7 magical scuba diving sites
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In the Pacific or the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean or the Red Sea, jump into the water wearing a mask, flippers and a compressed air cylinder and explore underwater sites with idyllic landscapes.
Aquatic dreams come true in Jordan
Considered as the absolute gold standard for lovers of underwater gems, the Red Sea is home to spectacular aquatic biodiversity and protected reefs. By choosing Aqaba, the only coastal city in Jordan, you can dive in around twenty sites in a marine park with crystal clear water, and far fewer visitors than in Egypt. With shallow depth, little current, and excellent visibility, the scene is set for a memorable experience. Slip your mask on first while on shore. Then, in a few flipper flicks, you will be floating above multicoloured, rugged landscapes, where lionfish, groupers and X-ray fish dart back and forth.
Aqaba
Jordan
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Magic moments in Panama
On the worldwide map of remarkable sea beds Panama stands out with its superb dive-cruises around Coiba Island. This vast inhabited nature reserve listed on UNESCO World Heritage status is home to thousands of terrestrial and aquatic species. In this lush archipelago, you can witness the amazing display of barracudas, jackfish and rays swimming around the reef. In the depths, the black coral is superb. This fascinating ecosystem is populated by an abundance of hammerhead, silver tip and sand tiger sharks.
Coiba Island
Panama
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An idyllic setting in Thailand
Next stop the Andaman Sea. When diving in Thailand, opt for sites on the Indian Ocean coast. If you're looking for peace and quiet, leave the coastline behind and board a dive-cruiser off the coast of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta or, even better, around the Surin Islands off the coast of the port of Khura Buri south of Bangkok. One of the most beautiful diving sites on the planet is in this isolated archipelago: Richelieu Rock. Imagine a little rock stranded in the middle of the sea, where whale sharks, manta rays and barracudas come right up to you. The protected nature of the site and the quality of its clear water will make your exploration even more sensational.
Surin Islands
Off the coast of Khura Buri
700 kilometres south of Bangkok
Thailand
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A multicoloured display in Tahiti
Like a siren song, the Polynesian lagoon irresistibly draws you into its warm waters populated by aquatic creatures from the most sensational to the most phantasmagorical. Tahiti welcomes both novices and diving enthusiasts, whether it be for maiden dives, exploratory dives, night-time dives, or certification dives…. Whatever your level, you can explore the Arue Fault, a magnificent coral plateau overlooking an impressive wall. The more confident will venture into its mysterious cave, buried at a depth of 30 metres, with magnificent orange gorgonians and branches of black coral clustered on its walls.
Arue Fault
Tahiti
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Swim amongst marine life in the Maldives
Appearing as minuscule white and green dots amidst a swathe of blues, the archipelago of the Maldives is very popular amongst the diving community. Each resort island has its own diving centre. From your tropical cocoon, explore the submerged part of this paradise with a cylinder of compressed air on your back. Dive into the channels, glide along the walls and get ready for an amazing show! From small creatures to large fish, the sea depths unveil an incredible diversity: humphead wrasses show off their blue lagoon, hammerhead sharks impress with their T-shaped heads while mantas are as graceful as principal ballerinas… Nature in all its splendour.
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Surreal landscapes on the Riviera Maya
The Caribbean coast of Mexico will captivate the most experienced divers. Every summer one of the largest gatherings of whale-sharks in the world takes place off the coast of Isla Mujeres. Stock up on adrenalin as you swim alongside these totally harmless giants of the sea. On a more cultural note, the island offers a unique experience in the diving site of Manchones Reef, when you can be enthralled the surrealist sight of hundreds of statues by the sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor submerged at depths of between three and six metres. Nearby, Yucatan province is studded with cenotes, a network of natural wells whose subterranean waters are a fabulous playground for adventurous divers.
Isla Mujeres
Mexico
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Romantic underwater tour in Cuba
Diving in Cuba is particularly memorable. Visibility is excellent up to a depth of 34 metres, the water temperature fluctuates between 26 and 30 degrees, there is an abundance of corals and tropical fish and the sea beds harbour fascinating wrecks. When you arrive in Havana, the most demanding enthusiasts will head for the archipelago of Jardines de la Reina. From your floating hotel, the Tortuga, take the opportunity offered by this isolated site to observe the abundant fauna of giant groupers, barracudas, rays and turtles… On the Avalon site, at a depth of 25 metres, give yourself a bit of a scare in the company of the reef sharks. Don't worry, they are harmless.
Archipelago of Jardines de la Reina
Cuba