Most people have a bucket list of things they want to do before they die. A popular item on this list is scuba diving – this is one of the best ways to come close to marine creatures that we may only see on tv. However, with so many different amazing destinations available, it can be challenging to choose one. This article will advise you on what scuba diving destinations should be on your bucket list so that you can easily pick one that suits your goals.
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The Tiputa Pass, French Polynesia
If you want to go scuba diving, you must certainly add the Tiputa Pass in French Polynesia to your list. This is ranked one of the best diving spots due to the immense diversity of marine life in the area. There are shark caves, which you can visit and you may see real-life reef sharks. In addition to this, you will be able to see eagle rays, manta rays, dolphins, tuna, trevallies, and hammerhead sharks. However, you will need to be cautious of the incoming current so that you are not pushed in the opposite direction. You should have some experience if you are visiting this area, or at least have appropriate training beforehand to prevent any issues and ensure a wonderful experience.
Silfra, Iceland
Anyone looking for perfectly clear water must come to Silfra in Iceland. The cold temperature in this area does not allow for most creatures to live in this area, which is why the water is so clear. So what is the point in scuba diving in this area if there are no living creatures to see? Divers put this location at the top of their bucket lists because it is the only place in the world where you can swim between two tectonic plates and Silfra is right where two continents are joined. Moreover, you may not see fish but you will certainly see beautiful coral reefs, which are worth the dive.
Maaya Thila, Maldives
The Maldives has been known as a popular destination among scuba drivers for a very long time, and with good reason, Maaya Thila, in particular. This site is fairly small compared to other destinations around the world, such as those in Thailand and Indonesia, but this does not mean that it is not worth the dive. Truthfully, it may be a great destination for first-time scuba drivers or those with very little experience as it may be an easier dive.
However, you must still have all the appropriate equipment. It is recommended you check SCUBAPRO’s complete scuba equipment list so that you know what you need, whether you are a beginner or an advanced diver. The Maaya Thila dive experience is particularly fascinating at night when the reef shows its true colours.
Darwin’s Arch, The Galapagos Islands
If you want diversity to explore as a diver, you should head to the Galapagos Islands to visit Darwin’s Arch, off the coast of Ecuador. This spot offers a treasure of sea creatures and you will view a completely different marine world that you may not be able to see anywhere else.
Here different currents meet, which results in a variety of marine life living in this area, such as barracudas, eagle rays, green sea turtles, sea lions, and dolphins. You will have so much to see that it may be difficult to view everything in one dive and you may want to come back later!
Great Blue Hole, Belize
You will find The Great Blue Hole just off the coast of Belize City at Lighthouse Reef. This is considered one of the most special diving sports in the Caribbean as it is the biggest sinkhole on the planet, which can be seen from space. As you can imagine, if you plan on diving in this location, you should be prepared to see what this area is – deep, dark but relaxing at the same time. You will also have the opportunity to see different types of sharks, angelfish, and shrimp, among many other aquatic creatures.
It may be considered a more scary experience so if you have never tried scuba diving before or are reluctant to go into the deep ocean, this may not be your preferred choice.
Taveuni, Fiji
Fiji is a highly sought destination for many tourists across the world, for a variety of reasons. One of these includes the amazing wall dive. One of the distinct features of this dive spot is the drop that is covered in white soft coral that looks like snow and you may not find anything like it anywhere else. If you decide to visit Taveuni for your diving experience, make sure that you have some experience behind you. Considering that the currents are fairly strong, it is not recommended that beginners undertake this journey on their own.
Guadalupe Island, Mexico
Do you like sharks enough to get close to them? Are you looking for a thrilling experience? If your answer to these questions is yes then adding Guadalupe Island in Mexico to your bucket list as a diving destination is a must. Here you will find great white sharks, which is the type of shark every Hollywood movie has made sure we fear. This island is home to a number of white sharks, which can grow longer than five or six meters. Evidently, this is not an experience that suits everyone’s tastes, but if you are looking for a thrill that will get your heart racing, it may just be the perfect location for you!
Stingray City, Cayman Islands
Stingrays are beautiful and friendly creatures and you will be pleased to experience a dive around them. If this creature is one of your favourites to see, then there will be no better place for you than the Stingray City in the Cayman Islands. This diving destination is home to many stingrays and they remain in groups. You can dive four meters deep to meet a group of around thirty stingrays that will swarm around the divers in a very friendly manner. If you bring a handful of squid with you, you can rest assured that they will follow you and suck the food out of your hand. As you can imagine, they may compete for your attention, particularly if there is food at stake!
If you want to go diving and have one unforgettable experience, make sure to check some of the destinations discussed on this page. You may want to try one or all of them, as you may quickly get addicted to the undersea beauty.
