10Similan Islands
The views under the water surface are
even more impressive. There are 2 different kind of dive spots around
the Similan Islands. East facing dive sites consists of gently sloping
coral reefs while west facing dive sites feature massive granite
boulders, covered with hard and soft corals. Depths can range from 15 to
40 meters in this area with species that include trigger fish, cow tail
rays, and sand animals.
9Maldives Reefs
Although the Maldives are probably best known for its tropical beauty
it is also has some of the best dive spots in the world. What is
particularly fascinating about diving excursions in the Maldives is not
the reef itself, but the wide variety of species you can catch a glimpse
of. The reefs around the Maldives are are home to parrot fish,
sweetlips, colorful sponges, and a number of invertebrate species. Other
local species that live on the soft coral provide the nutrients for
large schools of fish to feed in the reefs. But remember to watch out
for the barracudas lurking in the water.
8Bunaken
Located at the north of the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, Bunaken
is one of Indonesia’s most famous dive and snorkeling areas. The best
time for diving in Bunaken is between the months of April and November,
although diving is not restricted at any time. Bunaken is part of the
Bunaken Marine Park where you can see more than 70% of all fish species
that live in the western Pacific ocean. That’s a pretty good deal for a
single dive.
7Great Blue Hole
This massive sinkhole under the water is near the Lighthouse Reef and
creates a perfect circle of deep blue water. The blue hole was created
by the collapse of a limestone cave system thousands of years ago. Here
divers can expect to see many species including angelfish, groupers, and
neon gobies.
6Cocos Island
Cocos Island is located about 300 miles off the Pacific coast of
Costa Rica. This jungle-covered island is mostly uninhabited and
provides an excellent diving escape. Cocos Island is a shark-lover’s
dream. Species found in the area include whale sharks, hammerheads, and
white-tip sharks. Other species include mantas and tuna.
5Sipadan
Located off the east coast of Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan is a legend
among expert divers. The area is full of exotic species including a
rainbow of reef fish, sea turtles, and hammerhead sharks. Recenlty,
Sipadan has became a protected area and all the resorts on the island
are now closed. Diving is still allowed but divers are ferried in and
out from the mainland and surrounding islands and only 120 dives are
allowed daily. If you are lucky enough to get a dive permit however,
you’ll experience some of the best scuba diving anywhere in the world.
4Palau Dive Spots
Palau is a wonderful diving area in Micronesia. It is one those areas
where divers become historians. Palau is famous for its World War II
shipwrecks. Because the Pacific Ocean was one of the areas where most
sea battles occurred at the time, there are numerous artifacts that now
serve as home to fish species including lionfish. The wrecks at Palau
are recommended for experience divers.
3Darwin and Wolf
The Galapagos Islands are the second largest marine reserve in the
world with 70,000 square kilometers (43,496 square miles) of protected
water and coastline, second only in size to Australia’s Great Barrier
Reef. This means that no commercial fishing takes place in the area.
Unlike most popular diving destinations, reefs are not the primary
attraction in the Galapagos. Instead, the big attraction here is the
sheer abundance of marine life. Some of the best dive spots can be found
around the waters of Darwin and Wolf islands, home to several different
species of sharks, including Hammerheads, and Galapagos sharks.
2Red Sea Reef
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The waters of the Red Sea are renowned for their spectacular visibility
and features some of the most exotic seascapes. With its wide expanse
of coral formation on the reefs, it is home to thousands of different
sea creatures.
1Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most popular diving destinations
in the world. It is the largest system of coral reef in the world,
stretching more than 3000 kilometers. It is the only reef on Earth that
can be seen from space. The Great Barrier Reef also features a host of
wildlife including green sea turtles, dolphins, humpback whale and clown
fish.
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