Great Barrier Reef
Queensland, Australia

Image Credit : BusinessDestination

Touted as one of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef needs little introduction. This reef is home to more than 600 types of coral, so it’ll be a feast for your eyes whether you choose to dive, snorkel or even ride a helicopter over the World Heritage Area. Conservation efforts have been stepped up of late to reduce the detrimental effects of coral bleaching in the area.

Komodo National Park
East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Image Credit : Remoteandfloat

Originally established to protect komodo dragons, the park now attracts many scuba divers to check out the over 260 species of coral reefs in its waters. Tides bring in nutrient-rich from the Indian Ocean, which nourishes the corals and animals. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also home to animals like the hammerhead sharks and grey reef sharks, giving divers a visual treat.

Baa Atoll
The Maldives

Image Credit : Tripsavvy 

The warm and tropical Baa Atoll is a haven for many marine habitats. “Atoll” means a coral reef that surrounds a lagoon. Its lagoons range from 30 to 80m in depth, housing reef structures of all kinds. In fact, Maldivian coral reefs account for 5% of the world’s total reef area. Other endangered sea creatures such as the hawksbill turtle and Napoleon wrasses also ply the waters.

Madang

Papua New Guinea

Image Credit : thecoraltriangle 

The lack of over-tourism in Papua New Guinea means that the reefs are relatively undamaged and lept in their natural state. Madang lagoon lies along the northern coast of Madang province. Besides the must-see coral reefs, there are about 32 shipwrecks dating back to WWII for curious divers to explore. Visitors can also choose to explore the areas via kayaking, snorkeling or fishing trips.

Los Cabos
Baja California Sur, Mexico

Image Credit : Grayline 

Family-friendly and budget friendly, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that Magic Mountain’s prices are extremely affordable, and children under four years of age enter for free. This theme park may be small, yet there surely is something magical about the experience you'll get here. Have a laid back ride on the Doom Loop, or let darkness engulf you in the Black Hole and then emerge from a topsy-turvy loop.

Palawan

Mimaropa, The Philippines

Image Credit : Cushtravel 

The nation of many islands boasts a ton of coral reefs to explore. Most popular would be the Tubbataha Reef, opening your eyes to the majestic underwater world. Take your time to explore the whole 130,028 hectares which houses more than 500 species of fish within the corals. The best dive season would be mid-March to mid-June, with excellent visibility and great weather on most days.

Namena Island

Fiji

Image Credit : LonelyPlanet

The Namena Barrier Reef is known as a migratory pathway for aquatic mammals, and you’re bound to see your fair share of dolphins and whales when you take a dive. Other interesting animals that live among the reefs are the Blue RIbbon Eel and Hawksbill Sea Turtle. Note that fishing is banned in the area, as the villagers of the nearby Kubulau District owe all fishing rights. Visitors must also pay a visiting fee which goes towards various management costs.

Captain Cook Monument

Hawaii, USA

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Turquoise waters and gentle waves beckon at every enthusiast willing to travel to this rather inaccessible location. To get to the monument, you have the options to either hike down, kayak, or join a boat tour. Booking a tour is the easiest option as your guide will be able to recommend the best spots to view the famed fish and corals. Be sure to catch the sunset when you’re done with your water activities!

Aharen Beach
Okinawa, Japan

Image Credit : Veltra 

Entrance to the water park is free, except for the use of the two large water slides and the Flipside Boardrider wave machine. However, it is definitely worth the money spent, especially for all the aspiring surfers looking to hit the waves in a controlled environment. Treat yourself to a visual feast every Saturday night as music, water fountains and coloured lights come together for a light show like no other.

Red Sea

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

Image Credit : Sinaisharm

Flanking the Gulf of Aqaba is Sharm el-Sheikh, one of Egypt’s top diving destinations. The excellent visibility is the main draw, along with its abundant reef life. Most resorts in the South Sinai area offer snorkelling gear for rent. Dive sites like the Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran can be accessed by boats, with the shortest trip being an overnight one.

Be it a beginner or advanced snorkeler/diver, everyone starts somewhere. Join our Condo Swimming Lessons to get you on track to a lifetime of fun expiration in the water.

I’m Isabel, your friendly uni student who’s always waddling knee deep in readings and projects. But I’ll go through hell and high water to have regular suppers with my friends. You can find me with a film camera in one hand and a flat white in the other on the weekends. Also am able to rescue you if you ever capsize from a sea kayak.