Seven Wonders of the Diving World

While just about any diving location can thrill and educate enthusiastic divers, some offer just that little bit extra that make them truly stand out from the rest. From mysterious underwater ruins to seismic anomalies and deep caves, these seven spots promise to take scuba enthusiasts well beyond the ordinary diving experience. Left with a lifetime of spectacular memories and riveting stories, divers will relish each adventure. Just don’t forget the camera.

Mahengetang and Banua Wuhu Underwater Volcanoes, Indonesia.

Located just five meters beneath the surface, Banua Wuhu is located in the seismically active archipelago of Indonesia. The underwater volcano has thousands of tiny vents that release bubbles into the sea, making it seem as if you’re diving in a glass of champagne. But be careful – those beautiful silvery bubbles are sulphur gas, and can burn your fingers. Nearby Mahangetang Volcano may not sport an impressive array of sea life, but divers can revel in the satisfaction of being present for the birth of a new coral reef.

Silfra, Iceland

A vast fissure between continents makes for some of the clearest water in the diving world. The Eurasian and North American tectonic plates almost kiss, leaving a crack that divers can navigate to search for tiny fish in water of stunning clarity. Fed by glacial meltwater that filters through volcanic rock, the waters of Silfra are pure enough to drink and offer more than 100 meters of diving visibility.

Yonaguni Monument, Japan

Dramatic geometric shapes hint at a possible lost city at Yonaguni Monument. Giant shelves of slate plunge step-like to the ocean floor, reminiscent of an ancient temple. While its origins remain mysterious, the diving is not for beginners, with strong ocean currents in deep water. Naturalists will be particularly happy, as the island is also known as a popular place to watch hammerhead sharks.

Baiae and Portus Julius, Italy

Ruins from the time of the Caesars grace the ocean floor at the sunken city of Baiae in Italy. Mosaic floors, time-worn marble columns, and ancient roads grace this lost city that was even more popular than Pompeii in its heyday. Divers today can explore the sunken city thanks to convenient diving tours, and enjoy following waterproof maps detailing the city’s ancient buildings.

The Cenotes, Mexico

Mysterious underwater sinkholes dot the landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula. Sometimes interconnected by long underwater caverns, these sinkholes can plunge to depths rivalling any dive in the world, and offer dramatic patterns of sunlight filtering through remarkably clear water. Professional guides will be necessary as some cave complexes can stretch for miles and can plunge into inky darkness.

Blue Hole, Belize

Several species of shark call the dramatic, deeply blue, ocean-bound sinkhole home. Located just off the coast of Belize, the Blue Hole has an impressive array of stalactites growing toward the surface of the sea, and divers can wind their way through the rocky, forest-like projections as they admire the many species of tropical fish that make the natural sinkhole their home. Once divers have had their fill, they can explore lush nearby reefs.

Wreck of the RMS Rhone, British Virgin Islands

The wreck of a Royal Mail steam packet ship lies robed in coral on the bottom of the ocean floor, as enticing to sea life as it is to curious divers. The RMS Rhone was over 300 feet long, and the hull section remains largely intact today, offering divers’ spectacular views of the coral-encrusted beams along the bow and glimpses of the many species of fish that are attracted to the site.

So if you to love to dive and you’re bored of heading to the usual dive spots, why not book your flights to one of the places above. Diving holidays aren’t always cheap so use a holiday comparison tool and save money on your travel which will leave you with more to spend during your trip.