Scuba Diving is one of the world’s most popular underwater adventure sports. For the longest time Scuba Diving was limited by the amount of breath that could be held underwater by the diver. This was changed with the invention of something called as the ‘aqualung’ in the year 1943 by the French naval officer, explorer, ecologist, and researcher Jacques-Yves Cousteau. This was followed by the development of the wetsuit in 1953 by French inventor and diver Georges Beuchat.
SCUBA actually is an acronym for “self contained underwater breathing apparatus”. Now divers can use a scuba set to breathe underwater and enjoy the breathtaking world underneath at leisure. The world is full of some mesmerizing diving sites. Some of the best are as follows:
Richelieu Rock, Thailand
Situated 200 kilometers Northwest of Phuket and 70 km from Khao Lak, Richelieu Rock remains one of the world’s most sought-after diving sites. This diving destination attracts scuba divers from around the world who come here to spot pelagic species of Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. It is also famous for huge fish, soft corals and a lively array of colorful, small fish. The best time to visit is between October and May. Summer of June through September is the wettest season here and hence the worst time to visit. At a distance from the gorgeous Richelieu Rock, is the pristine seaside resort of Khao Lak, which is one of Thailand’s premier luxury travel destinations.
S.S.Yongala, Australia
This famous diving destination wreck is located in the world heritage Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The mammoth S.S. YONGALA sank in 1911 with the loss of all 122 aboard. She lay discreet and undiscovered for more than 50 years. It was only in 1958 that the wreck of the Yongala was discovered lying in waters south of Townsville. Turning around such bereaving tragedy, today Yoganala is home to the world’s most diverse marine treasures. Expect to spot giant Queensland gropers and barracuda to clownfish, sea snakes, turtles and eagle rays here. On your lucky day, you can even indulge in a tête-à-tête with idly feeding turtles, elegantly sweeping rays and millions of other exotic creatures.
Just around 12 nautical miles away is the lively town of Queensland that serves as a luxurious base to this adventurous dive. Beaming with attractions such as Rockhampton, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach and Cairns, as well as the Cape rainforests; Queensland offers itself as one of the world’s most exotic holiday destinations.
S.S.Thistlegorm, Egypt
Diving around Thistlegorm is revisiting history as it occurred – piece-by-piece. On 2 June 1941 Thistlegorm set sail on her final voyage from Glasgow to Alexandria, Egypt. As destiny would have it, she was sunk by German bomber planes. For over 60 years now, it has remained a bombsite of diving interest owing visible signs of a massive destruction operation. Over years it turned into a mammoth underwater museum, a war grave and a unique piece of military history, which is irresistible to divers across the world. It is a popular belief that even after several hundred dives on Thistlegorm, there is always something new to discover.
This diving site is accessible by Sharm el-Sheikh – a city situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula on the coastal strip along the Red Sea. Due to its proximity to the Red Sea, Sharm el-Sheikh is home to some of the most stunning underwater scenery. As a part of your luxurious divined holiday, the city also offers activities such as diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kite surfing, para-sailing, boating and canoeing.
Hermanus, South Africa
This diving destination is not for the faint-hearted. Perfectly suitable for divers looking an added zing of thrill, Hermanus, South Africa offers it’s world-famous ‘cage diving’. Step into the cage and strap your wet suit on to shake hands with some of the most beastly creates of the sea – Southern Right Whales, Cape Penguins, Cape Fur Seals, Great White Sharks and Humpback Whales. If that does not suffice your appetite, Hermanus is also home to ocean’s most dangerous predator, the legendary Great White Shark. You will also be able to spot Hammerheads along with some of the world’s most stunning big fish.
The Western Cape is sought after by divers due to its added wildlife advantage along with the much talked-about diving adventures. It is one of the world’s most preferable luxury holiday destinations where along with diving, one can experience a comprehensive wildlife experience complete with lions, elephants, buffalos, elephants and leopards!