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Winter diving spots

Adventure diving: The world’s best winter scuba destinations

The underwater world is a unique environment where you can drift gently through clear blue water as colourful fish dart around you, explore sunken wrecks and even encounter turtles and dolphins. With a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certificate, you can dive anywhere in the world. If you haven’t got one yet, there are plenty of schools at some of the best diving spots on the planet that will introduce you to the mesmerising riches of life under the surface.

From the pristine waters of the Maldives, to the aquatic wonders of Qatar, or the unforgettable adventure of Belize’s Blue Hole, let’s look deeper into the best winter scuba destinations around the world.

Qatar

Qatar is a premier diving spot, with excellent conditions from October to May. With clear waters and warm temperatures, Qatar scuba diving is suitable for all levels. Novices can explore shallow reefs, while the more experienced will love the variety of wrecks and offshore sites to uncover.

Look out for gentle giant whale sharks, dugongs and hundreds of colourful fish in the Arabian Gulf, as well as dolphins and turtles.

The Maldives

Scuba diving in the Maldives invites you to experience world-class marine sites, coral reefs and a unique ecosystem. Come across manta rays and sea turtles as you drift peacefully through a unique underwater landscape that includes thilas (or pinnacles), caverns and deep channels.

Diving in the Maldives is best between December and April, when visibility is optimum, or from May to November for a good opportunity to meet majestic whale sharks.

The Great Barrier Reef

Stretching over 2,300km, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest in the world, hosting nearly 3,000 individual reefs. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a protected ecosystem with some of the world’s rarest marine animals, including dwarf minke whales, reef sharks and manta rays.

For great access to the manifold delights of this stunning natural wonder, head to Cairns or Port Douglas between June and November when visibility is at its peak.

Egypt’s Red Sea

Egypt’s Red Sea is one of the most popular places to learn to dive, thanks to safe waters and novice-friendly conditions. Red Sea diving is a fantastic introduction to the sport, and there are PADI-approved schools where you can learn scuba fundamentals.

For experienced divers, there are several enthralling wreck sites to explore as well as excellent conditions for underwater photography. With warm temperatures, luxury resorts and a delightful atmosphere, it’s a top year-round dive destination.

Belize Barrier Reef

Second only to the Great Barrier Reef in size, the Belize Barrier Reef stretches over 300km along the Caribbean coast. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its pristine coral reefs and stunning biodiversity. It’s also home to the unique Belize Blue Hole – a huge sinkhole with extraordinarily clear waters and fascinating marine life found only in this part of the world.

The best time to scuba dive in Belize falls between November and May, when calm seas and excellent visibility make it ideal for underwater photography.

The Galápagos Islands

Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional biodiversity. Nowhere else on the planet will you be able to see marine iguanas, Galápagos sharks and other incredibly rare creatures.

Remote diving options include Wolf Island and Darwin Island or trips out of Santa Cruz. Owing to its stronger currents, Galápagos diving is more suited to experienced divers. But for those with the requisite skill, it’s a breathtaking prospect.

Winter diving spots

Winter diving spots

Winter diving spots

Winter diving spots

Adventure diving: The world’s best winter scuba destinations

Qatar

The Maldives

The Great Barrier Reef

Egypt’s Red Sea

Belize Barrier Reef

The Galápagos Islands

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