5 Must-Visit Dive Resorts
What better way to swim with the fish, hand-feed sharks, explore flooded caves and go inside a wrecked ship at the bottom of the sea? No wonder scuba diving is growing in popularity despite the fact that it's based on an activity that is unnatural to people – breathing through the mouth.
A common myth about diving is that people have to be in great shape to practice it. Being fit will help because scuba diving is an active sport, but any average healthy person, who can swim, can dive as well. So gear up and explore the world's underwater adventures.
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), recreational diving membership and diver training organization, suggested a list of several resorts all over the world that offer thrilling scuba diving quests.
Coral Grand Divers, Thailand
"The Land of a Thousand Smiles is truly a must-visit destination with amazing diving which includes fringing reefs, deep drop-offs, wrecks, walls, pinnacles and caverns," Sandra Wahrenberger from Coral Grand Divers says. "It is also home to a wide range of diverse marine life including turtles, rays and whale sharks. Thailand has incredible top side treasures including diverse wildlife, tropical beaches, world famous cuisine and a fascinating culture."
Trawangan Dive, Indonesia
Comprising of more than 18,000 islands, Indonesia hosts a greater variety of marine life than anywhere else on earth. Trawangan Dive Resort is an award winning scuba dive center that offers courses from beginner up to professional level, coral reef restoration study and technical diving. The vast country has unbelievable dive sites ranging from reefs you can reach by a short boat ride through to secluded reefs accessible by liveaboard. Above the surface, Indonesia has an amazingly rich and interesting culture along with an unmatched natural beauty.
Borneo Divers & Sea Sports, Malaysia
"If you imagine white sandy beaches with crystal clear water and a lush rainforest background, you start to get an idea of Malaysia," Louise Lang from Borneo Divers says. "It's home to world renowned diving including stunning walls, sloping reefs, pinnacles and coral gardens as well as more than 3,000 species of marine creatures. Malaysia's cultural diversity also makes it a must visit destination due to wonderful culinary on offer."
Asia Divers Dive Resort – El Galleon Beach Resort Hotel, Philippines
"In the Philippines, you can find almost every underwater adventure and experience you can imagine," Allison Manis from Asia Divers Dive Resort says. "Made up of over 7,000 islands with vast coral reefs and mind-blowingly beautiful flora and fauna, it's truly a scuba diver's paradise. When you are not diving, you can be rest assured of a warm welcome as the relaxed Filipinos embrace visitors as part of their unique and friendly culture."
Anthony's Key Resort in Roatan, Honduras
This resort is a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Dive Resort. You can also go dolphin diving there. Wreck diving is also very popular. "El Aguila" or "The Eagle" ran cargo between Puerto Cortes, Honduras and San Andres Island. This freighter originally sank in 1989 around the Utila Keys, Bay Islands, Honduras. It was then salvaged and brought to Roatan by Anthony's Key Resort in 1997 and sank in 100' of water for a great Bay Islands dive highlight.
More readings:
The 11 Most Dangerous Dives in the World