It’s time to seas the day and channel your inner diver as we head across the ocean finding some of the world’s best spots for scuba diving. Wave goodbye to London’s dreary autumnal weather and hello to sun rays, crystal clear waters and a weight scuba tank as you explore the colourful corals and fluttering fishes that pass you by. Here’s where to scuba…
Galápagos, Ecuador
Home to some of the most colourful marina fauna, underwater cliffs and bright corals in the world, Galápagos is world famous for being a hit with divers across the globe.
Hidden beneath the rocks you’ll find sharks swooping around your feet, while fish scurry away in a blur. There’s no doubt you’ll fall in love with the Galápagos islands and all their seabed has to offer, but it is recommended for more advanced scuba divers so maybe get a few lessons at one of London’s scuba diving schools before you head out on an adventure.
Website: www.ecuador.travel
Palau
Located in the western Pacific Ocean, Palau is an archipelago of over 500 islands, which can mean only one thing: there’s a whole lotta fishes to scuba with!
Swerve along the seabed with the hawksbill turtles, watch the fishes flutter past you, and don’t fret if you spot a saltwater crocodile swimming in the distance. The crystal clear oceans are enough of a reason alone to visit.
Website: www.pristineparadisepalau.com
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
It wouldn’t be a scuba diving guide without giving a shoutout to the big boys in the diving world: the Great Barrier Reef.
We can’t deny the Great Barrier Reef isn’t enchanting. It’s littered with intriguing creatures and beautiful corals beneath you at every stroke of the way, 2,300km in length to be precise… If you’re a first-timer, don’t stress because there are shallow spots dotted around the islands that will still provide you with a surge of adrenaline and epic photos for the ‘gram.
Website: www.greatbarrierreef.org
Bonaire, Caribbean
We’re swimming on over to the Caribbean islands for the next destination, more pacifically the island of Bonaire.
The island is undeniably steeped with natural beauty, from the sparkling clear waters to the height of the tallest peak, Brandaris. And, what comes with crystal clear ocean? The ultimate spot for scuba diving.
It has a staggering 63 official dive sites, with another 26 more on Klein Bonaire. As you float through the ocean, you’ll likely come into contact with more than 350 fish species and 57 species of soft and stony corals – no wonder it’s dubbed ‘divers paradise’.
Website: www.tourismbonaire.com
Similan Islands, Thailand
The Similan Islands are famous around the world for their serene scuba diving activities, and thanks to an average temperature of 25 degrees celsius, it’s perfect for those who hate clambering into a wetsuit and want to just swim free in a bathing suit.
Made up of 11 islands, the largest is Koh Similan, home to clear shallow waters, stunning rock formations and colourful corals.
Website: www.similan-islands.com
Sipadan Island, Malaysia
If you’re looking to channel your inner Crush from Finding Nemo, swim on over to Sipadan to experience a diving experience like no other.
Sipadan is an oceanic Malaysian island, located in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, and is widely known for its large number of green and hawksbill turtles. Diving here is hugely popular thanks to diving celeb Jacques Cousteau harping on about it, and ever since it’s seen an abundance of eager divers trying to nab a snap with an ol’ turtle.
Website: www.sabahtourism.com
By The Handbook
Galápagos, Ecuador
Palau
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Bonaire, Caribbean
Similan Islands, Thailand
Sipadan Island, Malaysia
