Scuba

JULY, 2014

SCUBA

MAG

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Cozumel, Mexico

Scuba diving is now the

most popular recreational

water sports in the world

as shown by the increasing

numbers of enthusiasts,

scuba diving sites, and

companies selling scuba

diving equipment. With

that said, scuba divers

have different criteria

when choosing for the best

site, so here are the 10

best places to go scuba

diving and see why they

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is a popular scuba diving and snorkeling destination which is

famous for its „balneario‟ or seaside resort town. Scuba divers can ex-

plore its 19 unusual reefs, caves and underwater caverns for that unfor-

gettable summer experience

The Yongala, Australia

The Yongala sank during the cyclone of 1911 where 122 people were

killed. The ship that was en route from Melbourne to Cairns was also

carrying a red Lincolnshire bull and a famous racehorse called Moon-

shine. Consequently, in 1981 the site was given official protection un-

der the Historic Shipwrecks Act. Nowadays, the wreck is a famous site

for scuba divers and houses a great diversity of marine life.

Ambergris Caye, Belize

For divers who are looking for a diverse ecosystem, Belize offers a great number of reefs.

The Ambergris Caye is known for its warm waters where you can swim along with nurse

sharks and stingrays at the Shark Ray Alley. There is also the Barrier Reef, which is just a

part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Though the Galapagos Islands were originally made famous by Charles Darwin, it is now

famous for its diverse underwater marine life. This is perfect for divers who want to expe-

rience wildlife creatures such as sting rays and golden rays; whales, white tip reef sharks,

pelagic fish, marine iguanas and so much more

Ras Mohammed,

The Red Sea, Egypt

One of the most famous scuba diving sites today, the red sea is very unique due to its underwater

ecosystem and great number of reefs. Its good visibility all year round, clear water teeming with

marine life and its close proximity to Europe makes it a budget-friendly option for Europeans who

want to go diving. You can also choose from a number of locations one of which is the Ras Moham-

med national park for an even more unique diving experience.

Cayman Islands,

British Overseas

Known as the “king of all Caribbean diving sites,” it provides a great opportunity to see a wide ar-

ray of saltwater creatures from stingrays to angelfish. It is also known for having good weather

condition all year round.

Palau, Micronesia

Currently rated as the “hottest dive spot on planet earth,” Palau is well-known for its quantity of pe-

lagic and strong currents. If you want to swim with the dolphins, you can do so at the Dolphin Pacif-

ic, which is located between the typical forests that are covered with limestone islands.

Papua, New Guinea

Papua was once hidden from divers, but is now known for having everything a diver could hope

for. This includes deep drops, shallow reefs, atolls, and private lagoons. If you are into ship wrecks,

Papua is a good place to explore as it has many ships that are originally from World War II.

Beqa Lagoon, Fiji

Fiji is renowned for its many diving sites, though the Beqa Lagoon is the most famous of them all. With

approximately an hour‟s boat ride from the main island of Viti Levu. What sets this diving site apart is

its unique underwater topography and colorful soft corals. Once underwater, you can request your tour

guide to take you to the Side Streets, Nisici Rocks, and Caesar‟s Rocks for their cool formations, blue

ribbon eels, and tropical fish.

Punta Gorda, Costa Rica

If you are tired of the normal fare that other diving sites offer, then you can enjoy the exquisite variety

found in Costa Rica‟s diverse underwater world which is home to massive schools of fish and the eagle

rays at Punta Gorda. You can also visit Murcielagos and the islands of the Catalinas to see some manta

rays, sharks, multi-colored tropical fish and amazing coral reefs.