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.
