World’s Greatest Diving Locations

Posted on Jan 23 2014 - 9:51am by Amy Labbadia

Driving

If you are of an adventurous disposition, then this list is for you! We’ve scoured the world in search of the greatest diving destinations, from the Maldives to South Africa, and have found some truly remarkable places that are certainly worth taking note of. So, whether you are hoping to combine an unforgettable diving trip with a meal in a wonderful restaurant or even more adventure, we’ve got the ideal location for you.

South Africa

South Africa is renowned for its safari opportunities, but it is also a country filled with other thrilling activities as well. Surrounded by cobalt oceans, with serene sandy beaches fringing its coast, South Africa provides the perfect opportunity for divers to explore the underwater paradise which it is swiftly becoming renowned for. Mabibi in particular is steadily becoming a popular location for water sport enthusiasts, with divers admiring both the calm waters and surrounding sceneries. If you prefer the rough-and-tumble kind of holiday then you’ll be pleased to know that you can camp nearby at one of the local sites; it’s the ideal way to travel to and fro from the beach.

Maldives

Aside from its exquisite beaches and host of luxurious resorts, the Maldives is also well known for its diving locations. The warm Indian Ocean lends itself as the perfect place to discover vibrant coral reefs and a menagerie of tropical fish, and can be enjoyed by both diving beginners and experts. The Ari Atoll in particular is home to an array of wonderful diving sites, including Broken Rock. Named after the large rock which rests in the centre of this dive site, making for an unusual sight, Broken Rock boasts beautiful coral formations which you’re sure to love exploring.

French Polynesia

The go-to destination for lovebirds and honeymooners, French Polynesia boasts clusters of idyllic islands which you will be able to dive from. Whether you’re a first timer or seasoned pro, the underwater splendour of French Polynesia is guaranteed to awe you. There are 118 islands in French Polynesia, 11 of which have diving centres. Tahiti is perhaps one of the best known islands in the area, and is also a great place to launch your Polynesian diving adventure! Of course, if you fancy something a little more adventurous then you could always hop next door to Moorea, the heart-shaped island home to the blacktip shark.

Thailand

Over the years, Thailand has become one of the world’s most popular diving destinations, and once you feast your eyes upon its organic beauty you’ll understand just why. Thailand is home to a variety of coral reefs as well as sunken shipwrecks, making it an incredibly unique and exciting location to explore. Phuket has the largest dive centre in Thailand and is a great place to explore if you are new to diving. It is host to a variety of healthy reefs as well as an abundance of colourful marine life; you may even catch sight of a shark or turtle!

About the Author

Amy Labbadia is a travel writer for the luxury tour operator Wanderforth