News
9 epic dive destinations for whale fans
Whether you’re swimming with whales or watching them from a boat, there is something truly special about spending time with these ocean giants.
Thankfully there are a variety of dive destinations that offer whale swimming and above-water whale encounters you won’t want to miss.
Read our guide to the best dive destinations for whale fans to find out more.
1. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
For one of the lesser known yet incredible whale experiences, go Great Barrier Reef diving during the Australian winter.
Tens of thousands of whales migrate from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef during the winter months, including dwarf minke whales.
These 8 meter long whales are utterly charming and actively seek human contact, coming close to snorkelers in the water and making repeated passes.
Photo: Ocean Quest liveaboard
You can see them whilst scuba diving but joining a minke whale safari is the best way to spend hours in the water with these whales.
The Ocean Quest liveaboard offers ‘meet the minke’ safaris during July each year.
2. Norway
The largest member of the dolphin family and toothed whales, orcas are easy to identify and a firm favourite with ocean fans around the world.
Hundreds of orcas gather off the coast of northern Norway during the Arctic winter to feast on migrating herring moving through the fjords and along the coastline.
Since they follow the herring, the orcas are relatively easy to find. You can join dedicated safaris with the Sula liveaboard to get in the water with the orcas as a snorkeler or free diver.
Just be prepared for typically cold Arctic winter conditions and chilly water!
You’ll be rewarded with a life-changing experience and a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights dance across the night skies.
3. Tonga
Tonga has some beautiful dive sites without any crowds but is best known for its clear blue waters and abundant humpback whales.
It is one of the best and most reliable places in the world to swim with humpback whales and their young. It’s also an idyllic destination for a far-flung adventure any time of year.
The Nai’i liveaboard is one of the few boats that offer liveaboard-based Tonga humpback whale swim safaris.
Just make sure you book early, as it’s extremely popular.
4. Dominican Republic
Silver Bank marine reserve in Dominican Republic is another great place for swimming with humpback whales.
The marine reserve provides a winter haven for the North Atlantic humpback population, where they gather to mate, calve and raise their young.
The Turks and Caicos Aggressor II offers safaris that focus solely on humpback whale swimming, typically from January to March each year.
5. Spitsbergen
If you’re visiting the Arctic during the summer months, you won’t be able to dive with orcas but you can go diving around Spitsbergen off Norway.
It’s a remote and wild destination where you can try ice diving, boat-based diving and even wreck diving.
The best dive sites are only accessible by Arctic liveaboard diving and you’ll find plenty of life underwater, including sea snails, sea butterflies, crabs, fish, sea lions and more.
While you’re there you can spot minke, fin, humpback and blue whales, plus walruses, Arctic foxes, bearded seals and an array of birds.
6. Hawaii
The Hawaiian chain of volcanic islands offers a good mixture of dive options, including wrecks, caves, healthy reefs and drift dives.
All accompanied by lush coral gardens and striking lava landscapes, plus marine life you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.
If you dive there during November to May, you also have the chance to watch Hawaii’s humpback whales as they migrate through the area.
Keep your eyes on the blue if you’re diving off Oahu during September to December, as that’s also tiger shark season.
7. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
If you’ve not yet dived Western Australia, add it to your wish list.
Quieter than the Great Barrier Reef, western Australia offers an array of dive opportunities and plenty of marine megafauna.
The UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Coast supports an abundance of marine life including humpback whales from July to November.
Thousands of these whales migrate through Ningaloo Reef each year, where you can go swimming with them or enjoy their mating displays from the comfort of your boat.
8. Mexico
The Cabo Pulmo marine park, the Socorro Islands and the Sea of Cortez all offer spectacular Mexico scuba diving and whale watching.
These megafauna hotspots offer encounters with many whale species; including blue whales, grey whales and humpbacks, plus giant mantas, dolphins and sea lions.
If you’re looking to encounter blue whales, head to Baja California between February and March.
For grey whales, visit from January to mid-March. The Socorro Islands host humpback whales during the winter season until April.
9. Antarctica
For a truly remote adventure and whale watching experience, join an Antarctic liveaboard diving expedition.
As one of the world’s last wilderness areas, it is busy with life including around 15 whale species.
Go diving there and you have a chance to dive Antarctica and immerse yourself in snow and ice-covered landscapes.
You may also see blue, fin, humpback, minke, sei, southern right and sperm whales during your expedition.
This article was written by divers and writers at LiveAboard.com
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.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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