Why scuba?
Scuba diving, the gate to underwater world
We seem to increasingly live in a world that is dominated by social media. A world in which everyone portrays their ‘best life.’ Where Photoshop, image enhancement apps, background removers, and filters rule as King. Do you ever wonder where the line is between real and fake, or fake and too fake, or whatever happened to natural beauty? If this sounds all too familiar to you, the underwater world could be your dream getaway.
Scuba diving is one of the only sports or hobbies where we are all on a level playing field. There are no filters, apps, or fakery when you get underwater. When you immerse yourself beneath the surface, what you see around you is real – and you are right there in the moment.
DIVE SITES
Top 3 dive sites in the world by PADI
Bajo Alcyone – Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Cocos Island, which lies far from the Costa Rican Pacific coast, is only accessible by liveaboard but is consistently ranked as the top destination in the world for hammerhead diving with this first-class dive site. The seamount known as Bajo Alcyone rises to 82 feet (25 meters) below the surface and is regularly home to large shoals of hammerhead sharks. The diving can be tricky, but the plan is simple. Divers descend to the top of the seamount, wedge themselves between the rocks, and watch the action above. This is truly an epic site and worthy of a place on every “best dive sites” list!
Dive Type:
Shark
When to Go
June to November for the best marine life; December to May for the best water conditions.
SS Thistlegorm – Ras Mohammed, Egypt
One of the best wreck dives in the world (and probably one of the most famous dive sites), the SS Thistlegorm lies in the northern section of the Red Sea. As a popular day trip and liveaboard stop, it’s easily accessible from Sharm El-Sheikh. The wreck itself was previously a 420-foot (128-meter) British transport ship. Unfortunately, she met her fate in 1941 when she was sunk by a German air attack. Today, she remains a window into history with a visible cargo of trucks, jeeps, motorcycles, tanks, and even a locomotive.
Dive Type:
Wreck
When to Go
March to May; September to November
Blue Corner – Ngemelis Island, Palau
Blue Corner is a dive for the ages. It consists of a reef-covered wall that runs along the side of Ngemelis Island in Palau. While the dive is great at any time due to the massive schools of fish, this drift-diving site shows its best face when the currents are strong (think more current, more fish – it’s never been more apt). Divers use reef hooks to carefully attach to the wall and watch a number of pelagic species swim past. Common sights include tuna, sharks, and eagle rays. This is undoubtedly some of the best reef diving in the world, and many Blue Corner alumni claim that they have never seen so many sharks on a single dive.
Dive Type:
Drift
When to Go
October to May