Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand
T
his group of islands off the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island are known as quite possibly Cousteau’s number
one dive destination in the world thanks to their superior visibility and bountiful marine life. They are the remains of volcanoes that were part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and are abundant with breathtaking grottoes, chimneys, tunnels, and archways. These clear tropical waters are home to the world’s largest sea cave and no end of dazzling marine life to explore. Marvel at the pink and blue maomao that tuck away in volcanic arches or look out for some bigger friends in the blue, from dolphins and orcas to bull rays and stingrays. Winter in New Zealand (from May to October) is mild and known to have better visibility for
diving.In the summer months last (from November to April( you’ll come across more plankton, stingrays and orca.
©Dive!Tutukaka Blue Hole, Belize T
his unique spot was featured in The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau after his first dive there in 1971. Many thousands of years ago, the Blue Hole was a limestone cave. Then ocean levels rose, causing the cave to flood and collapse. The result? Spectacular rock formations and a surrounding reef that’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fun fact: The Blue Hole is so deep – 400 feet – you can’t even dive to the bottom! This dive is not for beginners. It is a dark and deep excursion – your dive guide may even take you all the way down to 130 feet. Training and experience are an absolute must. Be sure you have your advanced diving certification and remember that the water will be a few degrees cooler the deeper you dive.
Sipidan, Malaysia C
ousteau’s 1989 Ghost of the Sea Turtles documentary made this tiny island famous. Sipidan is home to
over 3,000 marine species and spectacular coral so there is plenty to explore. The turtle population is quite large, but it’s not uncommon to see barracuda, tuna, manta and eagle rays, plus hammerhead and whale sharks too! When diving in Sipadan, the dive spots usually live up to their names: White Tip Avenue, Turtle Patch, Staghorn Crest, Lobster Lair and Hanging Gardens (for soft corals), all deliver! This is largely due to Sabah National Parks making huge efforts since 2005 to protect the area. Fish numbers have remained relatively stable and large numbers of fish are seen on most dives around Sipadan. You need a government-issued permit to dive as Sipadan has been protected since 2002. You can get your permit on Mabul and Kapala and both islands are about a 15-minute boat-ride away from Sipadan.
PADI Dive Centres and Resorts are where scuba divers find diver education, scuba diving equipment and opportunities to go diving in some of the world’s most spectacular destinations. For more details visit
www.padi.com/exploration
ONBOARD | WINTER 2023 | 177
©PADI
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