Where is the best diving. Where is the best place to go diving? Diving in Japan

Diving is a special type of recreation that relaxes and pleases and causes a surge of adrenaline.. Moreover, diving can be quoted as a family type of tourism and entertainment.

And it suits all ages. That is why every year it becomes more and more popular. If you want to get away from everyday life, a diving vacation is what you need.

Which country to choose?

Diving is possible not only in warm waters, but also at a temperature of 10-20 degrees. But if you are a beginner, it is better to go to warm countries. There, the water temperature is suitable, and the climate is favorable, and there are plenty of exotics. Plus, the equipment is not so complicated and expensive.

Beginner divers prefer tours to Egypt. The best place for diving is the coastal zone near the resort of Sharm El Sheikh. Famous for its coast and Marsa el Alam. Can .

A great place for diving tours is Thailand. There are also Russian-speaking trainers, and excellent places for diving. And the underwater expanses will not leave indifferent even the most demanding diver.

Vacation on is popular. Here you can dive near the sunken US Liberty, and at Manta Point you can see huge manta rays. If you have not tried to dive into the caves, we recommend.

If you haven't been yet, please correct this error. The most popular resorts are Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Con Dao and Phu Quoc islands. By the way, one of the cheapest in the world.

In general, when choosing a country, look at the goals and plans that you set for yourself.

What do you need to know?

Find out in advance the list of services of local trainers. Ask about the possibility of training and obtaining a certificate (but it is better to come to rest with the relevant documents).

Take an experienced person with you as a partner.

Listen to your instructor

Physiological problems are possible during and after diving. Be attentive to your well-being.
Read everything you are asked to sign before diving.

There are a number of contraindications for diving, if you have them, then it’s not destiny.

Find all the gear you need before you go on vacation, as your size may not be there.
To avoid decompression sickness, dive and ascend according to the rules.

Diving from A to Z: where and how to start diving, where to go diving, certificates and equipment, tips from dive expert Veronica Birman.

In my previous articles, which have already accumulated - wow! - as many as five, I told you about what diving tourism is and who divers are. The summer season is ahead. And this means that neither the Maldives, nor Phuket, nor Egypt, which has already become native, are waiting for divers in the coming months. So where should a scuba diver go? Or rather - where can you "submit" a diver in the summer? Of course, the Mediterranean and European countries are lured by the "high season" - the same Malta, Croatia, Spain, Turkey, Tunisia ... only diving there, in general, is very mediocre.

Therefore, now we will talk about the best diving destinations of the summer season. That is, about those resorts where summer is not just the right time, and it is the best time for diving. For example, contrary to the habit of our compatriots flying to Southeast Asia in winter, many islands and resorts in this region are waiting for an influx of tourists from March-April to November! Marvelous? But a fact! So read on and you will find the best, if sometimes unexpected, options for divers.

Thailand

The "high season" for diving in the Andaman Sea, in the popular Phuket and the Similan Islands, ends in March. But this does not mean at all that Thailand is not waiting for divers in the summer - the high season in the Gulf of Thailand begins in April, and the islands of Koh Samui and Tao are waiting for divers until September inclusive. The best place to stay is on Koh Samui, from where "daily boats" leave daily for Koh Tao and nearby dive sites. True, it is worth warning that there can be quite a lot of divers underwater, and visibility can sometimes leave much to be desired.

Philippines

And cruises "Bali - Komodo - Bali", as well as other resorts in Indonesia, will be of interest not only to divers, but also to those who like to swim with a mask and snorkel. A great addition in the form of an interesting ground program will help tourists diversify and fill their vacation with impressions.

In order not to lose time out of season, many well-equipped safari yachts leave the Similan Islands of Thailand for the summer to neighboring countries - Indonesia or Malaysia. There at this time just the highest season! Among these "emigrants" you can meet the well-known Russian divers yachts "Mermaid I" and "Mermaid II", "Filcade", "Ocean Rover" and others.

Vietnam

From March to October, divers are waiting for the waters of popular diving resorts - Nha Trang and Whale Island. Hon Moon Marine Park is not rich in ocean life, but bright colors and rare fish species are enough - more than 400 species of hard corals create an impressive palette! Whale Island, located nearby, offers divers walls and coral gardens, breathtaking drift dives and, of course, countless species of brightly colored nudibranchs - the largest variety of them can be found in Vietnam. There you can even take a unique course and get a certificate as a "specialist in nudibranch molluscs of Vietnam."

The season is a little shorter at the Vietnamese resort Con Dao, which is new for Russians - it is waiting for divers from March to September. This archipelago of 14 islands off the coast of Vietnam's southeast has been protected by the state since 1984, which has allowed it to escape the destructive actions of fishermen and preserve the pristine beauty of the reefs. The value of this marine park has been recognized by worldwide associations of marine reserves and reserves. More than 1,000 hectares of coral reefs, inhabited by more than 1,300 species of marine life, await divers here. And all this - with the almost complete absence of dive centers, which in the eyes of sophisticated diving adepts only adds to the attractiveness of the resort. What's more, the seagrass meadows at Con Dao host a small population of rare dugongs, and from June to September it is the egg-laying season for green turtles and hawksbill turtles. Dolphins are also frequent visitors to the area.

Among other things, travelers will certainly want to visit on land, in the jungle of Con Dao. This island has already received the status of "the best place for eco-tourism in Vietnam", but still retained all its originality and "non-capture" by numerous vacationers.

From March to August, you can offer divers another "fresh" resort in Vietnam - Hoi An. Nearby Ku Lao Cham Marine Park, half an hour away by boat, has eight islands with 155 coral species, 202 fish species, four lobster species and 84 shellfish species.

Galapagos

While the best season to visit the Galapagos Islands is from December to May, the best time to spot whale sharks and hammerheads in Darwin and Wolf Islands is during the garua season from July to December, with peak months in August and September. The fact is that the water there at this time “blooms” with plankton and visibility drops, but the area becomes attractive for large fish that feed on these microorganisms.

The most popular dive destinations should be booked as early as possible. For example, in February it can be difficult to find a yacht for a November safari in the Galapagos or Palau, and the most popular dive resorts in Indonesia and Malaysia can also be fully booked. After all, there are a lot of people who want to go there.

Papua New Guinea

Here, as in other extended island countries, the season depends on the specific region. For example, the dive resort Valindi pleases with the best weather from May to October - here it is the driest period of the year, the best in terms of diving. Rains, however, are still possible, but plankton does not “bloom” at this time, and visibility is quite high. But in the resort of Tawali, the best season has “moved out” a bit - the best time here is from August to December inclusive.

Seychelles

The best time for diving in the Seychelles is from March to May and from September to November. At the same time, the greatest chances to get acquainted with whale sharks will be closer almost out of season - in August and November.

The tourist season and the best season for diving in the Seychelles may differ. Moreover, even a non-diving and non-tourist season here can be attractive for diving enthusiasts: visibility, of course, drops due to the abundant reproduction of plankton, but the largest oceanic fish come to feed on them, for example, the dream of any diver is a whale shark.

Australia

The surest way to see the best of underwater Australia is to go on a "dive safari". And the best time for a "diving safari" in Australia is from July to November. In addition, from June to September it is worth diving in Osprey - in the north, in the Coral Sea. And especially sophisticated divers can go to the west coast in March and April - there, at the Ningalo Reef, whale sharks frolic at this time.

Belize, Fiji, Honduras and French Polynesia

The high season in Belize lasts from March to May, but the weather guarantees divers the best conditions for diving from April to June inclusive, when the winds are not so strong. April and December are the best months for whale shark sightings.

In April-May, the season in Fiji changes - the sea becomes calmer, the water remains warm, but visibility is low due to the "bloom" of plankton. Although, at the same time, this is the best chance to get up close with whale sharks. The most transparent, but also the coolest water awaits divers from June to October.

The best time for diving in Honodras, on the island of Utila is from March to September. April and July are the best months for joint underwater walks with whale sharks.

The most suitable conditions for diving on the islands of French Polynesia are provided by nature and climate from April to November. In September, humpback whales visit here, and the most frequent meetings with manta rays can be expected from September to October inclusive.

So, now you know where you can safely go in the summer. I want to emphasize that these seasons are an order that has developed over decades. However, one should never forget that nature depends only on one's own mood and one should always be prepared for its possible surprises.

Veronika Birman, CEO of Exotic Time

Diving and spearfishing, places with the best diving in the world. Photo and video of the underwater world of the seas. Diving tours and diving courses in Moscow, Russia and abroad. From Egypt to Australia, from Mauritius to the Seychelles - all about diving: sites, dives, prices and tours.

A fact that many thousands of diving fanatics are ready to confirm: diving is the most addictive type of outdoor activity. People who have made the first few dives and at least did not think about buying a mask, fins and a wetsuit can be counted on the fingers. Still would! Bright, incomparable and always a little adrenaline feeling from underwater walks will not leave anyone indifferent.

The beauty of diving

Dangers - real and imaginary

Fear of the first dive often becomes the main drag that prevents tourists from joining a new type of outdoor activity. However, diving, especially recreational diving, can be called an extreme sport only for advertising purposes. Scuba diving, like skiing, has its own levels of difficulty, and there are practically no serious dangers for beginners - after all, no one puts neophyte skiers who confuse a yoke with a telemark immediately on the “black” track. Of course, a person who has been put on a wetsuit for the first time in his life will experience excitement - and what else! But if you dive with modern equipment and carefully consider the instructions, then this excitement will remain just a pleasant surge of hormones before diving into the unknown. A real "extreme" - great depths, tangible currents, night dives, ice and speleo diving - the lot of experienced divers.

For beginners - shallow water, water at a comfortable temperature and the absence of strong currents. The only thing they should be afraid of is close contact with poisonous creatures or plants. The pre-dive briefing certainly includes a separate item that nothing can be grabbed under water with your hands: not only for the safety of the diver himself, but also in order not to cause any harm to the underwater flora and fauna. In fact, if every diver in the Red Sea touches one coral, in a couple of years there will be nothing to touch.

What to choose?

Diving tours can be divided into two main types: daily diving and diving safaris. It is better to go on a dive safari for already experienced divers who are not afraid of seasickness and are ready to exchange excursions and shopping for rare diving sites and a company of like-minded people. In essence, a dive safari is a sea cruise with two to four dives per day. Since there is no need to return to shore every evening, safaris make available distant and interesting dive sites, where, among other things, the underwater world is much less "spoiled" by tourists.

The main disadvantage of a dive safari is that when living on a ship, the flavor of the country is not so sharply felt, although passengers will certainly be pleased with national amusements and cuisine. The duration of such a cruise can vary from 3 to 13 nights.

Daily diving is more suitable for beginner divers and groups in which only a part of the person dives. In the morning, the diver will be picked up at the hotel and taken either to the diving center or directly to the pier, from there they will be taken by boat or small boat to the planned dive site. After the first dive, the diver will have a light lunch on board, then the second dive, and in the evening - return to shore. If desired, it is possible to dive three times a day.

If there are two vacationers, and only one of them dives, then the second one can also be invited to take a boat trip, watch the process and swim for fun with a mask and snorkel. The advantages of daily diving are obvious: a full-fledged beach holiday, and if you suddenly feel unwell, you can reschedule the day of diving without losing your mood and wallet. The main disadvantage of this method of diving is that dive sites close to the shore have seen more than one generation of tourists, and therefore their condition often leaves much to be desired.

Where to go?

Conventionally, diving tourism countries can be divided into two categories:

Category one: "You can't help but dive here!" There are destinations where divers from all over the world go to dive. These are almost all countries of Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, French Polynesia and others. Caribbean and Latin America: Cuba, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico. Europe: Malta, Croatia, Norway And also - South Africa, Australia, Maldives,

");w.show();" alt="Great Barrier Reef" title="Great Barrier Reef">!}

Diving is an amazing sport and it does not matter if you have dived once or hundreds of times, the beauty and depths of the underwater world will delight and attract you again and again. Every avid driver probably has their favorite dive site, but we want to acquaint you with a list of the best diving sites.

GREAT BARRIER REEF

The GREAT BARRIER REEF (Australia) is a famous natural feature of Australia and one of the most popular diving sites in the world. It has all the ideal conditions for diving. You can go here at least a whole year, but October, November and December are considered the most season. The water here is always warm +25…+30°C. Visibility in the water reaches 20 - 30 meters. It is the largest coral reef system in the world and the only one visible from space. Its length is about 3000 kilometers. The Great Barrier Reef has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1981 as the largest existing coral reef on our planet. And the Marine National Park of Australia is considered one of the wonders of the world. Here you can see dolphins, green sea turtles, clown fish, humpback whales, 1500 species of fish and 4000 varieties of shellfish.

");w.show();" alt="Great Barrier Reef" title="Great Barrier Reef"> !}
");w.show();" alt="Great Barrier Reef" title="Great Barrier Reef"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Great Barrier Reef" title="Great Barrier Reef">!}
");w.show();" alt="Great Barrier Reef" title="Great Barrier Reef">!}

MALDIVES

Probably many people, having heard the word Maldives, imagine a paradise, with blue lagoons, long clean beaches, white sand, palm trees, bungalows. But the Maldives is not only white sand beaches and lagoons, there is also a magnificent underwater world. Giant rays, large fish - Napoleons, sea turtles, various moray eels, stars, barracudas, tropical fish, whitetip sharks, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, tiger sharks and the Maldivian clown triggerfish - all that you can see in the Maldives. Divers from all over the world come here to admire the beauty and diversity of this underwater world. The best time to visit is from the end of January to April. The water temperature is +28…+30°С all year round. Visibility from 5 to 30 meters.


");w.show();" alt="Maldives" title="Maldives"> !}
");w.show();" alt="Maldives" title="Maldives"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Maldives" title="Maldives">!}
");w.show();" alt="Maldives" title="Maldives">!}

COCONUT ISLANDS (Costa Rica)

Cocos Island is located about 600 kilometers off the coast of Costa Rica. It is the largest of the uninhabited islands of the Pacific Ocean, and therefore one of the best places for diving. It is a place with ideal natural conditions, free from pollution and fishing. Rocks with caves 600 meters high surround the island from all sides. In the local waters live: hammerhead fish, white sharks, manta rays, green sea turtles, humpback whales, reef sharks, tuna, rays, dolphins, whale sharks and much more.


");w.show();" alt="Coconut Island" title="Cocos Island"> !}
");w.show();" alt="Coconut Island" title="Cocos Island"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Coconut Island" title="Cocos Island">!}
");w.show();" alt="Coconut Island" title="Cocos Island">!}

PALAU

PALAU is a republic that unites 200 Pacific islands with lagoons full of clear water, tropical forests and a rich underwater world. The diving association CEDAM International named Palau one of the seven underwater wonders of the world. Here you can meet a leopard shark, octopuses, various crabs, more than 700 species of tropical fish, as well as other very rare marine life. This is an area with rich flora and fauna, as well as a place where there were many shipwrecks during World War II. The season is all year round, but it is better to go from January to May. The water temperature is approximately +20°C.


");w.show();" alt="Palau" title="Palau"> !}
");w.show();" alt="Palau" title="Palau"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Palau" title="Palau">!}
");w.show();" alt="Palau" title="Palau">!}

SIMILAN ISLANDS

SIMILAN ISLANDS - an archipelago located in the western part of the Andaman Sea, consists of nine islands with tropical jungle and white sand. They have become very popular among tourists and are considered to be the best diving in Thailand. Divers have two options for diving: on the west side, where there are massive coral-covered granite boulders, on the east side, which has gentle coral reefs. The depth reaches from 15 to 40 meters.


");w.show();" alt="Similan Islands" title="Similan Islands"> !}
");w.show();" alt="Similan Islands" title="Similan Islands"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Similan Islands" title="Similan Islands">!}
");w.show();" alt="Similan Islands" title="Similan Islands">!}

RED SEA

There are many interesting diving sites in the Red Sea, the most popular are the reefs of Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada and Dahab, but the places in the South of the Red Sea, from El Kezira to the border with Sudan, are very attractive to divers. These places are free from intrusive sellers and diving boats, and under the water there are amazing coral reefs, canyons, caves and a wide variety of marine life. Among them: squids, octopuses, turtles, dugongs, dolphins, moray eels, stingrays, sea turtles, sea cucumbers, arotrons, fish - hedgehogs, Napoleon fish, warts, sharks, barracudas, stone fish, starfish and much more. You can go here at any time, but the best time is from November to March. The water here is always warm, around +29°C in summer, +23…+26°C in winter. The average visibility is about 20 meters.


");w.show();" alt="Red Sea" title="Red sea"> !}
");w.show();" alt="Red Sea" title="Red sea"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Red Sea" title="Red sea">!}
");w.show();" alt="Red Sea" title="Red sea"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Red Sea" title="Red sea"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Red Sea" title="Red sea">!}
");w.show();" alt="Red Sea" title="Red sea">!}

BAHAMAS

BAHAMAS - the islands are located between Florida and Cuba, with the purest warm water and excellent beaches. Some come here for the beaches and palm trees, others for their honeymoon, and some for diving and fishing. It has everything you need for this: vibrant marine life, coral reefs and the longest cave maze found on the island. The island has shallow reefs from 3 to 15 meters deep and reefs at greater depths from 30 meters. The underwater world is the pride of the Bahamas, and the water here is considered the most transparent in the world, which allows you to see all its inhabitants very well. Here, mating games of bottlenose dolphins and spotted dolphins are held annually, you can also meet sharks, manta rays, rays and stingrays. It is very popular to swim with a mask and fins or scuba diving. The water temperature, even at great depths, does not fall below +22°C.


");w.show();" alt="Bahamas" title="Bahamas"> !}
");w.show();" alt="Bahamas" title="Bahamas"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Bahamas" title="Bahamas">!}
");w.show();" alt="Bahamas" title="Bahamas"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Bahamas" title="Bahamas">!}

MALTA

MALTA is one of the most attractive diving destinations. There is no such beautiful beautiful flora and fauna as, for example, in the Red Sea, but the local underwater world is famous for its caves, canyons and grottoes. Also, many ships and submarines of different eras sank in these waters. Drivers like to dive 42 meters to the British Blenheim bomber, which was shot down during World War II. The French liner Karnak is also sunk here, on board of which there are various antiques, silverware and porcelain. At a depth of 60 meters is the English submarine X7. Diving on the island can be practiced all year round, the water even in the winter months does not fall below +14°C, in summer the water is about +23°C. In Malta, you can take scuba diving lessons, there are 30 schools at your service, offering a wide range of courses and rental of the necessary equipment.


");w.show();" alt="Malta" title="Malta"> !}
");w.show();" alt="Malta" title="Malta"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Malta" title="Malta">!}
");w.show();" alt="Malta" title="Malta"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Malta" title="Malta">!}

SIPADAN ISLAND

SIPADAN ISLAND (Malaysia) is a legendary place for divers. This is the top of an extinct underwater volcano, which rises from the sea for almost a kilometer. The island itself is very small, you can get around it in half an hour, but all the beauty is around the island, where underwater life is in full swing. There are many species of exotic fish, sharks, hammerheads, and the population of sea turtles is one of the largest in the world. One of the amazing places is Barracuda Point, where barracudas gather in giant flocks of thousands, which create patterns and spirals. Around the island there are many reef sharks that are not afraid of people and allow themselves to be photographed. In 1989, Jacques-Yves Cousteau was on the island, who was fascinated by the local underwater world and coral forests, which resemble the fauna of the Australian Great Barrier Reef. Diving here is strictly controlled, no more than 120 is allowed per day. The water temperature is +29 ... + 30 ° С, so the season here is all year round, but heavy rains occur from May to November, so the water becomes less transparent.


");w.show();" alt="Sipadan Island" title="Sipadan Island"> !}
");w.show();" alt="Sipadan Island" title="Sipadan Island"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Sipadan Island" title="Sipadan Island">!}
");w.show();" alt="Sipadan Island" title="Sipadan Island"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Sipadan Island" title="Sipadan Island">!}

YUCATAN PENINSULA (Mexico)

Here is the longest system of underwater caves in the world. The island itself is made of limestone rocks, there are practically no rivers and few lakes, but there are sacred cenotes here. Cenotes are the entrance to the cave, the so-called well, which the Indians called the gate to the kingdom of the dead and considered this place sacred. They dropped gold ornaments there as gifts to the gods. Everything valuable, of course, has already been taken from there, but this did not reduce the interest of tourists in cenotes. Most of them are located in the jungle and look like a well or a small pool. It is better to go here in the period from May to July, it is not recommended to go in August and September, since at this time the highest probability of hurricanes. The water here is warm - +25…+27°C, with visibility up to 85 meters.


");w.show();" alt="Yucatan Peninsula" title="Yucatan Peninsula"> !}
");w.show();" alt="Yucatan Peninsula" title="Yucatan Peninsula"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Yucatan Peninsula" title="Yucatan Peninsula">!}
");w.show();" alt="Yucatan Peninsula" title="Yucatan Peninsula"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Yucatan Peninsula" title="Yucatan Peninsula">!}

GREAT BLUE HOLE

The GREAT BLUE HOLE is the main attraction in Belize. This is a huge karst funnel, which has a diameter of 305 meters and a depth of 120 meters. It became so famous thanks to Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who included this place in the list of 10 best dive sites in the world and now it is a popular dive site. Here you can find many interesting species of fish, angel fish, nurse sharks, groupers, reef sharks. Usually divers dive no more than 30 meters, because there is not enough oxygen further and therefore life thrives only closer to the surface.


");w.show();" alt="Great blue hole" title="big blue hole"> !}
");w.show();" alt="Great blue hole" title="big blue hole"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Great blue hole" title="big blue hole">!}
");w.show();" alt="Great blue hole" title="big blue hole"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Great blue hole" title="big blue hole"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Great blue hole" title="big blue hole">!}

FRENCH POLYNESIA

FRENCH POLYNESIA is one of the best dive sites in the world. Rangiroa is the second largest atoll on the planet, which is world famous due to the meetings of divers with large inhabitants of the ocean. Divers love to dive into warm waters to meet humpback whales, rays, dolphins and many marine animals that live in coral rings. The temperature here in winter is about +21°C, in summer - 27°C, which allows you to dive into these waters at least all year round.


");w.show();" alt="French Polynesia" title="French polynesia"> !}
");w.show();" alt="French Polynesia" title="French polynesia"> !}
");w.show();" alt="French Polynesia" title="French polynesia">!}
");w.show();" alt="French Polynesia" title="French polynesia"> !}
");w.show();" alt="French Polynesia" title="French polynesia">!}

CATALINA ISLAND

CATALINA ISLAND is an island located 35 kilometers from California. This is one of the best dive sites in North America. The famous Avalon Underwater Park is a great place for inexperienced divers. This park has giant algae that reach 100 meters in length, the fauna includes California horned sharks, bright orange garibaldi, fathead wrasses, moray eels and fur seals. Also interesting, but also difficult, is Ship Rock, which resembles the sail of a ship. The 30-meter schooner of the 19th century Diosa del Mar sank here. Visibility in these waters is about 20 meters. It is better to go from May to October, the water temperature in summer is +18…+20°С.


");w.show();" alt="Catalina Island" title="Catalina Island"> !}");w.show();" alt="Catalina Island" title="Catalina Island"> !}
");w.show();" alt="Catalina Island" title="Catalina Island">!}
");w.show();" alt="Catalina Island" title="Catalina Island"> !}

");w.show();" alt="Catalina Island" title="Catalina Island">!}

Many people are unable to cope with the call of the ocean, because they love the beauty of the sea, risk and adventure. If you are one of those people who fill the romantic beaches and islands of the world, you should try one of the most wonderful ways to have fun. The excitement and enjoyment of water sports increases when you visit one of the most iconic dive sites in the world. If you are a diving fanatic and have a burning desire to visit various dive sites, you should find out these really interesting facts about the world's best diving sites.

The Bahamas is an archipelago that consists of 700 islands spread over 100,000 square miles in the West Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas are composed mainly of coral limestone. The flooded areas of underwater elevations are vast shallow waters abounding in coral reefs (the largest is the Great Bahama Bank). The usual depth of the sea here is about 20 feet except for those deep ocean trenches called ‘The Tongue of the Ocean’ which cut through the flooded plateau.

There are practically no rivers on the islands. Many salt lakes (communicating with the sea). Sea waters are rich in fish, crustaceans and mollusks.

Tour with Sharks / Photo fromtherocketscientist )

Group photo, together with sea bass(A group shot, complete with a grouper / Photo fromactive2gether )

Warm ocean currents around these islands have given rise to vibrant marine life and extensive coral reefs. You will be able to have an endless number of adventures in the longest cave and cave labyrinth found in the Grand Bahama (the GrandbahamaIsland).

A full travel package is very advantageous, which includes diving, accommodation and transport costs. Separately paid dives to explore caves and shipwrecks, and diving into the Blue Holes (the Blue Holes). You shouldn't miss the likes of the Bahamas Bimini Islands (the Biminis), Abacos, Eleuthera, Cat Island, San Salvador and Inagua.

The Biminis are best known for their fishing - the surrounding ocean is considered by many to be one of the best places in the world to fish. Because Bimini is only 80 km (50 miles) east of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, many American anglers travel to the islands by boat or yacht to fish or enjoy the nightlife of the islands. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular, as there are many shipwrecks around the islands.

Bahamas - feedingsharks(Bahamas - Stuart Cove's shark feeding/ Photo from remainingoceansart)

On Bimini there are several natural monuments with mysterious properties of unclear origin: the Bimini road, the fountain of youth, the healing grotto.

Biminis are closely associated with significant events and people in American history:

  • During Prohibition in the United States, Bimini was a favorite haunt and supply point for the liquor (rum) trade.
  • An Atlantic blue marlin weighing about 250 kg, caught off the coast of Bimini, inspired Ernest Hemingway to write The Old Man and the Sea.
  • The last scene of the movie Silence of the Lambs(1991) takes place at South Bimini Airport.
  • December 31, 2005 one of the most famous bars in Bimini, "Experienced Angler" ( The Complete Angler) burned to the ground in a fire. The bar became famous for the photographs of Ernest Hemingway hanging on its walls; the photographs perished in the fire.
  • Heinrich Heine has a poem called "Bimini", where it is called "the island of happiness".
  • The first part of Ernest Hemingway's Islands in the Ocean takes place in North Bimini. This part of the novel is called “Bimini”.

2. Papua New Guinea, Bismarck Sea - (papuaNewGuinea, BismarckSea)

Coastline Papua New Guinea (papuaNewGuinea listen)) is a mountainous area that is difficult to cross. Papua New Guinea was formed at the confluence of three seas: the Bismarck Sea (the Bismarck Sea) or the New Guinea Sea, the Solomon Sea (the Solomon Sea) and the Coral Sea (the Coral Sea). This place is rich in marine flora and fauna.


Papua New Guinea is a unique country. There are few places on Earth with such a variety of languages, customs and cultures, landscapes, flora and fauna.

The official language of Papua New Guinea is English. It is used in business, education and government circles. Local tribes speak more than 700 languages, and the languages ​​of different tribes can be radically different from each other. The tribes communicate with each other in the Tok Pisin languages ​​(a simplified version of the English language with admixtures of German, Portuguese and Austronesian languages, the most common language of intertribal communication), Hiri-Motu, Enga, Chimbu (Sambu), Hagen, Kamano and others.

The local jungle, inhabited by original tribes, has not yet been touched by civilization, which makes this region especially attractive. The local mountains, valleys, volcanoes, rivers, waterfalls and coastal marshes are great for hiking. But the main attraction of Papua New Guinea is the underwater world of the seas surrounding it. It is one of the world's premier diving destinations and the birthplace of mak-diving.

It is believed that the local marine fauna is twice as rich as the fauna of the Red Sea and five times richer than the fauna of the Caribbean. Iridescent soft corals never cease to amaze. And sharks, manta rays, giant clams, lionfish, reef fish, Napoleon, sea pikes, clownfish, nudibranch clams scurry around.

FishScorpion(Pez Escorpion/ Photo from Squalo Divers)

triggerfish(Triggerfish/ Photo from Boogies with Fish)

You can dive here to explore the diverse marine life as well as explore the remains of WWII shipwrecks found in the Bismarck Sea.

coral sea- the Pacific Ocean, which lies between the coasts of Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia. 4068 thousand km². The maximum depth is 9174 m. It has numerous coral reefs and islands, such as the Willis Islands, Tregross, Bampton, Chesterfield. One of the most famous reefs is the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world.

By chartering a boat in Alotau, you will get excellent opportunities for exploring the area.

The city of Alotau is located in the southern part of Milne Bay and is the main city of the province of Milne Bay. Milne Bay and, in particular, Alotau are considered one of the best places in the country for beach holidays, diving, surfing and kite surfing. In the coastal waters there are more than 500 coral reefs and a variety of sunken ships and aircraft left lying on the bottom since the Second World War.

In an inaccessible part of Milne Bay is Tawali dive resort. You can get here only from Alotau by boat. The isolation of the resort makes the rest here quiet and calm. Tourists are delivered to the dive sites by two vessels equipped with special equipment for processing digital photos on site. The waters surrounding the Tawali resort are considered among the best for poppy diving. The underwater world of this part of Milne Bay is very diverse, here you can see all kinds of corals that have created entire coral walls and huge fans, among which, in addition to small fish, there are large marine life, including sharks and rays.

Most excursions to nearby islands depart from Alotau. The most popular excursions Ferguson Island with volcanoes, hot springs and mud pools; Murua island where wood carving masters live; Trobriand Islands, where tribal chiefs are highly revered but inherited through the female line, and where the annual Milamala Harvest Festival is held between June and August.

You will have an unforgettable diving experience visiting Kimbe Bay, Madang, Madang (35 Japanese and American World War II aircraft in Hansa Bay), Rabaul (64 World War II shipwrecks in Simpson Harbor), and Kavieng.

Archipelago Galapagos Islands(Galapagos Islands) is a true diving paradise thanks to its lush marine life and amazing geographical setting. You will need advice from experts in diving equipment to find the right suit for diving in changing temperatures.

Galapagos Islands (Spanish) Islas Galapagos) - an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, 972 kilometers west of Ecuador, consisting of 13 main volcanic islands, 6 small islands and 107 rocks and alluvial territories. It is believed that the first island was formed 5-10 million years ago as a result of tectonic activity. The youngest islands Isabela And Fernandina– still at the formation stage, the last volcanic eruption was observed in 2005.

whale shark(Whale Shark/ Photo from PedroAlberto98)

The Galapagos Islands are territorially owned by the state of Ecuador.

The islands are best known for their large number of native species and for Charles Darwin's research here, on the basis of which the evolutionary theory of the origin of species was written.


Greenturtle(Green Turtle. Chelonia mydas./ Photo from hsacdirk)

IslandWulf(Wolf island/ Photo from hsacdirk)

The waters of the Pacific Ocean near the Galapagos Islands are clear as glass, which allows you to see colored fish at a depth of 15-25 meters. Most of the islands in the Galapagos group are suitable for drift diving, night diving and deep diving.

Rangiroa ( Rangiroa) - the world's largest atoll, located in the Tuamotu archipelago (French Polynesia). It is the largest of the Tahitian Islands. French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands and atolls located in the Pacific Ocean.

The land area of ​​79 km² is a cluster of 415 small islands, or motu. The 1446 km² lagoon is 80 km long and 32 to 5 km wide. The largest settlements here are Avatoru ( Avatoru) and Tiputa ( Tiputa).

Rangiroa - Green Lagoon/ Photo from JulienNarboux)

An intricate network of islets and coral rings (atolls) is home to a variety of marine life. Rangiroa consists of two different dive sites located near the Paio motu lagoon. They are called Ava Toru and Tiputa pass. In these places you can see all the marine riches of French Polynesia.

Undersun(Under the sun/ Photo from Autopsea)

The average sea water temperature is around 70 F (approx. 21 degrees C) in winter and 80 F (approx. 27 degrees C) in summer, making Rangiroa a great diving destination throughout the year. The maximum depth is about 80 feet and it is worth diving into the depths of the sea on a bathyscaphe to watch the life of dolphins, sharks, rays and tropical horse mackerel.

5. RivieraMayan- (Riviera Maya, Mexico)

Riviera Maya(Riviera Mayo or the Mayan Riviera) is located along the Caribbean coast of the Quintana Roo region in Mexico. The reef that forms the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System runs along the Yucatan coast. After the Australian Barrier Reef, this is the second largest reef system in the world's oceans, which attracts both divers and tourists to this region.

Peninsula Yucatan entirely composed of limestone rocks. There are practically no rivers, few lakes (and if there are, they are almost certainly swampy), but the Yucatan Maya Indians did not lack clean fresh water - they had sacred cenotes.

Cenotes (Spanish) cenote, from the Yucatán Maya language dzonot-"zonot" - something deep) - special karst formations - lakes, wells and entire cave complexes with underground rivers and, at times, access to sea water. The Maya called them "gates to the realm of the dead" and considered their waters sacred.

Cenote - Yucatan, Mexico/ Photo from okinal)

cenotes Maya Indians used as places for sacrifices. Especially famous for this sacred cenote in the city of Chichen Itza.

Cenotes were formed from the fact that rainwater, penetrating through the limestone crust, merged with underground rivers.

From the surface typical cenote looks like an even round well, in which water is visible somewhere below. The Indians call it cenotes "mouths" or " eyes". And indeed, the wells make some kind of unearthly impression.

Meanwhile, scientists explain the formation of even round holes simply: when the water level drops in an underground cave filled with water, the roof of the cave collapses inward.

Most of the cenotes are located on the Yucatan Peninsula. Huge arches, bright penetrating light of the sun, fabulous formations - all this can be seen, plunging into the cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula. A fabulous view both above and below the water - funny birds, incredible fish, crystal clear water, amazing colors.

Diving in cenotes

Some cenotes have become established diving centers. Perhaps the most famous of them is Dos Ojos(Spanish) two eyes), located north of Tulum. Exploration of the caves only began in 1986 and is now a world class dive site along with the Great Blue Hole Belize, Palau's micronesia or Sipadan in Malaysia. Cenote diving is also popular. Chuck Mol (Chac Mol).

What attracts divers in cenotes? First of all, uniqueness.

Cave diving in huge cave systems (the total length of the caves is only cenote Dos Ojos, for example, - more than 213 km), see huge stalactites and stalagmites, follow the light effects, mysterious bewitching rays breaking through the water from somewhere above, travel under the roots of the rainforest in water so transparent that it is indistinguishable from air, and in places where salty ocean water meets fresh water, see an optical phenomenon - a halocline, when you feel the ghostly boundary of the layers, and any movement that mixes the water creates an incredible iridescent cloud. And all this is possible only with an Open Water certificate. The water temperature in almost all cenotes is even and constant - 24-25 ° C, diving in the developed places is simple and safe, accessible to beginners. The conditions are physiologically very comfortable, but at first, purely psychologically, they may seem creepy. You seem to go out into space, open a new, different world.

No, it was not in vain that the Mayans idolized the Cenotes!

ImmersionVcaveVcenoteChuckMol(Cavern diving in the Chac Mool cenote in Quintana Roo./ Photo from brad77)

In fact, the Riviera Maya includes two of the world's longest systems of underwater caves, which are called SacActun And OxBelHa. If you are new to scuba diving, the reefs of Playa del Carmen and Tulum are suitable for you.

6. Great Barrier ReefAustralia)

Including over 2900 reefs and 900 islands, Great Barrier Reef- the largest reef system stretching for 2600 km in the Coral Sea. This world heritage site is home to some wonderful marine life and as such, divers are rewarded with amazing bio-diversity during their dives.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Queensland, Australia(Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Queensland, Australia/ Photo from !snednas!)

Heartgiganticclam(Heart of a Giant Clam/ Photo from Kälaino'ono'o)

While diving in warm sea waters, you can spot over 400 species of corals and other endangered marine animals. You should be theoretically well prepared before diving here by planning and preparing this underwater expedition.

The Lesser Cayman Islands are dependent on the UK and are located in the Caribbean Sea south of Cuba. Here is a habitat for rare species of birds and aquatic animals. If you choose the Lesser Cayman Islands as a diving destination, you should come here between June and August.

Grand Cayman, 9 foot bronze mermaid(GrandCayman 9 ftBronzeMermaid/ Photo from Sam Cathey)

Spawning(Silversides Spawning/ Photo courtneyplatt

If you are planning a wall dive and prefer "vertical diving", visit the bloodyBaywallon the northwest side of the islands. It is home to some of the world's most famous dive sites, including the impressive Great Wall and deep canyons Marilyn's Cut.

You can dive over 3,000 feet underwater and explore the pristine ocean world for 100 feet.

Jackson's Bay is another hot dive spot in the Lesser Cayman Islands where you can go through the Big Blue. While exploring underwater crevasses and tunnels, you will be able to face gray reef sharks, nurse sharks, rays and turtles over the wall, which will add to the pleasure of diving.

Netherlands Antilles consist of two groups of islands in the Caribbean Sea, are an autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Two large islands, Curacao and Bonaire, are located in the southern part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, off the coast of Venezuela.

Farewell to Bonaire (Farewell Bonaire)/ Photo from Kälaino'ono'o)

Bonaire's geographic location is excellent for aquatic life to thrive. These calm waters and a natural sanctuary from the trade winds encourage coral growth and great family fun. As a diver, you will enjoy exploring these marine parks full of the vibrant riches of the Caribbean. These waters offer completely pristine dive sites, and crystal clear waters with visibility up to 150 feet make for some great underwater photography.

Turtle(Turtle/ Photo from edpdiver)

Located in the Micronesian Pacific island chain, Bikini Atoll is part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Micronesian state of the Marshall Islands is a cluster of atolls and islands located in the Pacific Ocean just north of the equator. The Marshall Islands are a group of 36 islands located halfway between Australia and Honolulu and one of the best places for divers to swim among the shipwrecks. Among the most famous wrecks is a former USS Saratoga (Saratoga) and Japanese Nagato.

Marshall Islands(Marshall Islands/ Photo from Povilas Redko)

The island has an irregular shape resembling an oval. Consists of 36 islets, or motu. The land area of ​​Bikini is 6.01 km², the area of ​​the lagoon is 594.14 km². The average depth of the lagoon is 35-55 m. The island is covered with dense thickets of vegetation typical of atolls, mainly pisonia. The climate in Bikini is tropical. Destructive cyclones happen here.

Bikini Atoll was used as a nuclear test site in the 50s. In total, the United States conducted 67 nuclear tests on the Bikini and Eniwetok atolls between 1946 and 1958.

At present, the average dose of external radiation is 3.8 R/h. And in the area of ​​testing the prototype thermonuclear bomb TX-21 with a power of 15 MT, the background is only 2 R/h.

BattleshipNagato(Nagatobattleship/Photo from rjdiver)

USS Saratoga (USSSaratogaaircraft/Photo from rjdiver)

Today Bikini Atoll and the lagoon is one of the most promising places for diving, fishing and other water sports. And although this island is barely inhabited due to radiation pollution, its waters are inhabited by a stunning variety of fish. It has only recently become the focus of attention from divers. Only a small number of divers have taken the risk of visiting this site, as a week-long diving tour will cost an extravagant $5,000.

British Columbia is one of the most exciting diving destinations in North America due to its extraordinary diversity of marine life. As a diver, you will be rewarded by seeing shrimp, crabs, killer whales, sea lions, large octopuses, toothed greenlings or many other marine life from over 5,000 invertebrate species or 400 colored fish species during your dive.

While British Columbia is famous for some of the world's strongest undercurrents, its calm waters are great for long underwater expeditions. You can start by investigating the low tides near the underwater rocks and slowly work your way into the depths of the waters. As you swim through the countless straits of Vancouver Island, you can see the beauty of the full-color algae reflected in the sea water.