- Animal
- Time of year
- Area, Country or Location
- Type
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- Can see
Blacktip reef sharks are a commonly spotted shark whilst diving on a lot of shallow reefs, although they don’t tend to get too close to divers due to the bubbles created, which scares them off. They are mostly found in shallow water a matter of metres deep and can most likely be found gracefully swimming over reefs and sandy flats. All of these points, especially the shallow depth makes this creature perfect to observe not just while diving, but snorkelling as well. The lack of bubbles means you can actually spend longer and get closer to the sharks than whilst scuba diving.
The Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a species of Requiem Shark. It can easily be recognised from other sharks by the black tips on its fins and can reach the length of 1.6m. It is one of the most of the most abundant sharks which inhabit the coral reefs in the Indian and Pacific Oceans and therefore are one of the sharks most frequently spotted whilst scuba diving and snorkelling.
These sharks feed on small bony fish and crustaceans so are not a threat to humans, although occasionally swimmers and snorkelers wading through shallow water can get their legs bitten when the sharks mistakes them for food, but none of these rare accidents have ever been fatal. In general unless they are roused by food they tend to be skittish and timid sharks which are difficult to get close to.
The shark is fished for its meat, oils and fins, but isn’t a commercially significant species. It has been classified as Near Threatened and although it is one of the most widespread and common shark species, substantial decline has been reported in local areas due to overfishing. Due to the blacktip reef sharks low reproductive rate the capacity for recovery of this loss is limited and will take a lot longer than other species.
More detailed information about Blacktip Reef Sharks can be found here.
Alor Island, Indonesia
Alor is the last island furthest east and north in the East Nusa Tenggara province, more commonly know in Bahasa Indonesia as Nusa Tenggara Timur or NTT. NTT as a province is most famous for Komodo Island and it’s aboriginal inhabitants the...
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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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Anguilla
Anguilla is one of Caribbean’s island treasures also worth exploring. Located east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, north of Saint Martin, this beautiful island is surrounded by white sand beaches and great views of the green-blue sea. Climate Anguilla has...
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Apo Reef and Pandan Islands, Philippines
Apo Reef is the largest atoll in the Philippines and the world's second largest single coral reef; clearly this represents a significant attraction to tourists and divers alike. The Apo Reef Natural Park was given Protected Area status in 1996. The park is famous for...
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Bali, Indonesia
A high chance of Sharks and Mola Mola’s, shallow coral reefs and steep wall dives, Bali has some spectacular dive sites which cater for everyone. Bali, which is Indonesia’s top tourist destination, is an excellent base to explore all the ocean has...
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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
Bimini lays 81km (53 miles) due east of Miami, just on the other side of the gulf stream. The close proximity to the United States made it the ideal spot for an offshore speakeasy during prohibition. One of the most popular shipwrecks...
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Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora sounds exotic, and it is. It's also home to some spectacular dive sites populated with some of the ocean's top predators. Blacktip Reef, Lemon, Whitetip and Hammerhead sharks are a few of the 16 species that are regularly spotted in...
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Bunaken National Marine Park, Indonesia
Bunaken is a tiny island, located just off the northern tip of Sulawesi in Indonesia. It falls within the 900 square kilometer Bunaken National Marine Park, which makes this remote corner of the world absolutely sensational for diving. The region is famed...
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Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Cairns is located in Northern Queensland, Australia, and tourists flock to this tropical city to dive the Great Barrier Reef - the largest coral reef in the world, and the only single living structure on Earth that’s visible from space (not that...
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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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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 Coast, USA
The three coastal communities in Carteret County, North Carolina form the Crystal Coast. Beaufort is the seat of the county and was one of the first coastal towns in North Carolina. In addition to being a great American wreck diving location, the...
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Dauin, Philippines
University town Dumaguete is locally referred to as the city of gentle people. Many different bars and restaurants in town, live music at different locations most nights. With modern facilities such as hospitals, doctors, dentists, supermarkets and immigration office, Dumaguete is an...
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Efate (Port Vila), Vanuatu
Vanuatu is made up of 83 Island. Vanuatu has been voted the friendless country in the world, it is only a short flight from New Zealand and Australia with many interesting sites to visit and things to do. Efata is the most...
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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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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, Indonesia
Coming alive in the diving community, the Gili Islands are a huge highlight of any scuba addict’s trip through Indonesia. Boasting abundance of sea turtles and coral life, the crystal clear water and shallow white beaches offer the castaway experience many built...
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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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Honiara, Solomon Islands
Remote and truly beautiful the Solomon Islands is a diver’s dream destination. Part of the coral triangle with a staggering diversity of marine species, coral and dive sites, it somehow remains one of the least dived areas of the world. A number of...
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Ibo Island, Quirimba’s Archipelago, Mozambique
Ibo Island is one of the stunning islands within the remote and pristine Quirimba’s Archipelago. Great diving exists alongside a number of nature-based activities and fascinating remnants from the slave trade and colonial rule. Ibo Island is the only developed island within the...
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Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka
Kalpitiya is a newly emerging tourism destination in northwestern Sri Lanka. Where diving here is just as sensational as the on land beauty. With minimal developments thus far, it is a stunning coastal escape. The main attraction in Kalpitiya, are the whales...
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Khao Lak, Thailand
An unspoilt environment on the beautiful Andaman coast, surrounded by National park forest, Khao Lak is ideally situated for diving in Thailand and trips to the Similan Islands and Surin Islands which are home to some of the best dive sites in...
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Koh Lanta, Thailand
A jewel in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lanta is a laidback, relaxed island close to some of the coasts best dive sites. Koh Lanta is a popular travel destination for a laidback holiday escapade but what really makes it different is...
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Koh Lipe, Thailand
A small, relatively unknown island on the Thai tourist circuit, Koh Lipe is still considered off the beaten path. There are no cars, you can walk everywhere and the stunning beaches with fine powdery sand are surrounded by numerous, even more stunning...
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Koh Phangan, 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
Practically the biggest island in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is perfectly seated next to the magnificent Ang Thong Marine Park. Its dive sites are stunning filled with rich marine ecosystem. Koh Samui is the perfect holiday getaway for people looking to...
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Koh Tao, Thailand
Koh Tao is considered by many as the main diving destination in the Gulf of Thailand primarily because of its shallow coral reefs teeming with marine life making it a particular favorite amongst beginner divers and snorkelers. Combined with a laid back...
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Komodo and Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
Komodo, located in the Lesser Sunda chain of Indonesia islands, is home to the famous Komodo Dragon, notably the largest lizard on earth. Oh, and there is some pretty spectacular diving too! This island also contains one of only seven worldwide pink sandy...
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Krabi, Thailand
Krabi has around 160km of coastline and a range of islands, over 32 dive sites and endless snorkeling spots with pinnacles, underwater caves, rock formations, swim-throughs and wrecks. Because the majority of dive locations in Krabi are quite shallow, they are suitable for...
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Kupang, Indonesia
Kupang is located on Timor Island and is the capital city of the East Nusa Tenggara province (more commonly know in Bahasa Indonesia as Nusa Tenggara Timur or NTT) which consists of over 550 islands. NTT province is most famous for Komodo...
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Lissenung Island, Kavieng, Papua New Guinea
Lissenung Island is a tiny exclusive tropical island in Papua New Guinea. Located within the Coral Triangle, the dives on the doorstep of the island exist amidst one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. The only means of visiting this island is...
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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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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
Turquoise water, soft powdery white sand beaches, world-class casinos, duty free shopping, and succulent seafood draw hundreds of thousands to Nassau, Bahamas every year. The Bahamian capital and tourist hot spot is located on New Providence Island, 290km (156 miles) southeast of Miami,...
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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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Nungwi, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is the chosen destination after climbing Kilimanjaro or as end of the trip after a dusty safari. Because of its beautiful beaches and its charming locals, Zanzibar is the right place to rest and enjoy some of the best diving the...
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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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Pattaya, Thailand
Pattaya is known for its numerous wreck dive sites and lively nightlife and large expat influence. On the right side of town the accommodation can be clean and reasonable, the food and drinks are some of the more reasonable priced and well...
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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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Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
One of the most beautiful areas in Thailand, the Phi Phi Islands dramatic landscape is just as beautiful underwater as it is above. Perfectly placed to access all the best dive sites of the area, Koh Phi Phi is a very...
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Phuket, Thailand
Thailand’s largest island and most popular tourist destination provides everything any holiday maker could want, exquisite white sand beaches, warm balmy turquoise sea, a busy nightlife, and more importantly access to the top Thailand diving. Phuket, also known as “The Pearl of...
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Ponta D’Ouro, Mozambique
Ponta D'Ouro is an unspoilt diving location that can be reached easily from South Africa’s main hubs (7hrs from JHB, 4.5hrs from DBN) making it a good location even, for South Africans, for a a weekend diving getaway. Visitors to Ponta can...
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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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Raja Ampat, Indonesia
The reefs of the Raja Ampat are specifically referred to as ‘species factories’, replenishing other reef ecosystems by sweeping coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans via their strong currents. Raja Ampat is an archipelago of 1,500 islands, cays and shoals located...
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Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Rangiroa is the largest atoll in the Tuamotus, and is also one of the biggest in the world. This magical island is made up of roughly 415 motus, islets and sandbars – with over 100 narrow passageways bisecting through. Along with stunning...
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Redang Island, Malaysia
Crystal clear waters, abundant tropical fish just 50ft from white sandy beaches, Redang Island is one of largest Island off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. The visibility is 18 metre to 20 metre and the light can penetrated down to 30 metres where...
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Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
Saba is a tiny volcanic island in the Caribbean that offers unspoilt diving opportunities with virtually no crowds. This 13 square kilometer island is officially part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands – though English is the primary language – and has...
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Saipan, USA
Saipan is a part of the Commonwealth of the United States, and the largest island in the North Mariana Islands Chain. Saipan has a unique island ecosystem, and many opportunities to experience a variety of dive environments. There are underwater caves...
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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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Sodwana Bay, South Africa
Sodwana Bay has beautiful reefs on planet with huge diversity of marine life with good all year round diving. Located on the north east coastline of South Africa, Sodwana Bay has a rich natural biodiversity both on land and in...
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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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St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
St. Croix is famous for being The Carribean's best kept secret! The an unheard of Gem of Caribbean diving, offering two dramatically different diving experiences only a 20min drive apart. The Wall brings a rich diversity of life, mixing the richness and nutrients...
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St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean
Small friendly island with no mass tourism less than 100 hotel rooms and only 3000 inhabitants. Sint Eustatius (“Statia”) is a tiny haven in the Caribbean for divers. Immediately off the dock of the island are 7 distinct eco systems, with walls,...
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Subic Bay, Philippines
Subic Bay is widely known to be the second best wreck diving location in the Philippines. Better yet, it one of the highest concentrations of war wrecks easily accessible to both SCUBA and Tech divers! Subic Bay is a larger town...
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Tahiti, French Polynesia
Tahiti is the largest of the more than 100 islands spread over five archipelagos in the South Pacific, that make up French Polynesia. The landscape of the island is almost as spectacular above sea level, as the underwater paradise that lies below...
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Tambor, Costa Rica
The nutrient rich waters of the Tambor region bring large numbers of fish into the area to feed and breed. The result for divers is the ability to see huge bait balls of Sardines that attract large pelagic’s into the local...
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The Abacos, Bahamas
The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and this is no more evident than in the Abacos islands. Arranged along the eastern side of the little Bahamas bank, the Abacos islands cover over 263 square hectares (650 square miles) in the northern portion 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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Tobago
Tobago is still one of the true Caribbean islands left which have not been spoilt. It features many beautiful beaches around the island with palm trees & blue seas making diving Tobago a true experience. When diving in Tobego there are over...
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Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Tortola is renound for it pristine waters and friendly people and is know as Natures Little Secret. It is also know as the sailing capital of the world. Tortola is famous for the Wreck of the Rhone location of the movie...
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Vanua Levu, Fiji
Once a wild colonial outpost known as Sandalwood Island, Vanua Levu is now one of Fiji’s more laid-back destinations. Travellers will find a range of accommodations from backpacker hostels to five-star resorts with world class dining and facilities. Vanua Levu offer visitors a...
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Weligama, Sri Lanka
Weligama translates to mean “sandy village”, in reference to the town’s sand-swept bay. Located only 2.5 hours from the capital of Sri Lanka, this area is visited for its large number of nudibranches, pinnacles, blue whales, whale sharks and manta rays. The...
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Yap Islands, Micronesia
Mention Yap to a group of divers, and visions of Mantas will dance in their heads. There are some impressively large specimens in residence in the channels and bays around Yap. But Yap is about more than just Manta Rays. There...
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