Seven of the most incredible scuba diving experiences in the world

The underwater world, an area where time seems to slow down and gravity seems to loosen its grip, is something that every traveler should explore for his lifetime. And if snorkeling scoops the surface, diving will pull you deeper. Scuba diving is a passport to otherworldly dimensions, and gravity appears to loosen the grip. You can glide through the school of sparkling fish, follow the outline of a coral cathedral, or hover in weightlessness on a frozen, sinking ship in time.

You don't have to be a veteran adventurer to jump in. Obtaining the PADI Open Water Certification is easier than you think and you can start from anywhere in the world, including the UK. With this gateway's qualification, some of the planet's most incredible dive sites are within reach. Whether you're looking for wildlife encounters, historic shipwrecks, or geographical wonders, these seven dive spots offer a fantastic glimpse into the underwater world. The only question is whether to visit first.

1. Explore New Zealand's majestic underwater North Island

With its towering peaks and thriving marine life, New Zealand water is essential for divers and offers options for all skill levels. To the east of the north island, you can swim through the iconic Blue Mao Ma arch of poor Knights Island, and can be accompanied by a vibrant school of fish named after the arch. For adrenaline addicts, Stingray Rock from the Alderman Islands offers an exhilarating flow that lived with mackerel and red moki. The spires of the white island cathedral call out divers to witness the seabed, shaped by the geothermal power of an active marine volcano.

Underwater alternatives: Africa's Sao Meh and Principe, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa all boast a bold, world-class pinnacle diving.

2. Conquering the caves and caves of Cyprus

With visibility stretching over 100 feet, Cyprus invites divers into rocky landscapes of sturdy beauty. At Cape Greco, a series of tunnels are captivated by a shaft of light that cuts clear water into clear light, revealing Moray Eels and Turopus. Near Paphos, an ancient amphora, two thousand years ago, obscures the ceiling of the Amphorae Cave. This reaches a maximum depth of 40 feet below the surface and is an ideal option for new divers looking for their first cave experience. In the east of the country, the Cyclops Cave is a stunning wall dive that lives with Malay eels and dartsquids near the semi-submerged cave, which is said to have been the home of the Cyclops in the mythical Odyssey.

Underwater Alternatives: Those who enjoy exploring the underground world can also head to Sweden, Denmark, Poland, the UK or Mexico for world-class cave diving. To ensure safe diving, consider the PADI Cavern Diver course for further research.

3. Immerse yourself in the Maldives sea grass pasture

Beneath the perfect surface with a postcard in the Maldives is a hidden world of sea grass meadows. With calm, shallow waters with access to all skill levels, Seagrass Diving blends tranquility and biodiversity. These fields evacuate young fish, gliding rays, and endangered green sea turtles, and showcase the less dramatic, yet undoubtedly fascinating side of the Maldives. They also store carbon and shields from erosion, serving an impressive ecological purpose. It now protects more than 225 acres of this important habitat thanks to initiatives like Protect Maldives Seagrass, launched by Six Senses Laamu and the Blue Marine Foundation.

Underwater Alternatives: For those who are paying attention to short battles, Spanish diving sites like Cabo de Paro also have vast sea grass pastures.

4. Experience hidden wonders in the lakes of southern England

While British lakes may not be obvious diving hotspots, their natural beauty and hidden curiosity make for a unique underwater experience. Explore the fuselage of a 50-foot wreck and aquatic life, former Royal Navy Commando-Syking helicopter, a 50-foot wreck, including a large school of perches and cockroaches, at some depths of 20 to 120 feet. Masu. Beginners can hone their skills in Southampton's dedicated Underk Lake with jet ski wrecks, Sturgeons and 17th century barge bows. And at Sirley's Mercer's Country Park Inland Diving Lake, submerged forests and thriving pikes and perches await just below the surface. All of these sites also offer PADI courses, covering everything from open water to advanced technical courses.

Underwater alternatives: The Netherlands, Austria and Malawi are fascinating lake adventures for those who cannot fill freshwater.

5. Uncover ancient history under the Greek sea

Greek water is a time capsule, offering an unusual opportunity for divers to explore ancient sites. These dives combine adventure and education and plunge you into thousands of years of human history. At Cape Gralos, ceramic shards and weathered anchors from Pagasétic Bay tell the story of years of maritime trade. Off the coast of Amaliapolis on nearby Kikintos Island, there is a mound of whispers of commercial transactions since the Early Christian era. Crystal Clearwaters and carefully managed access will transform Greece into a living museum.

Underwater alternatives: Ancient history is embedded in the Mediterranean, but the standout location is the submerged archaeological park of Bahia near Naples, Italy.

6. Meet Dugon on the thriving coral reefs in Egypt

In Egypt's Red Sea, a calm “sea cow” – grazes a lively sea grass bed in a quiet shallow water. These peaceful mammals offer a rare, unforgettable encounter surrounded by coral reefs living with technicolor fish. Egyptian coral reefs covering around 100,000 acres are the most resilient in the world, and the $14 million Egyptian Red Sea initiative protects around 247,000 acres of coral reefs and supports local restoration projects, making them a good one. I aim to stay in my state. From spending calm moments observing Dugon to exploring the kaleidoscope of coral reef biodiversity and learning about coral reef conservation, Egypt offers a mysterious and purposeful diving experience.

Underwater alternatives: The Karawit Islands and Dimipac Islands near Colon in the Philippines have dagon, coral gardens and sea grass beds.

7. Dive into Maltese Underwater Time Capsules

With impressive visibility and easy coastal access, Malta is home to reck diving year-round and the thrill of divers of all levels. The island's water has gained a reputation among European divers as a gateway to an attractive historic location beneath the surface. You can either descend on the 52-foot destroyer HMS Māori, a World War II destroyer, or jump into the Um El Faroud, a giant oil tanker, located at 118 feet. Meanwhile, Calwella, a former passenger ferry southeast of Gozo, has captivated its photogenic staircase and well-preserved Cold War engine compartment.

Underwater alternatives: The Bahamas, Greece and the UK promise many shipwreck dive sites for those ready to explore submerged decks.