You may already be in the process of planning the ultimate dive vacation that will deliver you from the doldrums of 2013.
Each dive destination has their prize dive spot or two that contributes to a perfect underwater getaway. Here are some of the most memorable dive spots to assist you in your destination decision this year:
Bahamas - White Sand Ridge is off the northwest end of Grand Bahamas and you are likely to encounter wild spotted and bottlenose dolphins that can be seen over the shallow and clear blue waters. The Big Blue Hole in Andros is a deep dive (about 100 feet) and if you concentrate on viewing the opening through which you descended, an oceanic blue hole, you can see an imaginary silhouette of a sea monster with hollow eyes and a large open mouth. It all seems so spooky but yet surreal.
Bonaire - This beauty of a destination gives us the "Red Slave". This southern site promises to show you some of the most enthralling midnight parrotfish, schools of French grunts and huge morays along with sea turtles and southern stingrays intermingled with spectacular sponges. It is a smorgasbord of colossal colors and a multitude of species.
Curacao - A family island and dream destination all built into one. If you are looking to stick with shore diving, this is the place for you. Porto Marie is one of those shore dives with massive amounts of marine life to be seen at shallow depths. If you want to venture further, check out the Blue Room. This is a 20-foot deep-air-filled cavern tucked under the mooring balls for the fishing boats amongst piles of star corals and under a cloud of festive marine life.
Grand Cayman - When you think Grand Cayman, your mind wanders to the towering 9-foot bronze mermaid statue placed on Sunset Reef. It draws throngs of divers for the novelty of the site itself and the opportunity to snap a picture or two.
Australia - Move further around the world and make a stop in Australia at Heron Island, on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef off Gladstone. It is a coral island which has never-before seen nudibranchs, sea snakes, clownfish, a manta cleaning station, sea turtles and sharks. It is a magical kingdom of marine life.
The Maldives - This is a 'must dive' destination. Take some underwater video footage at Lankanfinolhu Faru where you will witness a manta cleaning station. For the more adventurous soul, Ari Atoll is a hideout for whale sharks, manta rays and schools of hammerheads that gather over fields of hard coral.
The Galapagos Islands - The popularity of these islands continues to rise as visitors experience Darwin Island, home to dolphins, yellowfin tuna, silky and hammerhead sharks and possibly even whale sharks and orcas if you the hit the season right.
Belize - It is time to brave Belize and the Half Moon Caye Wall. It can be described as a spur-and-groove reef that leads to a thickly ornamental wall. Feast your eyes upon spotted eagle rays, sea turtles and mantas.
Why not diversify your diving with destinations around the world? This is just a quick peek into what is in store for you. There are endless dive spots that will keep you busy for years of underwater vacationing.
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