A few years ago, I wanted to learn how to scuba dive. I went over to Indy MPH Watersports and inquired about a diving certification. I was, at the time, familiar with PADI, but didn’t know the process of becoming certified. I spent a few minutes talking to the staff about diving, the cost, the experience, and the good and bad things about diving. Before I knew it, I was signing up for classes, buying a wetsuit, and researching all the best dive spots. Unfortunately, most of the good dive sports are outside of the United States. Oh well, I will just have to travel more!
By the time I was done with my certification, I was ready to get wet. Our dive instructor used to say, before we would jump in the water, “Let’s get wet.” I always say that when referring to diving. I skipped PADI, and decided to get SDI certified. There aren’t many differences between the two, but the main focus of the SDI certification is the use of a computer while diving. I didn’t have to learn my dive tables because of this. It might not be a bad idea to learn them… but it was not required. I also have to dive every calendar year to keep my certification. (I feel like I have said, “certification” a dozen times by now!)
Yesterday, Sheryl sent me a link of some popular diving locations from around the world. The original article was posted by the Lonely Planet, a travel blog that I frequent before we go on vacation. I haven’t dove any of these, but wanted to take a second to learn about and share them these famous dive locations with you. Enjoy!
- Great Blue Hole, Belize
- Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia
- Manta Ray Village, Hawaii
- Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea
- Pulau Sipadan, Malaysia
- Cocos Island, Costa Rica
- Gansbaai, South Africa
- Ras Mohammed National Park, Egypt
- Cocklebiddy Cave, Australia
- Rainbow Warrior, New Zealand
I was surprised not to see the Great Barrier Reef on there. At least Cocklebiddy Cave was mentioned putting Australia on the map. We are hoping to visit Australia in a few years, and there is no way I am going that far and NOT diving the Great Barrier Reef. I have heard it’s one of the most magical places on earth.
When we were in Hawaii, we took a day trip to the Big Island, but I didn’t even think about diving then. We will be headed to Maui later this year, and I will be diving on that trip. Actually, I will be playing golf, scuba diving, rock climbing… who knows, I might even swim in the Seven Sacred Pools! The whales will be there when we visit, so hopefully I will be able to snorkel with them. You are not allowed to dive with the whales, but I would love to get up close and personal with one.
That is an impressive list, and hopefully I will be able to visit all of these countries and more before my time here on this earth is over. My good friend Ron is a scuba diver. He is actually a professional underwater photographer. I bet he has been to some of these places. Until next time, let’s get wet!
try search by the keyword “raja ampat” or “banda neira” at Lonelyplanet for best diving sites or “komodo national park”
Or buy a Lonelyplanets book “the traveller’s guide to planet earth”
the “best” on those 10 places above are mislead… I guess…
Dived in the Red Sea off Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Learned to dive there – my brother started the 1st dive school. Some of the best reef diving in the world. Lobster diving at midnight with no limit was always fun and delicious – until 2 am. The sun would be down at first light so it was always back in the water until noon. Bake under a make shift lean-to till late afternoon and then back in the water till dark. The first 30 seconds you can’t believe how many fish occupy a small place – for a thousand miles of coastline.
The Red Sea is a must-try! Really, you got to try it. I’ve been there once and it enchanted me. As a matter of fact, I will be returning this year to explore more of its wonders.