The New Zealand “All Blacks” might be what the country is most synonymous with, but in recent years the little island nation has carved out a sterling reputation beyond their haka-chanting rugby team.  The country’s reputation as a top scuba diving destination has been on the rise and that’s primarily because the “Land of the Kiwis” is blessed with a vast underwater complimented by enthralling coastlines.  If your hobby lies in exploring the beautiful treasures beyond picturesque coastlines, then you’ll be interested in our compilation of the top 10 scuba dives in New Zealand.

1) Tui wreck

Once bearing the title of HMNZS Tui, the one-time Hydrographic research vessel now lies at the bottom of the ocean beaten down by crystal clear waters and schools of fish who have found a more-than-humble abode in the gigantic scrap.

Tui was offered to Tutukaka Coast Promotions a year before the turn of the millennium for the sole purpose of creating an excellent dive attraction.  And that it did with the array of blossoming fish species calling it home a sign that one man’s trash is indeed another man’s, or more accurately, fish’s treasure.

2) Goat Island

Before you keep on giggling at that name, you should know that Goat Island actually has very noble origins and that it’s frequently featured at the leading end of tabloids unraveling top 10 scuba dives in New Zealand.  It was named as such by Early European seafarers who’d leave goats for those stranded on the landmass.  While the four-legged furry animal is cute and that story touching, our interest today lies with the expansive marine reserve that resides within the island’s borders.

Necklaced by a diverse land and seascape of underwater cliffs, sand flats, deep reefs, and rocky shores, Goat Island is home to the country’s oldest marine reserve.  There you’ll find anemones, shellfish, sea squirts, sponges, crayfish and snapper varieties alongside a number of impressive underwater features.

3) Poor Knights Islands

We’ll have to have a word with whoever was giving out these names but, nonetheless, this archipelago is probably the sovereign island’s most well-known hotspot.  The chain of moon-grey sandy islands is indescribably gorgeous serving up a total of four coveted dive spots that heavily feature in discussions about the top 10 scuba dives in New Zealand.

 

New Zealand has some stunning scenery that easily makes it a dream destination for most people.  If you love the outdoors, you will enjoy the lush scenery there is to be enjoyed in New Zealand. Those who love exploring the depths of the sea are treated to a diver’s paradise.

The accessible coastlines, offshore islands and marine reserves create a vast and captivating underwater world.  The late Jacques Cousteau often exclaimed at the beauty of the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, which to him is among the top five diving destinations in the world.  New Zealand is known for diving spots where you can do all kinds of dives.  The qualified divers are spoilt for choice with plenty of areas with the clear waters that allow you to take in all the marine life in these areas.

Off the shore of the North, the islands there attract tropical fish.  In the South Island, the fiords provide an environment where black corral thrives.

You can choose to go for deep sea diving at Milford Sound, the waters famous for the thriving marine life, or you could also go for wreck dives which Northland and the Bay of Islands are famous for.  If you are up for some more diving you could also explore the region of Kaikoura famous for all the sea mammals found there.  If you are asking when the best time to Scuba dive in New Zealand is, then you have come to the right place.  We shall be listing various diving spots and when to visit them.

Port Gore, Marlborough Sounds

What you can see here: The Mikhail Lermontov

Ms Mikhail Lermontov is a Russian cruise liner that sank in the year 1986.  The 20,000-ton cruise liner struck rocks in the area around Cape Jackson and sunk.  It is among the largest wrecks in the world that divers can explore and you will love how dive-accessible it is.  The wreck stands 576 feet long on its starboard side, with a maximum depth of 125 feet.  The seasoned divers can penetrate through the wreck and have a look at the regal chandeliers and staircases.

The hull of the wreckage lies just above the water at 50 feet so you don’t have to be the best diver to see it.  However, even the best divers should have an orientation before descending to the wreckage.  Divers with closed-circuit rebreather training can go through the interior of the wreck for the best visibility of the site.

Divers can visit the site during the peak of the diving season which occurs during the months of October to April. During this period, water temperature ranges between 54°F during the winter and 68°F during the summer months.  You can use a 7mm wetsuit but a drysuit will work better.  Remember that you should always bring your dive knife and torch when going for a wreck dive.  The best times to go for diving in these areas are in the months of February through April.

Kaikoura

What there to see: the fur seals of New Zealand

Kaikoura is a scenic town with a lot of swimming opportunities and a playful approachable atmosphere all round.  There is an array of dive sites in this area where you get the opportunity to see the fur seals of New Zealand.  The continental shelf is close by and this creates biodiversity below the waters of Kaikoura where you will find dolphins, whales, sharks, and many other marine life.

The diving site at Kaikoura is one of those that you can go to all through the year.  In the summer the water temperatures are welcoming and diving is at a high.  During the non-diving days, however, you can explore the coastline and mountains much better.

There are many more diving locations through New Zealand with a lot of great flora and fauna to be seen.  The non-divers also have a lot to do for their enjoyment since New Zealand is also known for wildlife and picturesque forests that have been featured in the “Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and the “Hobbit”.

With the white sandy beaches, the pleasant climate and the ingrained culture, New Zealand is bound to offer a memorable experience.  Visitors are advised to book tour packages early to enjoy the lower prices.

If you like diving or snorkeling Puerto Rico is a good place because the temperature of the ocean is around 80.6° Fahrenheit and the visibility of the water is between 60 and 65 feet near the beaches and you move away a little and the depth reaches easily 98 feet or even more.

The archipelago of Puerto Rico has beaches lined with palm trees, a great wealth of fauna and ecological wonders of jungle and mountain, good gastronomy, luxury spas and romantic hotels and a picturesque Spanish colonial heritage. With its tropical climate all year round, it offers something for everyone and is a perfect place for a vacation.

The Best Sites for Scuba Diving in Puerto Rico

1. Escambron, San Juan

Source: Diving in Puerto Rico, Escambrón Marine Park

The small beach of the Escambron Marine Park (behind the former hotel Normandie), is one of the few urban reefs. “They inhabit 3 to 4 species of turtles (such as the hawksbill and white fish),” says the owner of Scuba Dogs. You can see sea horses and lobsters, among other species.

2. Balneario Cerro Gordo, Vega Alta

Source: Cerro Gordo

In this area there is a natural reef. It has many rock formations and many soft and solid corals. In addition to manatees, you can see sea fans and brain coral, among others.

3. Mar Chiquita, Manati

Source: Diving Mar Chiquita, Puerto Rico – 2017/05/28

Inside the pond, there are many fish, such as the damsel and the sergeant fish. Where greater marine life is seen is in both corners of the rock formation.

4. Beach Shacks, Isabela

Source: Shacks Beach Isabela – Puerto Rico 4K

It has cave formations and caverns, like tunnels “that are extremely interesting”, says Marti­ Ruiz, especially when they are given the sun’s rays. You can see a reef with lots of marine life. There are manatees, turtles, among others.

5. The Natural, Aguadilla

Source: Diving El Natural, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Also known by surfers as Beach Gas Chambers, the visual panorama is a completely coral background, from the shore. Among the common species are the angel and butterfly fish, and gorgonian corals (soft coral). Its water is crystal clear.

6. Crash Boat, Aguadilla

Source: Diving Puerto Rico Crash Boat Beach July 2013

It has a pier that goes to the ocean, with piles or columns that support the pier and that are covered with coral, sponge banks and all kinds of marine life such as moray eels and scorpion fish.

7. Tres Palmas Beach, Rincon

Source: SCUBA DIVING THE MARINE RESERVE STEPS BEACH – RINCON PUERTO RICO

It is an extensive natural reef with lots of marine life. It is a protected reserve for its ecological value. There are various corals, parrotfish and sole, among others.

8. Pelican Beach, Caja de Muerto

Source: Scuba diving in Caja de muerto PR

This beach of the Natural Reserve of the island of Caja de Muertos, which has the Blue Flag certification (symbol of an international award for cleanliness and environmental quality), has an abundant marine life. In addition to corals, you can see crabs, squid, chapin, coral and octopus.

9. Seven Seas, Fajardo

Source: Scuba Diving in Fajardo

In this spa of crystal clear water live parrot, damselfish and sergeant. You can also delight your eyes with the corals that you will find in your path.

10. The Little Town, Loíza

Source: Scuba Diving Puerto Rico – Pure Adventure

In the rocky area of LoÃza, the beach you can see many fish and corals. It does not have a great depth, which makes it ideal to go with children.

11. Flamenco, Culebra

Source: SCUBA Diving – Culebra Puerto Rico – September 2016

Knowing that it is recognized as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world is enough reason to venture to visit it (according to TripAdvisor users). It has the reef facing the beach. From the shore, the marine visual spectacle begins. In addition to corals and a variety of fish, you can see stingrays.

12. Tamarindo Beach, Culebra

Source: Puerto Rico Dive Tamarindo Reef Culebra

The diving instructor mentions that this beach is “internationally recognized for the quality of shore snorkeling”.

13. Punta Soldado, Culebra

Source: Culebra birthday dives, Punta Soldado and Saddle

One of the most recommended for snorkeling and scuba diving. One of the biggest attractions are its corals.

14. Red Beach, Vieques

Source: 20200213 Diving in Puerto Rico, Vieques

Also known as Playa Caracas, a natural pool with white sand is one of the favorite places for tourists to practice this activity, especially in rocky areas.

15. Blue Beach, Vieques

Source: Playa Caracas y La Chiva – Vieques, Puerto Rico DJI Phantom 3 Advanced

Also known as Playa La Chiva, it is part of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. Its marine life makes it a favorite for snorkeling and scuba diving.

16. The Wall, Guanica

Source: Scuba diving at The Wall, Guanica Puerto Rico, 2018/01/07

Diving in the south gives access to sites along the descent caused by the continental shelf that runs parallel to the south coast of Puerto Rico. This side of the island has significantly less rain than the north and east, so rainwater runoff does not reduce visibility and the depth of the wall means that it does not roll over the bottom. In general, the visibility is good and excellent along this coast. Some sites have deep cracks in the wall; in some places, pieces of the wall have separated; parts of the wall have been inhabited with sea fans in deep water, creating a curtain of coral lace, while other areas have been colonized by hard coral songs.

As a Final Note

What you will see at the bottom of the sea in Puerto Rico will go beyond your expectations. You will witness entire kingdoms of coral reefs, miles of seagrass beds and an amazing diversity of marine life. The visibility in our waters exceeds many other destinations in the Caribbean. In addition, many experienced guides are on duty to go to any dive site.

Blue spikes, starfish, barracudas, turtles, puffer fish, angelfish, octopus, and hundreds of other species of marine life await your visit.

From the beginner to the professional diver you will find places to explore in Culebra!

There are several accredited dive instructors based in Culebra. The stores have all the necessary equipment that you can rent. If you have your own equipment, you will get your bottles filled right there.

Diving in Puerto Rico is an activity practiced all the time. The environmental conditions and the facilities to get from one end of the island to the other make it something fun and exciting. We offer on the coast in the San Juan area at 15 min. away from the hotel area also activities to Humacao, Fajardo, Guanica, Cerro Gordo, Aguadillas, Mayaguez from 3 to 1hr away from San Juan

The environments in Puerto Rico are composed of coral reefs with abundant vegetation and marine life, some with walls that surpass 2000 feet of depth and others with funds of 40 feet of depth with a lot of diversity. You can practice photography, videography, night diving, deep diving, etc.

Singapore is a spectacular holiday destination and something of a diving Mecca ideally located at the confluence of the Pacific and Indian oceans.  For most diving adventurers though, the question uppermost on their minds is usually “when is the best time to scuba dive in Singapore?”  In this guide we will answer this and other questions to help you get the most of your diving getaway in this idyllic tropical getaway.

Your Scuba Diving Singapore Itinerary: When is the Best Time?

Source: Best Time to Visit Singapore | Singapore Travel

Singapore is located some 85 miles north of the equator and is therefore enjoys a balmy tropical weather all year round.  While the monsoon winds bring plenty of rain from around December to March each year, such inclement weather is barely an excuse for diving aficionados to go out and have a go at the waves offshore.  It is therefore safe to conclude that as scuba diving destinations go, Singapore is ideal to head off to pretty much all-year round.

If your objective is to see the spectacular marine life teeming in the offshore reefs as you scuba dive, then the monsoon period may not be ideal.  Instead, try to make your trip between April and June when the corals and the adjoining marine habitats come into full bloom.  There are also excellent diving opportunities in October and November when the weather is much sunnier.

Best Scuba Diving Spots in Singapore

Source: PADI – Diving in Singapore

Having dealt with the question of when is the best time to scuba die in Singapore, it is time to take a look at which are the best scuba diving Singapore locations.

1. Pulau Hantu

Source: Diving Pulau Hantu Singapore

Pulau Hantu is easily the most popular site for scuba diving Singapore tours and with good reason too.  It enjoys an abundance of both hard and soft corals, each populated with plenty of macro marine lifeforms especially the spectacularly colorful nudibranch mollusks popularly known as marigold dragons.

At low tide, you can even take a walk between the two islands which designate this marine habitat: Hantu Kecil and Hantu Besar.  At high tide, the chances of witnessing sharks and marine turtles increase considerably.

Owing to its easily accessible nature, Pulau Hantu is often teeming with visitors on weekends and throughout the holiday season. However, only a small fraction of the visitors are likely to be interested in scuba diving.

2. Pulau Jong

Located about 5 miles off the coast of Singapore, Pulau Jong is a tiny conical island which wouldn’t seem to hold much promise for the avid scuba diver.  However, it is surrounded by some marvelous reefs and a motley collection of marine animals.  It is also adequately far from the shore to guarantee you no crowds even at the height of the tourism season.  The waters around Pulau Jong are however likely to be choppy around the monsoon season and the strong currents are often too dangerous for diving.

Due to its remoteness and relative size, there are no ferries to take you to Pulau Jong.  You have to rely on a charter boat or ride along in a scuba diving group tour to the island.  But once there you will be impressed by the diversity of life including black-tip sharks and schools of parrotfishes which you are unlikely to find in waters closer to Singapore’s mainland.

3. Kusu Island

Kusu Island is in many ways very similar to Pulau Hantu. Admittedly, it does not have the same richness of diversity of marine life and it is much further offshore than Pulau Hantu though. However, it is much less crowded and offers the consummate scuba diver plenty of opportunities to enjoy marine life in their pristine natural environment.  It is known for having the richest density of sea anemones anemonefishes in and around Singapore.

Kusu Island is located some 5 miles off the shores of Singapore and there is a modern holiday resort covering some nine hectares of land on the island.  You can head off to the island on the specialty scuba diving boat tours or take a ferry.  Ferries from Marina Bay’s south pier to Kusu Island depart almost by the hour.

Source: List of Islands in Singapore

If you are looking for a great scuba diving destination, Singapore offers a variety of spectacular locations around its balmy tropical waters.  While there may be times when bad weather makes it hard to dive offshore, there are opportunities to scuba dive in and around Singapore around the year.  For both avid scuba divers and the occasional adventure seeker, the experience will be one to savor.

 

As one of the fastest growing nations in the world, Vietnam is becoming more and more popular for scuba divers.  Vietnam represents a real haven when it comes to food, friendliness of people and scuba diving locations.

Since the mid-1990s, Vietnam has been one of the nations that has slowly built its way in the world of scuba diving.  Many schools and camps are operating along the 2000-mile coastline.  Scuba diving in Vietnam is full of interesting spots that are waiting to be discovered.

What we know today that there are some great locations that offer unique diving experiences.  Each of them is amazing, as well as, each offers something different.  Here are the best scuba diving Vietnam spots.

1. Hon Mun Marine Park

On the island of Nha Trang, you can choose from 3 main locations.  Hon Mun Marine Park is located east of Nha Trang with the waters that are usually 150 feet deep.  Reef life is very interesting at this location, which means that you can see seahorses, nudibranchs, and rockfish, among many other creatures.

2. Moray Beach

Another choice for the best scuba diving in Vietnam locations is Moray Beach, where the waters are shallow and the bottom is completely sandy.  It is a great place for training divers who would like to practice the skills and meet some great creatures like moray eels.

3. Whale Island

The third location that makes diving around Nha Trang complete is Whale Island.  Here, you can discover some of the most diverse and intriguing marine life in all the scuba diving in Vietnam locations.  Divers can enjoy stone fish, frogfish, lionfish, and great pinnacles around the island.

4. The rest of Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a great place to get an open water certificate or some advanced certificate because the marine life is interesting enough to keep you entertained, and waters are crystal clear in most areas.  As one of the top 10 scuba dives in Vietnam with the average water temperature of 82° F, the water here is extremely pleasant and divers usually need a simple 3mm thick diving suit.

Scuba diving is even better when you approach it from one of the numerous beaches on the island.  You will be able to see why Vietnam represents one of the most promising nations when it comes to scuba diving.

5. Phu Quoc

Learning the scuba diving sport is ideal in waters that are calm and shallow.  If these waters also full of colorful marine life, the experience is complete.  This is exactly what the location of Phu Quoc looks like.

Warm and shallow waters, crystal clear environment and interesting sea creatures will make your scuba diving experience perfect.  If you are a beginner or a diver who likes more advanced scuba diving, you should come to Phu Quoc, one of the best scuba diving places in Vietnam.

6. Con Dao

You can easily see many creatures around Con Dao, including octopus, scorpion fish, anemones, moray eels, and many more.  There are not many creatures of pelagic life, which means that you won’t see big sharks and other creatures that live in different waters, but you can still come across sea snakes, stingrays, and even bamboo sharks are often seen here.

It is best to come in some mid-seasons like October-November and April-May.  These periods are best for seeing many varities of interesting creatures.  At the same time, both accommodations and diving are the least expensive.

7. Cham Island

Cham Island is one of the newest diving locations in Southeast Asia.  It is one of the locations with great potential.  The Vietnamese government plans to completely protect the marine life here, mostly because of long practices of dynamite fishing and pollution.  Many locals have turned to modern ways of fishing and they also try to protect the sea life in this scuba diving Vietnam spot.

One of the best plans for this area is creating the protected marine park around the location.  This will protect most reefs and coral areas, which is the main precondition for creating more potent marine life.  Many fish and sea creatures will find their place here in the future.

8. Hoi An

Hoi An has an 18 mile long coastline with some interesting spots.  There are 8 islands that are part of the location and all of them offer something unique.  You can see many creatures that are part of tropical waters and warm climate conditions.  This place is definitely one of the most beautiful scuba diving Vietnam locations.

9. Da Nang

Da Nang is perfect for all divers who want to obtain their official certificates.  Not only divers come here, but photographers also consider Da Nang to be one of the best places to get experience  and advance their skills.  The long coast is ideal for beginners and intermediate divers who are ready to explore the exciting and interesting scuba diving world.

10. Halong Bay