The Best Scuba Diving Destinations in the World
Some people are interested in historical sights, many tourists are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, but many of us love the underwater world. Find out more about the best scuba diving destinations in the world
With hundreds of countries and diverse interests to choose from, it's certainly a challenge to come up with a list of the best scuba diving destinations in the world.
However, some places have a universal appeal due to their comprehensive mix and variety of marine life, topography, weather and even surface activities. They cater to the needs of beginner and advanced divers, reef and wreck divers, shore divers and boat divers. For this reason, these destinations almost always appear on divers' bucket lists. So, keep reading to find out about the best scuba diving destinations in the world!
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Northern Red Sea, Egypt
The Red Sea offers excellent diving conditions throughout the year, but from March to May it becomes especially attractive for those who want to avoid the summer heat. The water temperature is convenient, not as high as in the summer months, but comfortable enough for diving. Egypt is famous for its affordable diving prices and a wide range of dive sites of any level of difficulty.
Sharm el-Sheikh is the most popular diving destination, but there are other great dive sites in Egypt. In Ras Mohammed National Park, you can enjoy vivid reefs and crystal clear water, home to a wide variety of marine life.
The Strait of Tirana is famous for its steep coral-covered walls, which provide fascinating drift dives. Those who like to explore shipwrecks should visit the SS Thistlegorm and Abu Nuhas, where they can dive alongside historical artifacts and touch the past.
The Red Sea impresses with its diversity and richness of the underwater world, making every dive an unforgettable experience.
Scapa Flow, Scotland
Spring break in Scotland can be an unrivaled experience for diving enthusiasts. The Orkney Islands, located off the northeast coast of the country, are striking in their nature and diversity of the underwater world.
This is especially true for Scapa Flow, a protected body of water that served as the former main base of the Royal Navy. After the First World War, an incredible event took place here when part of the German fleet sank in the waters of Scapa Flow. Today, this area has become a fascinating dive site where divers can explore the remains of these huge ships.
The wrecks in Scapa Flow create a unique underwater landscape that is breathtaking in its grandeur and scale. For history buffs, this is an extremely interesting place where every dive leads to a meeting with the past.
Jardines de la Reina, Cuba
The Jardines de la Reina, or "Queen's Gardens" as they are also known, create an unparalleled conservation success story in the Caribbean. This archipelago of 250 islands, made up of coral and mangrove formations, is home to a myriad of marine species that will leave no diver indifferent.
These islands reflect the powerful force of nature and impress with their biodiversity. Protected from human influence, they have become the greatest indicator of how the ocean can flourish in the absence of human intervention.
In these waters, you can find everything from diverse species of coral to sharks, turtles and rare marine life. Only 350 divers are permitted to visit each year, ensuring the preservation of this unique ecosystem.
March is considered to be the ideal month to visit the Queen's Gardens when the sea waters are calm and the weather is stable. If you are unable to embark on this adventure in March, July to November also offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in this spectacular world, especially for whale shark sightings.