Immerse yourself in the warm Caribbean waters of Cuba and enter an underwater paradise, populated with brightly hued sponges, sunken shipwrecks and spectacular sealife, including the rare and elusive Cuban Crocodile.



As the largest island in the Caribbean Sea, Cuba benefits from a 5600km coastline, scattered with ripe coral reefs, containing the most diverse variety of corals and fish. Cuba’s warm waters of 24°C in summer and 22°C in winter provide the perfect temperature for divers wanting to explore its pristine underwater wilderness. With hardly any coral destruction or pollution the average visibility is 30 to 40m, allowing divers to fully embrace the spectacular scenery Cuba has to offer. Beneath the surface divers can expect to find a fascinating variety of sea life including marlins, swordfish, goupers, barracudas, sharks, lobsters and morays. If you’re lucky you may even find yourself diving alongside the rare Cuban Crocodile, being sure to make diving in Cuba an unforgettable experience.

If you are looking for a change of scenery Cuba also boasts numerous shipwrecks and over 20 systems of caves and caverns. With hundreds of magnificent dive sites on offer trying to choose a site can prove difficult. The most accessible diving is off the North Coast due to its proximity to the international airport as well as the city Havana. However, while diving in the North will definitely exceed your expectations some of Cuba’s best diving spots are in the South, most notably of which, the Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen). Jardines de la Reina boasts a magnificent pristine ecosystem of coral reefs making it home to numerous fascinating underwater species. Not only is the Jardines de la Reina home to a large variety of endangered sharks, the national park surrounding it is also home to numerous other endangered species of plant and wildlife, including loggerhead turtles, hawksbill turtles, Cuban Crocodiles and black, staghorn and elkhorn corals.

The Jardines de la Reina is accessible either via liveaboard or by having a floating hotel as your base. This gives you the convenience of living within close proximity to the dive sites, allowing you to reach dive sites within minutes.

One can generally dive year round in Cuba as the average yearly water temperature lingers around 24°C. Nevertheless, the peak time to dive in Cuba is between December and April, when rainfall is at its lowest. However, if you are interested in seeing whale sharks November is the best month to visit.

The prehistoric looking Ocean sunfish, or mola looks like the invention of a mad scientist and vies for the title of strangest fish in the sea. Huge and flat, these silvery-grey fish have tiny mouths and big eyes that vanish into an even bigger body with a truncated tail. Topping out around 2 tons, this gentle giant is the world's heaviest bony fish. With their tank-like bodies, molas were clearly not built for life in the fast lane, but they hold their own against faster and flashier fish, capable of living at significant oceanic depths.



Lying across the Badung Strait in the waters surrounding Nusa Penida is where you’ll find the best diving Bali has to offer. With strong ocean currents and deep, cool waters, diving here is an adrenaline filled experience that will entice dive enthusiasts who actively seek strong currents. Besides the temptation of a thrilling drift dive many divers visit Nusa Penida in search of the rare and prehistoric looking sunfish, the mola mola.

These odd looking creatures migrate from the deep oceanic waters towards Nusa Penida during the months from July through to October in order to cleanse themselves from parasites. Ocean sunfish can become so infested with skin parasites, they will often invite small fish or even birds to feast on the pesky critters. They may at times even breach the surface up to 10 feet (3 meters) in the air and land with a splash in an attempt to shake the parasites.

They often can be seen daily on dives during this period as they frequent the many cleaning stations along the reef. Crystal Bay is not only recognised as one of Bali’s best dive sites due its superb visibility but is also renowned for sightings of these giant fish. Located in the South West of Nusa Penida and bordered by a sandy ocean floor with towering walls of coral, this sheltered shallow bay provides the perfect conditions for diving. Those who feel like exploring the surrounding waters may find curious caves and magnificent coral gardens, along with a fascinating variety of marine life including patrolling reef sharks, docile turtles and camouflaged wobbegongs. With the bay being sheltered from strong currents this site is perfect for divers of all levels of experience, from the novice to the professional, including snorkelers.

Further south, along the rocky coastline of Nusa Penida is a site known for year round manta encounters. At Manta Point the plankton rich waters attract many manta rays and up to eight mantas can be seen on one dive. However, due to the strong surges diving at Manta Point is more for the experienced diver.

If you can peel your eyes away from the mola mola Nusa Penida also boasts some spectacular macro diving opportunities with fascinating creatures, including the pygmy seahorse, scorpionfish and frogfish that hide amongst the lush coral gardens.

Sharks evoke an unexplainable fascination in their human admirers. From their large gaping jaws, lined with rows of razor sharp teeth to their sheer strength and agility, it’s no wonder why these impressive creatures are the apex predators of the ocean.

Diving with sharks in their natural habitat is an exhilarating experience, sure to get your blood pumping. South Africa offers excellent diving opportunities with a large range of sharks from the infamous Great White shark to the gentle Whale Shark. Other sharks that make up the Big 5 that can be seen along the South African coastline include the Zambezi shark, the Tiger shark and the Ragged-tooth shark.

The Gansbaai area including Dyer Island and the legendary Shark Alley is considered the shark diving capital of the world, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe, encounter and cage dive with sharks, in particular the Great White Shark. The thrill of a close encounter with the most revered predator of the ocean, the Great White Shark is the ultimate adrenaline filled diving experience. Cage diving is a common way of getting up close and personal with these fearsome creatures. A cage dive usually begins with throwing a bucket of mashed sardines and fish oil, commonly known as chum, into the ocean to attract sharks to the boat. Once the sharks surround the boat a chunk of bait is attached to a buoy and the cage is lowered into the water. Cage diving does not require any dive experience and all equipment is provided on board, including a wetsuit. A dive can last up to 20 minutes and is usually done in the morning. If you’re lucky you may just get an opportunity to witness the formidable Great White hunting, as it explodes of out the water in an action known as breaching, displaying its sheer strength, agility and speed.

For the adventurous diver who prefers the thrill of diving alongside sharks in their natural habitat, without the security of a cage, diving off the coast of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa is the perfect destination, offering excellent opportunities for a face-to-face shark encounter. Besides the majestic Great White there are numerous other sharks that lurk beneath the surface, all of which can be found in abundance on Protea Banks and Aliwal Shoal. Lying 5 and 8km off the coast of KwaZulu Natal are two unique reef systems, both of which are blessed with the warm Agulhas current. Due to the large variety of sealife, including large schools of Kingfish, Tuna, Yellowtail and Barracudas, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks are the perfect hunting grounds for larger predators with few other dive sites boasting regular sightings of Zambezi sharks, Hammerhead, Ragged-tooth, Back tip and Tiger sharks.

Protea banks is ranked as one of the world’s top shark diving destinations and is frequented by a large number of Zambezi (Bull) sharks, making it one of the few places in the world where these sharks can be seen on a regular basis. Aliwal Shoal, on the other hand, with its many caves and gullies is home to a seasonal residence of hundreds of Ragged-tooth sharks which are in their highest concentrations between June and November. Diving during the Ragged-tooth shark season provides excellent opportunities to see the crooked smile of the formidable Ragged-tooth shark up close. Other sealife that can be found on Aliwal Shoal include sting rays, manta rays, dolphins, turtles and even pods of whales during the months from June to December. Aliwal Shoal also boasts some exceptional wreck diving opportunities with three shipwrecks that lie dormant, resting along the sandy ocean floor just waiting to be explored.

Whale sharks can also be seen sporadically though the year along the coast of KwaZulu Natal, with frequent sightings at Aliwal Shoal and Sodwana Bay. Having been known to display inquisitive behaviour with divers, a close encounter with one of these gentle giants is sure to be a breathtaking experience. Since Whale Sharks are known to be migratory, following plankton blooms and changing water temperatures, sightings are more common during the summer months from October to April.

Although certain sharks can be seen more frequently at different times of the year diving can be done throughout the year with water temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C and outside daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 38°C.

Every year millions of sardines saturate the dark blue waters a shiny metallic silver in an unexplained natural phenomenon known as the Sardine Run. Their sheer numbers attract animals from land, sea and sky, creating a feeding extravaganza and a frenzy of excitement amongst all who come into contact with this spectacular marine event.



The Sardine run in South Africa is described as one of the greatest marine spectacles on earth. Annually, during the months of May through to July vast shoals of sardines migrate up the east coast of South Africa, travelling from the cooler waters of the Cape into the warm sub-tropical waters of KwaZulu-Natal. With shoals often being more than 7 km long, 1.5 km wide and 30 metres deep a large amount of attention is drawn to the Sardine run, especially because of the large concentration of marine predators that are always in close pursuit.

Following the shoals, above and below water is an unprecedented concentration of marine predators including birds, sharks, dolphins, whales, seals and fish. Schools of sharks including the Bronze Whaler, Dusky, Black Tip, Zambezi, Hammerhead and Copper can be seen in their hundreds. Bottle nose and common dolphins also join in the feeding frenzy and employ a hunting strategy to push the shoals into what is referred to as ‘bait balls’. Working together underwater the dolphins drive the bait balls to the surface. As the shoal moves closer to the surface the aerial assault on the sardines begins as hundreds of Cape Gannets, Cormorants and Gulls plummet out of the sky to gorge themselves on the shimmering ball of silver fish. In areas where the sardines swim close to the shore fishermen and local sardine lovers make sure to secure their share too.

Little is known about this phenomenon and the Sardine Run is still poorly understood from an ecological point of view. Sardines shoal closely together when they are threatened in an instinctual defensive behaviour, since individual sardines are more vulnerable than in large groups. It is also hypothesised that the water temperature has to drop below 21°C in order for the migration to take place and the Sardine Run is most likely as a result of a seasonal reproductive migration.

Despite little being understood about this natural phenomenon it is definitely a once in a life time opportunity to witness one of natures unexplained mysteries. This spectacular marine event is sure to be enjoyed by all, be it bird watchers, marine life enthusiasts, divers of varying levels of experience as well as snorkellers.

The world renowned Manta Reef is home to large schools of magnificent Manta Rays. Watch in admiration as these majestic creatures glide effortlessly through the water in an awe-inspiring display of their grace and beauty.



Located off the coast of Mozambique, approximately 20km south of Inhambane is the magnificent Manta Reef, named after the large schools of manta rays that frequent the area. The world renowned Manta Reef is definitely something to tick off of your bucket list. With two prominent cleaning stations located along the reef, including Manta Pinnacles and Manta Canon, sightings as well as close encounters with these majestic creatures are guaranteed.

Inhamane and Tofu beach offer some of the best diving in the world. Not only are close encounters with manta rays a frequent occurrence, divers can also get up close and personal with whale sharks and humpback whales. These gentle giants frequent the area during the months from October through to March and humpback whales can be seen as they migrate along the Mozambique coastline during the months from June to October.

The reef’s landscape is rugged and made up of canyons and gullies, covered with colourful soft and hard corals, and home to a dazzling variety of marine life, including large schools of barracuda, docile turtles and giant moray eels.

Palm fringed powder sand beaches, scattered islands of emerald green, volcanic archipelagos and azure waters are the enduring images of the Pacific. Recognised as the world’s largest ocean, the Pacific is a vast expanse of sea, home to some of the best diving locations in the world.



The Pacific Ocean stretches between the Arctic and Antarctica, with Asia and Australia to the west, and the Americas to the east. The oldest, largest and deepest of all the world’s ocean basins, the Pacific covers nearly a third of the world’s surface.

An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 islands are found in the Pacific Ocean and include a combination of larger, continental islands and archipelagos of smaller volcanic islands and coral atolls. These palm fringed islands are as diverse as the region is vast and habitats of the islands vary greatly, from lush rain forests, mangrove swamps and active volcanoes to rocky and dessert landscapes. The marine life is equally as diverse, from tiny micro critters to large pelagics.

Some of the best diving spots in the Pacific include Fiji, renowned for its magnificent soft coral reefs and tiger sharks. Papau New Guinea, dubbed the ‘underwater photographers paradise’, home to one of the highest concentrations of marine life in the world, pristine dive sites and sunken shipwrecks. Tahiti’s inviting lagoons, remote white sand beaches and oceanic drop offs that attract large pelagics. Palau, home to the world famous Jellyfish Lake and Blue Corner. Yap, famed for its Mata Rays and last, but not least, the eerie underwater graveyard of Truuk Lagoon.

With a wide variety of dive sites and equally diverse marine life, there are endless possibilities while diving the Pacific and a range of experiences to suit every desire.

A twilight dive is the perfect time to witness one of the most fascinating events in the marine world, the mesmerising courtship dance of the mandarin fish.



The mandarin fish, named after the robes of an Imperial Chinese Officer, with its bright and bizarre patterns of blue, green, purple, yellow and orange, is by far one of the most beautiful and interesting fish in the ocean. What makes them interesting is not only their patterns of psychedelic hues, but also their lack of scales, hover-like swimming style and their nocturnal mating rituals.

Mandarinfish are shy and reclusive during the day, preferring to live in protected, shallow in shore reefs under coral beds and rubble. They are usually found in pairs or groups in tranquil lagoons throughout the Western Pacific and in the Coral Triangle of biodiversity, which includes Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Indonesia and Australia.

Just before sunset these magnificent fish come out from hiding to engage in a mesmerising mating ritual. Groups of 3 to 5 females make their way to a particular region of the reef and wait for males to visit and display their courtship behaviour, in the hopes of attracting a female. Once the female has chosen her mate the two of them will come together, resting their pelvic fins together. After having aligned themselves the mating ritual begins as the two of them rise, side by side, approximately 1m above the reef, releasing sperm and eggs into the water. After having successfully completed the mating ritual they will separate abruptly while their eggs float away along with the current, taking approximately a day to hatch into 1mm long larvae.

Witnessing the psychedelic mating ritual of the mandarinfish requires a little patience, timing and luck yet if you’re fortunate enough to see this mesmerising courtship dance you will not be disappointed.

Marvel at the power and grace of the humpback whale and be taken aback by its beautiful song.



The waters off the 2,500km coastline of Mozambique are bursting with an array of diverse creatures, the most spectacular being the humpback whale. Between January and June, humpback whales feed in the cold, nutrient rich waters of the Antarctic before migrating to the warmer waters near the equator to breed and give birth, between the months of July and December. This 12,000km journey is one of the longest migrations of any animal. On their migratory route they pass between the east coast of Africa and Madagascar, making Mozambique a prime whale-watching location.

From the shore, it is often possible to see the humpback whales swimming gracefully in the distance, making a boat journey to see them up close, irresistible. When out on the water you will witness the power of these ‘sea giants’ as they burst out of the water (breaching), throwing two-thirds of their body into the air before creating a huge splash as they land on their backs. Although the whales display their incredible power, you will also see their unexpected elegance when they ‘spyhop’ and ‘sail’. ‘Spyhopping’ is when the whale raises its head and part of its body out of the water in a controlled manner to curiously inspect its surroundings. Whales are said to be ‘sailing’ when they hold their flukes in the air for an extended period of time, resembling a ships sails. The subtlety of these great mammals is a wonder of nature and is bound to leave you feeling in awe. As you submerge into the underwater world of these giants, you may find yourself mesmerised by the ethereal song of the humpback whale. Lasting up to 30 minutes and travelling vast distances, this song is both powerful and precious and is still an enigma to scientists. Whilst you are suspended in the deep blue waters, a looming shadow may appear and then out of the depths, a humpback whale will reveal itself as it gracefully glides past. This is when their colossal size is put into perspective as you feel insignificant in the presence of these tranquil giants. One may think that a large animal, such as the humpback whale, would be somewhat cumbersome; however, their agility is astonishing as they glide through the water with such precision and ease. Whether you are watching from a boat or in the water, humpback whales are one of the most fascinating animals. Amazing sightings of these creatures can be seen in Mozambique during the humpback whale season; between July and December.

The Southern Red Sea offers a unique and exciting alternative to its northern counterpart. Known for its huge wall drops, strong currents and thrilling pelagic action, diving here is sure to get your blood pumping.



Worthy of its title as one of the Seven underwater Wonders of the World, diving the Southern Red Sea, with its lush coral reefs, magnificent sunken wrecks and a dazzling variety of marinelife is a dive enthusiast’s dream come true.

Situated between Asia and Africa, the Red Sea begins at the Suez Canal in the North and runs all the way down, past Ethiopia to join the Gulf of Aden in the South. The Northern Red Sea is known for excellent wreck diving opportunities, while the Southern Red Sea is known for its pelagic action. Large pelagics are attracted to the dives sites due to the strong oceanic currents, making regular close encounters with sharks guaranteed on dives. Famous dive sites include Daedalus Reef, St John’s Reef, Marsa Alam and the waters off the coast of Sudan.

If the multitude of marine life with over 1000 species of invertebrates and over 1,100 species of fish does not get you excited then the magnificent coral gardens, huge wall drops, strong currents and thrilling pelagic action will. It’s not surprising why the Red Sea is considered one of the best diving destinations in the world with marine lovers, photographers and leisure seekers travelling from all over to experience and explore its many wonders and hidden secrets.

Making the marine life burst with secret colours that are otherwise undiscoverable, “Fluo-Diving” around the pristine reefs of the paradisiacal Wakatobi islands makes for a unique and unforgettable diving experience.

At the heart of the world famous Coral Triangle lies the Wakatobi islands, home to some of the most pristine reefs and bio-diverse waters in the world. Perfect for diving, the spectacular array of underwater life leaves those who submerge themselves into the crystal clear waters feeling in awe.



Under the waves is where Wakatobi displays its true beauty. Here you will find the second largest barrier reef in the world, second to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. However, Wakatobi’s reef condition is far superior and the remote location of the islands gives divers a more intimate and private experience. The colourful coral of Wakatobi does not disappoint and encounters with manta rays, hammerhead sharks and even whale sharks furthers the water’s ability to amaze.



A truly unique and unforgettable diving experience found in Wakatobi is “Fluo-Diving”. “Fluo-Diving” is where you dive at night with UV lights and special masks that filter the light, letting you discover the magical, hidden secrets of the marine life. This new form of diving was pioneered on the Wakatobi islands and very few people have ever experienced this astonishing spectacle. As you submerge into the waters, the coral and fish explode with fluorescent colours in a way that you will have never seen before and their unimaginable beauty is guaranteed to blow you away. “Fluo-Diving” is only for experienced night time divers, however, those with less experience can still enjoy the mystical wonders whilst “Fluo-Snorkeling”.



After the adventures of Wakatobi’s underwater world of wonder, take a leisurely stroll down sandy beaches lined with coconut palms and gaze in awe as a fiery sunset paints the sky a vibrant blend of orange and red. These are the many treasures of Wakatobi that make it the ultimate island getaway.

With rugged coastlines dotted with sea lions basking in the sun, camouflaged Leafy Sea-dragons hidden amongst lush green sea beds, playful pods of dolphins splashing in the waves and thousands of pulsating cuttlefish to mesmerise you with their hypnotic display. Visiting Australia is a once in a lifetime experience sure to exceed your expectations.



With spectacular coastlines blessed with remarkable landscapes from rugged cliffs to still lagoons and a large variety of endemic wildlife, Australia is a destination to be enjoyed by both wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Below the water’s surface lies a magnificent underwater wonderland covered in brightly hued sponges, bordered by lush green sea beds and home to an exciting variety of marine life, including the rare Leafy Sea-Dragon, the endemic Little Penguin and the endangered Sea Lion.

Submerge yourself into some of the best temperate waters Australia has to offer and try your luck at spotting the elusive Leafy Sea-Dragon. This magical creature is a close relative of the seahorse and is endemic to Australia’s southern waters. Kangaroo Island and Sydney Harbour host some of the largest populations of Leafy Sea-Dragons with many divers travelling from all over the world for an opportunity to spot this rare and prehistoric looking creature.

Not only are the temperate waters home to the rare Leafy Sea-Dragon Kangaroo Island and Sydney Harbour offer many diverse and exciting wildlife experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. From nocturnal penguin tours, allowing you to get close to waddles of Little Penguins that make their home in caves and shrubbery along the coastline, to diving alongside pods of playful dolphins and snorkelling the ‘Cuttlefish Capital of the World’, where thousands of cuttlefish prepare to spawn, performing a mesmerising display as they pulsate a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns.

Not only is there a wealth of marine life experiences to be had off the coast of Australia the underwater scenery is just as spectacular, with large sinkholes that glisten an inviting turquoise colour, secret caves and tunnels as well as many mysterious shipwrecks that lie dormant along the sandy ocean floor, just waiting to be explored.

On land the scenery is just as breath-taking with towering golden sand dunes, lush wetlands and pristine beaches, bordered by rugged coastline that welcome a large variety of endemic wildlife including kangaroos, echidnas, wallabies and koala bears. Whether you enjoy diving or taking long walks along the beach, Australia will delight you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Antarctica’s winter wonderland landscape boasts breathtaking scenery with towering snow dusted mountains, glistening glaziers and sculptured icebergs.



The icy continent of Antarctica is ranked the fifth largest continent in the world and recognised as Earth’s southernmost continent. Its frozen expanse of desert is pure and pristine, largely untouched by humans, providing the perfect opportunities for a voyage into unchartered territory. With extreme weather conditions from rough sea crossings to windswept landscapes, all in sub-zero temperatures an expedition to Antarctica, although challenging, is an exhilarating experience fit for adventure lovers and adrenaline junkies.

Antarctica’s dramatic landscape, from the floating sheets of ice at Weddell Sea to the sunken caldera at Deception Island, offers many exciting activities. Weave on your kayak through an icy maze covered in icebergs or camp in a tent along the barren snow dusted landscape. Other activities include rock climbing, ice diving, as well as swimming in warm volcanic waters, with temperatures reaching 70°C in some places!

From breath-taking underwater scenery with waving walls of kelp and sculptured ice bergs to a fascinating variety of unique sealife, including large colonies of penguins, pods of leopard seals and killer whales as well as flocks of migratory birds, diving in Antarctica is truly a magical experience that will leave you feeling in awe.