Connect with us
background

Blogs

Truk Lagoon: A Trip of Myths, Legends, and Fables

Published

on

Truk Lagoon

At The Scuba Place we love designing bucket list trips. Truk Lagoon is one of those destinations, and here are some of the things we hear when we mention Truk Lagoon : It’s deep, dark and squeezy… Only for technical divers… Only for seriously experienced divers… Only for wreck divers… It’s a long way…. And it’s expensive.

Well… they are TRUE and FALSE. It’s all relative! Trust me – I have been there several times, so let me share my insights on Truk Lagoon.

First, let me share some facts straight away – Truk Lagoon (or Chuuk to be accurate) is the resting place for a large number of Japanese cargo ships and a smaller number of Japanese Imperial Navy ships that were sunk on the 17th and 18th February 1944 during the US Navy airstrike known as Operation Hailstone. Often referred to as the ‘Revenge for Pearl Harbour’, Operation Hailstone is incredibly well-documented, and the dive guides and crew are experts in the story.

If you are interested at all in history, especially World War II history, then Truk is a perfect destination for you. The whole island and the lagoon are a real-life museum. The Japanese Fleet lost two light cruisers, three auxiliary cruisers, four destroyers, six auxiliary ships, 32 merchant ships and over 250 aircraft. Nine further vessels were damaged, and over 4,500 Japanese lives were lost in these two days. The US Forces, conversely, lost 25 aircraft and 40 lives with damage to two ships.

Truk Lagoon

Yes, it is a long way…. Truk Lagoon is situated in Micronesia, a federation of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, northeast of Papua New Guinea, southeast of the Philippines and basically, a long way from anywhere! Getting there can be complicated, but there are numerous options, all of which end up in the US Territory of Guam before the flight to Chuuk.

Getting to Guam isn’t as difficult as it is often perceived – there are numerous options that make a trip to Truk perfect for adding in a second destination such as Australia, Philippines, Palau, or Yap. For our most recent trip in April 2023, we flew from London to Manila via Dubai with Emirates Airlines. A seven hour layover in Manila was followed by our flight to Guam and then Chuuk with United Airlines. Total travel time with four flights is around 32 hours.

So, it’s fair to say it is a long way, but the layover in Manila and overnight stay in a hotel in Truk before boarding the amazing liveaboard Odyssey make it a nicely paced trip. And using two mainstream airlines that understand long haul travel make it far easier than expected. We recommend the overnight stay as you don’t want a delayed or cancelled flight to mean missing boarding the liveaboard!

Truk Lagoon

This year our arrival into Chuck was around 9am, and we were greeted by a tropical rainstorm, but getting off the plane, going through Immigration and collecting baggage was simple. The terminal is not much bigger than your local Co-op! Transport was waiting outside for us all, and it was a 10-minute jaunt through the rain and traffic to get us to the Truk Blue Lagoon Resort where we chose to stay overnight before the liveaboard. The hotel is well versed with the flight schedule, and 16 of us were checked in super-efficiently to our rooms within 10 minutes.

Truk Blue Lagoon Resort is one of our two choices when it comes to quality hotels in Chuuk. Board basis is room only, and meals are served in the main dining room. The food is decent and there is plenty of choice, but you can be waiting a while for your meal to arrive, especially if in a group. Rooms are comfortable, air-conditioned, and there is wi-fi in and around the accommodation blocks. It almost resembles a former military installation, but being situated right on the lagoon, it is the perfect base for 24 hours. Odyssey moors just 20 metres off the jetty at Truk Blue Lagoon, so you’ll see the liveaboard when you arrive. Truk Stop is the other hotel we recommend and is a great option.

Truk Lagoon

After our arrival it was lunch, sleep, dinner, more sleep, and by the next morning we were fully refreshed and ready to go. Boarding Odyssey takes place at around 5pm, so we had a day at leisure. The Operation Hailstone Museum is right next to the hotel, and well worth a visit for the history buff. Others visited the local dive shops and stocked up on shiny stuff and tourist gifts, took a swim or snorkel in the lagoon, and two even went for a dive with the on-site operator. Others read, snoozed, and ate, and by late afternoon we were ready to jump on board Odyssey. A simple skiff ride took us and our baggage out to the liveaboard. At last, we were about to start our dive trip!

The Odyssey is a top quality liveaboard, and in our opinion, by far the best in Truk Lagoon. Sleeping 16 guests in and seven double or twin cabins and two single cabins, she has plenty of space to chill out and relax. Each cabin has a flat screen television complete with an extensive built-in movie library, an ensuite bathroom and air-conditioning, together with plenty of storage space.

Truk Lagoon

A large lounge with camera table and charging station and a huge saloon where meals are provided also offers space to chill out and relax – after all, this is where the bar is! Talking of the bar… board basis is all-inclusive, and the bar is very well stocked. Food is exceptional – full cooked and continental breakfast, mid-morning baked goods, a buffet lunch, mid-afternoon snacks and gourmet themed dinners – BBQ night, steak night, burger night, seafood night…. this is not the trip to try and diet!!!

All in all, the boat is super comfortable, and the food is exceptional – and this is exactly the way it was on previous trips. This is why we use the Odyssey; there is nothing worse than the disappointment of a second class offering when you finally get to your destination.

True – it is wreck diving. The wrecks are, pretty much without exception, in fantastic condition, and this is testament to not only the sea conditions, but to the preservation and conservation efforts of the local governing bodies and the dive operators. Some wrecks, more than others, are immense, and as they have been on the seabed for almost 80 years, are adorned with every species of coral you can think of. They have become, in the best sense, artificial reefs, complete with critters galore, and schooling marine life populating every deck, hold, stay and davit. Expect every reef fish you can think of, plus turtles, sharks, and much more – we even encountered a Leopard Shark!

Truk Lagoon

False – it is not only for technical and super experienced divers. The vast majority, and I mean all bar but one of the wrecks, are well within recreational limits with Deep Diver Certification. Throughout the week, most of the wrecks are at a maximum of 40 metres – there are one or two deeper, and planned deco dives on the San Francisco at a depth of 50 metres at the deck, and 62 metres to the seabed are made later in the week. And we managed to stay away from deco by using the well-blended Nitrox mixes, giving us good bottom time for each individual wreck.

The diving isn’t for the novice, but you don’t have to be a tech guru either. It is consistently deep, but not excessively deep, and care must be taken – knowing how to use your computer is imperative, and understanding NDCLs, the effective use of Nitrox, and possessing really good buoyancy skills are imperative – but you can have fins of any colour, don’t need to carry 4 cylinders, and don’t need a camouflage wetsuit – recreational divers are very well catered for, and are very welcome.

Truk Lagoon

There are some wrecks here with deck space that you cannot cover in one dive they are that big, let alone penetrate, so diving with a guide is a great thing to do. They are truly expert and know the best places inside and outside of the wrecks to visit. Mini museums litter the decks, with cutlery, crockery, wine, beer and sake bottles, even gas masks laid out to see. Cargo holds full of ammunition, trucks, aeroplane parts, hospital equipment… like the Thistlegorm, but on steroids and wearing big-boy pants!

It can be deep dark and squeezy, but only if you want. Penetration of many of the wrecks is easy – cavernous open cargo holds with easy entry and exit are common. The accommodation blocks, helm and signal rooms are easily accessed on some of the wrecks as well. Deeper penetration into the below deck holds and spaces, engine rooms and workshops are also available on pretty much every dive, so those lusting after squeezy gaps and dark places are incredibly well-catered for too!

Truk Lagoon

The diving operation on Odyssey is second to none. Recreational, technical, trimix, CCR, side-mount, twinset, stages and pony bottles – all and more are available. Deco diving is commonplace for those who want to and are qualified to do so.

There are four to five dives available daily, including night dives. There is very little current to consider, and visibility can be excellent – it can be pretty grotty too, especially inside the wrecks when diver buoyancy might not be as good as it should be and bits of rust and sand are stirred up. Bring your best skills and choose your buddy well! A misplaced fin kick can ruin a dive for you and everyone else, and the exceptionally talented guides will normally take such an individual aside and educate them – gently!

Truk Lagoon

Our skipper for the week was Captain Michael Gerken. Not only a phenomenal skipper, but an exceptional underwater photographer and documentary film maker. And it just so happens that he wrote and produced a documentary for the History Channel on Operation Hailstone. You can watch an excerpt of his film here. He uses his expertise, schematics, sketches, and actual video footage of the air raid in the dive briefings, and I for one would travel across the globe again just to sit in one of those! Dive site routes are planned, options offered, instructions given, and the pool is opened. It really is an exceptionally well-oiled machine.

This is meant to be a trip report, and not a history lesson, but there is plenty of information available online to find out more about the actual airstrike and the events leading up to and following Operation Hailstone. It is a fascinating story, and we suggest starting with Naval History and Heritage Command website here.

Truk Lagoon

Our week came to an end far too soon, and it was time to leave the Odyssey. Some flew home with an overnight stay in Manila to provide enough time to collect baggage from United and check in with Emirates, and part of the group stopped off for a week of more diving in the Philippines. This is a phenomenal trip and lends itself well to adding in a second week, either prior to or after due to the flight routes.

So, in summary, Truk is a long way and can be deep, dark, and technical, but it is so much more! The marine life and corals are spectacular. The wrecks are so huge they are bigger than some of the reefs you may have dived. The journey there and back can be broken up into manageable chunks. Recreational divers will find themselves doing pretty much every dive except one, and price? You pay for what you get with this destination. This is THE best place on the planet in my opinion to experience not only amazing wrecks, but incredible history, surrounded by true experts, and to be looked after exceptionally.

Truk Lagoon

It is a real privilege to dive these wrecks, to experience the story of Operation Hailstone in person, and to understand how it impacted the people of Chuuk – and it is also a great opportunity to learn more or use existing skills consistently throughout a whole week. There are few places in the world where this can be achieved.

Will we go again? Yes! On Odyssey – of course! Want to join us? Come Dive with Us March 2025!

Truk Lagoon

Check out our brochure with full itinerary including an option to add on a week in the Philippines here.

Key Facts:

  • Getting there: We selected to fly from London to Manila via Dubai on Emirates Airlines.  After our layover in Manila and checking in with United Airlines we took our overnight to Chuuk via Guam.  We checked into Truk Blue Lagoon Resort for one night before boarding the Odyssey liveaboard.  Return flights first to Manila with an overnight stay near the airport followed by an early morning flight to London via Dubai arriving the same day. We had 30kg of checked baggage on Emirates and 2 x 23kg on United.
  • Air temperature: Chuuk averages 24°C in the winter and 29° in the summer.  We have travelled to Truk Lagoon in March and April and have enjoyed very tropical weather.  The rainy season is May to September. 
  • Water temperature: Expect an average of 28°C year round.
  • Visa requirements: A U.S. ESTA is needed to transit through Guam easily. An ESTA is a two-year electronic travel authorization that should be applied for no later than 72 hours before departure and costs $21USD.  More information can be found here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. A Micronesia tourist visa is issued on arrival and authorised for the number of days requested but shall not exceed 90 days.
  • Health protocols: When we travelled in April 2023 there were no health or COVID requirements in place.
  • Currency: The U.S. dollar is the official currency. Most major credit cards are welcomed at Truk Blue Lagoon and on-board Odyssey.
  • Electricity: S. type outlets with 110 volts standard.
  • Internet and Wifi: Wifi was readily available at Truk Blue Lagoon and on Odyssey when we were closer to shore.

Truk Lagoon

Accommodation:  We spent one night at Truk Blue Lagoon, room only, before boarding the liveaboard. Seven nights on board the premium all-inclusive Odyssey. Nine staterooms with a maximum of 16 divers. All staterooms have private ensuite, air-conditioning and television with a full library of movies! The dive deck offers loads of space with personal dive lockers, rinse tanks and freshwater shower with warm towels and the ever-popular dive lift to lower you into the water or help you out at the end of a dive. 30% NITROX is available to qualified divers along with other technical mixes.

Diving: The water is warm, clear, and current free in the lagoon. Up to 5 dives a day are offered depending on location. A typical a day begins at 7am with a hot breakfast followed by the first dive briefing of the day. Two dives before lunch, then onto a new site. After lunch you can do another dive or relax. A late afternoon dive is offered with dinner served around 6:30pm.  Choose to do a night dive or enjoy some entertainment in the lounge.

Price Guide: For our trip in April 2023 which we booked in 2020 pre-Covid, we paid £5,600 per person based on double occupancy for this bucket list 9-night itinerary. The ATOL-protected itinerary included flights from London to Chuuk with one night at Truk Blue Lagoon, seven nights on board Odyssey and one night in Manila on the trip home.  All transfers are included.

Truk Lagoon

Extras:

  • US ESTA: Purchased online prior to departure for $21USD
  • Food and drink: While staying at Blue Lagoon and overnight in Manila.
  • Tips: This crew works hard! We suggest $200USD as a minimum.

Our Advice: This is an amazing destination that takes some time to get to, so we suggest adding a week in Yap, Palau or the Philippines on your way home. Let us help you design your dream diving holiday!

The Scuba Place designs and builds custom scuba diving holidays.  With personal knowledge and experience diving in many of our destinations, there is no one better to help build your dream dive holiday.  Come Dive with Us!

Call us at 020 3515 9955 or email at reservations@thescubaplace.co.uk

Find us on

Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/thescubaplace

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/the.scuba.place/

YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH684OdioYirI-zzdT58Ceg

Flickr : https://www.flickr.com/photos/thescubaplace/albums

www.thescubaplace.co.uk

Blogs

20 Years of Magic Moments: Celebrating the 20-Year Anniversary of Magic Resorts

Published

on

magic resorts

Exciting news is on the horizon at the beloved dive resorts, Magic Resorts Philippines!

On January 2nd 2005, the journey of Magic Resorts began, when Magic Island opened its doors as one of the first dedicated dive resorts in Moalboal, Cebu. Now, as we look forward to 2025, a significant milestone is on the horizon: Magic Island’s 20th anniversary!

In preparation for this momentous occasion, the resort has recently upgraded their facilities, including renovated bathrooms, ensuring a fresh and modern experience for their guests. The stage is set for a fantastic celebration!

To cherish and celebrate two decades of incredible diving experiences, Magic Resorts will be offering a special 20% anniversary discount to all guests celebrating with them at either Magic Island or its larger sister resort, Magic Oceans in Anda, Bohol, throughout the entire year of 2025!*

NOT CONVINCED YET?

To kick off the anniversary celebration, here are 20 reasons to book your holiday at Magic Island in 2025!

magic resorts

1) 20-year anniversary!

Of course the anniversary is the perfect occasion to stay at Magic Island and the anniversary special offers you to enjoy a stay with 20% discount! Whether you’re a seasoned diver, new to scuba, a past guest, or a new to Magic’s concept, this is an excellent opportunity to experience the magic of Magic Island Dive Resort.

magic resorts

2) Amazing marine life

Moalboal has been a top dive destination in the Philippines for decades, and for a good reason. This laid-back town at the Westcoast of Cebu offers unforgettable experiences for divers and non-divers alike. Located in the Coral Triangle, Moalboal boasts hundreds of coral species and unique critters, but also features unique sights that make it a standout dive destination not just in the Philippines, but globally!

magic resorts

3) Enjoy newly renovated bathrooms first-hand!

In preparation for the 20-year anniversary, Magic Island renovated all bathrooms of the bungalows last August 2024! The new, spacious and modernized bathrooms offer the best comfort during your stay. As a visitor in 2025, you’ll be among the first to enjoy these upgraded amenities with a perfect view.

magic resorts

4) Dive with Whale Sharks the whole year around

Magic Island offers the possibility to dive with Whale Sharks throughout the entire year!
Unlike many other accommodations that only offer snorkeling with the Whale Sharks, Magic Island is accredited to dive with them with their own dive masters, tanks and crew.

magic resorts

5) Easily accessible house reef

Magic Island’s house reef is open 24/7 and easily accessible within only a few steps from the dive center. You are welcome to make an unguided house reef dive any time of day with your buddy. The house reef starts with a sloping area where you can find the resident sea horse and blue ringed octopus among other life, whereafter you’ll reach the amazing wall where you’ll find turtles, nudibranchs and much more!

magic resorts

6) Native-style bungalows with Western features

The modernized bathrooms are a great Western feature in the native looking style bungalows. While the bungalows have their Filipino native style look, with Nipa rooftops, bamboo balconies and panels of Amakan (woven split-bamboo), they have Western amenities such as air conditioning and a minibar.

magic resorts

7) Dive the Sardine Ball the whole year around

One of the reasons why Moalboal became famous for divers in the first place: you can dive the Sardine Run the whole year around! It’s not a seasonal sighting like other places and therefore a very special phenomenon (even for marine biologists). You can dive with over a million sardines while staying at Magic Island every day of the year!

magic resorts

8) Unparalleled service

The excellent staff of Magic Island ensures you have the best time possible. The team members have been part of the Magic journey for many years – some even from day one! The outstanding Philippine hospitality combined with their experience are the perfect ingredients for exceptional service. They’ll remember your name and do whatever they can to make you feel at home from day one.

magic resorts

9) Fully equipped dive center on site

Magic Island Dive Resort has its own fully equipped PADI dive center right on site. The dive center is equipped with 3 compressors (providing nitrox as well), 3 Bangka boats, full sets of rental gear, aluminium tanks with Int. & DIN connection, and an in-house instructor to name a few. Walk down to the dive center in less than a minute after your meal in the restaurant and get ready for diving!

10) Mating Mandarin fish on the house reef every day!

The real signature dive at Magic Island is without a doubt the Mandarin dive. Just a short swim from the dive center leads you to an underwater spectacle that’s nothing short of magical. Every day during sunset, the Mandarin fish emerge from their coral hideaways for their mating ritual. These colourful and beautifully patterned fish are a species of the Dragonet that are rarely seen outside their coral homes except during this special time. A great sighting just in Magic Islands’ backyard and a great challenge for photographers!

magic resorts

11) Beyond regular night dives

In addition to standard night dives, Magic Island elevates the experience with unique offerings like Fluoro dives and bonfire dives, providing a completely different dimension. If conditions permit, you can also embark on black water dives, where you’ll encounter the mysterious and seldom-seen creatures that emerge during night time.

magic resorts

12) Go down with a local expert!

The dive team of Magic Island make your underwater adventures hassle-free and fun.
You don’t have to carry your tanks or set up your gear, they will take care of that for you. The team of trained PADI Dive masters is local and know the area better than anyone. With their experience, incredible eye for detail and sense of humour, you will have the best dive experience!

magic resorts

13) More than 30 dive sites in less than a 25-minute boat ride

On one of the traditionally Bangka boats, Magic Island takes you out diving around the whole peninsula of Moalboal. 30 different dive sites are waiting for you to explore, all within only a 25-minute. Moalboal’s highlight, Pescador Island, is only 10 minutes away!

magic resorts

14) Freshly prepared meals in family-dinner style

The dining area at Magic Island fosters a sense of community with interconnected tables that encourage socializing. Enjoy a diverse selection of freshly prepared local and Western dishes while watching the chefs at work in the open kitchen. Dietary restrictions? Just let them know, and they’ll accommodate your needs with care.

magic resorts

15) Wet adventures above the surface!

Aside from diving, Magic Island offers great daytrips to explore the culture and nature of Cebu Island. One of the absolute highlights is a trip to the Kawasan Waterfalls, where you can choose between a relaxing visit to enjoy the fresh water and stunning views, or an adventurous canyoneering experience with hiking, climbing, jumping, gliding, and swimming.

magic resorts

16) Experience Moalboal in peace

While Moalboal is a popular destination, Magic Island provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Tucked away from busy areas, the resort creates a tranquil oasis where you can relax while still being close to Moalboal’s vibrant life.

magic resorts

17) Suitable for each kind of diver

With just 10 bungalows, Magic Island offers a cozy and intimate setting for all types of travelers — whether you’re in a group, a couple, or traveling solo. The rich marine life and accessible diving conditions make it an ideal destination for divers of all experience levels.

magic resorts

18) Unique signature drinks!

The homely bar at Magic Island offers a range of beverages to enjoy while taking in breathtaking ocean views. Don’t miss the signature drinks made with Ube Cream, a local liqueur that won the World’s Best Cream Liqueur title at the 2022 World Liqueur Awards. Experience the true Filipino fiesta spirit with this exceptional drink.

19) Combine with Magic Oceans 

You can extend your wonderful stay at Magic Island elsewhere! Magic Islands newer and bigger sister Magic Oceans in Anda, Bohol opened its doors in 2015, offering you the possibility to get the maximum out of your magical dive trip by combining the two locations. The same ambience, quality of serviced and most importantly: an amazing diving experience!

20) Just because you’ll have a great time!

The reasons to visit Magic Island in 2025 are endless, but the most important one is that you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time. With exceptional service, friendly and experienced staff, an ideal location, and outstanding diving, Magic Island promises an unforgettable experience.

CONTACT MAGIC RESORTS FOR YOUR QUOTE ON AN UNPARALLELED DIVING HOLIDAY!

Email: reservations@magicresorts.online
Website: www.magicresorts.online
Facebook: www.facebook.com/magicisland.diveresort
Instagram: www.instagram.com/magic_island_dive_resort

Continue Reading

Blogs

Dive into Gibraltar: a Journey of Wrecks, Wildlife and Conservation

Published

on

diving gibraltar

Diving in Gibraltar is an experience that truly sets itself apart. Situated at the confluence of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, it offers an underwater world rich in both marine life and history. Whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned diver, Gibraltar is ready to take you on an unforgettable journey beneath the waves.

One of the most remarkable aspects of diving in Gibraltar is the artificial reef project. Over the years, several ships have been deliberately sunk to create vibrant underwater habitats. Among the most popular sites are the Spanish Barges, 482M, and Batty’s Barge, all located in the local favourite, Camp Bay. The Spanish Barges are a series of four wrecks, two of which were sunk as part of Gibraltar’s artificial reef programme in the 1980s. They rest at varying depths, ranging from 7 to 22 metres, making them accessible for divers of all skill levels. These wrecks, now teeming with marine life such as octopuses, conger eels, and nudibranchs, offer something for every diver, whether they enjoy swimming through wreckage or observing how marine species have transformed these vessels into thriving ecosystems.

diving gibraltar

For those more interested in history, Gibraltar’s waters host incredible wrecks like the SS Rosslyn and SS Excellent. The SS Rosslyn, a Cardiff-built steamer, sank in 1916 after dragging its anchor in a storm. Now lying at a depth of 23 metres, this 350-foot wreck attracts advanced divers eager to explore its remnants. Newer wrecks, like the Seahawk, sunk in 2002, and the Sun Swale, sunk in 2015, are part of Gibraltar’s ongoing reef expansion. These more recent additions are rapidly becoming important habitats, drawing species such as cuttlefish, spider crabs, and lobsters. Each of these wrecks offers divers the chance to experience a fusion of history and nature, with the wrecks evolving into vibrant marine environments over time.

diving gibraltar

Another must-see is the Seven Sisters Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ), known for its rich biodiversity and contribution to the protection of marine species. This area is located close to The Inkwells, where divers can still find remnants of 18th- and 19th-century artifacts, including ceramic pipes, gin bottles, marble fragments, and cod bottles, lending a treasure-hunting aspect to each dive. Exploring this site is like taking a step back in time while being surrounded by a thriving underwater ecosystem.

diving gibraltar

The diving conditions in Gibraltar are just as diverse as the marine life it hosts. British Gibraltar Territorial Waters is home to a wide array of species, far more life than many other areas in the Mediterranean. This impressive biodiversity is largely due to the nutrient-rich waters that flow where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet. Divers frequently encounter octopuses—Gibraltar’s charismatic species—along with conger eels, moray eels, thornback rays, and spider crabs. Lucky divers, especially during certain times of the year, might even spot Bluefin Atlantic Tuna swimming through the bay while feeding, as well as many other pelagic species. The sheer abundance of fish and the variety of species make each dive an exciting and unique experience, offering something new with every descent.

diving gibraltar

Gibraltar boasts its accessibility to diving and a wealth of different dive sites depending on your diving abilities, qualifications and experience. The South and East side dive sites are fantastic boat dives ranging in depths from 14m to 35m + where you can dive on rocky biogenic reefs with a vast array of marine life.

diving gibraltar

You will need a permit to dive which is easily issued by the Department of the Environment or you can dive with licenced dive operators who will cover this for you. There are also very active local BSAC dive clubs you may wish to get in touch with.

diving gibraltar

Gibraltar offers a full range of diving experiences for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned veterans. Shore diving is conducted six days a week, and on Sundays, you may venture out on a boat to explore some of the more distant wrecks, such as SS Rosslyn and Sun Swale. What makes diving in Gibraltar so accessible is that all our dive sites are within a 15-minute drive/boat ride, making it easy to fit multiple dives into a single day. Whether you’re taking your first steps into the underwater world with a try dive or you’re an advanced diver looking to explore wrecks and caves, we ensure that each dive is tailored to suit your needs and experience level.

diving gibraltar

Operations start early, and by 8:45 AM, dive centre teams are already busy preparing for the day’s dives ensuring everything is in place for divers. A typical dive day begins with a briefing that covers the dive plan, safety procedures, and site management, ensuring that everyone is comfortable and prepared for the adventure ahead. Whether it’s exploring historic wrecks or spotting charismatic marine life, each dive offers something special. After the first dive, you surface, switch tanks, and enjoy a surface interval sharing stories of what has been seen before briefing up for a second dip!

diving gibraltar

In addition to providing unforgettable diving experiences, Gibraltar is deeply committed to marine conservation and scientific research working closely with the Department of the Environment and the University of Gibraltar. Under the water we facilitate the university’s research on projects including coral health assessments and the transplantation of coral species such as Astroides calycularis and various gorgonians. These efforts are critical in preserving Gibraltar’s underwater ecosystems and ensuring that future generations of divers can enjoy its incredible biodiversity. These conservation initiatives are ongoing, and there is regular collaboration with students and researchers on various dive-related projects as they begin the Thesis modules of their degrees.

diving gibraltar

Dive Charters, Gibraltar’s predominant dive centre is also involved in some octopus research, with a project aimed at increasing the octopus population in Gibraltar’s waters. Working with the University of Gibraltar and the Department of the Environment, they have installed artisanal dens designed to encourage octopus to breed and thrive in the area. These dens have proven highly successful, and divers often encounter octopuses up close in their natural habitat. Observing these intelligent, curious creatures in action is always a highlight of our dives, and their growing population is a testament to the ongoing conservation work.

diving gibraltar

Diving in Gibraltar offers an unparalleled blend of history, marine life, and conservation. Whether you’re captivated by centuries-old shipwrecks or amazed by the diversity of species that call these waters home, Gibraltar provides a diving experience like no other and we are proud to share this incredible underwater world with divers from all over the globe. Our dedication to safety, fun, and environmental responsibility ensures that each dive leaves a lasting impression.

diving gibraltar

From beginners to experienced divers, we’ve got something for everyone. With all dive sites just a short ride away the wonders of Gibraltar are waiting for you!

diving gibraltar

CONTACT DIVE WORLDWIDE NOW AND BOOK YOUR OWN GIBRALTAR DIVE ADVENTURE!
Call:+44 (0)1962 302087
Email: reservations@diveworldwide.com
Find out more at www.diveworldwide.com/discover/gibraltar.
All photos: Shaun Yeo
Continue Reading

E-Newsletter Sign up!

Instagram Feed

Popular