22 May 2017

6 Destinations for Unforgettable Scuba Diving Trips

Did you hear about Rosheen Khan, the first and only female scuba diving instructor in Pakistan? It’s an amazing story. She didn’t even know how to swim when she first started. Now she teaches scuba diving internationally.Like Khan, pursuing your passion for scuba diving could mean exploring international waters. But where exactly? Here are 6 destinations for unforgettable scuba diving trips you should consider.

1. Roatan, Honduras

Turquoise blue warm waters, diverse marine fauna, and flora, pristine coral reef…these are just some of the many reasons why divers flock to Roatan. Surrounded by the second largest coral reef in the world, the 33-mile island offers spectacular views for both beginner and experienced divers. Some dive sites to try include The Sponges, where you can get really close to turtles, nurse sharks, and eagle rays and Odyssey Wreck, the island’s largest underwater wreck. Mary’s Place is also good, as is Morat Wall and Pat’s Place.

2. Komodo, Indonesia

Yes, that’s the same island with the dragons (actually, giant lizards but I guess ‘Komodo Lizards’ isn’t as cool). It’s one of the best dive sites in the world, teeming with diverse marine life. In 2011, Komodo was named as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature by the New7Wonders Foundation. Aside from diving, the island also boasts of colorful fishing villages and picturesque volcanic islands.

3. The Maltese Islands

Reefs, caves, and wrecks make the Maltese Islands ideal for scuba diving in the Mediterranean. Weather is mild all year-round and there’s plenty of diving opportunities for both novice and experienced divers. As for sea friends, there are groupers, stingrays, parrot fish, and barracuda. On challenging dives, it’s possible to see moray eels, conger eels, squid, and octopus.

4. Great Blue Hole, Belize

What makes the Great Blue Hole great? Aside from being a popular diving spot, it’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. Here, you’ll enjoy crystal clear waters and meet different species of fish including Caribbean reef shark. You’ll also get a good view of stalactites and stalagmites of ancient caverns. You should note, however, that this isn’t for newbie divers. If you’re just starting out, don’t write the Great Blue Hole off. Motivate yourself by including it in your bucket-list dive.

5. Yongala, Australia

You can’t have a list of scuba diving trips without the SS Yongala shipwreck. If you’re superstitious though, this might not be the dive for you. You see, when it sank in 1911 off Cape Bowling Green, Queensland, all 122 passengers aboard were killed. It was given official protection in 1981 under the Historic Shipwrecks Act. Today, it is a major dive spot, with more than 10,000 divers visiting the wreck annually. The Yongala is home to many sea creatures including sea snakes, manta rays, bull sharks, and turtles to name a few.

6. Apo Island, Philippines

The Philippines has been dubbed as a scuba diver’s paradise. More than 7000 islands with vast coral reefs, the archipelago is also home to beautiful flora and fauna. Apo Island boasts of two resorts, Apo Island Beach Resort and Liberty’s Lodge. They both have a dive center, offering something for divers of all skill levels. Here, you’ll enjoy year-round visibility and stunning views of corals, turtles, and schools of fish.

Planning Scuba Diving Trips?

Make your next scuba diving trip better by signing up for our scuba training courses. We’ve got PADI and TDI, IANTD and DAN Instructors, who will be happy to help you choose the best scuba training options for you.