There’s great diving to be had in some unexpected places. Here are TNT‘s top five diving destinations.
1. The UK
What: If you can get past the “oooh, it’s a bit chilly in here” then the UK offers surprisingly good diving. Dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks swim near the shores of St Ives in Cornwall and there’s great wreck diving off the Dorset and Sussex coastlines. Contact the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) to learn how to dive in the UK.
Get more info at: bsac.com; ukdiving.co.uk
2. Thailand
What: Travellers often head to Thailand to do their PADI course without breaking the bank. The small and beautiful island of Koh Tao gives divers the chance to spot the mighty whale shark – the world’s largest living fish.
Get more info at: tourismthailand.co.uk
3. The Red Sea
What: The Red Sea, renowned for its pectaclular marine life, offers some of the world’s best diving. The diverse coral ecosystem of the Ras Mohammed National Park in Egypt is popular with both beginners and more experienced divers.
Get more info at: egypt.travel
4. Greek Islands
What: Combine some great scuba diving with island hopping. The underwater caves of Corfu are good for novices and the island of Chios has several diving centres. After that, you can pop over to Crete or Santorini.
Get more info at: scubatravel.co.uk
5. Canary Islands
What: Fancy wearing a thinner wetsuit but don’t want to venture out of Europe? Head to the sub-tropical waters of the Canary Islands. El Hierro in Tenerife has superb diving, and the waters of Lanzarote are home to wrecks and underwater volcanic caves.
Get more info at: turismodecanarias.com
Words: Janine Kelso
