The Best Underwater Experiences Anywhere In The World
For anyone who has ever pulled on a mask, adjusted a snorkel or strapped on an oxygen tank, then you know what that world below the surface is like. The explosion of color and the fireworks of life, marine life, schools of fish darting about like arrows ricocheting of invisible walls. You know what it is like to lose your breath in a place where you can’t breathe, to look into the endless abyss of blue, the clear waters turning from crystal clear to the darkest and purest shade of navy blue your eyes have ever seen.
Then there is the silence. That’s the most attractive part of it all. The escape. That is what makes all of this so surreal, so visceral and surreal; the silence, the beautiful silence. Occasionally you may hear the voice of a dolphin or a whale, maybe a manta ray or a turtle, and every so often you will hear the dull whir of a speed boat on the surface above you. Thud. Thud. Thud. It’s like floating in space, but not a space where you are alone; a space which is richly inhabited, you just don’t know the language.
So long as you have the right gear – the fins and mask and breathing supply – you barely have to leave shore to make an adventure out of nothing; that’s part of its magic. The other part of its magic is the bell-curve. Anyone can do it. Those with the time and training can pull the heavy equipment onto their backs and head out into the deep blue to explore. But that same ocean beauty can be snatched by those with nothing more than a snorkel and set of fins.
If you haven’t seen this part of our world before, though, then we can’t urge you enough. It is the chance to mingle with some of the most beautiful creatures on earth. And to help you out a little, and take the plunge, we have come up with a list of the best places on earth to head.
The Maldives
If you know anything about The Maldives, then you may already know that it is made up of almost 1200 islands in the Indian Ocean, picturesque islands that are magical to the eye, with white sand beaches than run off into stunning corals. In terms of snorkeling and diving, though, the place to head is Baa Atoll because it offers something almost totally unique to those wanting to see the best the world has to offer. The reason for this is the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that offers you – yes, you – the chance to swim with almost mythical beasts; manta rays, giant sea turtles, ginormous whale sharks, exotic fish and the occasional dolphin. So, if you do one thing today, you have to go and find a review of the full face snorkel mask and what fins are the best, because this snorkeling experience deserves the best. It is the kind of lagoon that gives the word stunning a whole new meaning because it is one of the few places on earth that gives you the chance to swim amongst giants.
Bora Bora
There are a hundred and one reasons why this island in the French Polynesia has been given the nickname ‘The Romantic Island’. There are the secluded islands, the intimate hotels, endless vistas, gorgeous sunsets and the warm atmosphere. But nestled into the top of this list is the diving. The thing that may surprise you, though, is who you will be getting up close and personal with; sharks. Yeah, Bora Bora is a bucket list hotspot because it is a paradise that is swarming with some of the most breath-snatching sharks. Schools of blacktip reef sharks and 12-foot lemon sharks are the most common, as well as encounters with other marine wildlife too. Sea turtles and manta rays and even dolphins, not to mention some of the most dazzling coral reefs anywhere on earth. The thing that really sets this paradise apart, though, is the sharks and not only that but the chance to feed them at what the locals call the Lagoonarium. How many people do you know that have fed sharks? Now compare that to how many people you know who will be jealous of you telling this story firsthand. One for the romantics, no matter how unconventional you are.
Mexico
This is one of those places where everyone raves about, especially the sand-covered Shangri-La known as Cancun. But there is a little, hidden secret that not many have had the pleasure of hearing about; Punta Mita. To most, this is just a tranquil and sleepy fishing village not worth the hassle of getting to, and that is how it has remained so hush-hush for so long. What it offers, however, it is something for everyone that wants to have their mind blown because it houses one of the most amazing beach caves anywhere on earth. It is located on the uninhabited islands of Marietta, perfect for beginners. The thing that makes it so special is not just the clear as day water, but the distinctive rock formations that swallow you and the underwater caves you can explore. Within here, this space of natural treasure, you will stumble across pods of dolphins, moray eels, seahorses, eagle rays and starfish, huge starfish. It’s hard to put words down that do this place justice, but we urge you to look it up, plan your trip and book your flights the moment your next paycheck floats into your bank. Trust us on that.
Malaysia
When heading to Malaysia, the one thing you’ll realize is that you are spoiled for choice. It is as rich as any mythical king when it comes to natural beauty and places to dive. But there is only one place you should head and that is Barracuda Point on Sipadan Island. This is one for those wanting to step away from the snorkel and into a pack, ready to go deep, the sound of your regulator becoming as comforting as your heartbeat. The reason for this is simple; Barracuda point offers a wall of coral where sharks will cruise past you and barracuda will surround you. If it is the big creatures you are after, then this is the place to come; this is the place where your eyes will widen in suspended disbelief. Grouper, white tip sharks, giant sea turtles, jacks and bumper-head parrotfish. These are all huge species that you will get the chance to swim with thanks to the strong currents that shoot over this underwater paradise. For the scuba diver, this is a must visit spot.
Egypt
The Red Sea and, more specifically, the Thistlegorm is one for those wanting true adventure, and by that, we mean the opportunity to explore a sunken ship. Yeah, there are plenty of sunken ships dotted around the world, all of which make for staggering dives, but the Thistlegorm, a British ship that was sunk in 1941 after being attacked from the air, is one that will take dive after dive after dive to do it justice. The reason being the cargo this ship was carrying, all of which is still sat at the bottom of the sea. Motorbikes, train carriages, rifles, military grade trucks; all sat in exactly the way they were when this ship fell victim to an enemy attack. It is breathtaking. Truly breathtaking. It has clear waters, tons of sea life, and depths of up to 40 meters, making the whole experience seem like yours and only yours. The only thing you need to be wary of is the current, which can get quite strong. Other than that, wow, you have 130 meters of sunken cargo ship to explore. It’ll be an adventure like no other you have ever had.
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