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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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Costa Rica

The Republic of Costa Rica “Rich Coast” is situated with Nicaragua above them and Panama below them. On the western side they have the Pacific Ocean and on the right side rests the Caribbean Ocean. Most of the scuba diving takes place in the Northwestern region of Guanacaste. However, new sites are opening on the lower east side south of Limón. Some 10,000 years ago hunter-gatherers first entered this tropical rain forested landscape. In 1808 they planted the first crop of coffee. Within 12 years it became the number one export crop. In 1948 they abolished the military and put all the budgeted funds into education and health. So, more than 10% of the local Ticos and Ticas over 18 speak English.

Above all, Costa Rica is where a typical local morning cup of coffee is considered by many to be one of the best cups of coffee in the world.

Diving the Regions of Costa Rica

The Gulf of Papagayo is the hot spot for scuba diving on day boats and/or while staying at resorts. From this region you can go up to the Bat Islands to dive with bull sharks, or go down to the Catalina Islands to see white tips and mantas. There are over 20-40 dive sites in this area. You may see 25 endemic species of fish, five species of sharks including whale sharks, rays turtles, dolphins, orcas, humpbacks, and pilot whales. Moreover, while scuba diving, keep an eye out for frogfish, seahorses, lobsters, and octopus. Costa Rica waters have arches, caves, walls, pinnacles, seamounts, drift dives, and a few wrecks.  Advanced diver certification is required for certain dive sites with swift currents. Farther south there is scuba diving around Cabo Blanco Island and three wrecks near Tortuga Island in the Gulf of Nicoya.

Liveaboard vessels can go out to Cocos Island and Caño Island from the Costa Rica’s mainland. Cocos Island has over 20 dive sites. Dirty Rock is the place to encounter hammerheads and rays. Manuelita has white tips. You may also see Galapagos sharks out here. Caño Island has similar wildlife, but on a smaller scale. This area is a biological Reserve therefore, only 5 dive sites are available to dive. So, the names Shark Cave, Coral Gardens, and Paradise, say it all. Enjoy our blog story: 110,000 Reasons to Go Liveaboard.

On the eastside, The Cahuita National Park has a few scuba diving sites to visit.

Accommodations, Attractions, Activities

Costa Rica’s resorts and hotels with scuba diving charter boat operations are the best way to visit most dive sites. However, to visit Cocos Island and Caño Island you will have to travel by liveaboard. Corcovado National Park is a must visit wildlife park and has all four species of Costa Rican monkeys. You may also like to take a hike and visit a volcano. Trapes through a rain forest to see a red eyed tree frog, or climb up to tree level heights and use a zip line to quickly traverse a forest. Some people prefer to visit a beach and/or go surfing, kayaking, or snorkeling. Finally, many Americans come here for medical treatments or just to retire on their pensions.

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Australia (Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea)

Australia truly is a one of a kind country and the sixth largest continent. The geology of the land goes back 4.8 billion years.  Dinosaur fossils and prehistoric foot tracks are on display and gems such as opulent opals and spectacular sapphires can either be collected or purchased depending on the tour. Queensland is the scuba diving state and home of the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is the place to go for most liveaboard and day boat dive adventures. Osprey Reef has to be one of the most pristine and spectacular dive destinations in the Coral Sea. There are 1,500 species of fish and 400 species of coral out here. Enjoy our blog stories: Australia Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef and  110,000 Reasons to Go Liveaboard.

Diving Australia, Queensland, and the Coral Sea

Cairns is located up north towards the top of the Great Barrier Reef. This is the scuba diving gateway to such locations as Osprey Reef where the liveaboards go to view a dozen of the 125 species of sharks found in Australia. Moreover, there are dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, and dugongs. At North Horn, divers can view shark feeds being professionally fed. Pelagics such as Maori “Napoleon” wrasse, turtles, and rays hang out at False Entrance. Lizard Island is popular for day and night dives and from here it less than an hour to Cod Hole, part of the Ribbon Reefs, where professional divers feed Giant potato cod fish. Yonge Reef, Dynamite Passage, and Big Softy are also quite popular. Closer to Cairns, Australia are several other reefs to dive as well as the Lord Howe Island and the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs up by Port Douglas.

Townsville is home to Magnetic Island, the Whitsunday Islands, Heron Island, and Lady Elliot Island.  Just south of here is 358ft long passenger ship SS Yongala. She went down in 1911 The destroyer HMS Brisbane was purposefully sunk in 2005.

Brisbane on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef is home to Morton Island and North Stradbroke Island. You can do both day and night dives at Shag Rock. Gotham City, Cherub’s Cave and the Tagalooma Wrecks are great dives off of Morton Island.

Accommodations, Attractions, Activities

Liveaboards in Australia are the only way to see Osprey Reef and many of the outer islands in the Coral Sea. Inner Great Barrier Reef day trips can be arranged from some island resorts, and day trips can also be arranged from most major cities. Fossiking for gold, gems and laying on the beach are popular activities. Visiting aquariums such as Underwater World and Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo are great attractions. Many visitors like to spend a few days in Sydney before or after going up to Cairns in order to see the architectural master piece known as the Sydney Opera House and scenic surrounding harbor.

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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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Tasik Ria Resort

Tasik Ria Resort, Spa & Diving is 30-45min south of Manado in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. This scuba diving resort is adjacent to Tanawangko Bay. The resort has 50 rustic, yet comfortable rooms ranging in four styles. So you can choose from, Sea View Suites, Grand Sea View Cottages, and Pool View Rooms, plus mobility accessible rooms as well. Enjoy out blog articles: North Sulawesi, Indonesia Part One and North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Part Two.

Tasik Ria Resort Diving

There are over 50 scuba diving sites around the resort. So, some of the wall dives around the Bunaken National Marine Park descend quite deep. More importantly, the area contains 390 species of coral, and over 2000 species of fish. So, you may see seahorses, frogfish, sharks, and whale sharks, but you might also see dugongs too. In addition, a 60min boat ride from Tasik Ria Resort, chambered nautiluses rise up from depth at night. Down below 100m a brown species of coelacanth lobefin fish thought extinct for some 65 million years, hide in caves and under overhangs. Finally, there are more than a dozen muck dive locations near the resort. Some of these dive sites include: City Extra, Tahjung Bulo, and the Molas Wreck.
Tasik Divers Menado is the onsite scuba diving center. They have several large vessels for day dive trips to the 5 islands that make up the Bunaken National Marine Park. On the all-day dives, they usually do two dives then have a mini buffet style lunch, then do a dive closer to home such as one of the House Reef Critter Circus dive sites. Critter Circus I has small creatures such as pipefish, sea dragons, and nudibranchs, while slightly farther out Critter Circus II has frog fish, snappers, and groupers. From Tasik Ria Resort, Tasik Divers also has several smaller speed boats in their man-made harbor that can take parties of up to 8 guest divers to local dive sites. Moreover, Nitrox is available for a fee.

Attractions and Activities

At Tasik Ria Resort, breakfast is severed at the Jetty Grill and is buffet style with eggs to order. So, you have to try the banana pancakes. You can also have dinner here served a la carte. The main restaurant is the Bunaken. International and Indonesian food is served here either buffet style or a la carte. Oh, and you can’t miss BBQ night or Seafood night. Furthermore, you can relax in 1 of 2 swimming pools. The Pool bar is part of the larger pool. You can also relax at the Matana Spa. One the other side, you can do the Minahasa cultural tour, volcano trek visit a rainforest, or go on a white water-river excursion for a little exhilaration.
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Waidroka Bay Resort

Waidroka Bay Resort is located on the coral coast and is approximately less than 2 hours drive from Nadi, Fiji. The scuba diving resort has 12 accommodations that range from Panoramic Ocean View Rooms to Superior Deluxe Ocean Front Bures. Each room comes with a mini-fridge, front terrace, and hammock chair. Enjoy our blog article on Where’s the World’s Greatest Shark Dive?.

Waidroka Bay Resort Diving

Waidroka Dive is the name of the onsite dive center. They have five boats of various sizes and speeds to take scuba divers and surfers out to their respective sites. There are over 1500 species of fish and 400 species of coral out here, but one of the main attractions is the Shark Dive at Beqa Lagoon.  This is where you sit and watch as trained local divers feed passing sharks. The types include black, white, and silver tips, lemons, nurse, grey, bulls, and even tiger sharks. While at Waidroka Bay Resort, some of the other dive sites of interest include: Fantasea, Aquarium, and the Tasu fishing boat wreck. Ponti’s Playground-a series of pinnacles, 7-sisters is a marine biologist dream, and Golden Arch has a series of bommies.

Attractions and Activities

First of all, Waidroka Bay Resort is known for its Fijian hospitality and delicious food.  It’s 20 minutes from Pacific Harbor, but you’ll feel like you’re in a tropical jungle setting. You can join in on a yoga or fitness work out or just relax by the pool in a lounger. You can play a game of volley ball or try your skill at the pool table or game of darts. Surfing is big here, but so is skurfing; water skiing with a surf board. Of course, while scuba diving at Waidroka Bay Resort you also have to try kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. Better yet, enjoy a beach picnic, bird watch, explore a low tide mangrove swamp, or do a rainforest trek. So some events that you have to see are the Kava ceremony, the Lovo (cooked in earth) feast, and the Meke cultural dance and musical, experience.

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