Covering more than 70% of the Earth's surface, oceans and seas remain vast, unexplored frontiers, eagerly awaiting our discovery!
While some people prefer to spend their vacation on land, others are more interested in exploring the unkown depths and uncovering the secrets of the sea. Nowadays, more and more people are embarking on diving tours, also known as ocean safaris to get up close with the rare fish and plant species of distant lands. Here are some of the world's most beautiful diving paradises!
Dolphin's within arms reach
Fernando de Noronha evokes different images for different people—some think of Jurassic Park, while others picture the White Cliffs of Dover. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage, it is now a key destination for ecotourism, with a strict environmental policy in place. If we plan to visit this beautiful region, we must book our vacation well in advance, as local authorities tightly regulate the number of tourists and the amount of time they can spend there.
Only 420 tourists are allowed on the island at a time, and upon arrival, everyone is required to pay a so-called conservation tax, which is calculated based on the number of days they plan to stay. Fernando de Noronha is a true diver’s paradise and the world’s largest dolphin hotspot: alongside countless dolphins and turtles, the waters are home to various unique fish species and more than 16 types of sharks. Every afternoon, hundreds of tropical dolphins leave the protected bays to hunt in deeper waters. On the Dolphin Bay beach, we can observe these amazing creatures up close in their natural habitat.
Breathtaking coral reefs
Off the coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest and most beautiful coral reef in the world.The mesmerizing underwater world, filled with vibrant colors and diverse shapes, provides divers with an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. This place is home to countless unique fish species, such as the nurse shark and the wrasse. However, ocean acidification, pollution, cyclones, and rising ocean temperatures have caused many problems, leading to widespread coral bleaching in the area.
Over the past three decades, more than half of the Great Barrier Reef has disappeared, and estimates suggest that under current conditions, the remaining portion could be destroyed as early as 2030. It is shocking to think that such a unique phenomenon, which took mother nature over 8,000 years to create, could vanish within our lifetime.
Shipwreck Diving for Adventure Seekers
If you’re a fan of shipwrecks and would love to explore this unique underwater wonder, then a visit to the waters around Grenada is a must! The luxury submarine MV Bianca C was torpedoed by Germans shortly after its launch during World War II, but it wasn’t until 1961, after an explosion, that it sank off the coast of Grenada. Today, the ship rests on the sandy seafloor near Grand Anse.
The deepest point of the wreck lies at about 52 meters, while the highest point can be reached at a depth of 30 meters. The aforementioned wreck is one of the most exciting dive sites in the Caribbean. Today, the ship is often referred to as the "Titanic of the Caribbean." Although parts of the wreck have succumbed to decay over the years, it still offers numerous sights, including sea turtles, which have made the Bianca C their home in recent years. Due to the depth, the excursion is only recommended for experienced divers.
Underwater culture
Although Lanzarote is a popular destination thanks to its year-round sunshine, dramatic volcanic landscape, and stylish boutique hotels, the most common reason tourists visit is its underwater world. The easternmost, northernmost, and also the oldest of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is characterized by crystal-clear warm waters, calm conditions, good visibility, and mild currents, making it an ideal diving spot even for beginners. One of Lanzarote's main attractions is the Museo Atlantico, Europe's first underwater sculpture park. The sculptures, located 15 meters below the surface, were created by Jason deCaires Taylor and remain a popular sight to this day.
A hidden world
Only divers are familiar with the secrets of the Geronimo Cave in the northern part of Mallorca, as the area can only be explored through diving. Unlike most cave dives, for this excursion, a PADI Open Water Diver certification may be sufficient. The area must first be approached by boat, and then, by diving into the water, we can enter the cave through a six-meter opening, where we will be greeted by turquoise waters and an astonishing hidden world.
