
Dolphins are among some of the most intelligent and fascinating mammals on the planet. Their often friendly attitude and playful, inquisitive nature have made them popular in human culture. Dolphins are not usually threatened by the presence of humans. In some cases, dolphins have protected swimmers from the threat of sharks. It's important to remember that these are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Never chase or attempt to touch the dolphins; let them come to you.
Dolphins are among some of the most intelligent and fascinating mammals on the planet. Their often friendly attitude and playful, inquisitive nature have made them popular in human culture. Dolphins are not usually threatened by the presence of humans. In some cases, dolphins have protected swimmers from the threat of sharks. It's important to remember that these are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Never chase or attempt to touch the dolphins; let them come to you.
On Dive Report we list whale and dolphin species in our animal calendar, but please be aware that with Dolphins this does not necessarily mean that you can easily dive with them in the locations listed. We have included them as there is a chance of them being spotted from the boat in transit or between dives, which is still exciting adding to the overall dive trip experience.
There are 32 species of oceanic and 5 species of river dolphin which are a closely related family. The most commonly known species is the “bottlenose dolphin" from ‘Flipper’ fame and seen in TV series, films and aquatic shows. The different species can be identified by their shape, colouring and markings and by certain physical features. They vary in size from 1.2 m and 40 kg (Maui's dolphin), up to 9.5 m and 10 tonnes (Orcas). Dolphins feed on most kinds of fish, including mullet, whiting, snapper, tuna, bream, and invertebrates such as squid. Dolphins swallow their food whole, without chewing.
There are several species of dolphin that face an uncertain future, especially the population of several river dolphins species such as the Amazon river dolphin, the Ganges and Yangtze river dolphin, which are critically or seriously endangered. A 2006 survey found no individuals of the Yangtze river dolphin, which now appears to be functionally extinct. Other species which are considered as endangered are the Hector’s dolphin, the Mediterranean common dolphin and the Black Sea bottlenose dolphin. Fishing technologies are responsible for killing thousands of dolphins every year. In some parts of the world, such as Taiji in Japan and the Faroe Islands, dolphins are traditionally considered as food and are killed.
More detailed information about Dolphins can be found here.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
The most popular of Belize’s diving destinations, with access to the second largest barrier reef in the World and one of the most famous Blue Holes! Ambergris Caye has some great relaxed, fun diving to match its peoples laid back relaxed attitude. Ambergris...
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Andros, Bahamas
Set in a tropical scattering of islands, surrounded by the third largest coral reef and some of the clearest water in the world. Andros has a wide range of exciting and beautiful marine life making this an exciting scuba diving location. The...
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Ari Atoll, Maldives
Manta Rays elegantly swim through the warm clear waters surrounding the many tranquil atolls and islands. With waters packed full of life and plenty of large pelagic species the Maldives is one of the most exciting places in the underwater world to...
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Baa Atoll & Raa Atoll, Maldives
Home to the famous Hanifaru Lagoon where huge numbers Manta Rays and Whale Sharks congregate to mass feed! Baa and Raa Atolls are also known as North Maalhosmadulu and South Maalhosmadulu are based in the north west of the Maldives. Diving the Maldives...
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Bangka, North Sulawesi
Bangka (Pulau Bangka), North Sulawesi, Indonesia is located in between Bunaken and Lembeh and people come here for the white sand beaches, quiet resorts with plenty of space to relax. Bangka offers a variety of dive sites, from underwater pinnacles to shallow reefs,...
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Berry Islands, Bahamas
A quiet group of islands with excellent less known reefs, the Berry Islands are great for those who want a quiet holiday but still have access to excellent reefs and large pelagic species. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a...
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Bimini, Bahamas
Dives to wrecks, reefs and what is thought to be the remains of the Fountain of Youth and the Lost city of Atlantis, Bimini is an excellent, easily reached diving destination. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700...
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Bonaire
Healthy Reefs, excellent macro marine life, world renowned shore diving and remarkably calm sea all contribute to make Bonaire a fantastic divine location. With as many as 60 listed dive sites on the main island of Bonaire and 20 on the nearby...
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Byron Bay, Australia
Famous around the world for its surfing, scuba diving and laid back beach atmosphere, Byron Bay is a top tourist destination in Australia’s New South Wales. Climate The water temperature is at its coolest of 18C during August and September and is warmest...
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The only living thing on the Earth that is visible from Space, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef structure in the world. Swimming in its turquoise warm waters surrounded by hundreds of colourful tropical fish and admiring the coral habitats...
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Cape Town, South Africa
Coming face to face with the Ocean’s most feared creature, The Great White Shark, is a thrilling, once in a lifetime experience and Cape Town in South Africa is one of the few places on the Planet able to provide this...
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Carriacou, Grenada
A gem among Caribbean islands; peaceful, quiet and unspoilt. Carriacou is volcanic in origin, with the island featuring rolling green hills, spectacular views of the surrounding sea and reefs and seemingly endless white sandy beaches. People are friendly and you can be...
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Cat Island, Bahamas
Home to the highest peak in the Bahamas, a huge 207 feet, Cat Island is a wonderful place to explore above and below the surface of the ocean. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands...
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Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Hundreds of Hammerhead Sharks, amazing marine life and blue open ocean, Cocos Island is a once in a lifetime diving destination that any shark lovers must dive. Cocos Island is an island approx 550km off the coast of Costa Rica of tectonic...
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Crystal River, USA
Swim with the “Gentle Giants” of the sea, the curious West Indian Manatee! Crystal River is one of the only places in the world that this amazing experience is possible and also has some memorable fresh water diving. Crystal River is known...
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Dahab, Egypt
A popular diving destination which offers a brilliant colourful coral reef meters from many resorts with a spectacular underwater landscape of caves, valleys and canyons. Dahab is a superb diving destination on Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, situated further north on the Gulf of Aqaba...
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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
One of the fastest developing locations in the World, soon to boast the World’s largest shopping centre, indoor ski slope, Dubailand and luxury hotels. With many wrecks and a variety of dive trips available Dubai’s underwater world is worth a visit as...
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Eleuthera, Bahamas
The pineapple capital of the Bahamas, Eleuthera has excellent diving on reefs and wrecks with the most natural wrecks of any other island. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands at the top of the...
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Exmouth, Australia
Whale Sharks! The Ningaloo Reef off the coast of Exmouth, in Western Australia, is one of the few places left in the World where you can dive and swim with these majestic giants. Exmouth is a small town on the Coral...
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Faafu Atoll & Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
Abundant Manta Rays and Whale Sharks and excellent channel dives, Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls are quickly becoming a top diving hotspot. Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls are also known as North and South Nilandhe. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two ways, either...
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Gaafu Atoll, Maldives
The second largest atoll in the Maldives contains caves, steep drop offs and pristine reefs all waiting to be explored. Gaafu Atoll is also known as Huvadhoo Atoll and is one of the Southern Atolls in the Maldives. Diving the Maldives can be...
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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
A trip of a lifetime! The Galapagos is one of the last places in the world where you have the chance of diving with huge schools of Hammerhead Sharks. The Galapagos Islands consist of 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles approx...
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Gili Islands, Lombok
Tropical Island Paradise’s off the beaten track; these overlooked islands offer excellent diving and Sea Turtles galore! With white sand beaches, clear blue water, the peaceful Gili Islands are perfect for a diver wishing to have a castaway experience. The Gili Islands are...
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Grand Bahama, Bahamas
Close up dolphin and shark encounters can be had in the waters around Grand Bahama, including dives at the famous Tiger Beach where you can get up close and personal with the amazing Tiger Shark! The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists...
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Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
Home to a stunning protected coral reef that plunges to 8000 ft, Grand Turk has some great dive sites minutes from the shore. Grand Turk is part of the group of islands that makes up the Turks and Caicos Islands. With 8...
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Hurghada, Egypt
A gateway to some of the most exciting and diverse diving for all levels of divers, Hurghada is the perfect place to base yourself or to catch a Liveaboard Cruise to explore the best that the Red Sea offers. It is...
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Koh Chang, Thailand
The diving from Koh Chang is undertaken by boat either around the island or Koh Rang National Park. The Koh Rang National Park is reached in around 1.5hours sailing on a wooden boat. The dives are around some small islands at shallow depths...
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Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand
The second biggest island in the Gulf of Thailand, just north of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan is ideally placed close to the stunning Ang Thong Marine Park and main dive sites of the area. Quieter and more remote than the...
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Koh Samui, Thailand
The biggest island in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is ideally placed close to the stunning Ang Thong Marine Park and main dive sites of the area. With its white sand beaches lined with palm trees and inner jungle to...
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La Paz, Mexico
Gateway to the magnificent Sea of Cortez, with access to a diverse selection of enjoyable and exciting dive sites, La Paz is a brilliant base to experience some of the best marine life encounters in the area has to offer. La Paz,...
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Laamu Atoll, Maldives
Beautiful topography and pristine dives site, Laamu has excellent channel and shallower reef sites and is a favourite on a lot of liveaboard itineraries. Please note that Laamu Atoll is also known as Hadhdhunmathee Atoll! Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two...
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Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives
A very popular atoll with picturesque resort islands, Lhaviyani is as beautiful underwater with a variety of dive site sites, including shipwrecks, channel diving and pretty reefs. Lhaviyani Atoll is also known as Faadhippolhu Atoll. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two...
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Long Island, Bahamas
The most scenic island in the Bahamas, Long Island has amazing diving including the deepest Blue Hole in all the Bahamas. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands at the top of the Caribbean above Cuba...
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Malapascua, Philippines
A small exotic island famed for being the only place in the World with daily Thresher Shark sightings! This along with the Pygmy Seahorses and other cute critters makes the waters around Malapascua a diver’s paradise. Malapascua is a small island in...
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Male Atoll, Maldives
The best coral reefs in the Maldives are in Male’s brilliant blue waters. The most explored of all the atolls by divers due to its variety of dive sites, abundance of marine life and easy accessibility, Male is an excellent choice of...
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Marsa Alam, Egypt
One of Egypt’s fastest growing holiday destinations, until recently Marsa Alam was just a small fishing village, then since the introduction of the new international airport in 2001 its popularity is growing, and is soon expected to rival the larger resorts in...
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Providing many diving opportunities, Meemu Atoll has Thilas, Channels, inner atoll reefs, caves and drop offs which is enough to excite any diver! Meemu Atoll is also known as Mulaku Atoll. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two ways, either by land or...
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Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos
The largest of the islands, Middle Caicos is an island of natural beauty, a more dramatic coastline than other islands and can reach some excellent dive sites. Middle Caicos is part of the group of islands that makes up the Turks and...
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Nassau, Bahamas
Everything you could want from a holiday Nassau provides. Sharks, wrecks as well as many on land activities, beaches and a fun nightlife. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands at the top of the...
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North Caicos, Turks and Caicos
Boasting the largest flock of pink flamingos in the islands and access to brilliant dive sites, North Caicos is a nature lovers getaway. North Caicos is part of the group of islands that makes up the Turks and Caicos Islands. With 8...
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Northern Atolls, Maldives
The northernmost atolls in the Maldives include Haa Alifu aka North Thiladhunmathee, Haa Dhaalu aka South Thiladhunmathee, Shaviyani aka North Miladhunmadulu and Noonu aka South Miladhunmadulu. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two ways, either by land or by a liveaboard. This...
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Padang Bai, Bali
A high chance of Sharks and Mola Mola’s, shallow coral reefs and steep wall dives, Padang Bai has some spectacular dive sites which cater for everyone. Based on the stunning island of Bali, which is Indonesia’s top tourist destination Padang Bai is...
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Palau, Micronesia
Well known for its marine bio-diversity, spectacular wall dives and vibrant colourful reefs, Palau is a top diving destination which attracts divers worldwide to experience one of the most unique holiday destinations on the Planet. Palau is a group of over 200...
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Perth, Australia
Australia’s sunniest Capital City. Perth is a divers dream with a variety of dive sites located in pristine waters filled with colourful coral, historic wrecks and a diverse selection of marine life. Perth is located on the peaceful Swan River just...
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Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
A small beach town in the Guanacaste area of Costa Rica, Playas del Coco is known for great exciting diving with large marine life, especially Bull Sharks. Set on the Pacific coast it is one of the oldest beach communities in Guanacaste....
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Plymouth, United Kingdom
A great cold water diving destination, Plymouth offers divers lots of historic wrecks and a diverse marine life, along with the chance of seeing one of the largest plankton feeders, the strange looking Basking Shark! Plymouth’s diving is all in and around...
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Port Douglas, Australia
Crystal-clear waters, beautiful corals and incredible fish-life can be found at Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, an easy day boat ride from Port Douglas and on the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Port Douglas is on the East coast of Australia...
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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
A location that is still relatively unknown, The Turks and Caicos Islands have some excellent unspoilt dive sites, crystal clear water and abundant reef life making this a premier diving area. The best known of the Islands, Providenciales is one of the...
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Roatan, Honduras
The largest of the Bay Islands, Roatan has pristine white sand beaches, amazing tropical jungle covered hills and a unique coral reef close to the shore. Any visitors will easily see why these islands are said to be the “Caribbean’s Best Kept...
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Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos
The best kept secret of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Salt Cay is the ultimate getaway, total adventure and relaxation at its finest. No crowds, no cruise ships and no casinos and a diver’s paradise. Salt Cay is part of the group...
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San Salvador, Bahamas
World class wall diving, frequent visits by hammerheads and striking topography, San Salvador is a must for divers visiting the Bahamas. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands at the top of the Caribbean above Cuba...
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Sapodilla Cayes, Belize
The Belize barrier reef, a UNESCO world heritage site, is the second largest barrier reef in the world and boasts an incredible spectacle of marine life. The Sapodilla Caye is made up of 8 small beautiful islands located 35 miles from mainland...
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Seenu Atoll, Maldives
The southernmost island in the Maldives, Seenu isinternationally famous for its wrevck dives and abundance of large pelagic such as mantas, turtles and sharks throughout the year. Seenu Atoll is also known as Addu Atoll and located just south of the equator. Diving the...
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An unspoilt area of beauty and rich bio diversity, the Sekotong Peninsula in South Lombok has excellent diving with bright soft corals, plenty of reef life and Hammerhead Sharks! With over 3,500 species living in the Indonesian underwater world, it has one of...
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Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
The most popular diving destination in the Red Sea, the waters around Sharm El Sheikh offer some of the most stunning and famous dive sites not just in the Red Sea but also the World. Sharm el Sheikh is located on...
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Socorro Islands, Mexico
Manta Rays, Sharks and Whales!!! The Socorro Islands are a diver’s paradise offering once in a life time encounters with the oceans largest creatures, and is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with Humpback Whales! The Socorro...
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South Caicos, Turks and Caicos
The fishing capital of the islands, South Caicos attracts those interested in birdlife, fishing, diving, fresh seafood and history South Caicos is part of the group of islands that makes up the Turks and Caicos Islands. Located at the southern tip of the...
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Sydney, Australia
A wonderful city packed full of iconic buildings, culture and stunning beaches. Sydney is not only one of the most popular, busiest cities in the world but also has some of the best temperate diving. Sydney is one of the main gateways...
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Taveuni, Fiji
White Sand beaches lined with swaying Palm trees and beautiful blue water full of life, Fiji really is a tropical paradise. Known to many divers as “The Soft Coral Capital of the World” you can witness wondrous colourful displays when the coral...
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Tenerife, Spain
The largest of the Canary Islands has a dramatic landscape above and below water with its volcanic origins creating an underwater world full of spectacular rock formations and a rich diverse marine life. Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands off...
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Thaa Atoll, Maldives
Abundant marine life and great channel diving; Thaa Atoll is also known as Kolhumadulu Atoll. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two ways, either by land or by a liveaboard. This choice entirely depends on the type of holiday you are after,...
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The Abacos, Bahamas
A group of islands and small tranquil cays, The Abacos Islands are a perfect place to base a dive holiday, with beautiful intact staghorn and elkhorn coral structures and plentiful marine life. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of...
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The Exumas, Bahamas
Great Diving, easy reefs, blue holes and a peaceful scenic setting, the Exumas are a great location in the Bahamas to visit. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands at the top of the Caribbean above...
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Tofo Beach, Mozambique
Resident Manta Rays and Whale Sharks are what have put Tofo Beach on the map and along with the stretches of beautiful beaches, laid back vibe and lively atmosphere this location is becoming a top holiday destination for divers and travellers alike. Tofo...
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Tulamben, Bali
Lying in the shadow of Bali’s highest volcano, Tulamben is Bali’s most popular diving area, home to an abundance of marine life and Bali’s most famous wreck, the USAT Liberty. Tulamben is the most famous diving area of Bali, a quiet village located...
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Tutukaka, New Zealand
Tutukaka is the gateway to the amazing Poor Knights Islands rated by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world! Tutukaka is on the beautiful Northland coast of New Zealand. Its marina is the perfect departure...
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Unguja, Tanzania
Unspoilt by the effects of mass tourism, with year round sunshine and a great close by reef, Zanzibar is an ideal scuba diving destination. Zanzibar Archipelago off the coast of Tanzania consists of two large islands, Unguja and Pemba, also with...
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Utila, Honduras
The smallest of Honduras’ Bay Islands but most famous for its frequent sightings of the largest fish in the World, the Whale Shark! Utila is part of a group of islands called the Bay Islands located off the north coast of Honduras....
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Vaavu Atoll, Maldives
Wonderful Channel diving, Vaavu Atoll is a very popular choice with divers and liveaboard cruises. Vaavu Atoll is also known as Felidhe Atoll and is the atoll below South Male Atoll. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two ways, either by land...
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Watamu, Kenya
A small peaceful beach resort, Watamu has some of Kenya’s finest diving in its nearby protected waters of Watamu Marine Reserve. Watamu is a quiet village next to the Indian Ocean’s protected waters of Watamu Marine National Park and this protection means...
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