Top 6 Diving Locations Around the World: From Museums to Caves

Diving is an activity that each year attracts more and more girls and women. In no particular order, The Woman Post collects the advice from CNN, Forbes, National Geographic, and our own research, to bring you the top six perfect spots to dive around the world. 

Christy Weaver is a Liveaboard diving captain in the Bahamas with the qualifications of PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and Platinum Pro Instructor. She earned a degree in wildlife conservation and followed that with a master’s in marine biology. She told Scuba Dive Padi Club that she advises young girls to follow what they love and believe in themselves wholeheartedly. Weaver says: "Not everyone is going to support you, but the people who do are the ones who matter."

1. Malpelo, Colombia

The island located in the Colombian Pacific is one of the best places in the world to dive with hammerheads and silky sharks. Depending on the time of year, you can also dive with whales. Due to the rocky formation of the island and its water currents, only experienced divers can dive in Malpelo. These mesmerizing marine landscapes of the Colombian Pacific, have been added to UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2006.

2. Raja Ampat West Papua, Indonesia

According to experts, it is difficult to find anywhere else in the world that compares to Raja Ampat, as it has the highest amount of marine life for a region of its size, concentrating 75% of all known coral species. With more than 1,000 different species of fish, sea turtles, sharks and manta rays it is often referred to as a marine oasis. Marine biologist and dive guide Lee Goldman said "every day you experience something different." This archipelago is made up of 50,000 square kilometers of islands and water so it is very likely you’ll have the place to explore with very few or no people around.

3. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Diving in the Galápagos Islands is the place to see large marine animals such as sea lions, sharks, dolphins, turtles, and even penguins. As the inspirational place for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, the Galápagos Islands offer fascinating and unique wildlife diversity. The island’s remote location has helped preserve its marine and land species. "There is a good chance that you will be approached by a playful sea lion or a group of turtles who will happily swim alongside you," says Jim Sano, vice president of travel, tourism, and conservation at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). 

Also read: DARE TO VISIT THESE 7 LITTLE-KNOWN CITIES

4. Cape Palos, Murcia

This marine reserve has often been referred to as one of the best European destinations for scuba diving. Located in Cartagena, Murcia, this area holds one of the richest diversity of corals, different types of fish, algae, and cetaceans in the entire continent. Under its waters, you can also see sunken wrecks like El Sirio, the largest ship sunk in Spanish waters, which was shipwrecked in 1906. Many other wrecks attract divers, due to the numerous shipwrecks before the reconstruction of the Cabo de Palos lighthouse in 1865.

5. Underwater Museum of Art – Isla Mujeres, Mexico

British artist Jason deCaires Taylor has installed underwater more than 500 sculptures, inspired by human transcendence, the power of the ocean, and its ability to regenerate. The artworks are made of materials and designs that promote marine life, such as long-lasting PH neutral cement, and textures that animals can bind to as an underwater botanical garden. James mentions that: "The sea is a wonderful place to exhibit, as there are natural light displays changing every half hour and sand explosions." He seeks to raise awareness about the ocean and the preservation of its inhabitants.

6. Gozo & Comino, Malta

Underwater topography marvels like arches and caves, summon with some of the most emblematic wrecks and an array of interesting aquatic life make the Maltese islands a must-dive location. Malta’s weather allows year-round diving bearing in mind it gets chilly in the winter. The smaller island of Gozo is a quiet and picturesque place and Comino’s caves are perfect for beginners.