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Hawaii

The State of Hawaii is a scuba diving destination 2,000 miles SW from the mainland of the United States. The Hawaii archipelago consist of 137 islands and is 1,500 miles long. However, there are only 8 main islands. The largest population of Hawaiians are on the island of Oahu. Ironically, the second largest group of Hawaiians live in or near Las Vegas, Nevada. The islands were first populated by waves of Polynesians from 124AD to 1120AD. The Hawaiian language is similar to spoken Marquesan and Tahitian Polynesian. Captain Cook was the first European to land on the islands in 1778 and called them the Sandwich Islands. However, there is evidence that the Spanish passed by the islands in 1542 on their way from Mexico to the Philippines.  They wrote down their own island names, but kept their route secret. Sea Turtles; The Godfathers of Scuba Dive Magazines?

Nevertheless, after making contact with the Europeans, half the Hawaiian population died from influenza, small pox, and measles. Immigrants from the Gwondong region of China, the Philippines, Korea, Japanese, Germans, and Portuguese were brought in to work the sugar and later pineapple plantations. In 1893 Queen Lili’uokalani was overthrown by a group of US citizens with the assistance of US military troops. In 1959 Hawaii entered statehood. So, 1993 Hawaii received an official apology for the abrupt takeover signed by Bill Clinton.

Diving Kauai, Molokai, & Maui

Scuba diving around the islands is all about the former volcanic activity. You can dive caves, lava tubes, and tunnels; also, canyons, fingers, and craters. The beaches of Hawaii are black sand or white sand depending on the island. The islands have had time to acquired their own species of fish, birds, and plants. On Kauai, the garden island, there are over a dozen dive sites. However, currents and undertows can make many beach dive entrances difficult. Some of the top sites include Three Fingers, Sheraton Caverns, and Brenneckes Ledge. You can also go by boat over to the privately own island in Hawaii called Niihau to dive seldom seen reefs. Over at Maui you can scuba diving around 15 sites including: Molokini Crater, 5 Caves, or Airport Beach.

You can also take a boat over to Molakai and dive Fish Rain or go over to Lanai and dive the Cathedrals and tunnels. Keep in mind it is like a bathtub between the islands and you have a good chance of hearing humpback whales while diving.

Diving Oahu & Hawaii Island

Oahu has another 15 scuba diving sites. However, the local fish population has been more impacted by multiple factors. However, the minesweeper Mahi sunk in 1983, is a major attraction. So, Three Tables and Shark’s Cove are also quite popular. Look for juvenile white tip sharks under the ledges, crevices, and rocks. On the big island of Hawaii there are over two dozen scuba diving sites to choose from. The top dives have to be Pelagic Magic where you go 3 miles offshore at night and dive in the middle of a bioluminescent show, and The Manta Ray Night Dive where you watch mantas feed. You can watch the turtles get cleaned at Turtle Pinnacle. Au Au Crater, Black Coral Forest, Catacombs Manuka Bay and Pohoe Bay are all great dive sites.

To see most of the best dive sites on the Hawaiian Islands, you need to take a liveaboard boat. Finally, plan on a diving a week to fully experience the great diving.

Accommodations Attractions, Activities

In the islands you have a choice of luxury resorts, hotels, & inns. Now, you may like to go hiking mountains, visiting falls, and exploring rivers. You can surf, snorkel or boogie board til your heart’s content. Furthermore, Hawaii is the only state to produce coffee. They also have Portuguese sausage and rice for breakfast. So, plate lunches feature spicy Korean beef ribs, sweet Japanese teriyaki chicken, or grilled spam. Finally, dinner menus can be a fusion of Asian delights. They also have American favorites and traditionally cooked Hawaiian treats or feasts.

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Thailand

The Kingdom of Thailand is approximately the size of Texas. On the northern side the country borders (Burma) Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. On the southern side it borders Malaysia, The gulf of Thailand, the Andaman Sea, and the Malacca Strait. Phuket Island is down near the southern end and is one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in the nation. So, the land was first settled some 20,000 years ago. Modern temples, temple ruins and Buddhist shrines make this a must visit country. Enjoy our blog article Thailand’s Amazing Andaman Sea.

Diving Thailand

It would take more than a couple of scuba diving trips to see all the dive sites in the Andaman sea. One the north end divers are out at Burma Banks, and the Mergui Archipelago. On the southern end are the Adang Archipelago and the Satun Sea. From Phuket you can take several days long liveaboard trips to the northern or southern dive sites. Phuket also has day trips to close by islands. In Thailand, shore boat trips are also done from Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Satun. From Khao Lak and Koh bon you can take trips out to the Similan Islands. What you may see out here includes corals, mantas, shrimp, lobsters, octopus, frogfish, sharks, and whale sharks.  There are swim throughs, pinnacles, caverns, overhangs, and drift dives. Moreover, there are also caves, wrecks, tunnels, and submerged reefs barely ever seen.

So, there are also untold beaches and shore dives to explore. Dive sites are named for the color of soft corals that dominate the area. Turtles and seahorses make sure your camera is used as much as possible.

Accommodations, Attractions, Activities

In Thailand, resorts, hotels, youth hostels, and beach bungalows are available, but to see the distant scuba diving sites you’ll need a liveaboard to get you out to the remote reefs and islands. The temples and temple ruins could keep you very busy. The ruins of Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and the temples of Wat Arun, and Wat Phra Kaew are just a few of the larger temples. Keep your eye out for smaller temples especially near the river or waterways in Bangkok. For water activities, there is snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Phuket is famous for its nightlife by the beach. The food in Thailand is fantastic and you could spend a year just trying to savor every dish and accompanying sauce that over 2,000 years they have perfected.

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Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas

Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas is a scuba diving resort at Cable Beach in New Providence, Bahamas. The resort features 2 towers; the 8 story West Wing and the 4 story East Wing. This all-inclusive beach side resort has 391 accommodations from patio rooms with garden views, ocean view rooms, all the way to 5 suites, 36 oceanfront deluxe rooms, and even a Presidential Suite complete with dining room, living room, and entertaining area complete with ocean views. Each room has one king size or two double beds, satellite TV, hair dryer, and air conditioning. Enjoy our blog article on Diving the Bahamas with Max Gilbert.

Breezes Resort & Spa Diving

Stuart Coves Dive Bahamas is the house recommended scuba diving center. They have been in business over 30 years and are known for their pink dive shirts and their world class shark dives. Stewart Cove’s picks you up from the resort and returns you after an exciting day of diving. They typically do 2 am morning dives. From Breezes Resort & Spa you could visit 36 dive sites just on the west side of the island.

Moreover, while staying at Breezes Resort & Spa, you may see walls, wrecks, and/or reefs. Some of the dive sites include Sand Chute, the James Bond Wreck, Bahama Mama, Elkhorn Gardens and Treasures Wreck. The shark dives are held either at Shark Wall and the Arena, or Shark Wall North and the Runway. Stewart Cove’s also hires out charter boats, does scuba dive instruction, SNUBA, and Sub-Bahamas (one-person underwater pilot).

Attractions and Activities

So, the Banana Boat at Breezes Resort & Spa is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Eden and Garden of Eden has a la carte dining for two. Munasan also has a la carte dining, but with an Asian fusion theme. Reggae Café is the place to go for beach burgers and sandwiches, or kick it up a notch with jerk chicken and conch fritters. You can also arrange a private dinner on the beach. As for drinks, they have the lobby bar, the Pelican Piano Bar, Sip-n-Dips pool Bar, and the Disco Bar.

As for activities at Breezes Resort & Spa, they have 3 fresh water pools and a pool side Jacuzzi. Moreover, they have three tennis courts, a rock-climbing wall, table tennis, beach volley ball, and a jogging trail. Furthermore, they have bouncy boxing, sumo wrestling, billiards/pool tables, a game room, and a fitness center. Above all, and we mean literally, they have a flying trapeze and circus school. There is also the Blue Mahoe Seaside Spa. Oh, did we mention the white sand beach and lounge chairs?

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Occidental Grand Papagayo

Occidental Grand Papagayo is an all-inclusive adults only scuba diving resort in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. The resort has 163 rooms. So, you can choose between Deluxe, Deluxe Bay View, Deluxe Concierge, Deluxe Romance, and Premium Level Luxury. Air conditioning and free wifi are standard. Some higher end packages come with balconies, terraces and/or mini bars. Scuba diving is not part of the all-inclusive packages, but extra. Enjoy our blog article on Sea Turtle’s; The Godfathers of All Dive Magazines?

Occidental Grand Papagayo Diving

Rocket Frog Divers is the partner scuba diving center. They have a 36ft long ribbed inflatable boat “The Pacific Express”, with twin 300HP Yamaha engines. So, they do 2-3 tank dives out to some 20 dive sites. 16 in the Cat “Catalinas” islands and 4 in the Bat islands “Murcielagos”. The Bat islands are known for their bull sharks and the Cats are known for mantas, white tips, and nurse sharks. The dives start at around 40ft deep. Some of the local dive site names include Monkey Head, Punta Gorda, Whale Point, Virador, Tiburones, Shark Cave, Los Arcos, and El Argentino.

So, while staying at Occidental Grand Papagayo, plan on seeing harlequin shrimp, barracuda, turtles, and butterfly fish. From the surface you may see dolphins and devil rays jumping. So, they also have a 2-day trip where you can stay in a national park overnight. Furthermore, they have “learn to dive” courses and they are bi-lingual. Finally, ask about their new van for pickups and drop offs.

Attractions and Activities

So, for restaurants, Occidental Grand Papagayo has L’Buffet, The Italian, and D’Oriental. You can also enjoy burgers at the Snack Bar near the pool. Moreover, there is a Premium level lounge and club. There is a bar at the beach as well as a Lobby bar. The a la carte restaurants must have reservations made in advance. So, for activities, there is swimming in the two pools, kayaking and snorkeling at the beach. Tennis, volleyball and birding are also popular. Non-resort inclusive Horseback riding and fishing tours can also be arranged. Finally, at the spa they have rejuvenating treatments, mud and mineral wraps, and shiatsu massages.

At Occidental Grand Papagayo, every day is a perfect day for a couple’s retreat, wedding, honeymoon, or just whenever you want to escape from it all.
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Bosque del Mar Resort

Bosque del Mar Resort is located in Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This scuba diving resort has 32 air-conditioned room with mini fridges. The rooms come in 4 styles including Ocean view suite, Garden view suite, Junior suite and Penthouse suite. Enjoy our blog article on Sea Turtle’s; The Godfathers of All Dive Magazines?

Bosque del Mar Resort Diving

Rocket Frog Divers is the partner scuba diving center. They have a 36ft long ribbed inflatable boat “The Pacific Express”, with twin 300HP Yamaha engines. So, they do 2-3 tank dives out to some 20 dive sites. 16 in the Cat “Catalinas” islands and 4 in the Bat islands “Murcielagos”. The Bat islands are known for their bull sharks and the Cats are known for mantas, white tips, and nurse sharks. The dives start at around 40ft deep. Some of the local dive site names include Monkey Head, Punta Gorda, Whale Point, Virador, Tiburones, Shark Cave, Los Arcos, and El Argentino.

Therefore, while staying at Bosque del Mar Resort, plan on seeing harlequin shrimp, barracuda, turtles, and butterfly fish. From the surface you may see dolphins and devil rays jumping. So, they also have a 2-day trips where you can stay in a national park overnight. Furthermore, they have “learn to dive” courses and they are bi-lingual. Finally, ask about their new van for pickups and drop offs.

Attractions and Activities

So, at Bosque del Mar Resort the restaurant is called Niromi and the bar is called Nya. At Niromi you’ll find international as well as local Costa Rican Tico cuisine. Furthermore, you can even walk to other nearby restaurants for more options. You may wish to go on a tour to a national park such as Rincon de la Vieja or Palo Verde National Park. However, sometimes howler monkeys may appear right outside your room to visit you! So, you are ten minutes away from Playa Coco and there you can snorkel, paddle board, or take a sunset sailing tour.

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Margaritaville Beach Resort

Margaritaville Beach Resort is located in Playa Flamingo in the Guanacaste scuba diving region of Costa Rica. They have 120 rooms from garden, pool, and ocean views. Ocean view, studio family suites, and Honeymoon suites have kitchenettes. The area is known for golden sand beaches, sapphire seas, and emerald rainforests. Enjoy our blog article on Sea Turtle’s; The Godfathers of All Dive Magazines?

Margaritaville Beach Resort Diving

Rocket Frog Divers is the partner scuba diving center. They have a 36ft long ribbed inflatable boat “The Pacific Express”, with twin 300HP Yamaha engines. So, they do 2-3 tank dives out to some 20 dive sites. 16 in the Cat “Catalinas” islands and 4 in the Bat islands “Murcielagos”. The Bat islands are known for their bull sharks and the Cats are known for mantas, white tips, and nurse sharks. The dives start at around 40ft deep. Some of the local dive site names include Monkey Head, Punta Gorda, Whale Point, Virador, Tiburones, Shark Cave, Los Arcos, and El Argentino.

Therefore, while staying at Margaritaville Beach Resort, plan on seeing harlequin shrimp, barracuda, turtles, and butterfly fish. From the surface you may see dolphins and devil rays jumping. So, they also have a 2-day trip where you can stay in a national park overnight. Furthermore, they have “learn to dive” courses and they are bi-lingual. Finally, ask about their new van for pickups and drop offs.

Attractions and Activities

Margaritaville Beach Resort has several restaurants and bars. 5 o’clock Somewhere Bar & Grill is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Licensed To Chill near one of the three pools has a swim up bar. Banana Wind Café, Capriccios Pizza Bistro & Café, and in room dinning round out the the food scene. So, as for activities, it’s almost and endless list with volley balls, ping pong, foos ball, body surfing, boogie boarding, paddle boarding, and Eco walking to name a few. Oh, and the kids pool and play area is covered. Of course, we have to mention touring a hot spring, zip lining, jet skiing, and guided kayak tours are also viable options. How about visiting the fitness center? Moreover, they have Spanish classes, and dance classes, or you could just lounge by the pool or visit the Onzen Spa.

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Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort

Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort is near the scuba diving area of Bahia Hermosa in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. The resort has 54 rooms and 109 villas. The rooms have either garden or ocean views with safes, AC, mini fridge, and a private balcony. The villas are 1,2, or 3-bedroom units. A complimentary shuttle bus takes you down the hill to Hermosa Playa (beach). Enjoy our blog article on Sea Turtle’s; The Godfathers of All Dive Magazines?

Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort Diving

Rocket Frog Divers is the partner scuba diving center. They have a 36ft long ribbed inflatable boat “The Pacific Express”, with twin 300HP Yamaha engines. So, they do 2-3 tank dives out to some 20 dive sites. 16 in the Cat “Catalinas” islands and 4 in the Bat islands “Murcielagos”. The Bat islands are known for their bull sharks and the Cats are known for mantas, white tips, and nurse sharks. The dives start at around 40ft deep. Some of the local dive site names include Monkey Head, Punta Gorda, Whale Point, Virador, Tiburones, Shark Cave, Los Arcos, and El Argentino.

Therefore, while staying at Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort, plan on seeing harlequin shrimp, barracuda, turtles, and butterfly fish. From the surface you may see dolphins and devil rays jumping. So, they also have a 2-day trip where you can stay in a national park overnight. Furthermore, they have “learn to dive” courses and they are bi-lingual. Finally, ask about their new van for pickups and drop offs.

Attractions and Activities

The Bahia restaurant and bar is the main restaurant at Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort, with a sweeping view of the valley and ocean. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is buffet style at this all-inclusive (except for diving) resort. Heliconia by the main pool has a la cart cuisine. Down at the pool there is a swim up bar. So onsite there is a spa, fitness center, a souvenir shop, and mini mart. So, for activities you can play volley ball, soccer, play tennis, swim, or lounge near the pool. Down at the beach you can try some water sports or snorkel. There are also jungle tours, and snorkel tours that go an hour away from the resort.

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Malaysia

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. Especially known for scuba diving is the Celebes and South China Seas. Similarly, It’s recognized for its beaches, rainforests and food. Culturally, it’s a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. After Malaysian, English remains an active second language.

Diving Malaysia

Borneo dive areas include Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai islands. Their location in the Celebes Sea lies off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. Divers can encounter over 2000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species.

Sipadan is a small island, covered with rain forest. The isolated island actually the peak of a steep underwater mountain. Most dives are on steep walls with ledges at various depths with a larger shelf at around 100 feet. Therefore, scuba diving in Sipadan expect deeper dives with lots of pelagic species and turtles. Dive Turtle Cavern which has stalagmites and stalactites and is the skeletal tomb of many lost turtles. Barracuda Point dive site is home to thousands of barracudas. Also, multitudes of turtles, batfishes, jacks, nudibranchs, parrotfishes, eagle rays, hammerheads and whitetip sharks. South Point is home to an astonishing wall. In addition to manta rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks and possible whale shark; watch for the blue ringed octopus.

Mabul offers some of the finest Malaysia muck diving in the area. Subsequently, expect shallow dives with interesting critters. There are also rare marine species of fish, invertebrates, crustaceans and nudibranchs. Namely, flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, mimic octopus, bobtail squids, mandarin fish, seahorses, eels and frogfish. Froggy Lair dive site with its ornate ghost pipefish will excite every macro underwater photographer. Crocodile Avenue is a sandy slope with some rock formations. Here among many critters is a rare species of crocodile fish and snake eels.

Kapalai has abundant small peculiar looking marine creatures. Thus, this means it’s a premier macro dive destination in Malaysia. Mandarin Valley is a famous dive site for harlequin ghost pipefish, frogfish, leaf fish. Especially lucky divers will see the mating dance of colorful mandarin fish. Mantis Ground dive site is packed with nudibranchs, anemone crabs and the rare ferocious looking mantis shrimp. Mid Reef is a deeper scuba diving site that has currents. However, this dive site is a must see for pygmy seahorses living among the branches of lush coral reefs.

Tioman Island

Tioman Island lies off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in the South China Sea. It is within the Mersing Marine Park and suitable for all diver levels. Coupled with abundant larger marine species, there is a good variety of hard and soft coral. Also, the topography of the dive sites includes swim-throughs, small caves and canyons. Teluk Kador dive site reef with impressive coral and marine life! This is one of the best places to dive in Tioman Island. Ordinarily, turtles, blacktip sharks, moray eels and crustaceans are seen before ending in a shallow coral garden. Similarly, the pinnacle site Tiger Reef has boulders covered in hard and soft corals, barrel sponges and seasonally, whale sharks. Lastly, the Soyak Wreck is two fishing boats covered by corals with many nudibranchs, sea snakes and giant grouper. Usually, it’s a good night dive and rewards underwater photographers.

Accommodations, Attractions, Activities

Dive resorts and liveaboards are the way to dive this destination. Especially true for Borneo diving as the number of divers allowed is controlled by the Malaysia government. Visit Sabah Museum and see a large collection of historical artifacts. Tour Mount Trusmadi for its flora and fauna. Tioman island has an 18 hole golf course. Besides scuba diving, enjoy the famous beaches, easy snorkeling, motorized watersports, hiking and natural beauty of these areas.

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Dominica

Dominica is a mountainous Caribbean country located in the Lesser Antilles. Pristine reefs mean rewarding scuba diving. Also known as “The Nature Island” due to its lush varied flora, fauna and rain forests. There are extensive protected national parks. As a result, it has 365 rivers, streams and multiple waterfalls. Lava craters from volcanic peaks create lakes. Here you’ll find Boiling Lake, the world’s second-largest thermally active lake. Also, prevalent are extensive bird and land species. Consequently, this destination mirrors a South Pacific island. Arawak, Taino and then Caribs tribes as well as European and African traditions contribute to the culture. Read Dominica The Nature Island

Diving Dominica

Including dramatic walls, healthy reefs, drop offs, canyons and pinnacles, Dominica offers remarkable dive sites. Thus, it’s sea life and underwater scenery is as impressive as its mountainous land. Deep and shallow waters on the west and east coast respectively, means whale encounters year-round. Namely, sperm whales (November-March), false killer whales and short finned pilot whales. Also expect Atlantic spotted dolphins, bottlenose, spinner and Fraser’s dolphins. There are three marine reserves where scuba diving occurs. Generally, most diving occurs in the south and central west of the island.

Usually, dive boats will be on moored sites for scuba diving. Champagne Reef gets its name from bubbles coming from underwater hot springs. Seahorses, frogfish, squid, large crabs and lobsters are common sightings. This site is excellent for night dives. Crater’s Edge has massive varieties of fish. Besides the fish, the wall is covered in colorful and giant barrel sponges. Similarly, another wall dive is Scott’s Head Drop Off. Especially colorful sponges, multiple invertebrates and crustaceans are on display. L’Abym (La Sourcier) mimics underwater the topography Dominica. Here, a surface cliff descends into an enormous wall with blue water on each side. Besides the landscape, find seahorses, scorpion fish and turtles.

Accommodations, Attractions, Activities

There are both larger and smaller hotels that cater to all visiting divers and vacationers. Compared to other destinations, there is no shortage of attractions or activities beyond scuba diving. The Dominica National Museum is housed in an 1810 colonial building. Morne Trois Piton National Park is your gateway to the Emerald pool and tubing on the Layou river. There are no shortages of day tours. Such as jeep safaris, whale watching, Carib Indian and Boiling Lake. Here, hiking thru rain forests to numerous spectacular waterfalls is a must.

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Mexico

Mexico is a culturally and historically rich country. It’s located in the southern portion of North America. Thus, Mexico is the sixth-most visited country in the world. A population of 120 million people means it’s the world’s largest Spanish speaking country. The advanced Mayan civilization originated in the Yucatan area of what is now Mexico around 2600 BC. Scuba diving is widespread in these regions.

DIVING COZUMEL, RIVIERA MAYA, ISLA MUJERES

Cozumel is known for its drift diving, this means great underwater visibility, and numerous marine species. So, depending on the season, currents may vary from nonexistent to about two knots. At times, you may be able to experience the Cozumel Drift. This means spectacular diving with little to no effort. Cozumel is suitable for all levels of divers from beginners with good buoyancy to experienced divers. Although there is some shore diving, the best diving is from boats. As such, there are 40 dive sites and miles of underwater scenery to explore.
You can see sea turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks, small black tips, barracudas, and the indigenous toadfish. Some of the top dive sites include Santa Rosa Wall, Columbia wall, Paradise and Palancar reef. Read our blog: Destination Spotlight: Cozumel, Mexico 

Riviera Maya is on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula. Scuba diving predominates the 65 mile length of its Caribbean Sea coastline. As a result, form Puerto Morales to Tulum are an extensive number of dive sites. Therefore, you can expect dives to healthy coral reefs, walls and even a few wrecks. Likewise, currents provide divers excellent underwater visibility. Thus, enabling sightings of a diverse array of marine fish, invertebrate and mollusk life. Turtles, sharks, rays, eels are common and pelagic species are often seen. Pared Verde off Playa del Carmen and Xaak near Akumal are among the best dive sites. Also, unique to this area are Cenotes. These are land based entrances to fresh water underground river systems with unique geological architecture. Dos Ojos is one of the most famous and most often visited cavern dive sites. Learn more about this destination with our blog story

Near Cancun

Isla Mujeres – while this area off Cancun is not as well known, it has appeal for beginner to experienced divers. Coral reefs dominate the dive sites but there are arches, ledges and wrecks. Besides the usual reef species of marine life, soft corals and sponges expect eels, rays, turtles and sharks. Beyond the normal array of smaller underwater critters expect the largest fish. Whale Shark season spans from June to September. Hence, hundreds of whale sharks migrate to feed on the plankton that is plentiful in these waters. Prominent dive sites include MUSA (an underwater museum), Punta Negra, and the C58 Minesweeper Wreck. Enjoy Diving With Whale Sharks.

Baja Peninsula

La Paz is one of Mexico’s most cosmopolitan of cities and where many dive liveaboards originate. The diving matches the city both in terms of variety and quality. The Sea of Cortez and is home to sea lions, whale sharks, manta and mobula rays, dolphins, huge schools of fish and some fascinating macro life. Diving Espirito Santo and Partida islands especially, means encountering sea lions, hammerhead sharks, manta rays and whale sharks. “Cabo Pulmo” national park is famous for its quantity of marine life. Well known dive sites include El Bajo (Seamount), Los Islotes, La Reina and the Salvatierra wreck.

Cabo San Lucas is at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. Its marine park is best known for its dramatic rock formations and wall dives. Here you have the chance to see beautiful coral reefs and many different types of rays. In addition, you can experience the famous “Sandfalls” and “Sea Lion Colony” next to the iconic rock arch. Also, the deep seamounts at Gordo Banks means encountering pelagic fish. In addition to marlin, sailfish, dorado, wahoo, large schools of tuna and jacks, look for whale sharks. Finally, the “Blow Hole” contrast underwater pinnacles and large schools of fish.

Offshore Islands

Socorro Island is a small volcanic island but also largest of the 4 Revillagigedo Islands. Accordingly, it’s Pacific Ocean location 250 miles off the southern Baja coast assures pristine diving. Especially, November thru June offering once in a life time encounters with the oceans largest creatures. Together with giant manta rays, pods of dolphins and multiple shark species; you can encounter Humpback whales. This area can only be accessed by dive liveaboards. Likewise, sea conditions and currents, require a more experienced diver. Key dive sites for these islands include Cabo Pearce, El Canyon and The Boiler.

Guadalupe is a small island in the Pacific Ocean. Opposite but 165 miles west of the upper region on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Thus, it is only accessible by dive liveaboards. Compared to other dive destinations, there are no colorful reefs. Singularly it’s all about diving with one creature – the great white shark. Therefore, you can observe, encounter and photograph this apex predator from a safety cage. Beyond this island there are only a few locations to see a number of great whites. None offer 100+ feet of visibility. The season is August to October, as the ocean is calmest with colder temperatures. Read our bog on this apex predator: Cage Diving with Great White Sharks

Accommodations, Attractions, Activities

Especially in Mexico are scores of dive resorts, all inclusive, condos and hotels. Every dive traveler will have choices. Accordingly, besides the offshore islands there are hundreds of restaurants. San Gervasio is an archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, located in the northern third of the island of Cozumel. Also, the Tulum Archaeological site. Museo Regional de Antropología E Historia in La Paz for indigenous culture and cave paintings. Similarly, Iglesia de San Lucas and Town Square in Cabo San Lucas for the 1730 church and Spanish architecture. In comparison to other destinations, just about every activity imaginable is available.

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