Sharm El Sheikh is world’s number one dive spot

Sharm charms as it tops the bill for scuba lovers taking first position in the charts according to Cheapflights.co.uk’s latest tips page mapping out the world’s Top Ten Dive Sites.

Salsa alongside the fishes of Cuba, do the Luau après scuba in Hawaii or take some underwater snaps of the world’s best coral in Sharm El Sheikh. Whatever splendours tickle your saltwater taste buds, Cheapflights.co.uk, the UK’s leading flight price comparison website, helps you explore them.

1) Sharm El Sheikh – World Number One
Our journey commences along the shores of our number one contender in the Top Ten list – the protected coral reefs of the Sinai Peninsula in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. This site is famed for the exquisite variety of coral that it holds. Additional residents of its marine life include clownfish, sea eels, and blacktip reef sharks. Not to mention all of the land activities visitors can enjoy après scuba. Sharm El Sheikh is famed not only for its white sandy beaches and rich nautical life, but also for its lively culture and bustling nightlife. Daylight offers horse and camel riding, desert safaris, and antiquity attractions while night life offers night clubs, casinos, bars, and delectable restaurants.

“Personally the Red Sea is one of my favourite diving spots. Not only does it have remarkable coral reefs and marine life, but it also boasts some of the best shipwrecks in the world. For example, diving the Thistlegorm, which was a military supply ship, is truly astounding and offers the diver the surreal experience of swimming past motorbikes, jeeps and even wellington boots which are still lined up perfectly as though they were still on their way to their next port of call,” says Cheapflights.co.uk’s travel expert, Nadine Hallak.

2) Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
The second most popular chart topper is possibly the most famous dive site in the world, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The size of this marine world is of colossal proportions not only in the physical sense, but also in terms of what it has to offer. Apart from being visible from outer space, it is home to more than 400 variations of coral and 1,500 species of fish including dolphins, sea turtles, whales and many more. But keep in mind that the sheer volume of this site means diving in it takes planning, so consult a professional diving centre when planning your journey. And if you’d like some adventure outside the water, there are plenty of activities to satisfy such as sightseeing, hot air balloon tours, island day trips and lots more.

3) Scuba in Cuba
If your sea quest is inclined more towards the Latin scene, consider our third runner up, Maria la Gorda in the Pinar Del Rio province west of Havana and the Jardines de la Reina Islands in the south. Abundant in coral and a colourful array of fish, Maria la Gorda, which translates to mean “Mary the Fat”, is home to around 50 diving spots where divers can enjoy the aquatic scenery within crystal clear waters. The diversity of fish also makes this spot ideal for underwater photography as well as land activities such as hiking, ecotourism, nature-walks, water sports, excursions to neighbouring resorts, and much more.

4) Swimming Sublime in the Maldives
Fourth place in our fishy adventure delves into the sublime calm of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives. This idyllic setting of luminously crystal clear waters is home to ten different dive sites ranging from the flat reef experience of Kuda Haa Girifushi Thila to the deep exploits of Rasfari. Those seeking more thrill than calm can try a wall drift among the strong currents at Banana Reef. And once again, if your adventure warrants a mix of wet and dry activity, the Maldives offer a wealth of spas, miles of white sandy beach, mouth-watering food, and lots of islands to explore. Bottom line, relaxation is the name of the game on this fantasy island.

To peruse the full list of diving sites, visit Cheapflights.co.uk/travel-tips/top-ten-dive-sites.