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Diving with Green Turtles

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Green Turtle

Diving with Green Turtles

Green turtles although endangered are a wide spread species with you have a high chance of seeing whilst diving lots of tropical coral reefs. These turtles are harmless and most are not bothered by the presence of divers and usually just look at you and then get back to whatever they were previously up to. Lots are very used to divers so you can get very close, for a decent length of time, making these creatures a perfect photographic subject, I’m sure some even pose a little!

Although these beautiful creatures are not bothered by your presence you must still respect their space and remember not to touch and especially never ever ride on a turtles shell!!! As you can imagine this is not a fun experience for them and can lead to excessive stress and shock which can make the turtle ill or even die.

As long as you treat the turtles with respect you can get a fun, enjoyable encounter usually with many, many excellent photos.

&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Green Sea Turtles (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Chelonia mydas&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) are large turtles which possess a teardrop shaped shell and large paddle like flippers. The name &amp;ldquo;Green Turtle&amp;rdquo; may confuse some as the turtle in itself hasn&amp;rsquo;t particularly got any external green coloration. In fact the name was given to the turtle due to the colour of its fat, which is green. This fat layer is found between their inner organs and shell. These turtles can grow to 1.5m in length, with an average weight of between 68-190kg and live as old as 80 years.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;There are a few points to consider when distinguishing a Green Turtle from a Hawksbill turtle. Firstly and the most obvious point is that the Green turtles snout is shorter and not hooked. Then there are other signs such as the amount of scutes on its shell and the fact the Green turtle has a single claw on its front appendages where the Hawksbill has two. Unlike other sea turtles such as the Hawksbill and Loggerhead turtles the Green Turtle is mostly herbivorous with adults inhabiting lagoons and bays feeding mostly on the sea grasses there.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The Green turtles population is widely spread over the whole of the worlds tropical and sub tropical oceans. This population is generally split into two, the Atlantic population and the East Pacific population. These turtles, along with most other sea turtles, migrate huge distances, sometimes as far as 2600 miles, between their feeding grounds and breeding and nesting beaches. Females tend to mate every two to four years where as the males visit these areas every year to mate. Once the female has mated she will pull herself up the beach and then lays and buries her eggs in a nest in the sand. Clutch size is usually between 100 and 200. The eggs then hatch 45-75 days later during the night and all the hatchlings instinctively head to the water with only 1% of these hatchings really sexual maturity.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Green turtles are listed as endangered and are protected in most countries. This means it is illegal to catch, collect, harm or kill them, which is wonderful news. Lots of countries also protect the turtles nesting beaches, with many conservation groups that have been set up to monitor and protect the eggs and nests from poaching by humans and other wild animals. Even so they still face many threats, including habitat destruction entanglement in fishing nets and illness and death caused by water pollution.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;More detailed information about Green Turtles can be found &amp;lt;a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_turtles" mce_href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_turtles" target="_blank"&amp;gt;here.&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

Can be seen at these locations

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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Barbados
Barbados is like the black sheep of the Caribbean’s Windward Islands. It lies over 100 km to the east of the arc made up by the Lesser Antilles island chain and is encircled by reefs provided numerous excellent diving spots! Unlike its...
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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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Cairns, Australia
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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Cancun, Mexico
A popular diving hotspot in Mexico, where you can see Whale Sharks, dive the spectacular cenotes and visit the famous underwater sculture museum. Cancun is great for tourists, within easy driving distance of the Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen, a jumping...
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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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Chuuk, Micronesia
Steeped in history the floor of Chuuk lagoon is a wreck divers dream and by far the top wreck diving destination in the world. Chuuk, which used to be known as Truk is without question the top wreck diving location in...
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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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Cozumel, Mexico
Mexico’s largest inhabited island has exceptional crystal clear water, towering, spectacular coral formations and exciting drift dives along spectacular reefs! All of which have earned Cozumel its reputation as one of the World’s premier diving destinations. Cozumel Island known to the Maya 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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Kas, Turkey
An unspoilt small tourist town, set in a stunning location at the foot of mountains facing the Mediterranean, Kaş is one of the best destinations for scuba diving in Turkey. Kaş is located on the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey and is one of the most Southernmost points...
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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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Koh Tao, Thailand
The main diving destination in the gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao is surrounded by shallow coral reefs teeming with marine life. It’s very laid back atmosphere combined with diving spots on its doorstep makes it a very stress free dive destination. Koh Tao...
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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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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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Meemu Atoll, Maldives
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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Paphos, Cyprus
Easily a top diving spot in the Mediterranean, with one of the top ten wrecks in the world and an important turtle breeding area! Cyprus is a great diving destination for all divers, not just the wreck enthusiasts. Paphos is located...
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Pattaya, Thailand
Thailand’s wreck capital, with year round diving, Pattaya is full of life and along its 3km long beach that are a huge range of activities that can be found to occupy almost anyone, not just divers. Pattaya is a beach town located...
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Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
The islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil are one of Malaysia’s top tourist attractions. They are surrounded by turquoise blue sea and lined with palm trees and white sand beaches providing an idyllic tropical island getaway. The Perhentian Islands...
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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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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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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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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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Sekotong Tengah, Lombok
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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Sipadan, Malaysia
Turtles, Turtles and more Turtles everywhere! Pulau Sipadan is a dream dive location that is on every diver’s wish list! Sipadan is another island that was made famous by legendary Jacques Cousteau when he raved about the diving here and called it...
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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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Tioman Island, Malaysia
The largest island on the East coast of the Malay Peninsula, Tioman is a wonderful holiday and diving destination offering a variety of underwater sites such as wrecks, sheltered bays and volcanic rocky pinnacles. The densely forested island is surrounded by numerous...
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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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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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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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