TOP 5 – The best diving spots in the world

In my previous post I described how my diving adventure began. Up until now I had the opportunity to explore mainly the Red Sea in Egypt, which is why many diving dreams have arisen in my head. After a long and intensive selection, I have chosen 5 most interesting diving spots that I would like to visit someday. Here they are!

Treasures of Yucatan

MEXICO — Cancun, Valladolid, Sotuta de Peon, Isla Holbox
The Caribbean coast offers white sand beaches washed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. In the shadow of the mystical Mayan pyramids, in the atmosphere of a Caribbean fiesta, you will discover the best that Yucatan has to offer.

1) Mexico – Cenotes

On the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Mother Nature has carved out an incredible phenomenon. These are cenotes – limestone karst wells connected by an underground system of groundwater. They are my number one not only because of the diving, but also because they are an important element of the ancient, fascinating Mayan culture. In their cosmology, the world is divided into 3 parts: the upper world, where the deities reside, the middle world, where people walk, and the lower world, Xibalba, located underground, where spirits and demons live. It was believed that cenotes were the entrance to this underground world. In the hot Yucatan, they were also the main source of drinking water and relief during the unbearable heat, for which the Mayans made sacrifices to the gods there, mostly valuables, but sometimes also people.

Diving in Cenotes would definitely delight me with the crystal clear water, perfectly filtered through limestone rocks. I imagine putting on my gear in a magical well in the middle of the jungle and slowly sinking into a portal to the underground world of spirits. Under the water surface there are amazing rock formations carved by underwater rivers - caves, tunnels, stalactites, stalagmites, here and there you can emerge in some small underground lake and take a breath of fresh air. The water is so clear that it seems as if it doesn't exist at all. I think it would be a totally amazing experience. The mysterious Mayan culture combined with diving - my number one dream!

Islands of the Philippine Archipelago

PHILIPPINES — Manila, Mindoro, Boracay
7 islands, paradise beaches, crystal clear waters, fabulously colorful fish, dense tropical jungles and some of the friendliest natives in the world.

2) Philippines – Coral Triangle

The Philippines is a country made up of over 7 islands that lie in the so-called Coral Triangle, where 76% of known coral species and 37% of known reef fish species are found in a relatively small area. In the Philippines, you can find everything your heart desires - from shallow lagoons, through wrecks, to steep walls and dark depths. Everyone will find something for themselves, both fans of small underwater creatures and colorful fish, as well as thrill-seekers and shark lovers. Of course, there are many treasures hidden on the surface, such as the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, shamanic communities on Siquijor Island, an underground river in Palawan, lush rainforests, paradise beaches, unusual animals and colonial towns.

What attracts me most to the Philippines is the diversity of underwater life. I dream of meeting hundreds of colorful nudibranchs and shrimps, seahorses and color-changing octopuses. There are also huge schools of eels, barracudas and tuna and hundreds of parrotfish, angelfish, triggerfish, boxfish, scorpionfish, lionfish, napoleons, and spreading gorgonians, hard and soft corals, it takes your breath away! The Philippines is also a paradise for underwater photographers. Watch out, now it's time for real gems! If you ever wanted to stand face to face with a shark, in the Philippines it's almost certain. There are species such as hammerhead sharks, reef sharks, whale sharks and even thresher sharks! Other beautiful creatures that you can come across are manta rays, turtles and dolphins. My little dream is definitely harlequin shrimp, and slightly larger whale shark and thresher shark.

Australia in a nutshell

AUSTRALIA - Sydney, Blue Mountains, Uluru, Cairns
The smallest continent and (almost) the largest country in the world, endless desert spaces and sun-scorched bush, cities of millions that are a pleasure to live in, and sacred Aboriginal places that have been venerated for tens of thousands of years.

3) Australia - Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world – you can even see it from space! It is 2300 km long and has a surface area of ​​almost 350 m000. It consists of almost 2 smaller reefs and islets, and is also inhabited by thousands of animal species. Although the Reef has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List for 3000 years and there is probably no doubt about how amazing and valuable it is, it is increasingly threatened by factors related to our human activity, such as:

• devastation of soil and forests on the coast and, consequently, silting of coastal waters;
• deepening the seabed on sea routes, which involves the spreading of bottom sediments and cutting off access to sunlight for corals, for example;
• oil, municipal and industrial sewage spills;
• development of the transport and mining sectors (waste, drilling, industrialization).

These are just a few examples of the impact we are already having on the Great Barrier Reef and the reasons why, in just 3 decades, the reef that has been growing for hundreds of thousands of years has already lost about half of its coral cover…

Considering the above, I would love to go to Australia while there is still time and see this extraordinary and delicate ecosystem with my own eyes. Just like in the Philippines, I would like to meet new species of animals, the most interesting of which for me would be dugongs, or so-called sea cows and whales. Beautiful beaches and turquoise, warm water, a relaxed climate and a culture similar to ours are the perfect ingredients for a hassle-free and unforgettable, heavenly vacation. The most popular dive sites are Ribbon Reef - long, shallow, sandy reefs to the west, Cod Hole - where divers count on meeting big game and Ospray Reef - in the north of the Reef, where you can come across manta rays and several species of sharks and try your hand at greater depths.

Relaxation in the wilderness

PANAMA, COSTA RICA - Panama City, Bocas del Toro, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio

4) Costa Rica - Cocos Island

When I was still in primary school, my friend and I were traveling with our finger on the map, we came across Cocos Island and decided that we would definitely go there someday! Today, as a diver, I know that it is one of the most interesting diving places in the world.

Bajo Alcyone is a legendary coral reef located on the southeastern part of Cocos Island. The list of animals that can be found there is absolutely impressive! Point number one are schools of hammerhead sharks, then reef sharks, whale sharks, giant manta rays, mobula, eagle rays, numbfish, turtles, dolphins, huge schools of tuna and perch…

My dream is to swim with manta rays. Stingrays are underwater birds that glide gracefully, gently flapping their "wings". For me, it's a breathtaking view (which you have to be especially careful about underwater 😉 ) and worth a trip to the other end of the world. Add to that the heavenly beaches, the Caribbean climate and evenings to the rhythm of salsa - a dream diving vacation is guaranteed!

Sumatra & Pulau Weh

Volcanoes, lakes, jungle and coral islands away from the crowds – all in one place, in Sumatra.

5) Indonesia – Pulau Weh

My next long journey will definitely start in Southeast Asia, which is why Indonesia is number 5 on my list. Pulau Weh is a tiny island located off the northern tip of Sumatra, in the Andaman Sea.

The right geographical conditions mean that there are a lot of interesting creatures living there. Add to that the underwater panoramas consisting of caves, pinnacles, canyons, arches, coral gardens of Gorgonians and steep drop-offs. As for me - great! An interesting place that caught my attention was the so-called Hot Springs - a place where you dive by an active volcano. After entering the water, you don't really see much marine life, but you do see thousands of bubbles of hot air emerging from holes in the seabed. The animals don't like too warm water, so they escape to nearby reefs, while we can see and touch the air rushing upwards straight from the hellishly hot interior of the Earth.

An additional advantage of diving in Indonesia is that it is full of wonderful places to visit. Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines are all within a short flight on local airlines, and in addition to rich culture, delicious food and captivating nature, there are other top diving sites waiting to be written down in our logbooks!