Curious ElfMany people enjoy scuba diving, but where should you go for the best experience? The answer is not always easy to find. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 7 places that offer some of the most incredible and awe-inspiring scuba adventures in the world. These locations are based on the quality of their water, accessibility, safety record, and more.
Whether you want a close encounter with sharks or to explore ancient shipwrecks, these are your top 10 destinations for all things underwater!
Let’s have a look at these destinations.
Thistlegorm, Egyptian Red Sea
It’s difficult to imagine the pristine waters of Egypt without picturing a shipwreck. Perhaps one of the most famous wrecks in all of history, this is still an active dive site where more than 60% of its remains can be seen on any given day. This was initially built as a British cargo ship during World War II and sunk by German bombers in 1941.
It’s not just the wreck itself that draws divers, but also the sunken remains of a U-boat and several other vessels nearby. Scuba diving at Thistlegorm gives you access to over 12 kilometers of history while providing some great shark encounters!
The Yongala, Australia
The Yongala is the wreck of a passenger and cargo steamship that sank in 1911. It’s a top-rated dive site, not only because it’s one of Australia’s most well-known shipwrecks but also because divers can explore three different levels, with each having its own set of unique features to see. The first level is called the “coral garden” because it’s covered in beautiful aquatic life.
The second level is home to a colony of turtles and other creatures that live up top, while divers can explore the third level, which houses some fantastic coral formations as well as an abundance of fish!
Manta Ray Night Dive, Kailua Kona, Hawaii
If you’re looking for an experience that’s more about the wildlife than anything else, this is one of the best for you. This unique dive site boasts a night-time manta ray feed where divers watch these majestic creatures feast on plankton while feasting their eyes on them! The feeding occurs at sunset and then continues until sunrise, so it’s the perfect opportunity to see what these animals do when they’re not sleeping.
USAT Liberty, Bali, Indonesia
This is the wreck of a World War II ship that was sunk by Japanese bombers in 1942. It’s around 200 to 300 feet below the surface, so it’s not for everyone, but those who dive here will see an incredibly preserved site that still has its original rails and features intact. The Liberty also rests on her starboard side, which means divers can explore the ship with ease while enjoying a completely different experience than other sites.
Richelieu Rock, Thailand
Divers who want to explore the deep will love Richelieu Rock. It’s a sheer rock formation that drops off into the depths of Thailand and is accessible only by boat. The best time for diving here is during monsoon season when there are more fish and corals, although it is also considered one of Asia’s most famous drift dives. If you’re looking for an experience that’s more about the wildlife than anything else, this is one of the best for you.
Blue Corner Wall, Palau, Micronesia
Scuba diving at the Blue Corner Wall will give you a chance to explore one of Palau’s most famous dive sites. The wall is about 35 meters tall and has numerous coral formations on its surface and sea fans, and abundant other colorful aquatic life. It also makes for some great drift dives that are accessible thanks to currents that sweep divers away.
Barracuda Point, Sipadan Island, Malaysia
In the 1990s, Malaysia’s most famous dive site where divers could see hundreds of barracuda. Unfortunately for divers interested in sharks and other significant marine life, those days have ended thanks to tourism overexposure. However, the site still offers incredible coral formations and fantastic dive sites that will keep divers coming back for more.
Final Words
Scuba diving is one of the most popular activities globally, and that’s because it offers a truly unforgettable experience. But where should you go for a fantastic scuba adventure? The answer varies depending on what you’re looking for – but we’ve compiled this list to help get you started!
