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The sport of scuba diving is also called scuba diving or snorkeling, in which the person dives into the water, whether it is the sea, a river, a lake or even a swimming pool, with special equipment to explore the inner landscapes.
Our planet is covered by more than 70% of water. These contain internally beautiful marine treasures, such as coral reefs of spectacular colors, underwater caves, different species of fish, sharks, schools of manta rays, turtles, dolphins and, of course, a large marine flora.
In recent times the sport of scuba diving has increased and many tourists enjoy their vacations not only under the sun on the beach, but also under the sea. Nowadays there are several companies that offer the diving service, to dive from their boats; next, we will see some places famous for their spectacular waters.
Destinations for diving in the Asian continent:
Sipadan Reef, in Malaysia:
Sipadan is one of the islands of the famous Ligitan archipelago and is located in the Celebes Sea, in the eastern part of the island of Borneo; located between Indonesia and the Philippines. Jacques Cousteau described it as “An untouched work of art”; moreover, it is clinging to an underwater volcano, which has been dormant for thousands of years. It is said to be the longest barrier reef in Southeast Asia.
Among the variety of species are hammerhead sharks, turtles, rays, whale sharks, dolphins, giant manta rays, buffalo fish, bat fish and even a cave about 20 m deep full of turtle skeletons. It is recommended to go between April and December; the most recommended spots are Barracuda Point, Handing Gardens, Drop Off, Turtle Cave, among others.
Tubbataha Reef in the Philippines:
This Tubbataha marine park is a nature reserve and is located on the island of La Paragua, formed by 2 atolls in the middle of the Sulu Sea. In the early 90’s it was declared a World Heritage Site, due to its extensive biodiversity. If we want to dive in its beautiful crystalline waters the most advisable is at the beginning of March until the middle of June.
In this way the excess of people is avoided and the reef is kept in perfect conditions. Among the most recommended spots for diving are: Mala Pascua Island, Apo Island, Coron, Amos Rock, Jessie Beazley, Shark Airpot, Delsan Wreck, among others; there are plenty of options. It is known that the seabed of this country is a paradise for those who practice scuba diving.
North Malé Atoll in the Maldives:
These islands of the Maldives are located south of India, at the level of the Indian Ocean. We are talking about a group of 1190 coral islands distributed among 26 large atolls; with a natural landscape that makes anyone fall in love. Warm waters with a good diversity of species.
It is the paradise of the beautiful and large manta rays. In the Maldives you can usually observe large fauna, such as whale sharks, angel fish, clown fish, barracudas, turtles, sea eagles, among others. The recommended places would be Banana Reef, Manta Point, Girifushi Thila, Maaya Thila, Kuderah Thila, Hammerhead Point, Fish Head, among others.
Diving destinations in the continent of Oceania:
Raja Ampat Archipelago:
This group of islands is located in Indonesia, northwest of Doberai and northwest of Papua New Guinea, between the Indian and Southeast Asian oceans of the Pacific. These reefs of this archipelago of Raja Ampat possess approximately 75% of the different types of corals so far known; in addition to about 1000 species of fish.
There are also turtles, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, sunfish, seahorses, frogfish, nudibranchs of different types, orangutan crabs, among others. It is recommended to dive at the end of April and in October. Important dive sites are Boo Rock, Manta Ridge, Cape Kri, Farondi, The Passage and Fabiacet.
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef:
Australia is located at the level of the southern hemisphere of the planet, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean and the Antarctic Glacier; it is also separated from the Asian continent by the Timor and Arafura Seas. This barrier reef is considered the largest reef in the world, with an extension of about 2000 km.
In addition, they are full of a great diversity, both in terms of fauna and flora, with 125 species of sharks, a good variety of about 1800 different types of fish. There are also some 5000 different mollusks and, of course, corals of great diversity.
In New Zealand, the Poor Knights Islands:
These islands are located at the southwestern level of the Pacific Ocean, in the province of Northland. It is a group of uninhabited islands or archipelagos surrounded by several islets. It is important to mention that it is in this place where an aquatic bird called Burrell’s Bert nests.
In addition, in the summer season these waters contain many specimens of smooth parsnip. This is a sacred place for the Maori, which is very well preserved. You need to ask for a permit to be able to dive and, if you get it, you will enjoy forests of many algae, incredible underwater caves and a good diversity of marine specimens.
Diving destinations on the African and European continent:
Ras Mohammed Park in Egypt, Africa:
Towards the northeast side of this continent is located Egypt, which due to its location has coasts of the Red Sea, but also of the Mediterranean Sea according to how the country limits, both to the east and to the north respectively. In addition, about 20 km to the south is Sharm el-Sheikh.
It is the most important marine park in Egypt, with vertical walls and up to 700 m deep; a beautiful coral reef dating back 70,000 years. In addition to all the marine diversity you can also observe the British ship called the SS Thistlegorm, which sank in 1941 and still preserves in its interior tanks, motorcycles, among others.
The Hormigas Islands in the Province of Murcia, Spain:
We are talking about a beautiful marine reserve at Mediterranean level in rectangular shape and located next to the coast of Cabo de Palos, around the islets of Las Hormigas Islands, with a depth a little more than 50 m; in addition, it is considered the most important and richest ecosystem of the entire European continent.
In the interior of these waters we can find a great variety of fish, corals and even cetaceans, thanks to the migration towards the Atlantic Ocean; also some wrecks or remains of ships that have sunk in the past. Actually in Spain there are several places where you can practice scuba diving, such as the Balearic Islands in the Canary Islands, the Medas Islands in Girona, La Herradura in Granada, Cabo de Gata in Almeria, among others.
