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Joe's Scuba Shack

Scuba Diving & Adventure Sports Guide

  • Popular
    • Scuba Diving Equipment Checklist
    • The Best Boogie Boards for Kids in 2023
    • Best Scuba Diving Drysuit Review
    • Best Cold Water Diving Gear
    • Banco Chinchorro Diving Mexico
    • Best Motorized Kayak Review
    • Best Scuba Diving San Juan Islands Washington
    • Best Scuba Diving Hoods of 2023
    • Best Scuba Diving Molokai Hawaii
    • Best Scuba Diving Gauges Reviewed and Compared
    • Best Freediving Mask Review
    • Best Scuba Diving Myrtle Beach (SC)
    • Best Beach Wagons or Carts
    • Best Spearfishing Wetsuits Review
    • Best Tubbataha Reef Liveaboards – Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
    • Scuba Diving Socorro Islands Liveaboards
    • Kursk Submarine Disaster and My Friend
    • Best Scuba Shorts Review
    • Komodo Island Scuba Diving Liveaboards
    • Gold Dredging Alaska – The Walrus
    • Scuba Diving in Anchorage Alaska
    • Best Scuba Diving Green Island Taiwan
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Sea Life & Safety/Survival
    • Best Scuba Diving San Clemente Island California
    • Best Scuba Diving in the Maldives
    • Hookah Diving Equipment Guide
  • Commercial/Shipwrecks
    • Best Underwater Metal Detector Reviews
    • Gold Dredging Nome Alaska – The Walrus
    • Kursk Submarine Disaster and My Friend
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations for Wreck Diving
    • Scuba Diving Apo Reef & Coron Wrecks Liveaboards
    • Scuba Diving in Subic Bay Philippines
    • Bikini Atoll & Truk Lagoon Wrecks Liveaboards
    • Best Diving Malaysia Labuan Wrecks
    • Best Scapa Flow Wreck Diving
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Wreck & Inspirational
  • Dive Gear
    • Scuba Diving Equipment Checklist
    • BCDs
      • Best Travel BCDs
      • Best Back Inflate BCD Review in 2023
      • Best BCDs for Women in 2023
      • Best Scuba BCD Review – Top 11
      • What is a Scuba BCD? A BCD Buying Guide
    • Binoculars
      • Best Marine Binoculars in 2023
    • Cold Water Gear
      • Best Cold Water Diving Gear
    • Compasses
      • The Best Dive Compass Review
    • Dive Bags
      • Best Scuba Dive Bag Reviews
      • Waterproof Bags
    • Dive Boots
      • Best Scuba Dive Boots
    • Dive Computers
      • Best Dive Computer for Beginners
      • Best Air Integrated Dive Computers
      • Best Freediving Watch Review
      • The Best Dive Computers in 2023
    • Dive Gloves
      • Best Scuba Diving Gloves Review
    • Dive Scooters
      • Best Underwater Scooter
      • Best Underwater Scuba Scooter – Adding Speed to the Dive
    • Dive Skins
      • Best Lycra Dive Skins Review
      • Best Rash Guard for Men Review
      • Best Rash Guards for Women Review
    • Dive Watches
      • Best Scuba Diving Watches for Women
      • The 10 Best Dive Watches
    • Dry Suits
      • Best Women’s Scuba Diving Drysuits
      • Best Scuba Diving Drysuit Review
      • Best Scuba Drysuit Buying Guide
    • Drysuit Undergarments
      • Best Drysuit Undergarments of 2023
    • Fins
      • Best Scuba Fins
      • Best Bodyboard Swim Fins Review
      • Best Fins for Snorkeling
      • Best Freediving Fins for 2023
    • First Aid Kits
      • Best First Aid Kits Reviews
    • Freediving
      • Best Lycra Dive Skins Review
      • Best Freediving Watch Review
      • Best Freediving Mask Review
      • Best Spearfishing Wetsuits Review
      • Best Freediving Fins for 2023
      • The Best Spearguns
      • Best Spearfishing Pole Spears
    • Full Face Masks
      • Best Full Face Diving Mask Reviews
      • Best Full Face Snorkel Mask
    • Gear Packages
      • Best Scuba Gear Packages of 2023
    • Gifts For a Scuba Diver
    • GPS Gear
      • The Best Marine GPS
      • Best Handheld GPS Review
    • Hoods
      • Best Scuba Diving Hoods of 2023
    • Hookah Diving
      • Best Hookah Dive System Review
      • Hookah Diving Equipment Guide
    • Knives
      • The Best Dive Knife of 2023
      • Best Titanium Dive Knife Review
      • Best Camping Knife
      • Best Kayak Knives Review
      • Best Fishing Knives Reviews
      • Best Sailing Knife Reviews
    • Marine Coolers
    • Masks
      • Best Full Face Snorkel Mask
      • Best Full Face Diving Mask Reviews
      • Best Dive Mask for a Small Face
      • Best Spearfishing Mask
      • Best Snorkel Mask
      • Best Prescription Snorkeling Mask Reviews
      • Best Scuba Mask With a Purge Valve Review
      • Best Freediving Masks
      • Best Scuba Mask – Top 10 Reviewed and Compared
    • Rebreathers
      • Best Closed Circuit Rebreathers Described and Reviewed
    • Regulators
      • Best Budget Scuba Regulator Reviews
      • Best Cold Water Regulator Review
      • Best Scuba Regulator Reviews
    • Safety Equipment
      • Essential Scuba Diving Safety Equipment
      • Best Scuba Underwater Noise Maker Reviews
      • What is the Best SMB for Diving?
    • Scuba Gauges
      • Best Scuba Diving Gauges Reviewed and Compared
    • Scuba Shorts
      • Best Scuba Shorts Review
    • Slates
      • Best Scuba Diving Slate Review
    • Snorkeling Gear
      • Best Full Face Snorkel Mask
      • Best Snorkel Masks Reviews for 2023
      • Best Prescription Snorkeling Mask Reviews
      • Best Dry Snorkel Reviews
    • Spearfishing
      • Best Spearfishing Masks Review
      • Best Spearfishing Pole Spears
      • The Best Spearguns
      • Best Spearfishing Wetsuits Review
    • Surface Marker Buoys
      • What is the Best SMB for Diving?
    • Tanks
      • The Best Scuba Tanks Review
    • Underwater Drones
      • Best Underwater Drones For Sale 2024
    • Underwater Lights
      • Thee Best Underwater Strobes Review
      • Best Scuba Dive Lights
    • Underwater Metal Detectors
      • Best Underwater Metal Detector Reviews
    • Underwater Photography
      • Best Underwater Camera Housing Review
      • Best Lens for Underwater Photography
      • Best Waterproof Camera
      • Thee Best Underwater Strobes Review
      • Best Underwater Camera Reviews in 2023
    • Underwater Signaling Devices
      • Best Scuba Underwater Noise Maker Reviews
    • VHF Marine Radios
      • Best Marine VHF Radios Reviews
    • Wetsuits
      • Women’s Wetsuits
      • Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits Reviews
      • The Best Scuba Diving Wetsuit – Features and Description
      • Best Spearfishing Wetsuits Review
      • Best Surfing Wetsuits
      • Best Wetsuits for Kayaking
  • Scuba Basics
    • Level 3: PADI Rescue Diver Requirements & Course Description
    • Level II: Advanced Open Water Dive Course
    • Flying After Diving – What You Need to Know
    • Decompression Sickness Signs, Symptoms & Prevention
    • What is Nitrogen Narcosis?
    • Scuba Diving Buoyancy Control
    • Scuba Diving Buddy System
    • Learning to Dive – Level 1: The Open Water Diver Course
    • How to Become a Certified Diver – FAQ
    • Reasons to Become a Certified Scuba Diver
  • Liveaboards/Resorts A – I
    • Alaska
      • Scuba Diving in Anchorage Alaska
    • Arctic/Antarctic
      • Scuba Diving Antarctica & the Arctic – Liveaboards
    • Argentina
      • Scuba Diving in Argentina Ushuaia Tierra Del Fuego
      • Best Diving Peninsula Valdes Argentina
    • Australia
      • Byron Bay Scuba Diving Australia
      • Scuba Diving in Townsville Australia
      • Scuba Diving the Whitsundays Australia
      • Scuba Diving from Port Douglas Australia
      • Scuba Diving in Cairns Australia
      • Scuba Diving in Adelaide South Australia
      • Scuba Diving in Gold Coast Australia Review
      • Scuba Diving Brisbane Australia
      • Best Scuba Diving in Melbourne Australia
      • Best Scuba Diving in Sydney Australia
      • Best Scuba Diving Perth Australia
      • Best Scuba Diving in Tasmania
      • Scuba Diving in Ningaloo Reef Western Australia Liveaboard
      • Best Scuba Diving Australia Liveaboards
    • Brazil
      • Best Diving in Abrolhos Islands Brazil
      • Best Fernando de Noronha Brazil Scuba Diving
    • Burma
      • Best Scuba Diving in Myanmar Liveaboards
    • California
      • Best Scuba Diving San Clemente Island California
      • Channel Islands National Park Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving San Diego California
      • Best Scuba Diving Catalina Island California
      • Best Monterey Bay Scuba Diving
    • Cambodia
      • Best Scuba Diving Cambodia
    • Carribbean, Bermuda & Cocos Islands
      • Best Cenote Diving Yucatan Mexico
      • Scuba Diving the BVI (British Virgin Islands)
      • Scuba Diving in the British Virgin Islands Liveaboard
      • Best Scuba Diving in the US Virgin Islands
      • Best Scuba Diving St. Barts
      • Best Scuba Diving St. Eustatius
      • Best Scuba Diving in Saba
      • Scuba Diving St Kitts and Nevis
      • Banco Chinchorro Diving Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Playa Del Carmen Mexico
      • Best Scuba Diving Tulum Mexico
      • Best Scuba Diving in Roatan Honduras
      • Best Roatan Honduras Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving in Haiti
      • Best Scuba Diving in the Bahamas
      • Liveaboard Diving in the Bahamas
      • Best Scuba Diving Ambergris Caye Belize
      • Best Scuba Diving San Andres Colombia
      • Scuba Diving Providencia Colombia
      • Best Scuba Diving in Guadeloupe
      • Scuba Diving in Anguilla
      • Best Scuba Diving in Antigua and Barbuda
      • Best Scuba Diving Jamaica
      • Best Diving in Cuba Reviews
      • Best Scuba Diving Cuba Liveaboard – Jardines de la Reina
      • Best Scuba Diving Dominican Republic
      • Best Scuba Diving in Panama
      • Best Scuba Diving in Cancun Mexico
      • Best Scuba Diving Puerto Rico
      • Scuba Diving St. Vincent and the Grenadines Review
      • Best St Lucia Scuba Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving in Cozumel Mexico
      • Best Scuba Diving St. Martin
      • Best Scuba Diving in Turks and Caicos
      • Scuba Diving the Cayman Islands
      • Best Scuba Diving in Trinidad & Tobago
      • Best Curacao Scuba Diving Guide
      • Best Scuba Diving in Aruba
      • Best Scuba Diving Bonaire Netherlands Antilles
      • The Best Diving in Dominica
      • Best Los Roques Venezuela Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving in Bermuda
      • Best Scuba Diving Barbados
      • Best Scuba Diving in Grenada
      • Best Scuba Diving in Martinique
      • Costa Rica Scuba Diving Reviews
      • Best Dive Trips to Belize & Cocos Island Liveaboard Diving
      • Best Caribbean Liveaboard Diving
    • Central America
      • Best Cenote Diving Yucatan Mexico
      • Banco Chinchorro Diving Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Playa Del Carmen Mexico
      • Best Scuba Diving Tulum Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Socorro Islands Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving the Sea of Cortez Midriff Island Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Loreto Mexico
      • Cabo Pulmo National Park Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving La Paz Mexico
      • Best Scuba Diving Cabo San Lucas Mexico
      • Puerto Vallarta Mexico Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving in Panama
      • Best Scuba Diving in Cancun Mexico
      • Cozumel Scuba Diving Review
      • Best Roatan Honduras Diving Liveaboards
      • Costa Rica Scuba Diving Reviews
      • Best Scuba Diving Ambergris Caye Belize
      • Best Dive Trips to Belize & Cocos Island Liveaboard Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Mexico – Guadalupe Island Shark Diving and Socorro Island Liveaboards
    • Colombia
      • Diving in Malpelo Island Colombia
      • Best Scuba Diving San Andres Colombia
      • Scuba Diving Providencia Colombia
        • Banco Chinchorro Diving Mexico
    • Europe
      • Costa Brava Spain Scuba Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Menorca Spain
      • Best Scuba Diving on Mallorca Spain
      • Best Scuba Diving on Ibiza Spain
      • Best Scuba Diving Lofoten Norway
      • Best Scuba Diving in Sicily
      • Best Scapa Flow Wreck Diving
      • Scuba Diving Sardinia Italy
      • Best Scuba Diving in Greece
      • Best Scuba Diving in Portugal
      • Best Scuba Diving in Cyprus
      • Montenegro Scuba Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving Croatia
      • Best Scuba Diving in Crete
      • Best Diving in Malta
      • Best Scuba Diving Italy Tuscan Archipelago Liveaboard
      • Best Scuba Diving Isle of Man
    • Florida & Atlantic Coast
      • Best Scuba Diving Fort Myers Florida
      • Best Scuba Diving in Sarasota Florida
      • Best Scuba Diving Myrtle Beach (SC)
      • Best Scuba Diving Marathon Florida
      • Best Scuba Diving Islamorada FL
      • Best Scuba Diving in Key West Florida
      • Best Scuba Diving Key Largo Florida
      • Scuba Diving West Palm Beach Florida
      • Best Scuba Diving Fort Lauderdale Florida
      • Panama City Florida Scuba Diving
      • Scuba Diving in Pensacola Florida
    • Galapagos
      • Scuba Diving the Galapagos Islands
      • Galapagos Liveaboard Dive Trips
    • Hong Kong
      • Best Scuba Diving Hong Kong
    • Indian Ocean
      • Great White Shark Cage Diving Gansbaai South Africa
      • Shark Diving in Mossel Bay South Africa
      • Best Scuba Diving in Pondicherry India
      • Best Scuba Diving Goa India
      • Best Scuba Diving in the Maldives
      • Best Maldives Liveaboard Scuba Diving
      • Cape Town Scuba Diving Review
      • Scuba Diving Port Elizabeth South Africa
      • Protea Banks Shark Diving South Africa
      • Scuba Diving Aliwal Shoal South Africa
      • Sodwana Bay Scuba Diving South Africa
      • Scuba Diving the Andaman Islands
      • Best Diving in Mozambique
      • Best Scuba Diving Mombasa Kenya
      • Best Reunion Island Scuba Diving Reviewed
      • Best Diving in Zanzibar Reviewed
      • Best Scuba Diving Mauritius
      • Sri Lanka Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving Madagascar Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving the Seychelles – Liveaboards
    • Indonesia
      • Scuba Diving Raja Ampat Indonesia
      • Best Raja Ampat Liveaboards
      • Best Diving Derawan Islands Liveaboards
      • Best Diving in Gili Islands Indonesia Reviewed
      • Best Sulawesi & Halmahera Liveaboard Diving
      • Best Diving Indonesia – Pulau Weh Diving
      • Best Indonesia Liveaboard Diving – Alor and Flores
      • Best Indonesia Liveaboard Diving – Cenderawasih Bay
      • Best Indonesia Diving – Wakatobi Liveaboard Diving
      • Best North Sulawesi Scuba Diving – Bunaken Island & Lembeh Strait Indonesia
      • Banda Sea Diving Liveaboards Indonesia
      • Komodo Island Scuba Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving in Bali Indonesia
  • Liveaboards/Resorts J – Z
    • Japan
      • Best Scuba Diving Okinawa Japan
    • Macronesia (Atlantic) & West Africa
      • Best Diving in Dakar Senegal
      • Best Scuba Diving the Canary Islands
      • Scuba Diving the Azores
      • Best Scuba Diving in Cape Verde Islands
      • Scuba Diving Madeira Islands Portugal
    • Malaysia
      • Kuching Diving Sarawak Malaysia
      • Best Scuba Diving Langkawi Malaysia
      • Scuba Diving in Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
      • Best Diving Redang Island Malaysia
      • Best Diving Malaysia Labuan Wrecks
      • Scuba Diving in Perhentian Islands Malaysia
      • Best Scuba Diving Tioman Island
      • Best Dive Resorts Malaysia – Layang Layang Island & Lankayan Island Borneo
      • Best Sipadan Island Scuba Diving
    • Middle East
      • Best Scuba Diving in Israel
      • Best Scuba Diving Eilat Israel
      • Best Diving Nuweiba Egypt
      • Best Scuba Diving Jeddah Saudi Arabia
      • Best Dahab Diving Holidays
      • Best Scuba Diving Marsa Alam Egypt
      • Best Scuba Diving Sharm el Sheikh Egypt
      • Scuba Diving Hurghada Egypt Review
      • Best Scuba Diving in Aqaba Jordan
      • Best Red Sea Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving in Fujairah & Dubai
      • Best Liveaboard Diving in Djibouti
      • Best Diving in Oman – Muscat
      • Best Liveaboard Diving in Oman
    • New Zealand
      • Scuba Diving Bay of Islands New Zealand
      • Milford Sound Scuba Diving New Zealand
      • Poor Knights Islands Diving New Zealand
    • Pacific Islands
      • Scuba Diving Pohnpei Micronesia
      • Best Scuba Diving Samoa
      • Best Scuba Diving Easter Island Chile
      • Best Scuba Diving Molokai Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Maui Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Kauai Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Oahu Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Hawaii Liveaboard
      • Best Scuba Diving Palau Micronesia
      • Best Liveaboard Diving Palau Micronesia
      • Best Kosrae Scuba Diving Micronesia
      • Scuba Diving the Cook Islands
      • Best Scuba Diving in Tonga
      • Scuba Diving New Caledonia Review
      • Best Scuba Diving in Vanuatu
      • Yap Scuba Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving in Guam Review
      • Best Scuba Diving in Saipan
      • Best Scuba Diving Fiji
      • Bikini Atoll & Truk Lagoon Wrecks – Liveaboards
      • Best Diving French Polynesia Liveaboards
      • Liveaboard Scuba Diving in the Solomon Islands
    • Pacific Northwest (North America)
      • Best Nanaimo Scuba Diving British Columbia
      • Scuba Diving British Columbia – Howe Sound
      • Best Scuba Diving San Juan Islands Washington
    • Papua New Guinea
      • Papua New Guinea Scuba Diving Review
      • Best Papua New Guinea Liveaboard Diving
    • Philippines
      • Best Scuba Diving Coron Philippines
      • Scuba Diving Apo Reef & Coron Wrecks Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Romblon Philippines
      • Camiguin Island Diving Review
      • Scuba Diving Siquijor Island Philippines Review
      • Best Diving in Dumaguete Philippines
      • Best Puerto Princesa Scuba Diving
      • Best Diving in the Philippines Visayas Liveaboards
      • Best Diving Philippines – Anilao Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Moalboal Philippines
      • Best Diving in Malapascua Philippines
      • Best Diving Philippines – Anda Scuba Diving
      • Scuba Diving in El Nido Palawan
      • Best Mactan Island Scuba Diving Philippines
      • Best Sogod Bay Dive Sites Philippines
      • Best Scuba Diving Boracay Philippines
      • Best Scuba Diving Puerto Galera Philippines
      • Best Panglao Island Scuba Diving Philippines
      • Scuba Diving in Subic Bay Philippines
      • Best Tubbataha Reef Liveaboards – Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
      • Best Liveaboard Diving Philippines in Malapascua & the Visayas
    • Taiwan
      • Best Scuba Diving Kenting Taiwan
      • Best Scuba Diving Green Island Taiwan
      • Best Orchid Island Taiwan Diving
    • Thailand
      • Koh Lipe Scuba Diving Thailand
      • Best Diving in Krabi Thailand
      • Best Scuba Diving Khao Lak Thailand
      • Chumphon Scuba Diving Thailand
      • Best Scuba Diving Koh Chang Thailand
      • Best Scuba Diving in Pattaya Thailand
      • Best Koh Tao Thailand Diving
      • Best Phuket Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Thailand Liveaboards
    • Vietnam
      • Nha Trang Scuba Diving Vietnam
  • Books & Media
    • Best Ocean Documentary Reviews
    • Top 10 Best Scuba Diving Movies of All Time
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Cave & Underwater Explorer Diving
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Educational & Reference
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Sea Life & Safety/Survival
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Wreck & Inspirational
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Children’s & Fiction
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Underwater Photography & Freediving
    • Best Scuba Diving Books – Pacific Northwest Marine Life
  • Swimming
    • Best Women’s Swim Shorts
    • Best Men’s Swimming Trunks
    • Best Men’s Board Shorts
    • Best Swimming Headphones
    • The Best Swim Parka of 2023
    • The Best Swim Goggles
  • Boating
    • Boating Accessories
      • Best Dry Bags Reviews in 2023
      • Best Fishing Knives Reviews
      • Best Sailing Knife Reviews
      • Best Rain Gear for Fishing
      • Best Boat Trailer Tongue Jacks in 2023
      • Best Boat Trailer Winch Reviews
      • Best Bimini Tops for Boats
      • Best Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels
      • Best Boat Ladder Review
      • Boat Anchor Rope Reviews
      • Best Boat Anchors Reviews
      • Best First Aid Kits Reviews
    • Binoculars
      • Best Night Vision Binoculars for 2023
      • Marine Binoculars
    • Canoes
      • Best Inflatable Canoes Reviews
      • Canoes
      • Best Canoe Paddles Review
    • Coolers
      • Soft Side Coolers
      • Marine Coolers
    • Electronics
      • Best Electric Air Pump for Inflatables
      • Best Marine VHF Radios Reviews
      • Best Kayak Fish Finder Review
      • The Best Marine GPS
      • Best Handheld GPS Review
    • Inflatable Boats
      • Best Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels
      • Best Inflatable Dinghy Review
      • Best Inflatable Pontoon Boats for Fishing in 2023
      • Inflatable Boats
    • Kayak Accessories
      • Best Kayak Knives Review
      • Best Kayak Rod Holders
      • Best Kayak Seat Review
      • Best Kayak Storage Racks Review
      • Best Gifts For a Kayaker
      • Best Kayak Compasses of 2023
      • Best Kayak Anchor Systems
      • Best Kayak Bilge Pump Reviews in 2023
      • Best Electric Air Pump for Inflatables
      • Best Kayak Roof Rack Systems
      • Best Kayak Carts Review
      • Best Dry Bags Reviews in 2023
      • Best Water Shoes for Kayaking
      • Best Kayak Helmet Reviews in 2023
      • Best Wetsuits for Kayaking
      • Best Drysuit for Kayaking
      • Best Kayak Fishing Paddle Reviews
      • Best Kayak Paddle Reviews
      • Best Kayak Fishing Life Jacket Reviews
      • Best Kayaking Life Jackets for Women Review
      • Best Life Vest Kayaking
    • Kayaks
      • Best Motorized Kayak Review
      • Best Pedal Kayak of 2023
      • Best Kayaks for Kids in 2023
      • Best Kayaks for Women
      • Best Touring Kayaks
      • Best Tandem Kayak Review
      • Best Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners
      • Best Kayak for Lakes Review
      • Best Ocean Kayaks
      • Best Ocean Fishing Kayak Reviews
      • Top Rated Fishing Kayaks
      • Best Beginner Kayaks Reviews
      • Best Recreational Kayaks
      • Best Inflatable Kayaks
    • Life Jackets
      • Best Jet Ski Life Jackets
      • Best Wakeboard Life Jackets Review
      • Best Inflatable Life Jackets Reviews
      • Best Kayak Fishing Life Jacket Reviews
      • Best SUP Life Vest Reviews
      • Best Kayaking Life Jackets for Women Review
      • Best Life Vest for Kayaking Review
    • Motors
      • Best Electric Trolling Motors Reviews
      • Best Small Outboard Motor Reviews
      • Best Kayak Trolling Motor Review
  • Board Sports
    • Best Electric Air Pump for Inflatables
      • Best Electric Air Pump for Inflatables
    • Stand Up Paddleboards
      • Best Stand-Up Paddle Board Reviews
      • Best Stand-Up Paddleboard for Yoga
      • Best Stand Up Paddle Board for Surfing Review
      • Best Inflatable Paddle Boards Reviews
      • Best Fishing SUP Boards
    • SUP Accessories
      • Best Paddle Board Paddles Review
      • Best SUP Life Vest Reviews
      • Best SUP Roof Rack Systems
    • Best Skimboard Brands in 2023
      • Best Skimboard Brands in 2023
    • Best Wakesurf Boards
      • Best Wakesurf Board Reviews
    • Body Boards
      • Best Bodyboards
      • The Best Boogie Boards for Kids in 2023
      • Best Bodyboard Swim Fins Review
    • Surfboards
      • Best Surfboards for 2023
      • Best Soft Top Surfboards Review
      • Best Surfboards for Beginners
      • Best Surfboards for Kids
    • Surfing Accessories
      • Best Women’s Swim Shorts
      • Best Men’s Board Shorts
      • Best Surfing Watches of 2023
      • Best Surfboard Travel Bag Reviews
      • Best Surfboard Racks for Cars
      • Best Wetsuit Booties Surfing
      • Best Rash Guard for Men Review
      • Best Rash Guards for Women Review
      • Best Surfing Wetsuits
  • Towables
    • Best Electric Air Pump for Inflatables
    • What’s the Best Kneeboard?
    • Best Wakeboards
    • Best Wakeboard Life Jackets Review
    • Best Water Skis Review
    • Best Wakesurf Boards
    • Best Towable Tubes
  • Beach
    • Best Beach Cruisers
    • Best Beach Wagons or Carts
    • Waterproof Bags
    • Best Soft Coolers for 2023
    • Best Beach Coolers for 2023
    • Best Marine Cooler Review
    • Best Beach Chairs for 2023
    • Best Beach Umbrellas Review
    • Best Beach Canopy Reviews
    • Best Beach Tent Reviews
  • Cycling
    • Best Kids Electric Scooter
    • Best Adult Electric Scooter
    • Best Folding Bikes
    • Best Camera for Cycling Review
    • Best MTB Lights Review
    • Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes of 2023
    • Best Gravel Bikes Under $2,000 in 2023
    • Best Beginner Road Bikes in 2023
    • Best Bike Computer Reviews
    • Best Comfort Bike Reviews
    • Best Children’s Mountain Bikes
    • Best Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets
    • Best Mountain Bike Helmet Reviews
    • Best Affordable Electric Bikes in 2023
    • Best Women’s Mountain Bikes
    • Top 10 Best BMX Bikes in 2023
    • Best Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 of 2023
    • Best Budget Mountain Bikes Review
    • Best Fat Bike Reviews
    • Best Single Speed Bike Reviews
    • Best Beach Cruisers
  • Camping
    • Best Portable Shower Tent for Camping
    • Best Handheld GPS Review
    • Best Binoculars for Hiking
    • Best Hiking Watches Review
    • Best Mess Kit for Camping Review
    • Best Hiking Shoes for 2023
    • Best Hiking Boots Reviews
    • Best Portable Showers for Camping
    • Best Backpacking Water Filter Reviews
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Liveaboards

Best Liveaboard Diving Philippines in Malapascua & the Visayas

11:24 pm by Joe 2 Comments

Malapascua Thresher Shark Philippines Scuba Diving

Malapascua Thresher Shark

Updated April 6, 2023

This is the first in a series that will introduce and describe the various dive services and sites for worldwide liveaboard dive safaris.  We’ll start in this post with the Philippines, specifically Malapascua, and the Visayas.

In addition to this series on liveaboards, the best worldwide dive resort locations and services are reviewed in their own series.  To check them out, or others in this series, click on Liveaboards/Resorts on the menu at the top and choose a title from the list.

Have you been diving in the Philippines before?  If so, I’d love to know about your experience.  What dive shop or liveaboard did you use?  Which dive spots are the best and what are the conditions there regarding the visibility, current, water temperature, sealife attractions, etc.?  Please post your response in the comments section at the bottom and we’ll all learn something we can use.

Best Liveaboard Diving Philippines in Malapascua & the Visayas

Map of the Visayas
Map of the Visayas

1. Malapascua  2. Pescador Island 3. Sumilon Island  4. Sibulan  5. Dauin 6. Apo  7. Sipalay  8. Cabilao  9. Panglao (Alona)  10. Anda  11. Padre Burgos  12. Limasawa  13. Liloan, Sogod Bay  14. Siquijor

Best Liveaboard Diving Philippines, Malapascua & the Visayas – Selected Dive Sites

Malapascua Scuba Diving

Malapascua has become world-famous in the last 25 years due to the very high probability of seeing thresher sharks there in relatively shallow water.  Years ago we thought it was great to go to Tingo Point off Olango Island (off Mactan) where we had a chance of seeing them in 45-60 meters if we were lucky.  Now there is Monad Shoal near Malapascua where you can plan on diving within 5-10 meters of them at depths of 20-27 meters.  Kimud Shoal is also nearby where hammerheads are often spotted.

Other highlight areas are Chocolate and Gato Islands.  There are some fascinating sites with devil and eagle rays, whitetip reef sharks,  turtles, and rich hard and soft coral areas that host sea horses, frogfish, and other great smaller critters.

In addition, you can visit the awesome cave and wreck sites, including the Tapilon Wreck and the MV Dona Marilyn, where 389 people died in the 1988 tragedy.

Cabilao Island Diving

There are great walls to 30 meters with a very rich coral reef at every dive site around the island.

From December to April hammerheads and whitetips are possible.

Frequently there are strong currents that often bring the big schools of barracudas and jacks.

A full range of corals and sponges abound and the smaller critters including ghost pipefish, seahorses, crabs, anemones, and nudibranchs are the delight of photographers. Visibility is usually great, from 15-30 meters.

Balicasag Island Diving

Balicasag is a sort of continuation and perhaps moves up to a little higher level from Cabilao.

There are the large schools of jacks and barracuda, as well as mackerel along with turtles, white and blacktip reef sharks, and mantas for the diver or photographer that likes the wide angle.

At the macro level are ghost pipefish, pygmy and thorny seahorses, nudibranchs, and abundant hard and soft corals with a huge variety of colorful reef fishes.

As you dive your way around this small island every section has its strengths and unique characteristics including intriguing walls and a “black forest” of black corals.

Moalboal Scuba Diving

There are several diverse great dive sites in the Moalboal area with the most spectacular being Pescador Island.  It is becoming redundant here to describe another fabulous site for wall diving with extraordinarily rich reef life.

Frogfish, stonefish, barracudas, and turtles are common with the chance of seeing threshers, as well.  The sardine swarms are also world-famous here.

Little Apo Island Diving

This is another great small island located just off Dumaguete that is also a marine sanctuary.  It has the usual rich coral reef and diverse fish life in the same vein as the other great locations in the Philippines.

Some wildlife of note includes sail fin gobies, radial filefish, schooling fish, bumphead wrasse, and the possibility of large pelagics.

It is most famous for a large number of turtles in shallow water that are willing for divers and snorkelers to join them for a swim.

Other Sites

I’ve not discussed a number of wonderful dive sites here including those in the Mactan/Olango area that I personally dove daily for more than 4 years.

Also, well worth visiting are Sumilon Island, Oslob, Dauin, Siquijor, and the many sites around Panglao Island.  These are all available within the itinerary of at least one of the three great liveaboard vessels doing the Philippines dive safari.

For other posts about Philippines diving, check these:

  • Scuba Diving Romblon Philippines
  • Scuba Diving Camiguin Philippines Review
  • Scuba Diving Siquijor Island Philippines Review
  • Scuba Diving Dumaguete Philippines Review
  • Philippines Puerto Princesa Scuba Diving Review
  • Best Liveaboard Diving – Tubbataha Reefs National Park
  • Best Coron Wrecks & Apo Reef Liveaboards
  • Best Scuba Diving Philippines Subic Bay Wrecks 
  • Best Diving Bohol Philippines – Panglao Island Resorts
  • Best Scuba Diving Puerto Galera Philippines
  • Best Scuba Diving Holidays Boracay Philippines
  • Best Scuba Diving Philippines Sogod Bay
  • Philippines Best Diving Mactan Island
  • Best Philippines Diving Bacuit Bay El Nido
  • Best Diving Philippines Anilao Batangas
  • Best Diving Reviews Anda Bohol
  • Best Scuba Diving Resorts Malapascua
  • Best Diving Philippines Visayas Liveaboards
  • Philippines Moalboal Scuba Diving Review

Philippines Liveaboard Dive Boats (Malapascua and the Visayas)

  • MV Seadoors
  • SY Philippine Siren
  • PY Atlantis Azores

MV Seadoors

MV Seadoors Philippines Liveaboard Dive Trips
MV Seadoors
  • July – February Itinerary: Malapascua: Monad Shoal, Bohol: Balicasag, Rudy Rock, Cabilao Light House, View Point, and Little Apo Island
  • March – June Itinerary: Tubbataha
  • All cabins have ensuite bathrooms, windows
  • Local and French cuisine
  • Experienced English and French-speaking divemasters (max 4 divers per DM)
  • Nitrox available for enriched air certified divers
  • Rebreather facilities
  • Underwater scooters available for Visayas trips
  • Steel-hulled boat

Check it on Liveaboard.com

SY Philippine Siren

SY Philippine Siren Philippine Liveaboard Dive Trips
SY Philippine Siren
  • October – January Itinerary: Malapascua: Monad Shoal, Kimud Shoal, Gato Island, Dona Marilyn Wreck, Tapilon Wrecks, Moalboal, Pescador, Sumilon, Oslob, Apo Island, Dauin, Balicasag, Cabilao, Olango Island, and Mactan
  • March – June Itinerary: Tubbataha
  • Cabins have ensuite bathrooms, TV, DVD & music players
  • Asian and International cuisine
  • Free local beers
  • Massage, laundry service, sea kayaks
  • Experienced English-speaking divemasters (6 divers per guide)
  • Free Nitrox for enriched air certified divers
  • Large boat
  • 2 automated life rafts, each accommodating 25 passengers
  • 2 motorized dinghies

Check it on Liveaboard.com

PY Atlantis Azores

PY Atlantis Azores Philippines Liveaboard Dive Boat
PY Atlantis Azores
  • June – December Itinerary: Moalboal, Sumilon, Balicasag, Panglao, Apo island or Siquijor
  • April – June Itinerary: Tubbataha
  • All cabins have ensuite bathrooms
  • Filipino and International cuisine
  • Nitrox available for enriched air certified divers
  • Re-breather facilities
  • Cameras: 3-tier table, charging station, rinse tanks
  • Aluminum hull boat
  • 3 Life rafts, each accommodating 12 passengers

Check it on Liveaboard.com

Philippines Liveaboard Dive Boats (Malapascua and the Visayas) Comparison Table

MV SeadoorsSY Philippine SirenPY Atlantis Azores
MV Seadoors - Best Liveaboard Diving Philippines in Malapascua & the VisayasSY Philippine Siren - Best Liveaboard Diving Philippines in Malapascua & the VisayasPY Atlantis Azores - Best Liveaboard Diving Philippines in Malapascua & the Visayas
Length
25 m40 m107 feet
Guests
161616
Equipment
18 EUR/day18 EUR/day$35/day
Nitrox
12 EUR/day12 EUR/day$180-364/trip
Snorkeler
Friendly
YesYesYes
Price/Day
$261$321$341
MV SeadoorsSY Philippine SirenPY Atlantis Azores

Malapascua and the Visayas Photo Opportunities

With the macro life, beautiful, diverse coral reef, and lots of fish, there are many excellent photo opportunities.  For information and reviews of diving cameras, click here:

  • Best Underwater Cameras Compared and Reviewed

Scuba Diving Trip Insurance

A cushion for emergencies provides peace of mind when on vacation.  I recommend this diving insurance as they have worldwide coverage and provide scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Feedback and Comments

I hope you found this post on the Philippines scuba diving interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  I’d love to know of any experience you have.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<< 

Filed Under: Liveaboards

Scuba Diving the Seychelles Liveaboards

1:52 pm by Joe 6 Comments

Seychelles Stingray and Golden Trevallies Seychelles Scuba Diving
Seychelles – Marble Stingray and Golden Trevallies

Updated September 8, 2022

This is the nineteenth in a series that introduces and describes the various dive services and sites for worldwide liveaboard dive safaris.  The focus in this one is on Seychelles liveaboards.

In addition to this liveaboard series, the best worldwide dive resort locations and services are reviewed in their own series.  To check them out, or other liveaboards, click on Liveaboards / Resorts on the menu at the top and choose a title.

Have you ever been diving in the Seychelles?  If so, I’d love to know about your experience.  What dive shop or liveaboard did you use?  Which dive spots are the best and what are the conditions there regarding the visibility, current, water temperature, sea life attractions, etc.?  Please post your response in the comments section at the bottom and we’ll all learn something we can use.

Scuba Diving the Seychelles – Diving, Snorkeling, and Island Tours

Country Background

Seychelles is a 115 island archipelago set 480 km (300 miles) from the east coast of Africa, 4 to 10 degrees below the equator, that tip to tip extends over 1,100 km (687.5 miles) in length.  The 41 inner islands are granite-based with surrounding coral walls, pinnacles, and canyons that have been hell on passing ships while providing a rich habitat for over 1,000 species of fish. The outer 74 islands are atolls or with a coral foundation.  Onshore, there is also a variety of unique flora and fauna.  UNESCO has designated two World Heritage Sites in Seychelles and the world’s largest coral atoll, Aldabra, is part of the archipelago.

Most human inhabitants are located on the main inner islands, Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue, where the bulk of the resorts are also located.  The vast majority of islands are not inhabited and besides the big three, only Alphonse and Desroches have accommodations.

Undersea World

While not world-class for corals, perhaps in part due to the granite foundation, the reef is pristine and the rich sea life has benefited greatly from the banning of spear and dynamite fishing in the 1960s.  The inner island substrate is made up of a shallow plateau, suitable for snorkeling, kayaking, and beginner scuba divers, deep drop-offs, and a number of well-preserved wrecks.

The plurality of the local operators is on the north side of Mahe, doing most of their diving there and not going to the south side very often.  There are 30 sites north of Mahe, about a dozen good sites around Praslin and La Digue, and 75 in all on the inner islands.  The number of divers is low enough that sites are not crowded.  The best ones are reputed to be Aldabra Atoll (outer islands),  Shark Bank, and the Ennerdale Wreck.

The difficulty level of diving is suitable for beginners with only a few requiring advanced skills.  Most liveaboards offer open water diver courses and even discover scuba diving.  The most popular courses offered are the advanced open water and specialty underwater photography certifications.  Many excellent snorkeling locations are available and passengers are encouraged to participate.

The smaller critters and macro life are quite fascinating.  There are also numerous brightly colored reef fish like surgeonfish, rabbitfish, lionfish, parrotfish, and batfish, but the main draw is this long list of larger attractions:  hawksbill and green turtles, swordfish, marlin and sailfish, barracuda, giant grouper, grey, and whitetip reef sharks, bull sharks, hammerheads, stingrays, Napoleon wrasses, whale sharks and manta and eagle rays.

Seasons and Conditions

It is always warm and diving is good year-round with the calmest seas and best visibility from March through May.  It is the coolest and windiest in the monsoon season of July and August.  October and November are the best time for mantas and whale sharks.  Water temperatures range from 78-84° F (26-29° C) requiring no more than 3mm of protection and oftentimes only a shortie.

Visibility is almost always good at 65-100ft (20-30m).  From June to October, rougher surface conditions cause a decrease in vis to the lower end of the range.

Seychelles MapSeychelles Map inner and outer islands

Seychelles Liveaboard Dive Boats

There are 5 great liveaboard boats cruising the Seychelle’s inner islands.  They all are friendly to snorkelers, kids, and non-diving passengers and offer extensive land touring.  Facilities and services are outstanding on all even though pricing is fairly reasonable.  Of the 5, the MY Pegasos doesn’t offer scuba diving, focusing more on land-based touring and shallow water activities.

  • MV Galatea
  • SY Sea Bird
  • SY Sea Star
  • SV Sea Pearl
  • MY Pegasos

MV Galatea

MV Galatea Seychelles Liveaboard
MV Galatea
  • September – June dives the Seychelles
  • 8-day itineraries include: Praslin, La Digue, Curieuse, Little Sister, and Grand Sister
  • Selected dive sites:  Coral Garden, Aquarium, Twin Barges, Aldebaran, Bay Ternay National Marine Park, Shark Bank, Bobby Island, Mariane, Sister Bank, Coco Island, Ave Maria, Brissaire (sites may vary)
  • Amenities include: leisure deck, audio & video entertainment, air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, sun deck, indoor saloon, warm water showers, outdoor dining, en-suite bathrooms
  • Western and local food
  • The crew speaks English, German, French, and Italian
  • Onboard kayaks
  • Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
  • Diving is separately priced
  • Dive courses available
  • 1 x 7m diving boat and 1 x dinghy

Check it on Liveaboard.com

SY Sea Bird

SY Sea Bird Seychelles Liveaboard
SY Sea Bird
  • Year-round dives the Seychelles
  • 8-day itineraries include: Round Island, Praslin, World Heritage Site, the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, La Digue, Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur (the Sisters), Coco Island, Booby Island, Aride Island, Curieuse, St. Pierre, St. Anne (itinerary may vary)
  • Amenities include: laundry service, leisure deck, shaded diving deck, warm water showers, outdoor dining, audio & video entertainment, library, air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, sun deck, indoor saloon
  • Separate rinse for u/w camera, charging stations
  • Western and local food
  • The crew speaks English and French
  • Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
  • Onboard kayaks
  • Diving is separately priced
  • Dive courses available
  • Tenders for diving

Check it on Liveaboard.com

SY Sea Star

SY Sea Star Seychelles Liveaboard
SY Sea Star
  • Year-round dives the Seychelles
  • 8-day itineraries include: Round Island, Praslin, World Heritage Site, the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, La Digue, Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur (the Sisters), Coco Island, Booby Island, Aride Island, Curieuse, St. Pierre, St. Anne (stops may vary)
  • Amenities include: laundry service, leisure deck, shaded diving deck, warm water showers, outdoor dining, audio & video entertainment, library, air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, sun deck, indoor saloon, en-suite bathrooms
  • Separate rinse for u/w camera, charging stations
  • Western and local food
  • The crew speaks English and French
  • Non-diver (Snorkeler) friendly
  • Onboard kayaks
  • Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
  • Diving is separately priced
  • Dive courses available
  • Tenders for diving

Check at Liveaboard.com

SV Sea Pearl

SV Sea Pearl
  • Year-round dives the Seychelles
  • 8-day itineraries include: Round Island, Praslin, World Heritage Site, the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, La Digue, Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur (the Sisters), Coco Island, Booby Island, Aride Island, Curieuse, St. Pierre (stops may vary)
  • Amenities include: laundry service, leisure deck, shaded diving deck, warm water showers, outdoor dining, audio & video entertainment, library, air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, sun deck, indoor saloon, en-suite bathrooms
  • Separate rinse for u/w camera, charging stations
  • Western and local food
  • Onboard kayaks
  • Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
  • Diving is separately priced
  • Dive courses available
  • Tenders for diving

Check it at Liveaboard.com

MY Pegasos

MV Pegasus Seychelles Liveaboard
MV Pegasos Seychelles
  • Year-round cruises the Seychelles
  • Island hopping itinerary includes: Mahe Inter Island Quay, St Anne Island, Curieuse, Cousin Island, Anse Lazio, Aride, St Pierre, Baie St Anne, Praslin, Felicite or Grand Soeur, La Digue, – Moyenne Island
  • Amenities include: laundry service, massage, leisure deck, shaded diving deck, warm water showers, outdoor dining, audio & video entertainment, TV in the cabin, paid internet, library, air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, sun deck, indoor saloon, en-suite bathrooms
  • Western and local food
  • The crew speaks English, French, and Russian
  • Snorkeling
  • No scuba diving (island hopping, land tours, snorkeling only)

Check it at Liveaboard.com

MV Galatea
SY Sea BirdSY Sea StarSV Sea PearlMY Pegasos
MV Galatea Seychelles LiveaboardSY Sea Bird Seychelles LiveaboardSY Sea Star Seychelles LiveaboardSV Sea Pearl Seychelles LiveaboardMV Pegasus Seychelles Liveaboard
Length
30 m42 m40 m 36 m45 m
Guests
1418181644
Equipment
€10/dive€190/7 days€190/7 days€30/dayNo
Nitrox
NoNoNoNoNo
Diving Package€180/6 dives€196/8 dives€196/8 dives€196/8 divesNo Diving
Dive Courses On BoardYesYesYesYesNo
Snorkeling, Kayaking Available
YesYesYesYesSnorkeling only
Price/Day
$344$219$219$161$219
MV GalateaSY Sea BirdSY Sea StarSV Sea PearlMY Pegasos

Seychelles Resorts and Hotels

Seychelles has a number of dive shops and more than 200 hotels and resorts starting at $50 per night.  Before and after your cruise you may want to spend some time taking advantage of the sun, beach, and nightlife activities by hooking up with a local resort.

The website linked below has the details and can arrange a booking for the lodging.  You can easily find the location on the map provided on this site.  Their rates are guaranteed to be the lowest and it is free to cancel or change dates.

  • Seychelles Lodging

Seychelles Photos

With the attractive coral reefs, exciting megafauna including manta and eagle rays, turtles, hammerhead and whale sharks, pelagics, intriguing macro critters, reef tropicals, and fascinating onshore scenery, as well, there are many excellent photo opportunities.  For information and reviews of dive cameras, click here:

  • Best Underwater Cameras Compared and Reviewed

Scuba Diving Trip Insurance

A cushion for emergencies provides peace of mind when on vacation.  I recommend this diving insurance as they have worldwide coverage and provide scuba divers quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Feedback and Comments

I hope you found this post on Seychelles scuba diving interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  I’d love to know of any experience you have.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

Filed Under: Liveaboards

Scuba Diving in the British Virgin Islands Liveaboard

1:39 pm by Joe 4 Comments

British Virgin Islands Liveaboard Diving
British Virgin Islands Diving

Updated September 4, 2022

This is the twenty-eighth in a series that introduces and describes the various dive services and sites for worldwide liveaboard dive safaris.  This one will focus on the British Virgin Islands liveaboards.

In addition to this series on liveaboards, the best worldwide scuba diving destinations are reviewed in their own series.  To check them out, or others in this series, click on Liveaboards/Resorts on the menu at the top and choose a title from the list.

Have you ever been diving in the British Virgin Islands?  If so, I’d love to know about your experience.  What dive shop or liveaboard did you use?  Which dive spots are the best and what are the conditions there regarding the visibility, current, water temperature, sealife attractions, etc.?  Please post your response in the comments section at the bottom and we’ll all learn something we can use.

Scuba Diving in the British Virgin Islands Liveaboard

The British Virgin Islands are a British overseas protectorate of 60 islands with a population of 28,000 full-time residents located a little east of Puerto Rico.  23,500 live in Tortola and the rest are spread around 14 other islands. The remaining islands are uninhabited.

The diving is suitable for all levels of divers with most sites at relatively shallow depths. although some sites do have significant current.  There are several famous shipwrecks amid seamounts, coral gardens, and sandy bottoms.  Local dive shops operate on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, and Cooper Island, but have a limited range and can cover only relatively nearby dive sites.  A liveaboard provides the opportunity to visit more than 100 dive sites of great variety and differences in difficulty in an environment of convenience and comfort.

Notable wrecks include the RMS Rhone, a Royal Mail Steamship, sunk in a hurricane in 1867.  It sits in two pieces in 10-80 feet (3-24 meters) of water off of Salt Island. Penetration is possible and lots of artifacts remain.  Another is the Chikuzan, a Korean refrigerator vessel, that was scuttled in 1981 in a crazy episode where after being damaged in a hurricane was set on fire.  It drifted dangerously out of control toward Marina Cay until captured and towed a distance before breaking loose and coming to rest on the sea bottom in a very unplanned location about 7 miles to the northwest of Tortola.  Today it sits in 40-75 feet (12-23 meters) of water far from any reef.  It has its resident fish, attracts lots of pelagics, and provides good penetration opportunities.

This Chikuzan wreck is considered a more advanced dive, as is the diving at Virgin Gorda and The Invisibles (underwater pinnacles), which has a strong current.

The BVI has a rich Caribbean coral reef and a great variety of small and large sea life.  Highlights are nurse sharks, southern stingrays, eagle rays, turtles, dolphins, barracuda, goliath groupers, tarpon, spiny lobster, and a variety of macro critters.

Temperatures are in a tight range between 80- 90°F (27-32°C) and diving is possible year-round.  Water temps are from 78- 83°F (25-28°C) with visibility from 60-100 feet (18-30 meters).

Caribbean Islands Map

Cuan Law BVI Sailing Route
BVI Sailing Route – Cuan Law Liveaboard

British Virgin Islands Liveaboard Dive Boats

The only liveaboard vessel serving the British Virgin Islands is the 30-meter trimaran, the Cuan Law.  Its mast is also 30 meters high and when under sail the boat can travel at a speed of 8-10 knots.  Under power, it zips along at up to 14 knots.

The skipper has an itinerary that covers most of the major dive sites and is flexible enough to make adjustments based on the abilities and interests of the divers and the conditions at sea.  Stops are made at locations like Virgin Gorda, where there is excellent snorkeling, and Jost Van Dyke and its beautiful sandy beaches affording kayaking and sailing a Hobie Cat.

All Star Cuan Law

Cuan Law - British Virgin Islands Liveaboard Dive Boat
All Star Cuan Law
  • 7-day cruises from Tortola around the British Virgin Islands
  • Potential itinerary (not locked in): Cooper Island, Salt Island, RMS Rhone Wreck, Ginger Island, Long Bay, Virgin Gorda Island, Chikuzen Wreck, Muskmelon Bay, Guana Island, Atlantic Site,  Dog Islands, The Baths, Round Rock, The Blinders, Peter Island
  • Air-conditioned saloon, aircon cabins, indoor saloon, warm water showers, audio & video entertainment, library, en-suite bathrooms
  • Free internet
  • Sun deck, leisure deck
  • Western and local food, outdoor dining
  • Photography station, separate rinse for u/w camera
  • English speaking crew
  • Onboard kayaks, non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
  • Nitrox available
  • Dive deck
  • Tenders for diving: 2 x 21-foot 115-hp tenders
  • Emergency rafts

Check it at Liveaboard.com

British Virgin Islands Liveaboard Dive Boat Summary

All Star Cuan Law
Cuan Law British Virgin Islands Liveaboard Dive Boat
Length
30 m
Guests
20
Equipment
$15/day
Nitrox
$10/day
Snorkel
Friendly
Yes
Price/Day
$469

For more detailed information regarding land-based diving on the British Virgin Islands, please check out this review:

  • Scuba Diving the BVI (British Virgin Islands)

If you are interested in eastern Florida and other Caribbean location diving reviews, please click on these links:

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British Virgin Islands Photo Opportunities

With the macro life, beautiful, diverse coral reef, and lots of fish, there are many excellent photo opportunities.  For information and reviews of diving cameras, click here:

  • Best Underwater Cameras Compared and Reviewed
  • Best Waterproof Cameras

Scuba Diving Trip Insurance

A cushion for emergencies provides peace of mind when on vacation.  I recommend this diving insurance as they have worldwide coverage and provide scuba divers quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Feedback and Comments

I hope you found this post on the British Virgin Islands scuba diving interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  I’d love to know of any experience you have diving there.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

Filed Under: Liveaboards

Great White Shark Tours Review

1:19 pm by Joe Leave a Comment

Solmar V - Guadalupe Island Shark Cage Diving

Solmar V – Guadalupe Island Shark Cage Diving

Updated November 15, 2022

This is the one hundred and eighty-seventh in a series of reviews of the best diving destinations worldwide.  In this post, the focus is on great white shark tours. In addition to this series on diving destinations, the best worldwide liveaboard diving locations and services are reviewed in their own series.  To check them out, or others in this series, click on Liveaboards/Resorts on the menu at the top and choose a title from the list.

Have you ever been great white shark diving before?  If so, I’d love to know about your experience.  What dive shop or liveaboard did you use?  Which dive spots are the best and what are the conditions there regarding the visibility, current, water temperature, sealife attractions, etc.?  Please post your response in the comments section at the bottom and we’ll all learn something we can use.

There is probably nothing more terrifying and at the same time intriguing than great white sharks.  Today many people are finding that they are widely misunderstood.  To get a close look without any real threat or danger, several locations are available to see them from the safety of a shark cage or even on the deck of a boat if that suits you better.  Several dive operations in South Africa offer half-day and full-day cruises with the opportunity to see them from surface shark cages suitable for certified and non-certified divers.  In South Australia and off Baja California, liveaboards provide full-service 2-6 day tours that not only offer surface cages but mid-water and seafloor cages as well that permit a much different viewpoint.  All use chumming and bait lines and are in areas where the sharks are common due to natural feeding opportunities on the likes of seals, fish, or penguins.

Below are descriptions of the five best-known and most popular shark cage sites.  Please review the information and take a glance at the videos to get a real feel for the excitement of the experience.

Top Great White Shark Tours

  • Gansbaai, South Africa
  • Mossel Bay, South Africa
  • False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
  • Guadalupe Island, Mexico
  • Neptune Islands, Australia

Western Cape Province Map, South Africa Gansbaai, South Africa

Often called the “Great White Shark Capital of the World”, Gansbaai is located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa two hours southwest of Cape Town.  This small fishing town has become a major tourist attraction due primarily to a large number of great whites that are there year-round focusing on the area called Shark Alley between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock where they feed on the 5,000 African penguins and 60,000 Cape fur seals in residence there.  In addition, southern right whales and several species of dolphins are commonly sighted.

The diving is done in cages attached to the boat at the surface after chumming and the use of baited lines to bring them close.  Divers and non-divers can participate and it is offered to people who just want to stay on deck, as well.  Eco-awareness and training in preparation are emphasized.

One operator also offers day cruises 2 hours outside the bay for mako and blue shark dives in open water.  These are guided dives for those with at least an open water certification at 5-10 meters (16-33 feet) of depth.

  • Seasons and Conditions – While shark cage diving leads to sightings all year, the best time is from April through September when they more consistently come to the Shark Alley area for feeding.
  • Air temperature is mild with average daily highs from 18°C (64°F) in June through September to lows of 23°C (73°F) in January and February.
  • The water temperature runs from lows of 14-16°C (57-60°F) from April through September to highs of 18-20°C (64-68°F) from October through March.  Outfitters provide you with adequate thermal protection for the cage dives.
  • Rainfall is low all year and it rarely is a factor influencing diving.
  • Currents are generally mild to non-existent in the Shark Alley site.
  • Visibility is typically 5-10 meters (16-33 feet).

All diving is done from small to medium-sized boats on half-day and day trips.  No liveaboards are possible.

  • Gansbaai Lodging Options

For my full review on shark cage diving in Gansbaai, please check out this post:

  • Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai South Africa

Mossel Bay, South Africa

Mossel Bay is a middle-sized city also in the Western Cape Province 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Cape Town and the same distance from Port Elizabeth.  This area has a lot of interesting diving on diverse undersea terrain with many of the region’s colorful invertebrates, fish, small sharks like catsharks and shysharks, a couple of historic 19th-century wrecks, the possibility of whales and dolphins from June to November, and the occasional mantas, turtles, and ragged-tooth sharks.  There is also a place called Shark Island about 10 minutes from the dock where great white sharks often congregate for feeding.

One dive shop runs regular baited cage diving tours there much like the ones in Gansbaai where chumming and baited lines are used to lure them to the cage mounted to the boat at the surface.  Again, participants may decide to remain outside the cage on deck.  No diving certification is required to get into the enclosure.

Aside from cage diving, there are dive sites and conditions suitable for all levels of divers.  The dive shops are fully equipped to provide a range of training, equipment rental, guiding, and boat tours.

  • Seasons and Conditions – Diving is possible all year in Mossel Bay.  The best time for great whites is from April through November but some are always in the Bay.
  • Average daily air temperature highs range from 17°C (63°F) in August and September to 23°C (73°F) in January and February.
  • Water temperature lows reach 15°C (59°F) in July and highs in January of 22°C (63°F).  Most divers will want a 5-7mm wetsuit when the water is warmest and a drysuit with a hood and gloves when it is at its coolest.
  • It is relatively dry with low rainfall year-round and rain is not often a factor in diving.
  • Inside the bay, currents are usually mild.  At deeper sites, it may be strong on occasion.
  • Visibility is variable and has a range of 4-30 meters (12-100 feet).

All diving is done from shore or small to medium-sized boats on half-day and day trips.  No liveaboards are possible.

  • Mossel Bay Lodging Options

For my full review on shark diving in Mossel Bay, please check out this post:

  • Shark Diving in Mossel Bay South Africa

False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

False Bay is a large body of water just to the southeast of downtown Cape Town.  There is a lot of interesting diving there with rocky terrain on the west side and sandier bottoms on the east side.  Lots of good sites are not far from shore on the west side with a nice array of cool water corals, sponges, kelp, and other invertebrates to go with a large variety of colorful fish and major attractions including catsharks, pyjama sharks, gully sharks, seven-gill sharks, a number of wrecks, resident African penguins near Simon’s Town, and a massive colony of Cape fur seals numbering 60,000 on Seal Island in the north-central portion of False Bay.  A number of operators run shark cage dives, a few outside of the bay, but many near Seal Island where the great whites congregate for feeding.

The conditions are very similar to those of the other two South African shark cage regions with chumming, baiting, and divers on the surface within the cage attached to the boat.

The dive shops are fully equipped to provide a range of training, equipment rental, guiding, and boat tours.

In the last several years, news reports indicate white shark sightings in False Bay are way down.  Let’s hope it is not permanent.  You can see from the video above published on July 10, 2019, that there was a fair number on that cruise.   This article indicates something else:  Something Fishy in False Bay as Great White Sharks Disappear 

  • Seasons and Conditions – Diving is possible all year in False Bay with the possibility of great whites historically best from October through March.
  • Average daily air temperatures are mild with highs in February at 26.5°C (79.7°F) and lows in July at 17.5°C (63.5°F).
  • The water temperature range is 12-16°C (53.6-60.8°F) on the surface but can be 1-3°C cooler at depth.  A 7mm wetsuit, hood, and gloves may suffice for some, but a drysuit is the best bet.
  • Rainfall is only 515 mm (20 inches) per year and is not often a factor in diving.
  • Inside the bay, the current is not much of a factor.
  • Visibility is variable from season to season.  With northeasterly winds in winter, the visibility is often from 5-10 meters (16-35 feet) but can extend to 20 meters (68 feet) or beyond.  During the summer, southeasterly winds can result in some surface chop and decrease visibility to less than 5 meters (16 feet).  At the same time, the dirty surface water on the east side can be blown out actually creating better visibility there.

All diving is done from shore or small to medium-sized boats on half-day and day trips.  No liveaboards are possible.

  • Cape Town Lodging Options

For my full review of scuba diving in Cape Town, please check out this post:

  • Scuba Diving Cape Town South Africa

Guadalupe Island, Mexico

Located 265 kilometers (165 miles) off the coast of Ensenada, Mexico, Guadalupe Island is accessible on 5-6 day liveaboard cruises from August through October before the rains start.  The 18-hour trip puts you on a site rich with tuna, Guadalupe fur seals, and sea lions, all of which attract large numbers of great white sharks looking for feeding opportunities.

The liveaboard yachts are well-equipped for diving and photography and run a very professional and full-service operation.  Each vessel has several cages with air supplied from the surface through hoses or with tanks.  Some cages remain at the surface and there is the possibility of non-certified divers in those.  Other cages are submersible and in some cases, it is even possible to leave the cage with only a rail between the diver and the sharks.

In the off-season, these liveaboard yachts do safaris to the Socorro Islands.

  • Seasons and Conditions – The shark cage tours only happen from August through October.
  • Water temperature at that time is in a range from 19°C to 22°C (66°F to 72°F).   Divers will likely be most comfortable in 7mm wetsuits or drysuits with a hood and gloves.
  • The rainy season begins in October toward the end of these cruises.
  • Visibility is typically 30-45 meters (100-150 feet), great for photography.

For my review of Guadalupe cage diving liveaboards, please check out this post:

  • Guadalupe Island Shark Diving

For pricing and details on the liveaboard yachts that do shark cage diving on Guadalupe Island and cruise to the Socorro Islands in the off-season, please check out these links:

  • Nautilus Belle Amie
  • Nautilus Explorer
  • Nautilus Under Sea
  • MV Solmar V
  • Socorro Aggressor
  • Socorro Vortex

Mexico Dive Sites Map

Neptune Islands, Australia

The 4 Neptune Islands are in the mouth of the Spencer Gulf off Port Lincoln, South Australia.  They are the home of albatross, rock parrots, sea eagles, sea lions, and Australia’s largest fur seal colony.  The great whites are around all year with females which are larger arriving from April to August when they have the opportunity to feast on recently born seal pups.

The Princess II is a 23-meter vessel accommodating a maximum of 12 guests that runs 2-5 day cruises year-round.  Two-day trips typically are for non-certified divers who use surface cages.  The 3-5 day tours include the possibility of floor cages for certified divers only.  Floor dives have average depths of around 18 meters (60 feet).

  • Seasons and Conditions – Liveaboards run year-round with the peak time for sharks from April to August when the females arrive.
  • The water temperature range is 14-22°C (57-72°F).  7mm wetsuits or drysuits with a hood and gloves are recommended.
  • Visibility is great at more than 20 meters (68 feet) at the surface and on the ocean floor, great for photography.

For pricing and details for the Princess II, the only yacht diving on the Neptune Islands, please check out this link:

  • Princess II

Neptune Islands Location Map

Cold Water Gear

For my reviews of cold water scuba equipment, please check out this post:

  • Best Cold Water Scuba Diving Equipment

Photography on Great White Shark Tours

With the interesting close-up shots of sharks and attractive seascapes, as well, there are excellent photo opportunities.  For information and reviews of dive cameras, click here:

  • Best Underwater Cameras Compared and Reviewed
  • Best Waterproof Cameras

Scuba Diving Trip Insurance

A cushion for emergencies provides peace of mind when on vacation.  I recommend this diving insurance as they have worldwide coverage and provide scuba divers quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Feedback and Comments

I hope you found this post on great white shark tours interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  I’d love to know of any experience you have.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

Filed Under: Liveaboards, Resort Diving

Best Scuba Diving Africa – Top 10 Destinations

1:18 pm by Joe Leave a Comment


Ragged-Tooth Sharks (Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor & Ocean Explorers Dive Centre)

Updated August 16, 2022

This is the one hundred and seventy-third in a series of reviews of the best diving destinations around the world.  In this post, the focus is on Africa.  For other “Best” reviews of liveaboards and destinations, go to “Best Liveaboards & Destinations Lists” on the top menu.

Have you been diving in Africa before?  If so, I’d love to know about your experience.  What dive shop or liveaboard did you use?  Which dive spots are the best and what are the conditions there regarding the visibility, current, water temperature, marine life attractions, etc.?  Please post your response in the comments section at the bottom and we’ll all learn something we can use.

Best Scuba Diving Africa

When you imagine the wildest, most exotic, natural environment possible, chances are Africa comes to mind.  What is diving like there?  Some of the locations are pretty remote.  Is it worth the time to travel to such distant locations?  I say the answer is yes.  Below is an introduction to 10 of the best destinations representing a variety of conditions.  (Please note, the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and the Middle East are not included in this review.)

  • Madagascar
  • Port Elizabeth, South Africa
  • Dakar, Senegal
  • Mozambique
  • Aliwal Shoal, South Africa
  • Seychelles
  • Cape Verde
  • Canary Islands
  • Sodwana Bay, South Africa
  • False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

Madagascar

Most of the best diving in Madagascar is in the Nosy Be area near the northwest tip of the Mozambique Channel.  Whether you dive from a local shop or on a liveaboard, the main focus is on the five-island Mitsio Archipelago to the north or the four-island Radames Archipelago to the south.  The marine life is diverse with 300 species of coral and 1,300 fish species in clear water on a range of basalt subsea formations with lots of plate corals, humongous sea fans, and macro critters.  The megafauna is also memorable with numerous species of sharks and rays, pelagics, sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and whale sharks.  Currents can be strong on some sites making for exhilarating drift diving.

  • Dive Season:  year-round (the best season for whale sharks is September through December and for humpback  and Omura’s whales is October through December)
  • Skill Level:  beginner to advanced
  • Water Temperature:  75-84°F (24-29°C)
  • Visibility:  usually around 100 feet (30 meters)
  • Highlights:  frogfish, spiny and slipper lobsters, nudibranchs, lizardfish, crocodilefish, octopus, pufferfish, morays, scorpionfish, bannerfish, snappers, regal angelfish, fusiliers, sweetlips, blue-spotted stingrays, titan triggerfish, batfish, Napoleon wrasses, giant groupers, schooling barracuda and jacks, 5 species of sea turtle, many shark species including whitetip reef, hammerhead, leopard, silvertip, and whale sharks, stingrays, manta, mobula, and eagle rays, tuna, dolphins, humpback and Omura’s (dwarf fin) whales

For a more detailed review of Madagascar liveaboards and scuba diving, check out this post:

  • Best Scuba Diving Madagascar Liveaboards

Check the Price & Details on Madagascar Liveaboards

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Port Elizabeth is located 478 miles (770 kilometers) east of Cape Town and occupies 10 miles (16 kilometers) of coastline along Algoa Bay.  Cold water from the west mixes with warm water flowing along the east coast creating the right conditions for a cold water reef that has a lot of hard corals one might expect on a more tropical reef, to go with cold water sponges, soft corals, and gorgonians.  The underwater topography is diverse with sandy stretches, gullies, pinnacles, rocky formations, and steep drop-offs providing excellent habitat for a range of invertebrates, macro critters, reef fish, game fish, rays, small sharks, ragged-tooth sharks, dolphins, whales, fur seals, and penguins.  Sites are available right offshore, outside the bay, and around small nearby islands.  There are also several wrecks at recreational diving depths.

  • Dive Season:  year-round
  • Skill Level:  beginner to advanced
  • Water Temperature:  59-66°F (15-19°C)
  • Visibility:  the best visibility is in the cooler winter months at 16-25 feet ( 5-8 meters) inside the bay and 33-50 feet (10-15 meters) outside the bay
  • Highlights:  nudibranchs, anemones, crinoids, sea stars, crustaceans, a variety of reef fish, rock cod, rays, ragged-tooth, pyjama, leopard, and shy sharks, game fish like cape knifejaws and musselcrackers, whales, dolphins, Cape fur seals, African (jackass) penguins, wrecks – Haerlem Wreck, Baratz Wreck

For a more detailed review of Port Elizabeth scuba diving, check out this post:

  • South Africa Scuba Diving Port Elizabeth

For information on cold water scuba gear, please check my post:

  • Best Cold Water Scuba Diving Equipment

Dakar, Senegal

Dakar is located on Cap Vert, the westernmost point of continental Africa.  In its position there the reefs have a mix of Northern Atlantic, Mediterranean, and tropical marine life on volcanic and rocky outcrops interspersed with sandy patches with interesting swim-throughs and caverns.  While not as rich in corals as many tropical areas of the world, there are abundant gorgonians, and soft and hard corals to go along with many macro critters, reef fish, pelagics, turtles, rays, sharks, and cetaceans.  Seasonal attractions are huge stingrays from December to April, nurse sharks from July to November, green turtles from January to April, and humpback whales in September and October.  In addition, there are many historic wrecks and others sunk to discourage trawlers from dragging nets across the reefs, all to the delight of divers.

  • Dive Season:  year-round (the best season for whale sharks is October and November)
  • Skill Level:  beginner to advanced
  • Water Temperature:  68-81°F (20-27°C)
  • Visibility:  16-100 feet (5-30 meters)
  • Highlights:  lobster, crabs, shrimp, octopus, scorpionfish, blennies, nudibranchs, moray eels, grouper, trumpetfish, surgeonfish, filefish, white seabream, butterflyfish, angelfish, salema porgy, saddled seabream, pufferfish, parrotfish, red carp, tiger rays, dorado, schooling trevally, barracuda, green turtles, short-tail nurse sharks, guitar sharks, 1.5-meter wingspan stingrays, eagle and manta rays, pods of dolphins and humpback whales, many wrecks including Tacoma wreck, Konnke Thie, Konnahke, and the Red Star

For a more detailed review of Dakar scuba diving, check out this post:

  • Dakar Senegal Scuba Diving

Mozambique

With twice the area of California, a 1,535-mile (2,470-kilometer) coastline, and numerous offshore islands and reefs, Mozambique offers a great list of megafauna on its many pristine dive sites across the length of the shoreline.  Interesting subsea terrain of fringing reefs, rocks, walls, pinnacles, and arches are richly encrusted with a great diversity of hard and soft corals, gorgonians, and sponges.  There is an array of macro critters, reef tropicals, and pelagics to go with seasonal mantas, whale sharks, and humpback whales, and an astounding list of other sharks, rays, pelagics, dolphins, and even dugongs.

  • Dive Season:  year-round
  • Skill Level:  beginner to advanced
  • Water Temperature:  73-84°F (23-29°C)
  • Visibility:  80-130 feet (24-40 meters)
  • Highlights:  leaf fish, peacock flounders, frogfish, nudibranchs, crocodilefish, lionfish, snappers, sweetlips, grouper, fusiliers, moray eels, schooling trevally, barracuda, tuna and other pelagics, leopard, silvertip, hammerhead, tiger, bull, blacktip and whitetip reef, and guitar sharks, marble stingrays, eagle rays, dolphins, dugongs,  whale sharks, and manta rays appear from November through April with humpback whales coming from June through October

For a more detailed review of Mozambique scuba diving, check out this post:

  • Best Scuba Diving Mozambique

Aliwal Shoal, South Africa

Aliwal Shoal is a fossilized sand dune 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) offshore from Umkomass in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa.  This Marine Protected Area (MPA) benefits from warm currents running along the coastline from the north that bring plankton and nutrients enriching the bountiful reef of hard and soft corals, and sponges.  The subsea terrain consists of rocky areas, overhangs, and caverns that make a good habitat for a rich variety of macro critters, reef tropicals, and megafauna.  A fantastic array of turtles, rays, pelagics, cetaceans, and many species of shark are the highlights.  Ragged-tooth sharks migrate for breeding from June to November, whale sharks in summer, and a baiting program brings in many shark species with masses of oceanic blacktips and individual tiger sharks common.  The pilchard run can be breathtaking, as well, and there are also wrecks to explore at recreational depths.  Passage through the surf to get to the shoal makes for an exciting boat trip and currents can be strong at times.

  • Dive Season:  year-round
  • Skill Level:  beginner to advanced
  • Water Temperature:  70-79°F (21-26°C)
  • Visibility:  10-130 feet (3-40 meters)
  • Highlights:  mollusks, crustaceans, flatworms, sea spiders, seahorses, anemones, scorpionfish, sea moths, lionfish, octopus, nudibranchs, eels, stonefish, paperfish, frogfish, triggerfish, potato cod, cardinalfish, sergeant majors, soldierfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, wrasses, large stingrays, green, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, eagle, mobula, and manta rays, kingfish, tuna, barracuda, from June to November ragged-tooth sharks migrate from the south for breeding, whale sharks in summer, oceanic blacktip, tiger, hammerhead, thresher, Zambezi (bull), dusky, whitetip reef, and giant guitar sharks, billions of South African pilchards run from May through July, wrecks – MV Produce, SS Nebo

For a more detailed review of Aliwal Shoal scuba diving, check out this post:

  • Aliwal Shoal Scuba Diving South Africa

Seychelles

Situated below the equator 300 miles (480 kilometers) to the east of mainland Africa, the 115 islands of Seychelles have an inviting warm climate and great diving year-round.  The granite-based undersea topography is not as rich in corals as Caribbean or Southeast Asian sites, but it is pristine and supports diverse marine life rich in macro critters, reef tropicals, and the main larger attractions like turtles, a variety of sharks including bull, silvertip, hammerhead, and whale sharks, stingrays, eagle and manta rays, and pelagics like marlin and swordfish.

  • Dive Season:  year-round (the best season for whale sharks is October and November)
  • Skill Level:  beginner to advanced
  • Water Temperature:  78-84°F (26-29°C)
  • Visibility:  65-100 feet (20-30 meters)
  • Highlights:  nudibranchs, spiny lobsters, octopus, Spanish dancers, mantis shrimp, lionfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, squirrelfish, surgeonfish, rabbitfish, lionfish, parrotfish, batfish, giant groupers, bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasses, hawksbill and green turtles, swordfish, marlin, sailfish, barracuda, ribbon-tailed stingrays, grey and whitetip reef sharks, bull sharks, hammerheads, nurse sharks, silvertip sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, whale sharks, manta and eagle rays, wrecks – Ennerdale and Aldebaran

For a more detailed review of Seychelles liveaboards and scuba diving, check out this post:

  • Scuba Diving the Seychelles – Liveaboards

Check the Price & Details on Seychelles Liveaboards

Cape Verde

Spread over a broad area, Cape Verde (Republic of Cabo Verde) is an archipelago of 10 main islands 350 miles (570 kilometers) off the coast of Senegal, West Africa.  Warm tropical waters combined with cooler Atlantic currents on a volcanic subsea terrain of sandy bottoms, rocky formations, caverns, walls, and crevices provide habitat for a wide range of marine life.  There are colorful invertebrates in the form of encrusting corals and sponges and a variety of macro critters including many crustaceans and nudibranchs along with scorpionfish, frogfish, morays, and a variety of reef fish.  Currents in some areas bring nutrients that encourage a variety of turtles, sharks, mantas, game fish like tuna and wahoo, dolphins, and whales to spend time around the islands.  In addition, there are remains of 70 historic wrecks and a number of divable more recent ones.

  • Dive Season:  year-round
  • Skill Level:  beginner to advanced
  • Water Temperature:  73-81°F (23-27°C)
  • Visibility:  33-140 feet (10-40 meters)
  • Highlights:   moray eels, nudibranchs, slipper, and spiny lobsters, shrimp, sea spiders, frogfish, cushion starfish, scorpionfish, sea snakes, surgeonfish, cape yellowtails, sergeant majors, trumpetfish, filefish, pufferfish, angelfish, cardinalfish, goatfish, stingrays,  groupers, tuna, wahoo, schools of barracuda, sand tiger, nurse, lemon, hammerhead, mako, tiger, bull and whale sharks, manta rays, hawksbill, leatherback, and loggerhead turtles, dolphins, pilot whales, year-round humpback whales, wrecks – Kwarcit Wreck, Teliarte Wreck, Lost Anchor, Santo Antao Wreck, Dajarti Wreck

For a more detailed review of Cape Verde scuba diving, check out this post:

  • Scuba Diving Cape Verde Islands

Canary Islands

Set 62 miles (100 kilometers) west of Morocco, the 7 main islands and numerous islets of the Canary Islands have a volcanic subsea terrain influenced by the warm Gulf Stream, Canary currents, and cold ocean currents with lots of nutrients coming from more tropical areas.  The corals aren’t rich but the topography of ledges, lava flows, caverns, and boulders supports 550 fish species and 1,000 invertebrates.  There are 3 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to help nurture and maintain the pretty rich macro life and reef tropicals with many large attractions that include a variety of rays, sharks, turtles, pelagics, and cetaceans.  Most of the mammals and pelagics are there year-round with mantas more common in September.  In addition, there are dozens of wrecks from many eras and an underwater gallery of sculptures called Museo Atlantico with 35 works of art creating a surreal reef scene.

  • Dive Season:  year-round
  • Skill Level:  beginner to advanced
  • Water Temperature: lows in January of 66°F (19°C) and highs of 74°F (23°C) in August
  • Visibility:  100 feet (30 meters) or better
  • Highlights:  moray eels, garden eels, crabs, sea urchins, nudibranchs, seahorses, octopus, cuttlefish, scorpionfish, trumpetfish, damselfish, pufferfish, glass-eyes, goatfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, boxfish, drummers, groupers, jacks, marlin, tuna, mobulas, common and marbled stingrays, eagle and manta rays, blacktip, whitetip, nurse, guitar, angel, hammerhead, mako, bull, silky, and whale sharks, 400 resident pilot whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, false killer whales, orcas, dolphins, 5 species of turtle (green, hawksbill, leatherback, Kemps Ridley, and loggerhead)

For a more detailed review of Canary Islands scuba diving, check out this post:

  • Best Scuba Diving the Canary Islands

Sodwana Bay, South Africa

Sodwana Bay is located just down the coastline from the excellent diving in Mozambique in the far northeast corner of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province.  The dive sites are set on the sandstone continental shelf with 1,200 species of fish and 100 species of coral that is mostly in pristine condition.  Surfers are delighted with the breaks and there is generally north to south drift for divers.  Macro life and reef tropicals are diverse and the megafauna of pelagics, stingrays, mantas, sharks, dolphins, and whales is truly impressive.  Mantas, ragged-tooth sharks, and leatherback and loggerhead turtles all migrate to the area from December through February with humpback whales coming from June through October.  Of note for the technical community, Sodwana Bay’s Jesser Canyon is the site where divers approached coelacanths at 330 feet (100 meters).

  • Dive Season:  year-round
  • Skill Level:  beginner to advanced
  • Water Temperature:  70-84°F (21-29°C) with the low in August and high in January
  • Visibility:  usually 50 feet (15 meters) or better
  • Highlights:  seahorses, ghost pipefish, scorpionfish, paperfish, lobster, nudibranchs, anemones, giant clams, morays, butterflyfish, angelfish, sergeant majors, sea goldies, fusiliers, surgeonfish, trumpetfish, hawkfish, numerous varieties of snapper and sweetlips, giant potato cod, stingrays, reef sharks, barracuda, jacks, pelagics, seasonal migrations of whale sharks, ragged-tooth sharks, nesting turtles, right and humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, extreme technical divers located coelacanths at 100 meters (350 feet) in Jesser Canyon

For a more detailed review of Sodwana Bay scuba diving, check out this post:

  • Diving Sodwana Bay South Africa

False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

False Bay is a protected area on the south side of Cape Town.  The west side of the bay is generally rocky with more steep drop-offs when compared to the east side of predominantly sandy bottoms.  Current is not much of a factor but surface chop gets more intense during the summer months when the southeasterly winds kick up.  There is an extensive cool water reef of mostly soft corals, sponges, sea fans, other invertebrates, and kelp, with diverse macro life, reef fish, and a large number of small sharks like shy sharks and catsharks, along with the much larger seven-gill shark, and great white sharks which come to feed on the up to 60,000 Cape Fur seals that take refuge on Seal Island in mid-bay.  Many dive shops operate shark cage dives there to allow a close look.  There is also a large colony of African penguins (jack-ass penguins) near Simon’s Town and several wrecks mostly at depths suitable for advanced and technical divers.

  • Dive Season:  year-round
  • Skill Level:  beginner to advanced
  • Water Temperature:  54-61°F (12-61°C)
  • Visibility:  16-68 feet (5-20 meters)
  • Highlights:  crinoids, brittle stars, sea stars, sea pens, anemones, crinoids, lobster, crabs, octopus, cuttlefish, dozens of species of nudibranch, horsefish, strepies, pufferfish, Roman fish, Hottentot seabream, stumpnoses, a large number of sharks like puffadder shy sharks, leopard catsharks, pyjama sharks, and gully sharks, seven-gill sharks, African penguins (jack-ass penguins), Cape fur seals, great white sharks, wrecks – SAS Pietermaritzburg, Clan Stuart, Lusitania

For a more detailed review of Cape Town scuba diving, check out this post:

  • Scuba Diving Cape Town South Africa

For information on cold water scuba gear, please check my post:

  • Best Cold Water Scuba Diving Equipment

Other African & Southwest Indian Ocean Scuba Diving

For my reviews of some other African and Southwest Indian Ocean scuba diving areas, please check these posts:

  • Protea Banks Diving South Africa
  • Scuba Diving Mombasa Kenya
  • Zanzibar Scuba Diving Review
  • Scuba Diving Mauritius Review
  • Scuba Diving Reunion Island

Photography in Africa

With the colorful coral reefs, a variety of fish, marine life, sharks, turtles, shipwrecks, and beautiful and historic onshore targets, there are many excellent photo opportunities.  For information and reviews of dive cameras, click here:

  • Best Underwater Cameras Compared and Reviewed
  • Best Waterproof Cameras

Scuba Diving Trip Insurance

A cushion for emergencies provides peace of mind when on vacation.  I recommend this diving insurance as they have worldwide coverage and give scuba divers quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Feedback and Comments

I hope you found this post on the best scuba diving in Africa interesting and useful.  If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  I’d love to know of any experience you have.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

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