High concentrations of Green and Hawksbill turtles are a hallmark of this enchanting Island, yet that’s not the only reason the island of Sipadan is celebrated. Ideally located in the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the world makes Sipadan one of the top diving destinations in the world, offering something for all divers, from pelagic lovers to critter hunters.

In the Celebes Sea of the east coast of the island Borneo, lies Sipadan, an oceanic island created from lush corals growing on top of an extinct volcano. Situated in heart of the indo-pacific basin this marine paradise is ideally located in the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the world. Celebrated for its rich underwater biodiversity, pristine reefs and strong currents, that welcome over 3000 species of fish and are home to hundreds of vibrant coral species. It’s no wonder why this pristine Island and its surrounding waters are world renowned for being one of the top diving destinations in the world.

Recognised as one of the big fish capitals in the world, this magnificent island welcomes many pelagics, from white tip and grey reef sharks at Whitetip Avenue to scallop hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, and the occasional manta ray and whale shark, who make an appearance when oceanic currents bring in plankton from its depths. High concentrations of green and hawksbill turtles are a hallmark of the island with up to 20 turtles seen on one dive!

Two of the best dive sites in Sipadan include Turtle Tomb and Barracuda Point. At Barracuda Point, visitors can delight in witnessing the resident barracuda, who gather in the thousands, as they form spectacular tornado-like formations and at Turtle Tomb divers can explore the myriad of weaving passageways where many turtle remains lie scattered across the sandy ocean floor, a sober reminder of those unfortunate souls who entered the cave and drowned before they could find the exit. The incredible geological formations of turtle cave are also home to some fascinating creatures that lurk in the shadows, having adapted themselves to the low light environment.

If you peel your eyes away from the large pelagic action Sipadan boasts some excellent macro dive sites. The lush coral gardens and ocean floor is home to a dazzling variety of macro-life that would rival most destinations. If you look carefully you will find a wealth of macro life, from spotted garden eels and morays to hairy-squat lobsters, scorpion fish, lion fish and the occasional octopus.

The paradise of Marsa Alam offers visitors a wealth of magical experiences, from sunset camel safaris across rugged desert landscapes to diving magnificent coral gardens with gentle dugongs.



Marsa Alam is a town ideally located in the south-east of Egypt, between the expansive dry desert of the Sahara and the nutrient rich Red Sea. The National Parks of Gebel Elba and Wadi al Gimal are home to a large variety of desert wildlife while the lush coral reefs and green sea beds welcome many fascinating marine creatures. Marsa Alam houses three prominent diving sites, all with unique sealife specific to the area. These include the docile dugongs found at Abu Dabab, the playful spinner dolphins of Samadai reef as well as the large pelagics at Elpinstone reef.

Marsa Alam is world renowned for its close diving encounters with the endangered “sea cow”, the dugong. This docile and gentle creature finds itself at home in the warm waters of the Red Sea due to the abundance of its favourite food, sea grass. Marsa Alam’s best diving site for diving with the dugong is off the coast of Abu Dabab where beautiful coral gardens set the scene for magnificent photo opportunities with these gentle creatures, along with giant turtles and inquisitive guitar sharks.

Marsa Alam also offers excellent opportunities for diving alongside playful spinner dolphins at Samadai Reef, commonly known as ‘Dolphin House’ due to the large schools of dolphins that frequent the area. Witnessing their acrobatic displays as they playfully jump in and out the water is a unique experience, sure to leave you with happy memories.

If you enjoy the thrill of a close encounter with large pelagics a visit to Elphinstone reef will not disappoint. The pristine reef at Elphinstone attracts a variety of large pelagic marine life from the solitary ocean tip shark and the odd looking hammerhead shark to schools of trevallies, barracudas and tuna fish.

The magnificent underwater scenery correlates with the stunning landscapes and rolling sand dunes found on land. A camel safari or a kite surfing experience is the best way to take in the magnificent rugged landscape of Marsa Alam.

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.


Lying 5km off the small diving town of Umkomaas in KwaZulu Natal is Aliwal Shoal, an underwater paradise blessed with the warm Agulhas current. Due to the warm Indian Ocean current that runs through Aliwal, there is a large variety of sealife attracted to the area, making it the perfect hunting grounds for large predators. Rated as one of the top ten dive sites in the world, Aliwal Shoal offers unparalleled opportunities to dive alongside many species of sharks, including the formidable tiger shark. The thrill of a close encounter with a tiger shark, known for its volatile and occasionally aggressive nature, is the ultimate adrenaline filled diving experience, sure to get your blood pumping.


With its many caves and gullies, Aliwal Shoal is also home to a seasonal residence of hundreds of ragged-tooth sharks. Diving during the ragged-tooth shark season provides an excellent opportunity to see the crooked smile of the 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.


For a change of scenery, Aliwal Shoal also boasts some excellent wreck diving opportunities. It is the final resting place for three shipwrecks that were ripped asunder, all of which now lie dormant as they rest along the sandy ocean floor, waiting to be explored.

Submerge beneath the water into another era and explore the sunken history that makes Truk Lagoon one of the best wreck diving sites in the world.



In the central Pacific, 1800km north-east of Papua New Guinea, lies a sheltered body of water within the Federated States of Micronesia, known as Truk Lagoon. Also known as Chuuk Lagoon, this atoll hosts many wrecks that are steeped in history, making it a wreck diver’s paradise. In February 1944, US forces conducted Operation Hailstone that destroyed the entire Japanese fleet stationed at Truk leaving many vessels, planes and tanks at the bottom of the lagoon. Virtually intact, these ghostly remains lie on the floor of the lagoon just as they did when first sunk in 1944.

Diving into the water and being surrounded by wrecks gives you a tangible sense of history. Coral makes a home for itself on the “Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon” along with other vibrant marine life, creating a dramatic contrast to the deadly past that lurks beneath the clear waters. One of the most fascinating wrecks to explore is the I-169 Shinohara, a submarine that played a part in the attacks on Pearl Harbour in 1941. Whilst exploring the sunken history, one can also enjoy the sightings of turtles, sharks and manta rays. Truk Lagoon is a natural harbour and as a result it does not have an ocean current. This makes for perfect diving conditions as one can easily swim across the decks while admiring the gas masks and assortment of other military equipment that lie scattered across them. When penetrating the eerie vessels the panic that ensued on those fateful days is almost palpable and the human remains are a dark reminder of this tortured period of history.

Although wreck diving is for more experienced divers, there are fifteen wrecks and planes that are accessible to snorkelers who wish to submerge themselves into this underwater museum. In addition to the spectacular wreck diving opportunities, Truk Lagoon is also home to Shark Island. Here you can enjoy the thrill of close encounters with dozens of sharks in their natural habitat.

Famous for muck diving, Lembeh is perfect for those who like to discover the small and strange looking creatures that conceal themselves in the many crevices, caves and sunken shipwrecks.



In the island nation of Indonesia, between the city of Bitung, Northern Sulawesi, and the island of Lembeh, lie the magnificent waters of the Lembeh Strait. Renowned as the ‘muck diving capital of the world’ Lembeh Strait provides visitors with a once in a lifetime opportunity for seeing creatures and critters that are difficult to find anywhere else in the world. Protected by Lembeh Island and therefore void of nearly all currents, makes it the perfect location for muck diving. Lists are unavoidable when an area has such a vast array of unusual marine life. Creatures that can regularity be seen include the hairy frog fish, pygmy seahorse, thorny seahorse, mimic octopus, wunderpus, fire worm, peacock mantis shrimp, many nudibranchs and molluscs and even rhinopias.

You will have to keep your eyes peeled as you patiently scan the landscape in search of the many fascinating species of critters. Remember to bring your camera as Lembeh makes the perfect setting for macro photography, making the time spent delicately searching, well spent. There are also thrilling night dives where you can spot many nocturnal creatures such as crabs, worms, cuttlefish and many others.

Lembeh is also the final resting place for four wrecks. Relish in the nostalgia of diving sunken WWII shipwrecks as they lie dormant along the sandy ocean floor, now transformed into magnificent structures covered in corals and home to many creatures.