Adam McManus is a Canadian university
student who balances his studies with his passion for scuba diving. A
PADI-certified diver, Adam’s greatest love is exploring alien, underwater
worlds that few people ever get to see.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is iconic with
divers for a reason. This is the largest coral reef system in the world,
stretching over 2,300 kilometers. Adam says he can never tire of the vibrant
coral gardens, schools of colorful fish, and regular encounters with sea
turtles and reef sharks.
"Go during the Australian spring, from
October to November - that's when the visibility in the water is really at its
best," suggests Adam. "If you’re looking more adventure, go with
liveaboard and you can travel out to more sites."
Blue Hole, Belize
Diving the Blue Hole is going into another
dimension. "It's a giant marine sinkhole, and during the descent, you are
surrounded by ancient stalactites and an overall feeling of weirdness,"
explains Adam. This bizarre place, part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve
System, is featured on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
"If you're an intermediate or advanced
diver, this is the place that shouldn't be missed. The depths here are
demanding but it’s worth the effort."
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Want to explore one of the most diverse
places on Earth? Raja Ampat is at the top of Adam's list. This Indonesian
archipelago sits right in the middle of the Coral Triangle and is home to an
incredible 600 species of coral and 1,500 species of fish. "Diving here is
like swimming through a living aquarium," Adam says. From elegant manta
rays to small pygmy seahorses, Raja Ampat has something magical at every turn.
"Plan your trip during the dry season,
from October to April, when the seas are smoother and visibility is at its
best."
Red Sea, Egypt
The Red Sea is an underwater treasure.
"The wreck dives here are incredible," Adam says, with the SS
Thistlegorm being one of his personal favorites. Warm, clear waters and teeming
reefs make it a haven for all levels of divers.
“The best starting points are Sharm
El-Sheikh and Hurghada, with plenty of dive shops offering trips to the top
sites.”
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
For the truly adventurous, there’s no match
for the Galápagos Islands. Adam’s encountered hammerhead sharks, playful sea
lions, and even penguins during his his dives there. "It's wild, raw, and
unlike anywhere else on Earth," he says.
"Wolf and Darwin Islands are for
advanced divers only with the strong currents."
Silfra Fissure, Iceland
For something completely unique, Adam
suggests checking out the Silfra Fissure dives. "This is basically the
only place on earth where you can dive between two tectonic plates," he
says. With clear, clean water fed by glacial melt, the visibility frequently
exceeds 100 meters.
"It’s definitely cold, but with a
proper dry suit, the experience is unforgettable."
Palau
"Palau feels like an underwater
Fantasy Island," Adam says. From the slightly surreal Jellyfish Lake to
the legendary Blue Corner and German Channel dive site, there's something here
for all experience levels. "The marine life is spectacular, and you get
such variety with every dive that it’s always exciting.
Adam's love for diving is contagious.
"For me, diving connects me with nature and makes me appreciate all the
hidden wonders of our planet.” Whether you're an avid diver or you’re just
starting out, these destinations offer experiences that you’ll remember for a
lifetime.
So what’s stopping you? Break out your
gear, make a reservation, and follow Adam McManus’ advice to explore the
underwater treasures our planet has on offer.
