- Animal
- Time of year
- Area, Country or Location
- Type
- Experience
- Can see
Humpback whales are known for their magical songs, which travel for great distances through the world's oceans. As humpbacks are often easily approachable and curious, it will not be dangerous to dive with them.
On Dive Report we list whale and dolphin species in our animal calendar, but please be aware that with Humpback Whales 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.
A humpback whale can easily be identified by its stocky body with an obvious hump and black dorsal coloring. There are four global populations: North Pacific, Atlantic, Southern Ocean humpbacks, and Indian Ocean population. Fully grown, males average 15 to 16m, Females are slightly larger (16 to 17m). Humpbacks average 40 tons and can live up to 48 years.
Humpback whales are found near coastlines, feeding on tiny shrimp-like krill, plankton, and small fish. Humpbacks migrate annually from summer feeding grounds near the poles to warmer winter breeding waters closer to the Equator and then migrate to tropical or sub-tropical waters to breed and give birth.
Due to over-hunting, there population fell by an estimated 90% before a whaling moratorium was introduced in 1966. Stocks have since partially recovered. However, entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with ships, and noise pollution also remain concerns. There are at least 80,000 humpback whales worldwide and most monitored stocks of humpback whales have rebounded well since the end of commercial whaling, such as the North Atlantic where stocks are now believed to be approaching pre-hunting levels. Nevertheless, some species are considered endangered in some countries, including the United States. The United Kingdom, among other countries, designated the humpback as a priority species under the national Biodiversity Action Plan.
More detailed information about Humpback Whales can be found here.
Algoa Bay, South Africa
Algoa Bay and surrounds hosts a number of dive sites. The accessibility of shore diving and the ease of boat diving, the close proximity of reefs to the launch site and the professional and personal care ensures that diving is a pleasure,...
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Aliwal Shoal, South Africa
Aliwal Shoal is a reef unlike any other reef you have seen before. It is a fossilized sand dune reef, rather than the coral reefs common on Sodwana Bay or the Red Sea. This creates an area with huge swim throughs,...
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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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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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Boa Vista, Cape Verde
Stunning beaches, a relaxed vibe, few people and unique Portuguese/African flare – welcome to Cape Verde, a newly discovered scuba diving gem. Boa Vista is the easternmost island in the rocky and volcanic archipelago, and its name directly translates to mean 'beautiful...
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Byron Bay, Australia
Byron Bay is a picturesque coastal town located in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, 175km south of Brisbane, and 800km North of Sydney. The town is famous for surfing, scuba diving, whale watching, and its laid-back atmosphere. While Byron Bay...
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Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The diving is great here, there's no debate, and many sites can be visited year round. Cabo San Lucas has also long been renowned as a playground for the rich and famous and also those looking for sea and spa fun....
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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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Cano Island, Costa Rica
Cano Island is a marine reserve located off of the south central pacific coast of Costa Rica. It has clear water as it is offshore and famous for many reef sharks. Wonderfully suited to divers and snorkelers alike, a visit here...
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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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Diani Beach & Shimoni, Kenya
Diani Beach is a major beach resort[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_resort] on the Indian Ocean[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Ocean] coast of Kenya[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenya] in eastern Africa located 30 kilometers south of Mombasa[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mombasa], in the nearby Kwale County[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwale_County]. The white sands of Diani Beach offer facilities and equipment for a holistic water sports holiday, above, on or below the water. The reefs are home to...
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Drake Bay, Cano Island, Costa Rica
Drake Bay is tucked away between rainforests, beaches and rocky cliffs. Isolated in Costa Rica’s less-traveled southern half, this is a favourite destination among people looking to get away from it all. It also has some of the best diving off of...
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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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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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Flamingo, Costa Rica
Flamingo is a stunning and small getaway on south of Gulf of Papagayo. It is famed for its stunning white sand beaches, its vibrant marine life and the variety of on-land activities. With idyllic weather and plenty of lavish amenities, it is...
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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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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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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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Inhambane, Mozambique
Inhambane is the capital city of Inhambane Province in southern Mozambique. It is a small laid back town, and a source of great Mozambican pride. It is a very popular destination for those who love nature, adventure, architecture and beachside relaxation. Inhambane is...
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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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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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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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Lord Howe Island, Australia
Lord Howe Island is one of seven world heritage listed islands in the world. It is often referred to as “the last paradise”. With no mobile phone reception and limited internet access it offers visitors a chance to get away from their...
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Mafia Island, Tanzania
Mafia Island is a relatively unknown and unexplored destination. The marine park was opened in 1996 and is in fact the biggest marine protected area in East Africa. Mafia boasts some of the best biodiversity with over 42 genera of corals and...
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Maui, USA
There are main reasons why visitor come, relaxation, sun, and beaches and of Scuba Diving. When the rest of the world is freezing, if asked where they would rather be, the answer is, the Hawaiian Islands. Maui is two connected mountains with...
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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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Mtwara, Tanzania
Mikindani is a historic coastal trading town with a blend of Swahili, Arabic and colonial influence. It has a rich and colourful past having once been the regional capital of German East Africa, and was also where Dr David Livingstone based himself...
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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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Oahu, USA
The majority of Hawaiians live on Oahu, called “The Gathering Place”, and once you visit you’ll realize why. Visitors come here the first time and again, for a variety of reasons, but the mail ones are the weather, the beaches, the waters...
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Okinawa, Japan
The Okinawa Prefecture is an archipelago in southern Japan that covers the southern two thirds of the Ryukyu Islands. The islands are divided into three geographical archipelagos called the Okinawa Islands, the Miyako Islands and the Yeyama Islands. The Kuroshio Current...
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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
Playas del Coco is a small beach town in the northern province of Guanacaste. It is known for its great diving and large marine life, along with frequent sightings of Bull Sharks. Set on the northern Pacific coast, Playas del Coco (El...
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Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Locally known as Plett, Plettenberg Bay is on South Africas Garden Route. Most visitors will stop here on their journey through, but it's certainly a destination worth a longer stay. It has lots of outdoor and adrenalin activities, 10km of beach, whale...
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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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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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Sal, Cape Verde
Sal, which is Portuguese for salt, is one of the northern group of islands of the Cape Verde archipelago and is home to the area’s main airport. At 35 kilometres long by 12 kilometres wide, Sal it is geologically the oldest...
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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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Samoa, Polynesia
Samoa is found within Polynesia and is located almost equidistant from Hawaii and Australia. It has a rich cultural history, colonised millennia ago by the Lapita. The earliest known evidence of human occupation are pottery shards of a Lapita village near Mulifanua,...
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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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Socorro Island, Mexico
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 Islands, or the Revillagigedo...
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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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Solitary Islands Marine Park, Australia
The Solitary Islands Marine Park is where the tropical waters of the East Australian Current meet the southern temperate waters. Located just off the shores of the ever-pleasant Coffs Harbor, which is coincidentally surrounded by a phenomenal number of national parks, this diving...
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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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South West Rocks, Australia
Visitors have long come to South West Rocks to take in its natural beauty in the great outdoors. Buildings date back to the 1800s in this sleepy coastal resort which lies near the mouth of the Macleay River. Go here to...
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St. Barthelemy
St. Barthelemy or St. Barth as it is often called is considered a playground for the rich and famous. That said St. Barth is a place that you will always want to come back to. It has a little something for...
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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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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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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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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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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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Timor Leste (East Timor), Timor
As the newest country in Asia, Timor Leste has an amazing natural beauty both above and below the water which is very much unspoilt. Located in the eastern end of the archipelago making up Indonesia and just north of Australia, the...
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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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Tokunoshima, Japan
Although not as well known as Okinawa, Tokunoshima is the perfect place to get away from busy city life, with spectacular view points overlooking the coral coast line and a range of water sports available with good surfing, scuba diving, body boarding,...
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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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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 – locally known as Unguja – is an ideal scuba diving destination. Zanzibar Archipelago off the coast of Tanzania consists of two large islands,...
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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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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 home to 20 prime diving locations, all within less than 35 minutes from the main beach town. Dives...
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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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Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Zihuatanejo is a quiet Mexican fishing town that neighbours the resort centered town of Ixtapa. While it has developed extensively since the 1970s, the town retains an old world Mexican charm alongside modern amenities and, great diving. Zihuatanejo is small fishing village...
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