Divers are very much like astronauts: they also float in zero gravity, only instead of space it is water; both observe alien flora and long to see some of the fauna. Everything at depth is wonderful, from the unusual sounds of dolphin communication to tiny colourful slugs.
Diving is also wonderful because you do not need years of exhausting training to see the underwater world, you just need to complete a short training course on the surface and in the pool. We have chosen the 5 best places for you where you can learn to dive, where you are guaranteed to get unforgettable impressions.
Marine madness: Maldives
The Maldives boasts not only beautiful marine views but also a diverse fauna. If you do not want to encounter giant whale sharks and schools of manta rays, you should visit the islands from November to June. Add clean and calm lagoons to this, and it becomes an ideal place for training.
A tip from an experienced diver: for an intergalactic experience, dive near the shore after sunset and watch the waves begin to glow like a starry sky. This effect is created by bioluminescent plankton. To admire other marine species at this time, it is better to bring a canister diving torch.
Best in the Mediterranean: Gozo
Yes, this place is a bit far, but it is the perfect spot to dip your toe into the water for the first time (and then go on to conquer the marine depths). This quiet and cosy island is called the younger sister of Malta. Despite its small size, Gozo boasts a large selection of dive sites with warm, clear, slightly turquoise waters. Although the island is in Europe, it resembles the tropics more.
Now imagine, there are also shipwrecks and caves here. But the main jewel is the blue hole. It can be explored in sunlight without additional lighting equipment. If you want to admire the marine landscape at night, then buy a diving torch.
Enter the kaleidoscope: Fiji
Diving in this country is just like seeing a bright rainbow in a cloudy sky during childhood. It is the soft coral capital of the world: you can find reefs of various colours here. The whole composition turns into a kaleidoscope thanks to the colourful reef fish constantly darting back and forth. All this can be seen while learning to dive on the delightful Kamea Reef.
Once you get certified, you will be able to head to more challenging and picturesque spots nearby.
Caribbean notes: Grenada
Warm water, colourful coral polyps, shallow reefs, and excellent local diving opportunities make this place ideal for learning. Undoubtedly, the first dive should be in the world’s first underwater sculpture park with an artificial reef.
Thanks to the support of friendly locals and a whole bunch of topside adventures, from hiking through various rainforests to swimming in a sheltered bay, the ‘Spice Island’ has become not only the best place for a first scuba dive but also for an unforgettable holiday.
This is a shore ideal: Egypt
Egypt is a familiar country for us, many prefer to holiday exactly here. That is why it can become the best place for diving.
Here you can learn to dive straight from the shore in a short time. The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh has one of the best house reefs in the world, with perfectly preserved corals and thriving reef life right in the sun-drenched shallows. Once you get comfortable, explore the reef for turtles, eagle rays, barracudas and, if you look closely, expertly camouflaged seahorses.
