Diving with sharks, even if it frightens many people, has many enthusiasts around the world and many decide to take the plunge, to experience new underwater emotions. Between fear, palpitations, excitement, wonder or even admiration, emotions follow one another when diving with the sea lords. So if you want to know the pleasure of encountering sharks, Tribloo suggests the best destinations !
Diving with sharks, some safety rules…
Immersion with sharks is not an anecdotal act, and it is important to do it properly. This activity is usually done with a specialist, who will give you all the necessary information and good practices to make your experience with these wild animals a success.
Remember to find out about the species you may potentially encounter on the site of your future dives. Identifying sharks will allow you to adapt the behaviour to behave in the water. Because if some sharks will not pay any attention to your presence, others will be able to run away if you are too noisy or agitated, or come to observe you in a very invasive way…. It is therefore important to know a minimum of things about their behaviour. Recognize signs of stress, for example, when they adopt a more jerky swim. Or not to equate a shark’s approach to an attack, but simply to a reconnaissance approach. Being able to understand when to either get out of the water quietly or simply move away a little is important. In any case, even in times of stress, do not give a shark in front of you the feeling you are running away from. If you run away, the animal will more easily assimilate you to a prey…. Keeping calm is essential.
Some sharks are more inquisitive than others, such as the oceanic shark (also called longimanus), or the blue shark. A straight posture (vertical position) will make you stronger in front of them. If you insist, it is even advisable to move forward towards them rather than backward. Sometimes a peaceful balance of power can be established between the diver and the shark.
Where are the best destinations to dive with sharks ?
There are many diving destinations where you can see sharks. But seeing a fin go blue and really dive with these incredible animals are two different things. So if you really want to get close to sharks, here are the best destinations…
South Africa is undoubtedly one of the great nations for shark diving ! Starting with the thrilling encounters with the great white shark (in a cage). The fresh waters of Gansbaai are the spot for divers looking for adrenaline, and eager to get close to the most impressive sharks. It is on the reefs of Aliwal Shoal, off Umkomaas, that it is common to encounter many other species such as hammerhead sharks, blacktip sharks, tiger sharks, bull sharks, or even incredible gatherings of ragged tooth shark (the “raggies”)…
Yucatan, a region well known to divers around the world for its famous and unique cenotes, has even more treasures to offer. And an incredible “shark” experience.
First of all, it is the site of an annual gathering, unique in the world, where hundreds of whale sharks gather in the waters a few miles from Playa Del Carmen. During the months of July and August, it is then possible to go swimming among these giants who come here to feed themselves, offering snorkellers an experience they will remember all their lives.
Less intense, but certainly more impressive, from November to February, there is a gathering of female bull sharks that give birth near Playa Del Carmen. It is then possible to dive with them, on a sandy bottom at about 20-25m to observe them.
The Maldivian seabed is a real paradise. And divers come from all over the world to enjoy their coral reefs where life is truly exuberant. During a cruise, the chances of being able to see the whale shark are very high, since the rich waters of the Maldivian atolls attract them to feed, just like the manta rays. And then, divers in the Maldives are very often accompanied by reef sharks, such as black tips, grey sharks, coral sharks or white tips.
More remarkable is the night dive that takes place on the Alimatha site, in the company of a multitude of nurse sharks. These totally harmless sharks that can exceed 3m in length are the actors of a crazy immersion where we sometimes find ourselves jostled by the passage of these somewhat clumsy sharks…
Here is a place a little less known for diving but above all resolutely Nature, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Many people come here for one of the most fascinating attractions. Because the Azores archipelago is home to blue sharks. This pelagic species, elegant with its thin and long fins, and a very long body, will not hesitate to approach divers…
A lifetime trip for many divers, French Polynesia is a jewel in the heart of the South Pacific. Its islands and atolls, spread over a territory as large as Europe, are bathed in waters where sharks are an integral part of the scenery. Dive to Tahiti, on the Vallée Blanche site to be in contact with magnificent tiger sharks. In Moorea, in addition to the multitude of black tip sharks, it is possible to observe the worrying but placid lemon sharks. The atolls of Rangiroa and Fakarava are known to shelter hundreds of grey sharks, sometimes forming real walls as in the Tetamanu pass….
Finally, how can we talk about diving with sharks without mentioning the mythical island of Guadalupe? Lost off the coast of Baja California, this island shelters in its waters a multitude of great white sharks, which find there perfect conditions for their survival. Diving is strictly in cages, at different depths and even non-divers can participate in cages located just below the surface !
Do you feel ready to experience intense and emotional moments with these impressive animals? All that remains is to choose the right destination according to the experience you want…
The Mediterranean Sea is a high place of the world’s marine biodiversity. It is not for nothing that it is so popular for scuba diving, as are other more tropical destinations. With relatively good water temperatures, often very good visibility, rugged rocky coasts and many islands, it is the ideal place to learn and dive all year round. Tribloo tells you about the best destinations to discover the most beautiful seabed of the Mediterranean….
The Mediterranean, Hotspot of Biodiversity
Representing only 1% of the surface area of all the seas and oceans on the planet, the Mediterranean is nevertheless a real biodiversity hub. Why? Because it contains nearly 10% of the world’s known marine species ! Add to that relatively cool waters in winter season (rarely less than 12°C), and even warm during high season (>25°C), and generally clear with visibilities that can exceed 30m… and you get the perfect recipe to attract divers from all over Europe and even more !
So if you want to discover the joys and richness of diving in the Mediterranean, we have selected the best destinations and the best diving sites for you…
Marseille is a bit like the cradle of diving. It is here that many things began and were invented for scuba diving. With its bottoms composed of limestone rocks, and covered with a fixed fauna of rare density, Marseille promises its divers colourful immersions. Drop offs covered with purple gorgonians, easily accessible caves, many wrecks for all levels, and fantastic dives in the heart of the National Park of the Calanques, where life has become much more intense since its creation in 2012 !
Port-Cros National Park is simply the oldest marine reserve in Europe! Created in 1963, it was extended to the neighbouring island of Porquerolles in 2012. Located in the Var, about an hour’s drive from Marseille, you can reach it by boat, especially from the diving clubs of Hyères. We then discover a magnificent island covered with greenery. Underwater the fairy tale operates, and there is an impressive density of fish. But what makes Port-Cros famous is the dives at La Gabinière, with its brown groupers that can be approached very closely! Near the National Park, there are some must-see wrecks to explore, such as the Donator.
Located halfway between the northern and southern coasts of the western Mediterranean, Sardinia is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, and has about 2000km of coastline, its feet in turquoise waters that make you dream ! To the north, the Maddalena Archipelago is a National Park, where the bottoms are among the richest in the Mediterranean. There are countless diving sites, with superb coralligenous drop offs, caves, and above all a lot of life, but also magnificent wrecks…
The island of Malta is undoubtedly one of the great diving destinations in the Mediterranean. With its clear waters, and beautiful underwater landscapes, many European divers come to soak their fins around the Maltese archipelago. On the program, large vertiginous drop offs, caves, tunnels, and a whole lot of wrecks! And even if there is plenty to satisfy beginner divers, Malta is a privileged destination for Tek divers or rebreather enthusiasts !
Off the east coast of Spain, the Balearic archipelago, composed of five main islands and many islets, attracts tourists from all over Europe, with its typically Mediterranean landscapes and sandy beaches bordering an exceptionally blue sea. And even if the Balearics are known for the wild nights of Ibiza, it would be a mistake to summarize this destination in this way. Because nature is superb and the dives allow you to have a magnificent panel of what the Mediterranean has to offer.
If you want to discover the Mediterranean like 30 years ago, you have to go to Ustica. This tiny little Italian island, located north of Palermo (Sicily), seems to have been cut off from time, with its small fishing village, and its tranquility. It is especially here that a marine reserve was created in 1986, transforming the place into a diver’s paradise. With about thirty diving sites, most of them accessible to all levels, everyone will be able to enjoy the exceptional biodiversity present here. After the dives, the pleasure continues, with an extraordinary local cuisine !
Bathed in warm waters for most of the year, the Greek islands have some of the most beautiful seabeds in the Mediterranean. You will discover underwater reliefs composed of many caves. With no less than 10 marine reserves, you will discover an amazing biodiversity. In Santorini, Paros or Crete, you will have the opportunity to marvel at fabulous underwater archaeological sites! Divers and snorkellers will be amazed in Greece…
The Mediterranean is an exciting sea and even if you like to go far away to the tropics and enjoy the coral reefs, it has nothing to envy them because it is home to an unsuspected abundance. It’s not for nothing that divers come here… and come back here !
Each diver has his or her own preference for a diving style. Some like to go deep and get drunk from the depths, others like sports dives, drift dives, those where you meet big pelagics, others can be totally addicted to wrecks. And then there is also, for the most patient, and there are more and more of them, the pleasure of searching in the nooks and crannies for tiny little creatures. This is what we call macro diving, particularly appreciated by photographers…
Some tips to find “macro”
The search for small creatures must be done methodically in order to multiply the chances of encounters, the diver who wanders his eyes in the void without really knowing where to look and what to look for will not find much. Among the good advice to be effective and to find as many species as possible, the first thing to do is to look in the books or on specialized websites. Knowing the species present in the area or sites on which you dive is already a big step. Because it will allow you to know what you are looking for ! Then equip yourself with a good light. On the one hand because it will be essential to reveal the colours to see many very colourful species… But whose colors are absorbed, and mix with the background in the absence of artificial lighting. But also because if you like the macro, there is a good chance that you will dive at night. The best way is to opt for a light that has a wide beam and a good range. A wide illumination angle will allow a larger field of view. By sweeping the bottom or substrate slowly from a short distance (about 1m max), you should start to find some nice little treasures !
Where to do macro diving ?
After these little tips to find strange little creatures more easily, let’s look at the best places to do this type of diving. Even if you can find macro almost everywhere, some destinations are simply temples of the macro. So here are some of the best places to dive for the macro:
A region of the world is far ahead in this field…. Southeast Asia, and particularly the so-called Coral Triangle. Why? Because it simply contains the most beautiful coral reefs and the greatest marine biodiversity on the planet !
Photographers who love macro photography will tell you that the Visayas region in the central Philippines is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for researching species such as nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, small shellfish or even unusual fish such as frogfish or pygmy seahorses whose size does not exceed a centimetre ! With sites like Dauin, Panglao, Balicasag, Cabilao or Moalboal, the possibilities are huge to fill your image galleries. Let us also note, still in the Philippines but outside the Visayas (on the island of Luzon, further north), the excellent destination of Anilao, which is a reference in terms of Muck-Dive !
The Lembeh Strait in Sulawesi, Indonesia, is known worldwide as the temple of Muck-Dive (diving on a sandy volcanic or muddy bottom, often of lunar appearance, where a multitude of species have evolved to adapt to this environment… for incredible dives !) And so macro too! It is therefore imperative to keep a close eye out, as a certain number of these species have become masters in the art of camouflage… Indonesia is a great diving nation. Macro and muck-dive lovers will also love diving in Ambon in the Moluccas.
Still in the coral triangle, Papua New Guinea is a must in prestigious diving destinations. With preserved bottoms and healthy reefs, life abounds both in the water column and on the bottom with a myriad of species to be found, such as pygmy seahorses and an impressive collection of nudibranchs !
Other regions in the world are also particularly well supplied with small animals:
The Maldives is an exceptional diving destination. Under the postcard landscapes, divers come to observe the many sharks, whale sharks, mantas… but if you look down and take an interest in what is happening at ground level, you will also discover an unsuspected wealth of small creatures. Nudibranchs are common, as are crabs buried in corals or in the middle of anemone tentacles, or shrimps that are always photogenic.
A true biodiversity hotspot, with nearly 10% of the world’s marine species, the Mediterranean is home to a large number of tiny species, starting with nudibranchs. And the Marseille region is an excellent destination for those who want to go in search of the Lilliputians. Be careful, some species do not exceed 1 cm long ! Why don’t you take a magnifying glass with you? Also search in each anemone you will encounter….. You will also discover a hidden world !
The Canary Islands is an increasingly popular diving destination for short stays, and offers beautiful immersions where Atlantic, Mediterranean and tropical species meet. And divers who play the game will be surprised to see that the macro is well represented, with for example seahorses, many nudibranchs, shrimps or the elegant arrow crab in the anemones.
These destinations, excellent for macro diving, are just some of the opportunities available to divers. And of course, many others could be proposed. So wherever you are, keep your eyes open! The seabed certainly has some nice surprises in store for you….
The traditional dives you do all year round are getting a little tired of ? Do you want to do more engaged dives, to have a little more thrills ? How about soaking your fins in beautiful caves or even in the famous blue holes ? Tribloo has selected the best destinations for this kind of diving and you will be amazed on your next dive trip !
Caves and blue holes, for which divers ?
Before introducing you to some heavenly places, it is important to talk about some safety rules when you are about to dive into caves or blue holes. And even if the purpose of this article is in no way to talk about “tek diving”, because we stay here in a “leisure” context, it is always important to take the right precautions.
Starting with the diver’s experience. Even if these dives are often quickly accessible to relatively inexperienced divers, a minimum of experience is still necessary to avoid a stress blow or simply an accident. It is good to have at least a few dozen dives to your credit, but above all to manage your buoyancy perfectly. Poor management of this one and you will risk dragging the fins on the bottom of a cave while lifting as much sediment as possible. And even if you will never be far from the exit, a loss of visibility will be a source of stress. In a blue hole, poor buoyancy can lead to over-consumption of air… not to mention the risk of ending up at a dangerous depth.
It is also essential to be perfectly sure of your diving equipment, especially your regulator, your stabilizer vest, but also your mask and fins (especially if they are adjustable fins, check the condition of the straps carefully). Remember to have your regulator and stab serviced before you go on a trip, especially if you have not dived for several months. If you use the equipment of a centre and you have a doubt about the condition, do not hesitate to have it changed !
When accessing relatively confined areas such as caves, be even more careful than normal about your air consumption and what you have left.
Finally, keep for this style of diving, the notion of pair is very important. Don’t ever lose sight of yourself and everything will be fine !
These few tips will help you enjoy wonderful experiences on your next dive trip. Here are the best destinations to dive in caves and blue holes:
On the east coast of the Sinai, in the Gulf of Aqaba, is one of the most famous diving sites in the world. The famous Blue Hole in Dahab is a real attraction for many divers who go to Egypt. With a depth of more than 100m and an arch about 30 metres long, it is the scene of far too frequent dramas. Many divers who are too greedy in terms of depth have lost their lives. It is therefore a place where you must remain vigilant, and especially not to exceed your limits. From there, the Blue Hole of Dahab is a diving site that many can frequent, provided they can prove they have some experience. The most experienced divers will be able to engage inside the arch beyond 50m in tek diver mode.
When we talk about “blue hole”, a destination comes to mind right away, Belize. It is the “Great Blue Hole” that has made this country famous throughout the world for scuba diving. This small Central American country, located south of the Yucatan Peninsula, has the second largest coral reef on the planet, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. And that is what it is all about. Because if the Great Blue Hole has more interest in geology than diving itself, the country’s seabed is extraordinary!
Much more “relaxed”, and accessible to all levels, even beginners, the diving spots of South Egypt have many shallow caves. And which offer an exceptional setting for lovers of ambient photography. One of the most famous sites is undoubtedly Shaab Claudio Reef in the Fury Shoals area, with that intense feeling when you find yourself inside the coral reef only a few meters below the surface. There is also Malahi Reef, with its canyon maze and the possibility of safely getting lost in the middle of the reef. Finally, further south, Saint-John’s Caves also has huge caves within the reef where you can also observe beautiful light effects.
Malta is a major diving destination in Europe and the Mediterranean. With its clear waters and mild temperatures, the Maltese archipelago attracts many divers every year, especially cave and wreck lovers. Caves are indeed numerous in these limestone bottoms, and there are caves for all levels. Beginners will be able to discover their first sensations, and experienced and tek divers will enjoy more complicated sites. There is even a Blue Hole, renowned as one of the best diving sites in Malta, just below the famous “Azure Window”, which collapsed in 2017.
With everything it has to offer divers, Mexico is definitely one of the great fashion diving destinations. We will dive in Mexico to see beautiful coral gardens typical of the Caribbean, to approach whale sharks, to see sailfish hunts, to observe bulldog sharks as closely as possible… and of course to experience unique sensations in the famous cenotes. Dive into the cenotes is a step that almost every diver on the planet wants to take one day!
In the warm and translucent waters of the Bahamas, Dean’s Blue Hole was made famous by French freediver Guillaume Nery. It was here that he and his partner Julie Gautier made one of their first clips, which is now a worldwide success. This blue hole is one of the deepest in the world, and it is possible to dive as well in scuba diving as in freediving, or simply to snorkel, with good chances to see impressive tarpoons, turtles, rays, or even seahorses !
Sardinia, an Italian island, is one of the most important cave diving destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean. Even if many are only accessible to experts, some of them are accessible for good recreational divers, such as the cave of Nereo (Nereo cave).
Sardinia is also a great opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful bottoms in the Mediterranean, with lots of colours and incredible wildlife !
If you are attracted by the feeling of flying over a huge blue hole, or the thrill of entering a cave, then there is no doubt that you will choose one of these destinations for your next dives!
The choice of a future diving trip is often a headache for divers. Unless you have a clear idea, it is not uncommon to look for and hesitate for several months until the time you decide. So if you are fond of discovery, new adventures, and your wallet is one of the main criteria, Tribloo offers you these few destinations to choose according to your budget !
Some tips to avoid blowing up the budget !
During your search for a destination for your next dive trip, it is important to ask yourself the right questions so that you are neither disappointed by the location nor by a budget surprise. It is essential to ensure that the chosen period corresponds to the right season on site. You can sometimes try the off-season bet but you have to keep in mind that it will be hit or miss. Be sure to check when you take a package, especially the famous lines that tell you what is included and what is not. Do you have to pay for part of the meals or are they included ? Tourist taxes, visas, nitrox, diving equipment, drinks, tips, transfers… a careful check is necessary to plan your expenses as well as possible. Finally, find out about the local cost of living, especially if you have to pay for some of the meals and drinks on site.
To help you find the right destination, Tribloo recommends a few in order of price, off-flight. For international flights, fares may vary greatly depending on the periods chosen (e. g. high and low season, outside or during school holidays, etc.).
With a quality/price ratio that defies all competition, but also its proximity to Europe for a total change of scenery, Egypt is one of the preferred destinations for divers from the old continent, but also from all over the world. What diver didn’t dream of diving once in the Red Sea? Whether it is for a stay in a hotel in one of the seaside resorts such as Hurghada, El Qsueir, Safaga or Marsa Alam, with unlimited diving packages, or for a cruise on the most beautiful Egyptian sites, from the Sinai to the reefs of St-John’s, Egypt offers stays for all budgets !
Considered as the end of the European continent, the Canary Islands are located off the coast of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean. Lanzarote has now become a fashionable destination, certainly helped by the few years following the Arab spring and the fall of divers in Egypt (who have since returned !). With its relatively warm waters, and sea beds with extraordinary reliefs, this UNESCO biosphere reserve offers a beautiful and low-budget diving trip. With the opportunity to see species that are at once Atlantic, Mediterranean and tropical…
Despite its remoteness and fairly expensive flight tickets, Madagascar remains an excellent diving destination at a reduced rate. The cost of living being extremely low, your stay will only cost you a few hundred euros for a week of diving with quality services. Of course it is possible to find much higher quality packages. Madagascar is a magical place where you will discover a generous Nature with encounters that you will remember all your life.
Among the most fashionable tropical destinations, the Philippines is one of the most affordable, especially in Southeast Asia in the famous Coral Triangle, renowned for hosting the world’s greatest marine biodiversity. The archipelago of 7107 islands is full of attractive diving spots, each more attractive than the next. And even if the trip is long, airline tickets can be very affordable by looking carefully!
In Central America and the Caribbean, Mexico is probably one of the most attractive diving destinations. With a very diversified offer, divers are seduced: beautiful colorful immersions on the coral reefs, a sensational encounter with bullsharks, the exploration of legendary cenotes, or snorkeling sessions with whale sharks… you won’t get bored in Mexico!
Indonesia is a world-class diving destination. And even if some destinations are only accessible at high prices (like Raja Ampat or Komodo), Bali remains quite affordable. So without going to the biggest hotels, where luxury is legion, it is possible to dive in Bali for a stay around 1000€, sometimes less! A paradise for the macro, you will also see beautiful manta rays or schools of bumphead parrotfish around the famous Liberty wreck…
Lost in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldivian atolls are part of the “To do list” of most divers on the planet. Their postcard landscapes, but above all their amazing seabed make the Maldives one of the most beautiful diving destinations. You can see almost everything from schools of fish at each corner of the reef, to multiple species of sharks, including whale sharks, manta rays, but also a multitude of small species that will appeal to macro enthusiasts. Although there is no shortage of hotels and diving centres in the Maldives, the best option is a liveaboard to dive on the most beautiful sites.
Bordered by both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean waters, South Africa is a dream destination for divers looking for thrills. It is one of the best places to meet many species of great sharks such as tigers, bullsharks, sand tiger sharks, hammers, oceanic… or the great white shark ! But it is also the site of one of the most impressive gatherings on the planet…. Every year, sardines gather in the millions and move up the east coast of the country, attracting a multitude of predators for an unrestrained hunt… This is the Sardine Run !
Still in the Coral Triangle, the great island of Sulawesi is one of the favorite destinations for divers from all over the world. It must be said that there are absolutely incredible seabeds, with both colourful sites on superb drop offs full of life, and vast sandy stretches… It must be said that it is the world’s referral for lovers of strange creatures. With in the foreground, the Lembeh Strait, considered as the Mecca of muck-diving !
Diving trips more than 2500€
At the top of the table, several prestigious destinations often represent the dream of many and the journey of a lifetime. Here are two of the most prestigious….
Among divers, Polynesia feeds the most beautiful dreams of many of them. It’s far away, expensive, and it’s the assurance of being like on another planet. In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Polynesian islands are bathed in waters of absolute clarity. And even if in the first tens of meters the coral reefs are mostly naturally destroyed by the action of hurricanes, the fish full of colors constantly animate the scenery. Under the gaze of the omnipresent sharks….
Made famous by the naturalist Charles Darwin, where he made many observations that allowed him to support his theory of evolution, the Galapagos is a true open-air museum of nature. A trip that allows you to touch with your finger one of the great paradises of our planet, populated by many species that can only be found on these islands.
So, do you have an idea for your future diving trip? Perhaps you will choose one of these excellent destinations. Maybe another one… The choice is vast and that’s good !
With work and daily routine, we sometimes want and need to disconnect completely from our world, and to fully enjoy ourselves and what we like to do. If you are reading this article, it is likely that diving will rock the rhythm of your holiday and that you would like to know more about diving liveaboards ! Because diving liveaboard allows you to totally change your universe, to move away from everything, and to have nothing to do but dive, sunbathe and rest ! It is also the best way to dive on the best sites, the most remote and especially with the least number of people possible. So if you are looking for the right destination for your future diving cruise, here are some of the best ones…
Some tips before leaving for a diving liveaboard
Going on a diving liveaboard requires a little organization because once on board and at sea, it will be too late if you forgot any material !
First, read carefully the instructions provided by the travel agency or service provider. They often give advice on preparation and things to remember.
Test and check all your diving equipment if you go with it. It is best to make sure that everything is working properly, and if necessary, have your regulator serviced before leaving.
Remember to make a list of everything you will need during your stay by making categories (documents, clothing, electronics, medicines, diving equipment, cosmetics, etc…). The best thing is to think about it several weeks in advance to avoid making a list in a hurry… Bad good idea !
Be sure to check the conditions of the place you are going to, especially water temperatures. Diving in water at 25°C is not the same as at 28°C, especially when you do a series of dives. If you have space, you may be able to take two wetsuits, otherwise you will have to choose carefully. Think that cold will bother you underwater… but not heat !
For the more geeky and photographers, think about your batteries and chargers for each of your devices. If necessary, spread everything out in front of you, and put the device with its charger in your bag at the same time to make sure you are not mistaken.
Finally, and even if you generally find what you need on board, bring a well-stocked pharmacy kit (pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, bandages, disinfectant, gastric bandages, ear infections, etc…). You can never be too careful !
With these few tips, you should be on track for a great stay. All that remains is to choose the right destination !
Egypt is undoubtedly one of the great destinations that divers choose to go on a diving liveaboard. While sites accessible on a “daily” basis are often overcrowded, choosing the liveaboard option is often the guarantee of going to the best sites and being there at the times when there are the least people. But also to access all the remote sites that can only be done on a cruise. During one week, you will see wonderful sites with coral reefs and especially the exceptional fauna of the Red Sea. Different routes are possible, in the north, around the Sinai with sites like the very famous Ras Mohamed, and world famous wrecks like the Thistlegorm; A little further south, in the Safaga region and the Brothers Islands, where we dive on the wreck of Numidia, placed vertically on the reef ; Lovers of large drop offs and sharks will certainly choose to dive on the trio of Brothers-Daedalus-Elphinstone islands; Finally, to see as few people as possible and magnificent coral gardens, it is even further south, in the Fury Shoals and St. John’s region, at the gateway to Sudan, that divers will enjoy the warmest waters !
With its 26 atolls scattered over more than 800km in the heart of the Indian Ocean, its postcard landscapes, and some of the most beautiful seabeds in the world, the Maldives attracts divers from all over the world every year. Even if it is possible to stay in hotels and dive from a diving centre, the diving liveaboard is really the best way to discover the Maldivian seabed and to measure the extent of what it can offer you. With three large diving areas forming itineraries, the centre, the north or the “great south” of Maldives, divers will have the joy of observing the ballet of manta rays, the comings and goings of reef sharks, to enjoy the magic of an encounter with the whale shark, and especially to evolve in the middle of a profusion of coral life.
Although very touristy, Thailand is not just about the hordes of tourists from seaside resorts like Koh Phi Phi to name but a few. Because there are also much less frequented islands off the west coast, in the Andaman Sea, with the Similan and Surin archipelagos located further north near Burmese waters. It is simply the best diving in Thailand with an incredible marine life. Sometimes strong currents attract the largest pelagics, and life on the reefs is exuberant. An ideal destination for a cruise in enchanting landscapes and calm.
7107 islands ! With such a gift from Nature, imagine the possibilities offered by the Philippine archipelago in terms of diving. And when you know that these islands are surrounded by the Coral Triangle, which is the area with the greatest marine biodiversity on the planet, it is easy to understand why divers are so enthusiastic about diving in the Philippines. Whether in the central region, the Visayas, with sites like Malapascua to observe thresher sharks at dawn, Balicasag and its huge school of jacks, or Apo island; or in the Palawan region, and one of the most beautiful diving sites in the world, with the Tubbataha atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will always find something to amaze your eyes in the Philippines !
Indonesia and its more than 13,000 islands is a gift from Nature for divers from all over the world. Forming a good part of the Coral Triangle, there is a density of life and biodiversity to make photographers pale, whether they are fond of macro, big or even atmosphere. The regions of Komodo and Raja Ampat are home to some of the most beautiful diving liveaboards on the planet. The first one, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be visited almost exclusively by boat. The second, is reputed to be the place hosting the greatest marine biodiversity on the planet. Diving in this region is the dream of many divers, and will leave an indelible memory.
The Bahamas is an archipelago of coral reefs known to bathe in the clearest waters in the world. It is also a fabulous place where divers can see many species of sharks evolve on the reefs, or even around the many wrecks sunk to create new reefs and diving sites. On a cruise, you can be sure to discover the most beautiful sites far from the tourist attractions.
Seychelles is known for its postcard landscapes, perfect for a honeymoon ! With its granitic bottoms, and overall less coral reefs than other Indian Ocean destinations such as the Maldives, Seychelles is home to a very dense marine fauna that also makes it a magnificent diving destination. A cruise allows you to travel from one island to another and discover less accessible places. During your stay, dive in Praslin, La Digue, or on the sites of the Sisters Islands…. With sumptuous reliefs, sometimes granitic and sometimes coral, you will see schools of very dense fish, turtles, rays and even sharks!
Choose to dive in liveaboard mode to fully enjoy your passion during your vacation ! With a rate of 2, 3 or even 4 dives per day on the most beautiful sites, it is the best way to spend a maximum of time underwater, but also to progress. All you have to do is choose the right destination knowing that there are of course many others…
Are you in need of some sunshine and crystal clear blue waters after a long winter?
Well we have the solution for you; The Red Sea, where you can dive all year round no matter what the weather!
With visitors travelling there from all over the globe, the Red Sea continues to be a top choice destination offering the best value in relation to quality and price. Browse through our Red Sea section here and choose from a list of the best Dive Centers in the area, all tried and tested by TribloO!
The dives in the Red Sea are known to be remarkable, however, areas such as Hurghada for example, can be somewhat crowded, thus providing an unmissable opportunity for discovering new areas within the the Golf of Aquaba, and in particular Dahab.
Mise à l’eau, devant le trou bleu de Dahab.
Shore Diving
The main appeal when it comes to diving at Dahab, is without a doubt the fact that you never need a boat to enjoy the dives. All the dives sites are accessible by land! You can dive in total relaxation at whatever time you want due to the fact that it’s simply much easier to rent a jeep than it is a dive boat!
Beautiful night dives are only steps away from the hotel and colorful coral reefs and steep drop offs are home to an array of marine life at memorable reefs such as The Canyon, The Blue Hole, Lighthouse as well as many other must-see popular dive sites.
At The Blue Hole, a beautiful cookie cutter reef carving
I discovered this destination more than twenty years ago and have been returning there ever since. Bewitched by the “golden city”, Dahab is a stylish city full of history with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful, varied landscapes. In Dahab boat travel is replaced by camels!
Trying to describe the diving here with words just does not do it justice. Spoilt for choice, the only way to truly experience the underwater beauty of Dahab is by discovering it for yourself.
For my part, I have decided to share with you, an experience that you may not otherwise have the opportunity to do elsewhere: a Diving Safari in the desert!
This is an experience that I wholeheartedly recommend and one which is offered by several dive centers in Dahab
A Diving Safari in the Sinai Desert
Our jeep, crammed full with diving equipment, starts its journey headed south. We left the golden sands of Dahab (meaning the golden city in Arabic) early this morning.
To our right, are the yellow walls of Sinai. On our left, beyond the precipice, rests the deep blue of the Red Sea, elegantly laced with coral, and in the distance, across the Gulf of Aqaba, lie the red mountains of Saudi Arabia.
Here we are, at the center of the tectonic forces that created the Red Sea, dividing African and Asian plates. Within the rocks, sandstone, granite and limestone, there still lies traces of this historic slow cataclysm.
It is only 8am but the heat is already strengthening as the minutes tick by. The trailer, covered with multicolored carpet for sun protection, is unhooked and orders in Arabic start flying around.
It’s certainly easy to recognize and differentiate the white folk on the trip, they’re the ones covered head to toe in sunscreen!
We are told we need to get down off the jeep and cross a ravine and on several occasions the jeep almost topples over whilst passing through.
Finally, we reach sea level. We continue driving over the fossilised coral plains until soon, we come to a halt, reaching a point that seems to be a dead end even for vehicles.
We are stopped in front of a huge pile of crystalized rocks: it seems there must have been water at some point in this part of the desert. The guides confirms to us that a violent flood once swept away a jeep rental shop in the heart of Dahab, and there is nothing left of it to show.« Diving on the plains of the Old Testament »
As we ponder as to what is to happen next, as if out of nowhere, dromedaries, also known as one humped Arabian camels, appear before us alongside men wrapped in white.
These white clothed men were born and raised in the midst of the furnace of this region. The are Bedouins, the dominant population of the Sinai, who claim to be the descendants of the Hejaz tribes, and consider themselves to be amongst the purest of the Arab race.
Although at one point they became Muslims, the Bedouins have still preserved certain pagan superstitions and rites within their laws dating back to what they call the ‘dark times’
Tea is one familiar tradition for the Bedouin people and as a fire of thorns is lit on the earth beneath, a blackened teapot is placed on top and left to boil.
Flour patties are tossed from hand to hand before being thrown upon the blazing embers to cook. The tea is incredibly sweet and hot enough to melt even the fillings in your mouth. This almost makes the ambient heat seem bearable.
The unpleasant stench of camel odor wafts through the air as they wait to be loaded up with new cargo. Camels, they certainly are strange animals! Shaved and full of calluses and dust, rooting around for any old leftovers they can find.
The jeep is swiftly unloaded, down come the bottles, compressor, VHF radio, bags and various other bits and pieces in a seemingly perfect disorder. The Bedouins have managed to store enough supplies for a 3 day excursion.
These supplies will be carried by the tireless camels. Glancing closer, they look so overloaded it almost seems as if they won’t be able to get up after they’ve been packed up.
The camels defy the odds and their heavy load, and rise up ready to head off into the horizon, further south for four hours of méharée.
As we head off for our diving adventure on our ‘noble vessels of the desert’ my mind wanders to the pharaohs who were once here on a similar journey but in search of copper and turquoise treasures.
It was also here that the Ten Commandments were revealed to Moses.
It was now our time to part open the Red Sea…….« Unexplored Depths »
Decorative porcelain coral, clouds of orange anthias, sergeant majors in their comfortable striped pyjamas, feisty clown fish, every corner of these magical waters are filled with life and color.
Here we can just allow ourselves to be guided by nature, nothing more, nothing less.
The reefs surrounding us are so intact it almost feels as if we are the first to have ever dived here and I understood in that moment why the guides smiled so much! Down at 20m giant gorgonians are decorated with dragonfish posing as sea lanterns. A spotted grouper marauders close by in perfect trim searching for his next meal. A triggerfish defiantly defends his fire coral not prepared to back down.
With effortless movements the dive lasts over an hour, although it’s hard to resist the call of the blue and gazing down past 30m you begin to imagine what other mysteries await in the depths below. I only wish I had the chance to explore beyond the canyon entrance, barely visible behind a curtain or purple coral.
Back on the surface the tents are promptly erected, providing our only shelter against the fierce sun. The Bedouins prepared a delicious meal of fresh fish caught only moments before.
The Bedouin fisherman had patiently lured in our lunch after hours in the water dangling his fishing line over the drop off with the goal of coaxing in a curious and tasty visitor.
The dromedaries watch us in the shadows as we eat, drink and enjoy ourselves and the compressors work away filling up our aluminium tanks in preparation for the next adventure.
The sun began to set beyond the black mountains, tinting the sky like purple ink. The first stars appear and the desert odors reveal themselves in replacement of the light.
The scent of the rabla wafts by, the green leaves that give the hot tea its delicious minty smell and taste. It is in this moment that our burning skin recalls on the days aventure, our thoughts wander and our souls are set free.
The dry Saudi Arabian wind is set to blow all night. We take a moment to gaze up, trying to decrypt the beautiful planetarium that is now our ceiling. Our bedroom is the Sinai and our mattress and blanket are the milky way and the desert pebbles.
A majestic night ready to trigger a starry insomnia.
We cast our wishes up to the night sky and the stars begin to fade……after three days we run out of time and we start our journey back to Dahab. Did we discover the secrets of the Red Sea? Oh yes, there is no doubt about it.
Filming the first episode of the “Divers Diaries”
A dromedary who loved the water but not the cameras!
The filming of ‘The Divers Diaries’ adventures was about to begin (a series of 35 documentaries about the most beautiful dive sites in the world) and we needed to shoot the ‘pilot’ to convince the TV channels to pick up the show. The question came up as to where we should start shooting, and without hesitation I choose Dahab knowing full well it would achieve the positive reaction we wanted.
The early stage of filming was a nightmare. Balancing on top of a dromedary loaded down with scuba tanks (as is customary during diving safaris) I had the tricky task of approaching the camera slowly and purposefully during the long film sequence.
After several failed attempts I gave it one last go which ended up with my dromedary bolting at the sight of the camera and launching himself into the Red Sea, almost fully immersed.
Knowing that we were nerve-wreckingly close the the edge of the drop off, I envisioned myself having to use one of the scuba tanks beneath my legs as we went down.
The the tank scenario was becoming more of a reality as the minutes went by due to the fact that the camel simply refused to get out of the water and I was unable to work out how to force him into reserve.
With the help of the Bedouins who shouted out orders in Arabic (at me or the animal I had no idea) we were finally able to safely reach dry land again.
Then we had to start all over again. Twice, three times, ten times!!
As was to be expected, the plan, the camel and I ended up in the water once again. In the end, miraculously, I was finally successful in achieving this ‘noble desert conquest’ although I did end up looking quite ridiculous with my Bedouin scarf unravelled and hanging off me like a dishcloth.
4 Not to be missed dive sites in Dahab
The Bells (Road access)
The deep abyss …
The Bells dive site is a deep crevice that divides the reef, north of the Blue Hole, and entry is a big jump in! A small archway at around 25m leads through to the deep blue after passing a huge bouquet of pink soft coral.
Enjoy the magnificent drift a little deeper down at 30m whilst looking out for the occasional whale or hammerhead sharks cruising by! The end of the dive brings you out to open sea where the Blue Hole awaits, although this is a whole other adventure of its own.
The Blue Hole (Road access)
Passing through the arch of the Blue Hole of Dahab.
There are some dive sites that you can only imagine in your dreams and The Blue Hole is one of those dreams, except it’s real! Located 8km north of Dahab in Egypt, this deep blue abyss carved out of the coral boasts a depth of over 100m.
At 55m, an illuminated arch, almost 30m long coaxes divers out to open sea and to a magnificent and vertiginous descent more than 700m deep! In only a few years, The Blue Hole has become a true ‘Tec Divers Mecca’
Canyon (Road access – Located five minutes Northeast of the lagoon exit)
The canyon, at its widest point.
Observed from the summit, The Canyon looks like a grooved oyster shell left slightly ajar. It is a huge crevice that can testify to the tectonic movements of the region and provides divers with the opportunity to explore the inside of the reef.
The dive starts off at below 12m in The Fish Bowl and ends up at around 30m. There are also other exits deeper down.
The Island (Access by road and then to the palm)
A coral dream
A colorful maze of coral gardens with numerous schools of fish, barracudas, turtles and spectacular coral landscapes. A really nice dive, flooded with sunlight. Great for beginners with a maximum depth of only 16m.
To finish off this little adventure, we want to share with you the images of freediver William Trubridge crossing the arch at the Blue Hole, doing the breaststroke. We neither encourage nor recommend that you attempt the same!
Manta, sharks, whales, tuna,… The encounter with these animals is always experienced as a great moment of emotion for divers. These pelagic animals, which spend most of their lives in the open sea, are not always easy to observe. It’s a bit at Mother Nature’s discretion and happiness is immense when you manage to share a few seconds with these emblematic animals. Sometimes you have to brave difficult conditions with currents and heavy waters, synonymous with abundant food, to make the most beautiful encounters… So to put all the chances on your side, here are the best destinations to dive with the pelagic !
Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the 26 atolls that make up the Maldives are a real paradise for divers from all over the world. With some of the most beautiful coral reefs on the planet, the warm, plankton-rich waters of the Maldives attract a phenomenal amount of pelagic wildlife. And even if the macro is very present and you can easily find a whole bunch of nudibranchs or shrimps, it is the ballet of mantas, the passage of a whale shark, or the comings and goings of reef sharks that will take the lead during your dives.
The east coast of Mexico, in the Yucatan region, has been a fashionable destination in recent years, and not for nothing. The diversity of dives and encounters that can be made here is simply unique. In addition to the famous dives in the cenotes, or on beautiful coral reefs, the waters around Playa Del Carmen welcome impressive visitors. Each year, at different times, several shows take place: a unique gathering of whale sharks, bulldog sharks, or the spectacular sailfish hunts…
Known for its superb east coast dives, Mexico is also known for its western region called Baja California. The Sea of Cortez was a real crush for Captain Cousteau who nicknamed it the Aquarium of the World ! A unique colony of very playful sea lions in the world allows for completely original encounters. The Sea of Cortez is also the ideal place to observe whale sharks, but also humpback and grey whales….
If there is one place that nature and pelagic lovers want to see at least once in their lives, it is certainly in South Africa. It is one of the few places in the world where you can observe a large number of species of great sharks such as tigers, hammerheads, bullsharks or sand tiger sharks, on the now famous Aliwal Shoal reef. But above all, it is the place for a gathering that is also unique in the world, which takes place every year during the months of June and July. The sardine Run, transports you on a frantic hunt in which sharks, dolphins, whales and even birds share the feast !
The Isle of the Gods is a world-class diving destination. Balinese funds are renowned for the macro fauna that can be found there. But also for its cleaning stations where manta rays are treated for parasites. It is thus possible to observe them for long minutes. It is also one of the few places in the world where you can meet the impressive moonfish… Between July and October, the water cools south of Bali, and these creatures that can reach 3m high rise to the surface in the Nusa Penida region.
This mythical Caribbean country has experienced a real boom in diving in recent years. And Fidel Castro had a lot to do with it ! Passionate about scuba diving, he has long kept his personal reserve secret, which became a marine park in 1996. Completely preserved, this area called “Queen’s gardens” is one of the most beautiful diving sites in the Caribbean. Sharks are omnipresent and several species can be observed, including the grey shark, silky, nurse sharks….
Diving in Polynesia is a unique experience, which we wish to each diver. It is simply one of the best places in the world to see pelagics. In Polynesia, we rarely focus on the bottom. The show takes place in the open water. Moorea lemon sharks, Tahiti tiger sharks, Fakarava grey shark wall, humpback whales or mantas…. Lovers of pelagic fauna will be served!
With tourism still underdeveloped and few divers below the surface, Sudan has exceptional seabeds worthy of those that could be admired in Egypt half a century earlier ! We can easily observe manta rays, large bumphead parrotfish, but above all many reef sharks, and magnificent hammerhead shark walls…
Located in the extreme south of the Red Sea, Djibouti’s very warm waters are both very rich in nutrients and influenced by currents that are often quite strong. You will have understood it, the ideal to welcome pelagics such as jacks, tunas, but especially the master of the place here, the whale shark. In autumn it is not uncommon to observe several dozen of them on very small surfaces.
Many other destinations will offer you superb encounters with the pelagic. And even when the macro fauna is well present and occupying your dives, don’t forget to take a look in the blue of time and time. It would be a shame to miss out on a great meeting…
Scuba diving is a multi-faceted activity. A handful of categories where there is something for everyone. Teaching, Tek diving, underwater photography, bio diving, speleology… When others only have eyes for wrecks ! In the end, on second thought, wreck diving combines all these disciplines. And it is certainly all these sensations that make us like diving on wrecks. Few people turn their backs on it…
Tribloo has selected 10 wrecks from among the most beautiful on the planet, some of which are unmissable. Wherever you are in the world, you will always have a reason to explore some of these :
In the northeast of the Island of the Gods, Bali, Indonesia, lies one of the world’s most famous and accessible shipwrecks. Because the success of USAT Liberty is that it is only about 30 meters from Tulamben Beach. The wreck of the American Warship torpedoed during the Second World War by the Japanese in 1942, allows a safe exploration between 5 and 28m deep, so accessible to the smallest levels of diving, but also snorkeling. It is inhabited by an incredible fauna: dozens of species of fish, a multitude of nudibranchs, and we often find a huge school of humphead parrotfish !
In a completely different style, let us return to Europe, with the wreck of the Haven off Genoa in Italy. This steel monster could even be the biggest wreck in the world. With gargantuan dimensions (the ship was originally 334m long but is divided into several parts), this dive is for experienced divers. Although it is possible to explore the top of the wreck in the air from -33m, it is generally in trimix or equipped with rebreathers that divers visit it up to the sand at 80m. In 1991, the tanker sank following an explosion due to a fire.
A British naval cargo carrying military equipment, the SS Thistlegorm was sunk on October 6, 1941 by German bombers. The wreck, set on a sandy bottom at 32m, was discovered by Cousteau and his team in the 1950s. Long left alone, it became a few decades later one of the most famous wrecks in the world. Full of history, it is possible to explore the interior of the ship, and discover the abandoned cargo: motorcycles, Jeeps, rifles, artillery shells, locomotives, etc….. Generally, diving boats plan two dives: one outside the wreck and one inside.
The Roraima, the mythical wreck of the Caribbean, like the other wrecks in front of the village of Saint-Pierre, is a witness to the violence of the volcanic eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902. After burning for three days, the Roraima sank and landed at a depth of 60m. Nicknamed “the white-haired wreck” by Commander Cousteau, it is covered with gorgonians, corals and sponges in the middle of which evolve many colorful fish…
The French coasts have many wrecks spread all along the coast. In the Var, near the island of Porquerolles, the Donator lies on the sand at a depth of about fifty metres, following its encounter with a drifting mine in November 1945. It then sank quickly before landing almost intact on the bottom. The Donator is now recognized as one of the most beautiful shipwrecks in the Mediterranean, with an incredible fauna: schools of anthias cover a whole part of the wreck, groupers patrol the corridors, as do sars, seabreams and other wrasses…..
The SS President Coolidge in Vanuatu
In the Vanuatu archipelago, near New Caledonia, one of the largest shipwrecks in the world (about 200m long), lies in warm, fishy waters a few dozen metres from the coast. The SS President Coolidge, a former luxury liner, requisitioned during the Second World War by the American army for troop transport, was sunk in October 1942 by two American submarine mines ! They were of course supposed to protect American ships from the intrusion of enemy submarines. The wreck, whose bow is 20m deep and the deepest part 70m, can accommodate all levels of divers, who will be able to discover the many military remains along their underwater trip.
The USS Kittiwake in Cayman islands
The 76m long USS Kittiwake was sunk voluntarily in 2011 with the aim of providing both an artificial reef to shelter wildlife and a diving site accessible to all, since the wreck lies only 20 metres below the surface in the waters of Grand Cayman. This former service boat is now the playground for jacks and barracudas in crystal clear water.
The Ghiannis D in Egypt
The famous Abu Nuhas Reef in the northern Red Sea in Egypt hosts several wrecks, including the Ghiannis D. Stranded in 1983, it is one of the most recent wrecks in the Red Sea. Shallow (max 27m), it is very interesting because very colonized by corals and fish. It is not uncommon to see some hawksbill turtles as well. Inside, a bank of glassfish usually awaits divers….
It is in Sudan that we find the Umbria, an Italian cargo ship, scuttled by its captain, while the ship, detained by the British at Port Sudan, was loaded with a real arsenal of warfare for Italian troops. It was only when Italy officially entered the war alongside the Germans on June 10, 1940, that the Italian captain quickly decided to scuttle his ship and all its cargo so that the British would not seize it. The intact vessel rests at a depth of only 30m. A true history museum, it is now considered one of the most beautiful wrecks in the world !
Truk Lagoon (Chuuk) in Micronesia is considered the largest wreck cemetery on the planet, the result of a bloody battle in February 1944 when the Japanese saw their entire fleet sink as a result of the American bombers’ destruction. The Fujikawa Maru is considered to be the most beautiful dive in the lagoon. In particular, several Japanese fighter planes can be seen there. Between 9 and 33 metres deep, it is a very accessible wreck.
There are of course many wrecks around the world whatever the destination you choose. Diving on a wreck often reserves beautiful surprises and beautiful memories. Each wreck has its own story so don’t hesitate to check it out before you dive in !
In a young diver’s life, the first dive trip is always a great moment of excitement. Moving to warmer, bluer, more fishy waters, or simply different from what we know, is a first step, but with caution, to ensure that it remains a successful experience. So here are some tips and above all, the best destinations for beginner divers !
What are the diving conditions for a beginner diver?
When you are a very young diver (in terms of the number of dives you have made), it is important not to throw yourself blindly into the destination of your first trip away from home. Hot sand, coconut palms, and superb seabeds are not the only criteria to consider, at the risk of spending some unpleasant moments, and even scaring yourself a little. And in case of difficulties you may no longer want to try the experience. That would be a shame….
In scuba diving, you have to move at your own rhythm. Because it’s the experience that makes a diver. Having 10 dives in your logbook means in other words an almost negligible experience. The good news is that leaving and making beautiful dives in an unknown place is very beneficial to acquire the right reflexes and manage stress.
So how to choose your first diving destination ?
As a novice diver, you will not have the reflexes of an experienced diver. So the best thing is to reduce stressful situations. Because each of them can lead to loss of control of the situation or even panic. And clearly, on holiday it is better to do without it….
To start, first find out about the general sea conditions at the destination. Some of them are clearly intended for divers with a minimum of experience. We often talk about the 50 dives level. We believe that this is a minimum to have a “real” experience as a diver, having been able to respond to a certain number of situations to manage.
Warm water is an advantage: less fatigue and lower consumption. The essential point not to be overlooked will be the presence of currents, which can be difficult to manage if you are not used to them. For example, a liveaboard to the Maldivesusually requires a minimum of experience, as the currents are very present there, and sometimes even quite strong. We then speak of an intermediate level which generally corresponds to the famous level of 50 dives. At stake is the successful experience of the customer, i. e. you….. But also your safety and that of the guides and other divers.
Also take into account the presence of certain species, especially sharks. It is likely that you are not yet ready to dive with them. It is something that is being prepared, simply to have the right behaviours and calmly manage the situation. There is nothing worse than hyper-stressed divers in the presence of sharks… Surely they attract them ! And bad behaviour can follow one another very quickly.
Find out about the average depth of dives where you would like to dive. If three-quarters of them are between 30 and 40m… forget it ! You’ll have time to schedule it in a year or two, when you have the required level and the experience to go with it. It is often in the 20m that we have the most fun so we can enjoy it as much as we can.
Finally, you will also have to choose the format of your stay. More like a liveaboard or more like a hotel ? Be aware that on a cruise you will only dive. Ideal for fast progress, but you still have to support the rhythm, because it is usually 3 or 4 dives per day. On land, it’s different because you dive when you want. And depending on the destination, it is interesting to combine diving with tourism and culture.
The perfect destinations for beginner divers
To help you choose your next diving holiday, Tribloo has selected some destinations perfectly adapted to beginners divers, with very good conditions overall, both in terms of visibility, temperature and currents. Be careful, however, to respect the right period for each of them.
Just to start close to us in France, who has never dreamed of spending his holidays in Corsica ? With a season that runs from May to October, and waters that exceed 26° during the summer, it is the ideal place to do beautiful Mediterranean dives. Good visibility and abundant life, low currents, perfect for progressing safely !
With its crystal clear and warm waters for much of the year, Malta has become a popular diving destination for European divers and beyond. Known for its deep dives, caves and wrecks, the conditions are perfect for all levels, including beginners. And even if some sites far from the coast sometimes have fairly strong currents, the majority do not have some.
The Red Sea is of course one of the leading destinations for divers from all over the world, and especially for Europeans. In a few hours of travel and for a limited budget, you can enjoy wonderful coral reefs in a legendary blue water. But be careful to choose your formula and itinerary carefully. For inexperienced divers, there are two options. You can opt for a stay ashore, such as in the Marsa Alam,Hurghada or Safaga region, with dives that can sometimes be made from the coast, or on the offshore reefs by boat. To enjoy the most beautiful sites, you have to go on a weekly liveaboard. And not all of them require the same level. The most suitable is certainly the St-John’s reef itinerary to the south, with shallow sites, weak currents in general, and even warmer waters. The famous BDE cruise is to be avoided for beginners (currents, swell, sharks).
Southeast Asia is a region recognized worldwide as one of the best regions for scuba diving. In the heart of the Coral Triangle (the largest marine biodiversity on the planet), the Philippines is a mecca for diving. It is in the central region, the Visayas, that the conditions will be most suitable for novice divers. It is possible to see incredible things in less than 50 feet of water. However, be careful to manage its buoyancy well, as corals are present everywhere. It is therefore important to know how to stabilize yourself…
Known worldwide as a Honeymoon destination, Mauritius is also a little paradise for divers, widely adapted to first-time and beginner divers. It is a perfect place, in an idyllic place to discover the coral reefs and all the fauna of the Indian Ocean. A beautiful wreck is also accessible to the Open Water divers, the Stella Maru.
Located on the Caribbean arc, this French overseas territory is one of the best places to dive in the West Indies. With its ever-warm waters and relatively weak currents, the novices will find a wonderful playground, especially in the famous Cousteau Reserve to the west. Marine turtles are an integral part of the scenery….
This archipelago off the coast of Morocco, accessible in just a few hours from Europe, is a real change of scenery ! With its volcanic landscapes, both on land and underwater, divers come here to discover different atmospheres from what they know in general. With a fauna mixed with Atlantic, Mediterranean and even tropical species, beginner divers will find great sensations. And with relatively low currents, the Canary Islands seabeds have some nice surprises in store for them….
These destinations will be perfect for getting confident underwater, adopting the right reflexes, and improving your diving experience. Soon you will be able to sail to other waters, such as the Maldives, Mexico, Polynesia and many other destinations…
