Fed up of the cold wintery commute to work? Wrapped head to toe in thick garments to keep that icy cold wind from hurting your face? Aren’t all of us in these cold places we call home!? Or maybe you just fancy a scuba Christmas! I know exactly how you feel.
If you’re like me, and when the winter has well and truly hit, and the holiday diver inside of you cannot wait to escape, you might be looking for a sunny break or ever better a scuba liveaboard. More specifically, a sunny scuba break. Don’t let traveling with your scuba gear put you off, it’s a lot easier than you think! We are not looking for cheap scuba diving destinations just those that offer good value with never to forget diving experiences.
So here’s some winter inspiration for your next diving vacation with a hint of the best diving in December.
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7 Best Winter Dive Destinations
If you’ve ever planned a scuba dive vacation, you’ll know that there are a few things you need to think about before getting on the plane. Knowing what you need to pack for a dive trip is one of them, but you’ll also need to check the weather conditions of your destination.
If you’re looking to get away this winter and have found one of the best dive resorts in the world, or maybe you are still looking at the best December destinations. Get ready to pack your dive bag, Here I’ve put together a list of the best places to scuba dive during the winter. You’re so welcome.
1. The Maltese Islands
Located just south of Italy’s heel and over to the West of the Mediterranean’s heart – lies an enchanting archipelago comprising of Malta, Comino and Gozo along with the smaller, uninhabited islands of Cominotto, Filfla, and St.Paul. Malta offers some of the best scuba diving spots in Europe which also includes some of the best diving in December.
The clear blue Mediterranean sea offers unique diving experiences with a variety of scuba diving deals available around the island. Some of the best locations for scuba diving include reefs, caves, and even some wrecks to explore.
2. The Canary Islands
With year-round sun, warmth, and clear waters it is no wonder why divers are drawn to the Canary Islands for their scuba diving holidays. Also known as The Fortunate Islands, due to the subtropical climate and beautiful sandy beaches the islands of this Spanish archipelago lie at the eastern edge of the Atlantic Ocean, just off the northwest coast of Africa.
Although the islands don’t offer colors as vivid as those found in tropical destinations, it offers more prolific with sharks, rays, turtles, and wrecks and plenty of brightly colored fish. Divers are given a choice of some of the best places to scuba dive around the island throughout the year and it is probably one of the top December destinations.
3. The Maldives
Known as a very popular destination for its ocean viewed huts and beautiful surroundings, the Maldives is undoubtedly one of the best dive destinations in the world and one for the best diving in December.
During the winter months, Manta Point, located in South Ari Atoll is the best place to head to see Manta Ray. This spot is famous for its cleaning station for Mantas between the months of January to April. This is when they come up from the depths to free themselves of unwanted parasites.
4. Mozambique
At the mention of this destination to any scuba diver, and the scuba divas out there, they would automatically associate it with megafauna. All year round, whale sharks and manta rays prowl around the plankton-rich water, meanwhile humpback whales pass on by.
Mozambique is also home to the largest Marine Protected Area on the African continent. This helps protect its rich coral reefs and mangrove forests. Making it one of the top dive sites in the world and also one for the best diving in December. Thus taking a place on most scuba diver’s bucket lists.
5. Indonesia
The winter months are the perfect time of the year to take a trip and let that holiday diver out in Raja Ampat. Not only this, but Raja Ampat also offers some of the best places for diving in the world. One of the most popular is called Blue Magic.
The Blue Magic offers an abundance of marine life. From the pygmy seahorse to the giant manta ray. It is known to be an unbeatable dive as scuba diving holidays go. Some of the main attractions here include green turtles, black tips, and grey reef sharks.
6. Oman
Over the years Oman has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Full of vast deserts and rich history it is no wonder that divers take advantage of the richer waters due to the coastline is relatively untouched.
Within the region of Musandam, lies remote land full of nutrient-rich waters. It is these waters that make it one of the best places for scuba diving as it offers a vast amount of diversity and abundance of marine life. The optimum time for scuba diving in Oman is from October to May. These are the months where the sea is the calmest and the water warms up. Fast becoming one of the top December destinations for winter diving. Perhaps it’s time to take a trip here before the secret gets out to everyone else!
7. Jordan
Along with its breathtaking views and plenty of things on offer to do in Jordan, it also offers one of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world, making this the main attraction. The desert land of Jordan features red sands, towering cliffs, plains of volcanic basalt, and hills covered in olive trees.
Most importantly, for us divers, Jordan boasts plenty of scuba dive destinations to choose from. Many of which are located within Aqaba Marine Park. Some of these scuba dive destinations are accessible from shore. Scuba divers here enjoy a wide variety of hard and soft corals along with a myriad of reef fish, making it some of the best diving in the world.
And there you have it. Some best dive resorts in the world all with beautiful dive locations and perfect winter escapes. Have you been somewhere during the cold winter months? Let us know by leaving a comment below and share your best dive resorts during the winter! As always, happy diving!
