Ready to take the plunge, go for a dip in Turquoise calm water's? Island Magazine has rated the top 25 destinations for snorkeling and diving in the world. Time to get out the snorkels and dive gear and head off to your underwater fantasy vacation of a lifetime.
Coming in at the 25th spot is Plaza Del Sur in the Galapagos. Imagine swimming with marine Iguanas and some of the worlds largest Sea Turtles. However, the animal that win's the prize for the most endearing has to be the ones that have won a very special title, "The Clowns of the Sea" or the Galapagos Sea Lions. When you arrive in the Galapagos to the main island of Santa Cruz, and the little town of Puerto Ayora catch the boat ride out to Plaza Del Sur and there you will be greeted by thousands of Sea Lions. The official greeters of the Galapagos whose endearing charm will capture your heart and soul and change you forever The youngsters with their large puppy dog eyes and whose curiosity will definitely give you a once over. Mom's and adults are more weary, and the large males (Bulls) might give you a warning bark to stay at a bay. Never the less, this encounter will definitely steal the show.
Next on the list is a spot in the South Pacific that has still yet to be completely discovered., the Solomon Islands. The Uepi Island Resort located in the Morovo Lagoon is home to one of the rarest creatures that you will get to see on a diving vacation here, The Chambered Natilus. these very unique inhabitants of this region are in the family cephalopod are known for their beautiful circular shell that sadly is favored by collectors, yet the real animal is in fact one of the most amazing, feel very blessed if you get to experience seeing one of these unusual creatures.
What better place to have the opportunity to snorkel with Wild Dolphins than Bimini in the Bahamas. Here is the trick to attract the magical encounter with one of the world's most endearing Cetacean's.. shape shifting, yes you become the fish yourself. One of the pioneering companies in swimming with wild Dolphins, Bimini Undersea Adventures began this very enterprising and increasingly popular experience 15 years ago. Instead of going to theme parks, and spending your money swimming with Captive animals , who thrive much better remaining in the wild. The promise is an experience that will literally change your life forever. Guaranteed you will never be the same after that.
If you are one of those people who prefers being a bit more pampered and wants a touch of luxury, The Maldives are one of those places. You can actually stay at the Poseidon Underwater resort and view the sea below right from your bedroom window. Looking for something a bit more remote? on a small atoll 25 miles west of the international airport is the resort of Melilgandu. Here you will be greeted by a vibrant and intensely blue sea with bungaloos that cradle the edge of the sea. The elegance of this resort will draw you into your dream fantasy, perfect for honeymooners. Spend time snorkeling in this sparkling underworld of colorful fish and other jewels that lie in the sea below.
Not too far from Australia in the South Pacific lies New Britain island part of Papua New Guinea. Here in this unique ecosystem you will have close encounters with creatures of a rare variety, The spiny devilfish, gemlike filefish and other exotic underworld animals not seen elsewhere. Who knows you might even become one of those peoples who discovers a new animal, and there you find yourself entered in the Guiness Book of World Records.
Remember the film South Pacific? although filmed in Hawaii, what comes to most peoples minds is Tahiti when the South Pacific comes up. The smaller islands of Rurutu and Huahine, become a whale lover's paradise from August to October. Like in other locales in the world, such as Hawaii and Baja, Humpback Whales come here to mate and give birth to their young. These islands are one of the favorite stops for these amazing Whales and having the opportunity to snorkel in these waters is an opportunity that only certain people even dream of. Here you can go out on a three hour excursion with Raie Manta Club , the only operator on the island. Here a a scientist will teach about the whales while captain looks for the whales (encounters are never guaranteed). Once the boat approaches a single whale or pod, you'll dip into the 100-foot-deep waters so clear that you will feel as though you are looking into a mirror . Out of respect, Snorkelers are not allowed to approach the whales, however often times these animals might be somewhat curious and approach you. Can you imagine having that kind of magical encounter that will have more impact that you can even imagine.
There are many other diving locations in the world that will offer you once in a lifetime experiences. Here is an additional list of some other amazing diving destinations to check out.
Les Medes Islands, Spain
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Corn Islands, Nicaragua
Menjangan Island, Bali
Sipadan Island, Borneo
Lord Howe Island, Australia
Laughing Bird Caye, Belize
Stingray City, Grand Cayman
Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Catalina Island, California
Champagne Reef, Dominica
Maui, Hawaii
Dry Tortugas, Florida
Bonaire
Bligh Water, Fiji
Bay Islands, Honduras
Big Island, Hawaii
This year why not consider that special underwater vacation and you might find yourself in a world that you never imagined.
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