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Wreck Diving: Top Sites Around the World
Scuba enthusiasts who want to add a dash of exploration and challenge to their underwater quests should definitely give wreck diving a go. One of the diving disciplines gaining popularity across the globe fast, wreck diving is a perfect way to test your scuba skills and experience marine life from a whole new perspective.
If you don’t know where to dive in for an inspiring wreck-bound adventure, we have five of the World’s top sites here for you to consider before your next daring trip to the underwater realm.
The Yongala, Australia
Known as one of the world’s finest wreck diving site, the Yongala contains the remains of a ship which sank off the Queensland coast during a cyclone in 1911. In 1981, the site was granted protection based on the Historic Shipwrecks Act.
The 109-meter wreck is located 90 kilometers to the southeast of Townsville and the site abounds in colourful marine flora and fauna such as fascinating corals, sea snakes, turtles, bull and tiger sharks, manta rays, octopus and stunning schools of fish.
The Zenobia, Cyprus
Another dive-worthy site, the Zenobia in Cyprus is the the wreck of a roll-on-roll ferry that sank in 1979, a few months after its maiden voyage. Located outside Lanarka harbor, the body of the ship rests on its side, and over 120 vehicles which were onboard when the vessel sank are still inside.
The dive begins at 16 meters, and the maximum dive depth totals 42 meters. The wreck is packed with breathtaking sights and picturesque marine life so you’ll probably want to go back several times to explore it thoroughly.
USS Coolidge, Vanuatu
Formerly a luxury passenger liner for the Pacific-borne voyages of the rich, the President Coolidge was redesigned into a troop carrier in World War II. The ship sank after hitting mines as it was transporting the 43rd Infantry to the Espiritu Santo harbor in New Hebrides.
The vessel rests on its side at the depth of 17-70 meters, bow to stem. Now protected by law as a Marine Reserve, the wreck still holds artillery and jeeps, along with some noteworthy details like the lavishly carved fireplace in the main smoking salon.
USAT Liberty, Bali
Another World War II vessel that sank in the line of combat, USAT Liberty in Indonesia attracts seasoned divers from across the globe. Struck by a torpedo fired from Japanese submarine I-166, the 120-meter ship slid under water, breaking at several points. Resting on a black sandy slope only 30 meters of the Tulamben shore, the Liberty boasts a vivid crust of soft corals, anemones, gorgonians and crinoids.
At 9-30 meters of depth, the ship is not open to dives, but you can still see the guns, anchor chain, boilers, toilets and other items that were onboard during the vessel’s final voyage. In addition to that, the site is populated by over 400 species of fish and other marine critters so you’ll definitely need more than one dive to take it all in.
The Yong Hua, Koh Lipe
A large fish processing boat which sank after a fire broke out onboard in 1996, the Yong Hua rests on its starboard side at 42 meters of depth. Scuba fans diving in Koh Lipe usually reach the wreck by descending along the mooring line, and the wreck touchdown point is at 28 meters.
Sizing 50 meters in length, the wreck is now a home to abundant reef flora and fauna including black and soft corals, gorgonians, sea fans, barrel sponges, snapper, fusiliers, lionfish, scorpionfish, tuna, groupers and chevron barracudas.
Wreck entry is not allowed for safety reasons (due to medium to strong currents), but the site is well worth checking out, especially in the dry season from November to May.
Ready for your next wreck? Then pick your favorite site and dive in – we guarantee you’ll love every minute of it!
What’s your favourite wreck dive? Tell us in the Scubaverse Forum.
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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