Learning to scuba dive - the purist form of escapism

I have asked on numerous occasions why I decided to try scuba diving, and to be honest, I don’t think it was a conscious decision; I just sort of stumbled upon it. It was just one of those standard parts of the travelling experience, something that you do as you while away the days passing through countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Australia.

What I discovered was unique; it was the genuine escape that you hear people talking about in the office, and my life was changed by those few days scuba diving in Thailand, from that day on, all of my vacations were dictated by where I could scuba dive next.

I had my intial scuba diving lessons ten years ago, and since then I have enjoyed some of my life’s most amazing moments whilst scuba diving. I am certainly not alone, and indeed it is one of my favourite pastimes talking with other scuba divers, sharing experiences, and discussing at what point they realised that they too were hooked.

Today scuba diving is one of the fastest growing sports, and every year increasing numbers are taking courses such as the PADI Open Water diving course, enabling them to experience the awesome wonders beneath the surface.

So for those of you who are looking for something different and unique, why not consider taking some scuba diving courses and learning to dive.

Today, there are an increasing number of dive operators and dive companies offering scuba diving lessons, and given the rapid growth of the sport, this trend is only set to continue.

Worlds Best Dive Sites #5 - Chuuk Lagoon

Chuuk Lagoon, often known as Truk Lagoon, is widely accepted as being one of (if not the) worlds finest wreck dive site. Located in the Federal Republic of Micronesia, Chuuk Lagoon is the home to over 50 shipwrecks, which are scattered over the seabed on this beautiful, peaceful lagoon.

The large number of wreck dive sites at Chuuk Lagoon, are predominantly the result of Operation Hailstone, were the US navy launched a massive attack on the Japanese naval and airbase located at Truk. During the sustained attack, which lasted a total of two days, the US navy sank three Japanese light cruisers, six destroyers, three other warships and 32 merchant ships. As well as the large loss of ships, the Japanese also lost over 250 aircraft in the attack on Chuuk Lagoon, sinking only 25 US aircraft.

The result for scuba divers, is that Chuuk Lagoon now offers one of the largest wreck dive sites in the world, with not only a huge number of individual wrecks, but also the most diverse range to be found anywhere.

Today, scuba divers can visit these wrecks in Chuuk Lagoon, cruising over the decks which have nowadays been overtaken by coral and marine life. Each wreck has its own unique character and personality, ensuring that Chuuk Lagoon has something to offer every scuba diver.

Of all the wrecks in Chuuk Lagoon, the most popular by far is the wreck of the Fujikawa Maru. Initially built as a passenger/cargo carrier, the Fujikawa Maru was taken over by the Japanese navy in December 1940. She was sunk during Operation Hailstone by a single torpedo stike amidships.

Today, the Fujikawa Maru sits upright in the waters of Chuuk Lagoon, in shallow water. Still in relatively good condition, it is still possible to see the Japanese Zero fighters in the hold.

Overall, Chuuk Lagoon lives up to its billing as one of the worlds finest wreck diving sites, and is steadily becoming more popular with the diving masses. For those divers who are really seeking that more unique scuba diving holiday, Chuuk Lagoon certainly delivers for those who are willing to get there. Why not visit the Scubaworld web site for more information on scuba diving in Chuuk Lagoon.

Scubaworld Redesign

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Worlds Best Dive Sites - The Blue Hole In Belize

When scuba diving in Belize, without doubt the main attraction for divers is the opportunity to visit the Blue Hole of Belize. A part of the Lighthouse Reef coral reef, the Blue Hole is located approximately 60 miles off the coast at Belize City, and thought by many to be one of the worlds best dive sites.

Measuring over 350 metres across, and almost 480 feet in depth, the Belize is almost perfectly circual in its circumference. Surrounded by shallow reef and bright blue, crystal clear water, the centre of the hole is a dark blue, giving the hole its famous name. The diving at the Blue Hole is a unique experience, with all aspects of it differing from the usual experiences of diving on coral atolls.

Dives begin from the boats above the shallow sand slopes on the edge of the whole, and it is from here that you begin your rapid descent into the depths below. From the edge of the hole, the sandy slopes are replaced by sheer limestone walls which fall away into the depths below. Once you have reached your maximum depth, the slow ascent begins through the myriad of stalactites which surround the edges of the Blue Hole.

Due to the extreme depths of the Blue Hole, there is not necessarily a large amount of coral growth or marine life to be seen on the dive, however there is the opportunity to see some of the large (Bull, Hammerhead, Lemon and Reef) sharks which inhabit the Blue Hole.

Overall, the Blue Hole in Belize is a truely unique dive, which is well worth of its fame and notoriety. If you are looking to go scuba diving in Belize, then it is worth the long trip out to the Blue Hole

Worlds Best Dive Sites #4 - Scapa Flow In Scotland

Scapa Flow is located approximately 16 miles off the coast of mainland Northern Scotland, and is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of wreck diving sites to be found anywhere in the world. Covering 73 square miles, Scapa Flow is essentially a huge basin, and one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Today, around 20,000 scuba divers visit Scapa Flow each year, and wreck diving is undoubtedly one of the major sources of income for the local economy.

The majority of the wrecks at Scapa Flow have come about from a mass scuttling of the German Fleet in 1919, when the German Commander incorrectly thought that hostilities had been resumed. Rather than see the fleet captured, he order the immediate sinking of the 79 German ships which were in the harbour at time.

Today, wrecks such as The Brummer, a German cruiser, and the Kronpriz Willhelm are well known amongst serious wreck divers. In addition other wrecks in Scapa Flow such as the Konig and the James Barrie also present excellent opportunities for wreck divers.

A wide variety of marine life have made Scapa Flow their home, and with the cold tidal water proving a rich source of nutrients, large populations of animals have developed healthy populations in the region. In particular, Scapa Flow has one of the largest populations of grey seals to be found anywhere in Northern Europe.

For those individuals wishing to dive the wrecks, we have listed below a number of Scapa Flow dive operators:

Stromness Diving Centre

You can also find more information on scuba diving in Scotland at the Scubaworld web site.

Worlds Best Dive Sites #3 - Thistlegorm Wreck In Egypt

A truely legendary dive site, the Thistlegorm wreck has everything that a wreck diver would look for. Lots of life, interesting cargo in and around the wreck itself, and more importantly, a story that surrounds the legendary wreck itself.

On 6th October, 1941, the SS Thistlegorm was carrying a full load of cargo including motorbikes, lorries, uniforms and other supplies when it was spotted by a German plane. Subsequently, two German bombers were dispatched to the area where the Thistlegorm was spotted, they found it, and subsequently sank it. The Thistlegorm wreck now lies in approximately 30 metres of water, in the northern most part of the Red Sea, off the west coast of the Sinai Peninsula.

Today, large numbers of scuba divers visit the Thistlegorm wreck each day, to marvel at the cargo strew around the sea bed near the hull, and then to slowly penetrate the wreck itself, where much of the original cargo still can be found.

Despite the large numbers of scuba divers visiting the wreck of the Thistlegorm, there is a good amount of marine life in and around the wreck, and you are likely to encounter large numbers of jacks, snappers and barracuda around the wreck of the Thistlegorm.

Overall, the Thistlegorm is definately worth a visit and the long trip out to the wreck by boat, the majority of which leave from Sharm El Sheikh early in the morning. Do expect to pay extra for the long distance out to the wreck, however after you've done your two dives, your memories of the Thistlegorm Wreck itself will stay long in your thoughts, not the few extra dollars you paid to get there. If you would like more information on diving in the Red Sea, or Red Sea liveaboards, why not visit the Scubaworld website, which covers all aspects of diving in the Red Sea in detail.

Worlds Best Dive Sites #2 - Tiputa Pass In Rangiroa

Lying approximately 200 miles northeast of Tahiti is Rangiroa, an island famed for its stunning beauty over the water, and for large animal encounters below it. Famous for huge currents and tides, this part of the world offers some of the most exciting scuba diving in the world. For those who yearn still for the increased element of adventure, one of the most thrilling elements of Rangiroa is that it is still relatively inexplored. Given the stunning dives that have already been located in the French Polynesia regions, it certainly wets the appetite to think what incredible dive sites may yet still be discovered in the region.

What really attracts scuba divers to the Rangiroa region though, is the opportunity to encounter some seriously big marine life, and in paricular the sharks that frequent the channels where drift diving has become popular. Throughout Rangiroa, common sightings include grey reef sharks, white tips, lemon and black tips, as well as hammerheads in some of the deeper waters.

Of all the dive sites in the region, by far the most famous is the incredible drift dive at Tiputa Pass, which utilises the incoming tide through the narrow pass between the islands. Starting off at Shark Cave in about 30 metres, the dive takes (or fly's!) you through the channel, amongst the marine life before leaving you on the other side in about 18 metres of water. Manta Rays are also a common sighting in the region.

If you would like to find out more about the opportunities for scuba diving in Rangiroa, or are just thinking about a scuba diving holiday, why not visit our main scuba diving website, where we cover all the worlds major scuba diving destinations in detail.