Five Great Dive Spots to Visit Now
No matter if you’ve been scuba diving for 20 years or 20 days, you know that there are iconic locations around the world that all divers should put on their bucket lists. Whether it’s Belize’s Blue Hole or Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, you’ll get to those well-known destinations someday. While you’re waiting for crowds or costs to go down in these beloved areas, consider checking out five great dive spots that aren’t iconic yet but just might be in another decade.
1.The Corn Islands, Nicaragua
Located on Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast, the Corn Islands have long been popular with anthropologists, anglers and particularly adventurous travelers. As Nicaragua has developed a stronger tourist infrastructure, these serene islands have also become a hot spot for scuba divers and snorkelers. One of the most popular dive sites around the islands is Blowing Rock, a volcanic formation that reaches more than 80 feet under water.
2.Open Pit Mines, Minnesota
Minnesota’s natural lakes have long been a favorite among divers. If you’re looking for something different in the heart of the U.S., though, consider heading to one of the many open pit mines in the state. These man-made mines are home to an impressive array of freshwater fish, turtles and other critters. The Crosby Mine Pits are a must-dive for first time visitors.
3.Sardinia, Italy
The warm waters of the Mediterranean around Sardinia have become a popular stopover for scuba divers in recent years. The area boasts a wide variety of stunning fish and sea life. If you’re interested in diving down to ship wrecks, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the more than 100 boats and ships on the sea floor around Sardinia.
4.Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
When you think of diving, Iceland is probably one of the last places that comes to your mind. The area is hardly reputed to be tropical or warm, but scuba divers who are willing to brave the cold waters are in for a real treat. The American and Eurasian continental plates meet in the park, creating a deep rift that divers can explore dozens of times.
5.The Inside Passage, Alaska
Alaska’s Inside Passage is made up of some 15,000 miles of coastline and boasts more than 1,000 islands to explore. During the summer, water temperatures can reach 65 degrees. While the majority of sea life divers encounter in the area are crustaceans or small critters, seals and sea lions have been known to interact with divers. Orcas can also be seen from afar during migratory seasons.
NICK MOORES
