The underwater world inspires with its diversity and changes its face in a fascinating way depending on the destination. Falstaff TRAVEL presents a selection of the most beautiful snorkeling and diving spots, where every dive is an unforgettable experience.
Around two thirds of our planet is covered by the sea and is home to a world that is still completely unexplored by mankind. No wonder this is accompanied by a fascination and a desire to discover the oceans and their colorful inhabitants. If you get bored quickly on a beach vacation and have a diving certificate on your bucket list, a trip to a diving destination is a good idea.
When most people think of diving or snorkeling in Australia, they immediately think of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef - and rightly so, as it is considered the largest coral reef in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many rare species. The northern Ribbon Reef and the Osprey Reef, which are part of the Great Barrier Reef, are particularly popular with divers due to their diverse possibilities. Nevertheless, Australia offers many other places that provide the perfect conditions for an impressive dive.
Ningaloo Marine Park and Ningaloo Reef are located in the west of Australia and are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where numerous sea creatures such as manta rays and humpback whales frolic in around 260 kilometers of crystal-clear water. Special highlight: nowhere else in the world do so many whale sharks gather as here! If you want to experience these shy and gentle giants up close, you should definitely not miss this spot. Otherwise, the waters around Kangaroo Island off the coast of Adelaide are also ideal for a dive, as they are among the best tempered in Australia and await their visitors with lots of corals, sponges and colorful fish. It is also home to the unique "Leafy Sea Dragon", also known as the ragfish, and several sea lions.
You don't always have to go to the other side of the world to have unforgettable underwater experiences. Egypt, one of the most fascinating diving regions in the world, is just a few hours' flight away. In established destinations such as Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh, the high density of diving schools ensures ideal conditions - especially for beginners.
In addition, many resorts have impressive house reefs right on their doorstep, which are ideal for snorkeling and first dives. Having their own diving center also makes such facilities attractive starting points for underwater explorations. Those looking for adventure will find largely untouched coral landscapes in the south of the country - around Marsa Alam, for example. Alternatively, diving safaris out into the open sea, where spectacular wrecks can be discovered. These include the Thistlegorm, a British cargo ship sunk during the Second World War, the Dunraven wreck and the famous Abu Nuhas reef, where several shipwrecks are waiting to be explored.
White, palm-fringed sandy beaches, fantastic food and vibrant rainforests full of life - with Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands, Indonesia is an absolute mecca for those seeking relaxation and honeymooners. But the underwater landscape is also impressive, as regions such as Raja Ampat in West New Guinea are home to more creatures than any other area in the world and are therefore rightly referred to as the "crown of creation under water". The underwater world in Komodo National Park is also particularly beautiful, with some currents awaiting visitors and is therefore a good option for experienced divers. If you dive there, you are very likely to encounter manta rays, which love this area. The area around Wakatobi is ideal for beginners, where the conditions are perfect for exploring underwater with the whole family.
The Caribbean vacation feeling comes almost automatically: crystal-clear water, powder-sugar white beaches and a lightness that is second to none. However, an impressive world unfolds not only above but also below the surface of the water - especially around the so-called ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. With pleasantly warm temperatures and visibility of up to 30 meters, the conditions here are ideal for relaxed snorkelling and diving. Above all, Bonaire is a true paradise for underwater fans.
Strict marine protection regulations preserve the extraordinary biodiversity and ensure remarkably clear water. More than 80 dive sites and several fascinating wrecks make the island one of the most renowned diving destinations in the Caribbean. Curaçao also boasts a variety of impressive dive sites. In small, sheltered bays, it is not uncommon to come across sea turtles that are attracted by the remains of fishing boats - a moment that makes swimming with these graceful animals unforgettable. A particular highlight is the offshore, uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao, which is perfect for a day trip and offers excellent snorkeling spots.
