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Sensational Snorkelling – Some of the best sites from around the world
Leave the dive gear behind. Grab your masks, snorkels and fins. Jump in and see some amazing marine life.
Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen), Cuba
Get up close with a crocodile called Niño, whilst passing the time between dives, at Jardines de la Reina. An amazing destination for scuba divers, that has this top wildlife encounter as an added bonus. With changes coming quickly in this amazing country, put this destination to the very top of your list. The diving will enchant you with pristine reefs and plenty of sharks, but it is the chance to snorkel with a crocodile that was the highlight for us.
The Exumas in the Bahamas
One of the best snorkelling excursions you can have, your tour boat will stop at several mind-blowing snorkelling sites on a day trip that takes you down this long series of tiny cays and islands. You can snorkel over a crashed drug plane and explore the Thunderball Grotto, made famous by the James Bond movies, but the highlights for us were the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay and the nurse sharks that gather on the pier at Compass Cay. A fabulous, family friendly day out.
The Sardine Run, South Africa
Whilst it is mostly divers that head to this wildlife pilgrimage each year, there is often not enough time to even think about getting into your scuba kit. When the action starts, grab your mask, fins and snorkel and jump in to catch dolphins, whales, sharks, gannets and more all feast of the schools of fish.
Crystal River, Florida, USA
Each winter huge numbers of manatees head inshore to the warmer (and yet still cool) spring waters of Florida. Crystal River is a popular place for people to snorkel with these gentle and enigmatic creatures. They are big and often come right up to those that come and visit them. There are strict rules to ensure they do not get stressed by snorkelers that visit here, but it is still a wonderful experience.
Mantas in the Maldives
Mantas move around the islands of the Maldives, following their food as it concentrates in different areas depending on the weather and ocean currents. Many divers, whilst diving on a live-aboard or staying at a single location, will get the chance to snorkel with both mantas and even whalesharks (if they are luckier than us!) The key to a close encounter is not to chase these magnificent giant rays, but to watch their feeding patterns and just hang out in the right area.
Grand Bahama, Bahamas
Off the coast of the West End of Grand Bahama lies a handful of deserted, uninhabited islands that just stick out of the water and are home to a few palm trees. Just off the perfect white sand, however, you can find numerous stingrays swimming in the shallows. This is a great way to spend the day, whether you want to take photos, have a romantic day, or take the whole family for a day out in the sun.
Aliwal Shoal, South Africa
Getting in the water with the sharks off Aliwal Shoal is for the adventurous diver or freediver. The sharks are attracted in using chum, and soon surround the boat. The boat ride itself is an adventure with huge waves breaking on this wild coastline. Aside from the sharky main event, which can have numerous species of sharks gathering, we were treated to dolphins surfing along the beach and a whaleshark too!
Basking Sharks, Cornwall, UK
Each summer these giant sharks begin to gather off the coast of Cornwall to feed on the plankton that starts to bloom as the sun comes out. If you are lucky, on a clear day, with flat seas, you might see a huge fin sticking up out of the water and slowly patrolling one of the ragged bays along the magnificent coastline. You need to slip gently into the water, so as not to disturb these sharks, and then stay still in the water and let them approach you. The experience can be extraordinary. The water is still cool though, so bring plenty of warm clothes, as well as a drysuit, hood and gloves.
Think we missed a top snorkelling destination off our list? Let us know in the comments below!
All photos: www.frogfishphotography.com
News
Stay Longer for Less at Temple Point, Kenya with Dive Worldwide
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
News
Dive Worldwide Announces Bite-Back as its Charity of the Year
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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