3 Best Scuba Diving Spots In the World
Travelling means different things to different people. Maybe you enjoy lying by a pool with a cocktail? Perhaps a holiday to you entails hiking through countryside in the rain?
How about a yoga retreat in Ibiza? Some people, like myself, have the SCUBA diving bug and spend their time checking out the underwater scenery, rather than checking out what is going on land side. Here are some of my personal diving hot spots around the globe.
The Gulf of Aqaba Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving in Gulf of Aqaba
This long stretch of water hosts some exciting dives beneath its glorious surface waters. The temperature is , of course, contributes massively to the dive experience in Aqaba and remains a gorgeous 22 degrees all year round.
Its the diversity of the fish, as well as the number of fish that often lures me to this dive hotspot. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and sharks – if you are lucky you might just spot a few of these beauties. There are underwater meadows in this part of the ocean – if you have never seen such a thing be prepared to lose your octopus for a moment- as it is such a beautiful sight.
Cozumel Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving in Cozumel
Fancy a slice of Mexican island life? Cozumel is an island with impeccable diving. There is no end to the wildlife that lives off its shores. The Great Mayan Reef is a barrier reef of impeccable standards. The coral itself is astounding, despite the attempts of hurricanes to destroy this reef, it has survived and flourished. There is no shortage of dive shops on Cozumel and this island makes a refreshing break from mainland Cancun. A great place to dive for experienced divers but a fabulous place to learn how to dive. The calm, warm waters and the crystal clear visibility makes Cozumel diving one of the hot places that divers return.
Ibiza Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving in Ibiza
The Mediterranean is certainly not one of the best places to dive, as there is virtually no coral or fantastic tropical fish. This feisty Balearic island does have one great thing going for it – accessibility. Many Europeans who head for Ibiza in the Summer months may not reach the more exotic shores. There are ample facilities and places such as Sea-Horse Sub-Aqua Centre can take you on pretty exciting dives. There are caves to explore, great Pillars of Hercules , as well as Snakes and Ladders (all local spots) which are fantastic to refine buoyancy technique. It is also a great place to spot more local marine life – there’s always a couple of squid hanging around and sometimes a few rays may swim past. The wonderful seahorse also lies to chill in Ibizan waters. So, Europe can provide some really great diving locations and all without the long haul flight!
Diving is a sport open to all but keep it safe and make sure that you dive with a registered PADI school. If you have your own gear, pre-book a car and head to the local dive shop to plan your dive. There’s nothing quite like it.
Written by Elizabeth James who writes for car-hire.com
