The swaying palm trees, crystal clear waters, magical white beaches, and tropical cuisine make the Caribbean islands the perfect summer getaway. The most amazing thing about these magical islands are the enchanting Caribbean corals and Caribbean reefs that are perfect for scuba diving!

Can it get any better than this?

You can spend summer mornings scuba diving at the divine coral reefs and spend days lounging in hammocks by the beach. The islands are close to each other which make it easier for travelers to visit more than one coral reef. So, here’s our guide to the top 9 Caribbean coral reefs you can visit for your scuba diving dreams!

The Blue Hole, Belize

Source: What’s At The Bottom Of The Great Blue Hole?

The Blue Hole is a part of the vast Barrier Reef Reserve System and deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, too. The Blue hole is a gigantic sinkhole and the largest of all. It is around 60 miles away from the harbor of Belize. It is known as one of the greatest Caribbean coral reef spaces.

Over the years it has become one of the most visited Caribbean coral reef ecosystems. Scuba divers from across the globe love coming here and diving deep to explore the underwater marvels of the Blue Hole. At around 1,000 feet wide and 400 feet deep, this sinkhole has stalactite formations in caves and is mesmerizing.

RMS Rhone Wreck

Source: RMS Rhone – Ghost Wreck Files

When history meets the underwater, magic is created. It is the same story with the RMS Rhone which sunk in 1867. Now living its second life, the RMS Rhone wreck has become a beautiful artificial reef for scuba divers and sea creatures alike. The RMS Rhone now lies at the ocean floor away from the British Virgin Islands.

It was labelled as an unsinkable ship under the UK Royal Mail Ship. Unfortunately it had to face to tumultuous hurricanes and sunk. Now, covered with colorful coral and a plethora of aquatic life, the RMS Rhone is one of the best coral reefs for scuba diving.

Tortugas Reef, Playa Del Carmen

Source: Scuba Diving in Playa del Carmen

Tortugas Reef is 50 feet from Loggerhead Key, and is one of the most famous reefs in the area because of its resident namesake.  The word “Tortugas” in Spanish means “Turtles”, and in this colorful and vibrant area you will find Loggerhead, Green, and Hawksbill turtles.  The depth of this dive is 20-40 feet.

Tortugas Reef is considered a “carpet” reef, meaning that the area is mostly wide and flat.  This provides an ideal viewing area for the other aquatic life there.  In addition to the turtles, you will also find Moray eels, Nurse sharks, and Rays.  Other unique fish in the area incluse Batfish, Orange Filefish, and the Bluespotted Cornetfish.

Kline, Bonaire

Source: Diving Keepsake dive site on Klein Bonaire

The little uninhabited island of Kline Bonaire is part of the vast Bonaire Island. While Bonaire is surrounded by a massive marine park, Kline Bonaire is the real secret treasure of the Caribbean corals and reefs. The main island’s marine park is known for having the most vibrant Caribbean coral reefs.

You can visit Kline Bonaire by taking a short boat ride to the island. The surface of the island is barren and doesn’t seem to have a lot. But once you dive into the pristine waters of Kline Bonaire, you’ll be immersed into the beautiful world of corals, sponges, and all kinds of colorful sea creatures. Kline Bonaire has a lot of slopes and steps which makes it more magical. The coral reefs start just below the water surface and go deeper and deeper.

Bianca C.

Source: Diving the largest Wreck in the Caribbean Bianca C, Grenada

Bianca C, also known as the Titanic of the Caribbean is another famous Caribbean wreck-turned coral reef spaces underwater. The Bianca C was a cruise liner that sunk in 1961 due to an engine fire. The 600-foot ship now lies underwater in wrecked pieces which make for the perfect deep diving.

The Bianca C is an amazing underwater adventure for all levels of scuba divers. You can start at the surface of the wreck ad go deeper if you’re a thrill junkie. While at this spot, you’ll be able to sight eagle rays, the great barracuda and if you’re lucky, you might even find some reef sharks.

Gardens of the Queen, Cuba

Source: Diving in Cuba, Gardens of the Queen

Gardens of the Queen at Cuba are living proof of how beautifully enchanting nature can be. This Caribbean coral reef ecosystem has a very interesting history to its name. It is said that when Christopher Columbus sailed into the Southern coast of Cuba and saw this massive coral island, he was taken over by its beauty and names it Jardines de la Reina; giving honor to Isabella the Spanish Queen of his time.

Scuba diving at the coral reefs here is said to be on every diver’s scuba diving bucket list. The Gardens are open on a limited basis to ensure complete preservation of its beauty.

The Cathedral, Eagle Shoals at St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Source: Scuba diving in St. John, Virgin Islands.

Eagle Shoals is one of the lesser known scuba diving sites at the U.S. Virgin Islands. But, it has one of the most enchanting coral reefs across the Caribbean. Located off the east end of St. John’s coast, the Cathedral is the main attraction for scuba divers at Eagle Shoals.

It is a huge underwater alcove that is replete with splendidly colorful coral. While scuba diving here, you are sure to sight Black Triggerfish, Silverside and Pork Fish. The bright sun rays that seep into the waters and dance with the waves makes it all the more picture perfect.

Stingray City at Cayman Islands

Source: Scuba Diving Stingray City Grand Cayman HD

Located off the Northern coast of the Caribbean Sea, the Grand Cayman is another glorious coral reef. Stingray City is situated here on Cayman ridge which is an underwater mountain range. It is one of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean belt. It is known for its diverse underwater exploration opportunities.

It boasts of 162 diving sites making it a scuba diver’s paradise. Stingray City is a must visit while you’re at the Grand Cayman. It is a shallow dive off the coast of the Cayman Islands where you can snorkel around sting rays as they swim with you.

West Caicos at Turks and Caicos

Source: Turks & Caicos Diving

No trip to the Caribbean islands is complete without a visit to the Turks and Caicos. And no scuba diving adventure is complete without a dive into the thrillingly unpredictable corals of West Caicos Island. Just off the shore and a quick dive into the sea, you’ll encounter one of the most brilliant sea walls that exist.

The sea wall here is etched with vibrant corals and faces the open ocean. What’s more exciting about this scuba diving site is the chance encounter with reef sharks and dolphins! It doesn’t get any more exciting than this!

Turks Head Passage

Source: Turks and Caicos Scuba Diving 2012 GoPro HD Hero 2

It is no secret that the Turks and Caicos Islands are a favorite among those who want to relax and those who love underwater adventures. The Islands are replete with awe-inspiring reefs and Caribbean corals. But the real highlight of this place is the migration of the Caribbean Humpback Whales.

The best time to visit the Turks Head Passage is anytime from January to early April. This is the time when you can spot the Caribbean Humpback Whales. While the islands have coral covered ocean walls and colorful reefs, the migration of these whales is the highlight.

So, without any delay, get packing and dive into the serene waters of the Caribbean!

Coral reefs are spectacular diving spots that brings out the unquestionable splendor found under the water. Whether you are an amateur or a competent diver these sites guarantee a breathtaking experience as you sample the natural beauty found under the water. Let’s explore some of the world’s best coral reefs for scuba diving.

The Barrier Reef

Source: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef | beautiful underwater nature | Scuba Diving the Ribbon Reefs HD

This is the largest coral reef in the world and is found in Australia. This spectacular reef is remarkably rich in marine life and consists of over 3000 individual reef systems and hundreds of magnificent sands. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most popular tourist destinations as vacationers from all over the world visit this site to get a glimpse of its natural beauty and experience a variety of water sports activities.

This reef is one of the living things on the planet that is visible from outer space and its home to innumerable species of fishes, mollusks, dolphins and turtles. Some of the many activities that you will enjoy in this reef include diving, snorkeling, helicopter tours, whale watching among other incredible activities.

Fiji

Source: Episode #15 – Fiji Scuba Diving Adventures

These dense reefs invite you to enjoy the adventures of life in the most memorable way. The Fijian archipelago is widely known for its soft corals and a rich composition of biodiversity making it popular among scuba divers and photographers. The beauty in this scenery is breathtaking and this is mainly because of an extensive color range found in these reefs.

Coral reefs conservation in this area is a priority and the authorities have put in measures to ensure that these natural resources remain intact. This rigorous preservation of marine life explains why you are likely to encounter some endangered species of sharks such as the silvertip shark, the sicklefin lemon shark, the whitetip reef shark, the zebra shark among others.

Red Sea

Source: The Red Sea Diving – Wrecks & Reefs

These coral reefs found in Egypt are the most popular diving sites in the world. One of the reasons for this popularity is the fact that the red sea corals have been able to defy the extreme temperatures and salinity which are common in the in this vast oceanic area. The Red sea Corals have also developed mechanisms to withstand the high turbidity caused by dust storms which could damage the reefs.

The clarity of the water in this reef is exceptional and this can be attributed to the absence of river discharge. Lack of river discharge and low rainfall explain where the Red Sea reefs are not heavily plagued by the suspension of fine sediment which is a common phenomenon in most reefs found near large masses of land. In addition, the abundance of nutrients coming in from the desert make these corals be so healthy.

Philippines Reefs

Source: Beautiful Dive in Philippines Tubbataha Atoll Coral Reef Natural Park & Whale Shark in Sulu Sea HD

Despite the countless threats and attacks facing corals throughout the world, the Philippines archipelago has made outstanding efforts to conserve these magnificent ecosystems and the results are worth the efforts.

The Philippines archipelago boasts of more than 400 marine protected areas. Tubbataha which among the protected areas is home to over 600 species of fish and 360 coral species. The sanctuary also is a refuge to over 100 species of birds.

Anacapa Island

Source: Anacapa Island – Diving the Kelp

This is an extremely cold reef even in summer with temperatures going to as low as 70 degrees in August and 60 degrees or lower in January. With a nice wetsuit, pair of gloves, and water boots you will be in for a jaw-dropping experience as you explore the spectacular scenery.

With the highest view being about 50 feet, expect to see kelp forests, lively sea lions, seals, giant sea bass and several other marine life in your exploration.

Also, the beautiful chestnut cowries are common and you are most likely to find them tucked in crevices. The cowries have shiny shells and if you manage to find one be sure to keep it as a souvenir. They are a rare treasure.

Blue Heron Bridge

Source: Scuba Diving the Blue Heron Bridge – West Palm Beach, Florida

This is one dive site that you cannot afford to miss. The Blue Heron Bridge, or simply referred to as “The Bridge” by locals, is located in Riviera Beak, Florida is mostly known for its wide diversity of marine life that thrive in its waters.

If you are an ardent photographer you will realize you just can’t get enough of these breathtaking organisms, but even if you are not photojournalist you will be sure to enjoy every bit of your diving experience.

Part of the reason why this reef is so popular is the ease of diving. You do not have to be a super diver to explore this reef as the waves are smooth and gentle. Numerous creatures are found here which include octopus, mantis shrimps, a variety of crabs, and starfish.

Other fairly common creatures that are a great lure to photographers are batfish, sea robins, stargazers, fire worms, eels, frogfish and pike blennies. The secret is to dive into this coral with a lot of expectations because you never know what you will encounter next in the course of your exploration.

Bonaire

Source: Bonaire scuba diving 4K sony AX100

This island in the Caribbean is certainly adorned with unmatched natural beauty and provides a world-class experience to divers from all walks of life. This has been possible by the presence of 86 marked dive sites not to mention impressive visibility of 100 feet all year-round.

An estimated 469 species of fish including seahorses, queen parrotfish, ocean triggerfish, and reef squids have found their home in this island which makes it a favorite dive destination to many

With its reputation of nature conservation, Bonaire has strived to strike the delicate balance between conservation of natural resources and the environment. It is worth noting that among the Caribbean islands, Bonaire was the first to collaborate with the Coral Restoration Foundation to protect and conserve the reefs.

This island has initiated different programs to cultivate new corals while ensuring that the existing ones are preserved in the right way. By visiting Bonaire you will be assured of enriched marine biodiversity.

Cairns, Australia

Source: Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef Cairns Australia (Agincourt Reef)

This is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and probably the main reason why you should visit this adventurous city. This is more than a diving destination and if you are thinking of a time of exploration, fun and great learning then purpose to visit this reef as soon as possible.

If you love hiking, treetop adventures and any other high energy activity such bungee jumping hang gliding and the like, then a visit to this Tropical North Queensland is what you desperately need. Not to mention a wide variety of mouthwatering delicacies.

Osprey Reef

Source: North Horn, Osprey Reef diving with sharks, Mike Ball, Australia ,GBR

This another Reef that is located in Australia and is considered the most northerly reefs in the Coral Sea. It has amazing visibility of up to 300 ft. (100m) with different types of marine life.

Osprey Reef dive operators are very competent with over 40 years experience of guiding divers in the reef. Their commitment to safety is unparalleled as they strive to incorporate professional dive crew and staff. In simple terms, you are assured of unforgettable diving experience on remote reefs and the dive boats are very comfortable

Maximum dive depths are per the Australian safe diving standards for recreational scuba divers which are 120 ft. (40m). This is to guarantee safety as the diving sites are in remote locations. With water temperatures varying from 29 degrees Fahrenheit in summer to 23 degrees Fahrenheit in winter the instructs ensures that your comfortable by providing wetsuits on the boats

All in all these dive sites have many exciting features such as swim through, coral bommies, trenches, ledges and many more

Cozumel Corals

Source: Best Scuba Diving in the World, Cozumel, Mexico: Palancar Caves Wall (HD – 1080p)

This is the second largest coral reef in the world and is famed for its scuba diving conditions. Its colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life makes it a wonderful destination for anybody who would like to experience deep diving in a magnificent way.

Some of the water sports you are likely to encounter in this site are snorkeling, diving, and kayaking as well as deep-sea fishing.  The corals are highly safeguarded from human destruction and protected from sediment collection which makes this place an excellent destination for your water sports activities.

In Cozumel you will practice drift diving, where a boat will drop you off at the beginning of your dive, the current will carry you along the reef then at the end of your dive a dive will pick you and you will return at the shore. Shore diving is available but not as exciting as plunging into further places

Final Thoughts

Scuba diving is a fun-filled activity enjoyed by people all over the world. This article highlights the world’s best coral reefs for scuba diving, and we hope you will use our suggestions to find an amazing destination and enjoy these breathtaking adventures.

Unfortunately, these beautiful spots are faced with major problems calamities which are a threat to them and the microorganisms that depend on their existence for their livelihood.

Rising sea temperatures and destructive human practices such as pollution are the major culprits which are putting these sites in jeopardy. As you enjoy these locations, it is important to note that coral reefs are living creatures and should be handled with utmost care.

Aruba prides itself in having a spectacular underwater territory, complete with famous shipwrecks, fantastic coral formations, and rich marine life.  The best dive spots in Aruba are situated along the protected southern and western coasts.  The western coast features numerous healthy reefs which encourage explorative scuba dives.

So are you ready to find where to scuba dive in Aruba?  Here are the Top 10 scuba dives in Aruba to check out:

1. Mike’s Reef

Source:  Aruba Outdoor Adventures

Mike’s Reef is an untouched aquatic paradise where the clear waters make for a post-card worthy experience.  The reef was made popular by Captain Mike Hagedoorn, who began chartering people to the paradise in 1977 when he founded Tranquillo Aruba.

To get to the reef, you will need to charter a boat from Oranjestad, which will take about 45 minutes to get to the dive site.  Captain Hagedoorn pioneered a kind of snorkeling called “drifting” where divers do not have to use their fins for movement as the current propels them along.  If you take a dive on Mike’s reef, you will see the ocean floor about 100 feet below you, and hundreds of transparent and multicolored creatures swimming through unperturbed.

2. The Antilla Wreck

Source: Oleg Kaplun

The Antilla is recognized as the largest wreck in the South Caribbean region.  It was constructed in 1939 in Hamburg, Germany and launched in the same year.  In the course of the 2nd World War, the Antilla, at the time carrying a German crew, was almost confiscated by the Dutch.

The crew opened its valves to let it sink instead of giving it up to the Dutch. The ship sunk in shallow waters at 45 feet and parts of it lie just below the surface.  It spans over 400 feet long, and it encourages penetration diving because of its large compartments.  The middle part of the ship has the explosives that were used to sink it.

The Antilla is home to numerous tropical fish, spectacular coral formations, and stunning tube sponges.  Hundreds of tourists flock to this wreck making it among the top 10 scuba dives in Aruba.

3. The Pedernales Wreck

Source: leceur

Another casualty of World War II was the ship Pedernales.  This Italian-built tanker was sunk by a German submarine in the Caribbean waters.  The middle part of the ship is what remains, and it lies about 25 feet from the Antilla wreck.

The depth of the Pedernales is about 26 to 30 feet.  The wreck supports a vast pool of life including moray eels, grunts, snappers, angelfish, grouper, silversides, and octopus.  The waters over the Pedernales are almost always calm, making it perfect for snorkeling and shallow dives.

4. The Renaissance Island

Source: theClevision

The Renaissance Island is an incredible private island owned by the famous Renaissance Resort.  The island is popular for its airplane wrecks and a harbor reef with a sunken tugboat.  One of the airplane wrecks lies at a depth of 39 feet, it was the first twin-engine aircraft to feature a pressurized cabin from the American-based manufacturer, Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation.

The airliner was broken into two pieces by the 1999 Hurricane Lenny, although the cockpit and some components of the hull are in good condition.  A few breaststrokes from this wreck lies the remains of what used to be a YS-11 passenger aircraft.  The wreck makes an excellent artificial reef with its stern resting 82 feet deep.

5. The Hole in the Wall and the Mangel Halto

Source: DuikeninBeeld

The Hole in the Wall is a varied dive site with a few entry and exit points.  You can dive into the water from the jetty or via the beach.  This site is especially recommended as a night dive spot.

You can dive with the sea waves past the narrow reef tract to Mangel Halto, which is a bowl-shaped dive site harboring the remains of a tugboat.  The underwater realm of the Mangel Halto is surprisingly calm considering the currents on the surface.  There is also a shaded beach ideal for snorkeling or picnicking.

6. The Jane C. Wreck

Source: GustavOrighetto

The Jane C. Wreck was once a 190 foot beauty when it was launched in 1959.  Numerous stories abound about her cargo including cement and cocaine.  It was sunk in 1988 by local dive operators in an upright manner with her bow facing Palm Island.  Her depths range between 50 to 90 feet.

The ship lies close to the reef, and its coral growth attracts fish and other marine creatures.  The cargo hull is open to the surface making scuba diving penetration easy.

7. The Serito Pinnacle

Source: Aruba Official YouTube

The Serito Pinnacle is not only one of the top ten scuba dives in Aruba, but it is also among the best kept secret among diving enthusiasts.  It lies unspoiled on the southern side of Aruba, and the only opportunity to get to the Pinnacle is via a private charter.

Divers relish in the occasional strong current as it brings a host of marine life, including species of jack and barracuda.  You can bet on viewing the elusive Manta Ray.  There are only a few opportunities to visit the Pinnacle each year, so the Pinnacle remains almost undiscovered.

8. The SS California

The SS California is often misrepresented as the Californian, famously known as the ship that received the Titanic’s distressed signals but did not respond.  This wreck is however interesting to explore.  It lies 15 to 30 feet in depth, and it is especially ideal for underwater photography.

The SS California lies on the southern edge of Aruba which experiences occasional strong currents.  If you venture deeper past the wreck, you might spot hammerhead or bull sharks.

9. The Pet Cemetery

Source: YouTube

The Pet Cemetery lies east of Baby Beach, and it got its name from the numerous pets buried there with handmade crosses and headstones.  There is a wide reef tract that runs along the shore of the Pet Cemetery featuring various species of finger and pencil coral, mustard-hill coral, elkhorn and staghorn coral, and sea fans.

The reef extends past Baby Beach becoming narrower and steeper and hosting populations of triggerfish, sturgeon, cowfish, damselfish, and gobies.

10. The Wall

Source: Oleg Kaplun

Another one of the top 10 scuba dives in Aruba is The Wall, where you could dive for days and even weeks and not see all of the abundant marine life that can be seen here.  This stunning reef is home to numerous green turtles which inhabit it during their egg laying season, which is May through August.

When you dive down the steep wall, you will be treated to a beautiful visual of gorgons, groupers, burrfish, and moray eels.  The coral formations present here include black coral, ribbon coral, star coral, and flower coral. Among the marine life inhabiting The Wall are jackknife fish, damselfish, and porgys.

Conclusion

That concludes our list of the Top 10 scuba dives in Aruba. If you are looking for warm water, wonderful aquatic life, and fascinating sunken ship wrecks. Then be sure to add Aruba to your destination list.

Learn more about these Aruba scuba diving sites with this informative video:

Aruba, a constituent country of Netherlands is a famous Island for scuba diving.  Parts of what makes scuba diving Aruba popular are the breathtaking shipwrecks.  Any scuba diver who has had a close encounter with a historic shipwreck will tell you that it is a spectacular site.  Moreover, Aruba is home to one of the largest shipwreck in the entire Caribbean.  This makes it a dream come true for a majority of scuba diving lovers.  There are 10 more shipwrecks to satisfy your curiosity.

Scuba diving Aruba offers you the opportunity to enjoy some of the most outstanding coral formations.  You are also guaranteed to come face to face with a variety of marine life.  Some of the amazing sea creatures that you are likely to see include the sea horse and the stingray.

Once you are in Aruba, you can rest assured you will be spoilt for choice.  However, you may be wondering when it’s the best time to Scuba dive in Aruba.  Mainly, this is in relations to the water conditions as well as the weather.  This article seeks to exhaustively respond to whichever question you may have in regards to the appropriate time to scuba dive in Aruba.

Source: Best Times to Visit Aruba on Vacation

So, when is the best time to Scuba dive in Aruba?

What kind of diver are you?  While some advanced divers may have an appetite for fresh challenges, beginners prefer calm waters.  If you are an excellent diver who has experienced a range of conditions, then you probably wouldn’t mind diving at any time of the year so long as it is not dangerous.

Nonetheless, you might want a relaxed diving expedition so that you can make the most of your trip.  The weather in Aruba is friendly for diving most of the year.  However, it is pretty much calm between April and June.  This sets the right mood and the suitable conditions for divers from all walks of life to get their feet wet.

It is usually dry in Aruba between April and November.  With consistent sunshine, you have the perfect opportunity to dive during the day and come out to bask under the sun.  The sea conditions are pretty much stable.  Therefore, you will be rarely surprised by extreme conditions.  Additionally, the sea temperature is about 85°F with the air temperature being slightly higher at 89°F.  The ry season does not only offer a fun dive time but also a perfect time to hang around the beach.

If you are looking forward to scuba diving in Aruba from an angle of when to get the best deals, then that is between March and December.  But, you ought to know that this is a rainy season and you may have to cope with the nuisance of mosquitoes.  In fact, this is considered as a low season for most tourists and divers.  Therefore, you are likely to get super deals in both diving and hotels.

Source: Diving in Aruba

The expected water temperature during this season is 79°F and the air temperature is likely to be around 85°F.

While some people like to scuba dive during the day, others prefer night time.  So which one do you like?  Most sea features look different during the night.

Scuba diving Aruba is quite popular for night time dives.  However, whether you choose night time or day time you will certainly have a time of your life.

Scuba diving in Aruba does not disappoint.  For shipwreck lovers, especially those that occurred during the World War II, you wouldn’t want to miss out on Antilla.  Some other shipwrecks are shallow, so you can reach them with minimal efforts.

Source: Diving in Aruba

Also, be prepared to marvel at the diverse marine life and swim with the barracudas.  You’ll also meet the amazing manta rays.  The best bit is that the currents are usually minimal.  In addition, there are awesome dive operators at your disposal who are well versed with the scuba diving sites and conditions.  This way, you will feel safe under their stewardship and have all your questions answered.

The bottom line is, regardless of the time you choose to scuba dive in Aruba you will enjoy yourself.  The last important thing to note is that the timing depends on your skills and preferences.

Source: Scuba Diving in Australia

As the sixth largest country in the world, Australia has the most beaches in the world.  With 7,000 beaches in the country, there is a lot of marine life to be explored by those who like to see the wonders that lay below the deep seas and oceans of the world.  Such an extensive coastline also means there are a lot of diverse land and ocean climates.

As a tourist destination, Australia has highlights such as the great macro life and marine big diversity, great white sharks, turtles, schooling fish, shark action and big pelagics as well as a host of non-diving activities.  As for the divers, they can enjoy the healthy reefs, drift diving, wall diving, and cage diving for both the experienced and amateur divers.  For those of you who are here trying to find out when the best time to scuba dive in Australia, is, count on us to give you all the information you need.

Diving season month by month in the Cairns

Source: Scuba Diving in The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia with Pro Dive Cairns Liveaboard

The Great Barrier Reef off Cairns is one of the most breathtaking places you will visit and a favorite for divers all across the world.  The tropical city of Cairns brings divers as close as they can get to the Great Barrier Reef.

The city, which is bordered by the Coral Sea on one side and the tall rainforests on the other, experiences two main seasons.  The two main seasons are the wet season-autumn and summer, and the dry season-winter and spring. It is during the wet season that this area receives most of its rainfall.  The temperatures during the day are hot and humid.  This season is considered the low season in terms of visitors coming to take a look at the Great Reef.

Those visiting during the wet season can enjoy some spectacular specials that would go for a much higher price on the regular season. The wet season begins in December and goes all the way till May.

The dry season-June to November-exhibits low temperatures during the day, lesser rainfall with the same levels of humidity as the wet season.  This is the season when business picks up and all the best packages go at a premium.  If you want to come to Australia during this time of the year, you are better of booking early to enjoy what discounts are there.

Generally, both seasons come with their own up sides and down sides.  There are tourists who would rather come in the rainy season when the water is warmer while others enjoy the dry season when day temperatures are pleasantly low.

What time of the year you visit also depends on what you intend to see when you come to Australia.  If you don’t have a list of things to see already narrowed down, then you should look through the internet for some exciting activities.  Australia has plenty of these and you should have no trouble finding something in your budget that interests you.

Those who already know what they would like to see should know that the hammerheads come to the Coral Sea from the month of April all the way to September, Coral spawning happens in November or December and Minke whales visit in the time during June and July.

Source: DIVE, Eat, Sleep, Repeat on the Great Barrier Reef (2019)

The Barrier Reef stretches for over 2,000 km from the Great Palm Island all the way south to Lizard Island.  Covering such a distance means it is the largest of its kind in the world. It is also unique in the sense that it has living organisms that can actually be seen from space.

Divers who come here get to see over 400 species of soft and hard coral.  There is a mass spawning that takes place annually when corals in the inner reefs spawn in the week after the full moon in October, the outer reefs then follow suit and spawn in November and December.

There are plenty of other sites in Australia that you should consider visiting as well.  One such place is the Rowley Shoals in Western Australia and South Australia.  Here, you get the opportunity to cage dive with great white sharks.  You will also find the largest collection of live boards there is in Australia.