subject: Top Ten Dive Sites Across The World [print this page] To experience the best reefs and 1000s of species of sea life we have all around the world many people travelling further to experience diving which has become one of the most popular sports of our time. Heres a list of some of the best diving sites from near to far to help you plan your next trip:
SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT is a great place to learn to dive, even snorkellings great to start off as a beginner. At Naama Bay you can see Masked Butterfly Fish and Parrot Fish swimming carefree in the clear waters just a few feet off the main beach. To explore the fabulous Yolanda Reef, home to turtles, sharks and tuna, a trip to Ras Mohammed National Park is worth doing. Sharm el Sheikh is an ideal choice for those with families who can enjoy the life of a developed beach resort where you can take part in your favourite sport.
The Red Sea beach resort of HURGHADA, EGYPT offers many diving schools for those looking toimprove their diving skills or even to learn to dive. With over 30 dive sites off the coast theres no end to how much you can do here. One of the most popular reefs, Careless Reef, offers many caves to explore and if you are lucky you may spot a Barracuda and there are many of the famous Moray Eels, said to be semi-tame.
MARSA ALAM, EGYPT Holidays to Marsa Alam offer spectacular snorkelling and diving opportunities with hundreds of species of tropical and marine fish. Less crowded than its rivals, Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada, its great for exploring the best of what the Red Sea has to offer. Elphinstone reef is over 180m long and 20m wide, and is one of the most popular dive sites in Marsa Alam and home to many species of shark. Its excellent for exploring the pink and purple corals, home to Lion Fish and if youre lucky you could even spot dolphins in these warm waters.
COSTA DEL SOL, SPAIN has great diving opportunities, with many dive sites accessible from Benalmadena and Fuengirola, in fact along the whole coastline stretching 160km down to Gibraltar. La Costa Tropical is one of the most popular dive sites in Spain home to beautiful Moonfish, Scorpion fish and even dolphins. It's great for beginners or the advanced diver and even snorkelling allows you to see this fascinating underwater world up close along the protected bays.
MALDIVES Where better to immerse yourself in warm, transparent waters than in the Indian Ocean. Spectacular dive sites are in abundance in the Maldives, Reethi Beach is one of the best and the House Reef is teaming with Eagle Rays and Bat Fish. The diving here is for the more experienced though great snorkelling is available too from most islands; turtles love to swim along next to you.
THAILAND is home to Phuket which offers spectacular diving in the Andaman Sea. Visit Racha Noi South Point to swim with Manta Rays, and take to Shark Point to spot the stunning Leopard Sharks. Shark Point is also the place to try and spot the camouflaged scorpion fish hiding amongst the coral. Mid November to April is the best time to dive here as the monsoon winds which occur at other times of the year can reduce visibility.
MEXICO is home to Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel, two world class diving and beach resorts. Suitable for all levels of diver, Playa Del Carmen is home to the "must see" Whale Shark. There are dive companies offering excursions to take you to Holbox for a chance to snorkel with these famous creatures. Paradise Reef is the place to do this where you can see spotted Moray Eels and Octopus; the waters come alive at night in Cozumel, popular for night dives.
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC offers the chance to experience warm Caribbean waters home to shipwrecks and stunning corals and sponges as well as lots of caves to explore. Explore the rock formations which these beautiful creatures call home, Nurse Sharks and Eagle Rays will meander past as you dive. The currents from the Atlantic often sweeping past this area in the winter months can make diving conditions difficult, so April to September is the optimum time to visit.
COSTA RICA in Central America has many great dive sites just a short boat ride away from the coast. Unusual species of fish such as cow-nose rays, spade fish and the beautiful seahorse are found in these waters. Many diving companies can take you out to experience these sights on day trips and at night. Emerging from the coral, tube worms and sea hares make the waters come alive at night.
SRI LANKA has fantastic diving opportunities with many shipwrecks to explore; Cargo Wreck is the most popular teaming with hundreds of fish and cleaner shrimps. The wreck is mostly intact and the size of the propeller makes you realise the enormity of this wreck. Schools of Snappers and Lion Fish rush past you on their daily mission hardly noticing you, amazing!
With top class hotels, some of the world's best diving and a short flight time from the UK,
