expedition. One of the best places to explore these wrecks is on the Florida Keys Wreck Trek. Just six miles off Key West and 140 feet down, you’ll be able to experience the USS Vandenberg, a former missile-tracking ship! For many divers, this is a trip of a lifetime!
We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat
We don’t mean to scare you with a Jaws reference, but Isla Mujeres, Mexico is one of the premier locations in the world to experience the miracles that are whale sharks. Every June to September, hundreds of whale sharks migrate up the Yucatan coast looking for food, and guides in Isla Mujeres can take you on a scuba experience you’ll never forget! You’ll have the adventure of your life as you swim with these giants of the ocean.
Indonesian Scuba Paradise
You’ll think you’ve died and gone to scuba heaven at Cape Kri – Raja Ampat, Indonesia! Featuring breathtaking coral gardens and marine life such as Manta Rays, Sharks, Barracudas and giant trevallies, you’ll never tire of exploring this location and its 374 different species of fish! The best location to dive from is the Papua Diving Resort. You won’t regret it!
Scuba Down Under
The Yongala in Queensland, Australia is worth the trek! There is a wreck 109 meters down (entry forbidden) and heaps of marine life, including Manta Rays, Tiger Sharks, Bull Sharks, and turtles–not to mention the incredible coral formations! This is a must visit for scuba lovers!
Philippines Paradise
Malapascua is a very small island off the coast of Cebu and is known in the scuba world for its sightings of Thresher Sharks. However, even if these amazing fish don’t make an appearance, you’ll be more than happy exploring the more than 500 species of hard and soft coral and other marine life such as mantas, hammerheads, jackfish, and barracudas! There are also many wrecks to explore in the area. This location has something for all scuba divers!
Blue Corner Wall, Palau, Micronesia
Because of an “upwelling” in this location, there is a wall dive which hosts thick coral with morays, nudibranchs and mantis shrimp! In addition to that, there is an array of amazing marine life such as sharks, barracuda, Napoleon Wrasse, Jackfish, snapper and Eagle Ray.
