Top 10 dive sites. The best places and countries for diving

Russia is surrounded by seas and oceans, it is also filled with lakes and rivers, so there are many great places for diving. Almost all dive centers offer diving in cold water (from 2 to 20 degrees), so you need to dive in a special dry suit and before that take a course called Dry Suit Diver PADI. This article will introduce you to the best diving spots in Russia in 2019.

He is himself deep lake on a planet with a huge (about 20%) supply of fresh water. It is very clean and cold here: the temperature of the upper layers in summer is up to +10, in some bays - up to +15, and the lower layers - only +4 degrees. Diving is possible here for beginners and professionals.

It is worth noting that diving on the lake is possible all year round.

Winter diving

In the cold season, you can dive from the moment when the ice freezes well, and you can not only walk on it, but also drive a car. Particularly interesting dives are around hummocks, which are areas double ice between water and ice. Sometimes there are underwater areas up to 40 m long. For the purpose of safety, so that the diver does not get lost under a layer of ice, diving is carried out with an insurance cord.

• by the most famous places on the lake are the western shore, with sheer cliffs. Particularly picturesque areas are located near the shores of the Circum-Baikal railway and near about. Olkhon. These places attract tourists with straight canyons, the depth of which can reach 70 m and the width up to 20 m.
• Also, the canyon, which will impress and give a lot of positive emotions, is located on the territory of the reserve, opposite the river. Ice.
• Those who like to enjoy unusual beauty should visit Ayu Bay and Frolikha Bay. The shores and the bottom of the bay are dotted with pitfalls.
• Another picturesque place for submariners is shallow water near the Ushkany Islands, off the eastern shores of Lake Baikal. In the south of the island, at the bottom, there are fields of solidified lava, which are of considerable interest to divers.

Price

If you wish, you can purchase a tour, the price category of which is diverse. Some tour operators offer to apply for a vacation, costing from 6500 rubles. With a group of 2 people lasting about an hour. The cost of the tour includes not only the rental of equipment, but also the accompaniment of an experienced instructor.

For beginners, an introductory dive will cost from 3500 rubles. Winter option - 5500 rubles.

The best diving centers of Lake Baikal are Diving Tech, Aqua Eco, New Dimension.

About diving on Lake Baikal - in the video:

How to get there

The best option is to travel by plane to Irkutsk. For travelers planning to dive along East Bank, you can fly to Ulan-Ude and stop in Baikalsk. A direct flight from Domodedovo to Irkutsk takes no more than 6 hours.

Black Sea

This is the warmest place for diving in Russia. The temperature of surface waters in summer can reach +27 degrees, and deep waters - up to +10 degrees. True, there is no such picturesque fauna as in other seas. But on the other hand, there are many ancient sunken ships and artifacts at the bottom.

When planning to go to explore the underwater beauty of the Black Sea, you can count on a lot of positive emotions and adventures in the underwater kingdom. It will also be interesting to spend time here and appreciate the picturesque nature for beginners, explore underwater reefs, animals and plants, conduct spearfishing. For experienced divers, there is the possibility of excursions to sunken ships and aircraft.

• Tarkhankut. This place is chosen by directors, the films "Pirates of the 20th century" and "Amphibian Man" were filmed here. An underwater paradise for experienced divers is the Dzhangul and Atlesh tract. You can also dive for beginners.
• For those who like to see ancient sights, you can dive into places that carefully keep traces of ancient events. In the area of ​​cape Chersonesos, one can see warships of various centuries, fragments of statues, amphorae and coins on the bottom of the sea. It is convenient to appreciate the underwater beauty of the Black Sea off the coast of the blue bay.
• An ideal place for diving is Gelendzhik, Sochi, Anapawhere sunken ships are located. For inexperienced submariners, the tanker Valerian Kuibyshev in Anapa and the Odessa City Council will be an ideal option. Off the coast of Novorossiysk, it is worth visiting the gunboat, which lies at a depth of about 5 m. Experienced divers are advised to dive to the Yak-7b fighter off the coast of Gelendzhik.

The price category of an introductory dive with equipment rental ranges from 1300 rubles. in half an hour. An excursion to sunken ships and aircraft for a group of three will cost 3,000 rubles per person. If there is a group of 6 people - 2000 rubles / person.

How to get there

The fastest option is by plane. A direct flight from Moscow airport to Sochi takes about two and a half hours. The price category of the ticket ranges from 3000 rubles. This is a bold decision for those who do not like long journeys in stuffy train cars.

If you go by train, it will take a day and a half and the ticket will cost more than if you fly. Traveling by private car takes up to 20 hours. You can get to Sochi from the bus station by bus, the ticket price is from 3500 rubles, the time is 24 hours. Most buses are equipped with air conditioning and video equipment.

Some of the best diving centers are Potok, Aqua Globus, Chernomor, St. Andrew's flag.

Barents Sea

It is the edge of the Arctic Ocean. The temperature here is about +4 degrees. But it is rich in flora and fauna. Belugas, whales, dolphins, seals and other representatives of fauna interesting for divers live here.

The warm South waters of the sea attract both freedivers and professionals, and only a small number of them are ready to get acquainted with the harsh nature of the Barents Sea. Consider the need for an insulated swimming suit, average temperature in the sea does not exceed 4 degrees.

Advantages and disadvantages of diving in northern waters

At a time when we are talking about diving into the waters of the sea, it is worth talking about extreme pastime, as icy winds blow here. northern winds, and snowdrifts do not melt until summer. Those who plan to dive first of all need to obtain permission, which can be obtained from the commander-in-chief of the local border service. In some cases, guests receive refusals. It is also important to register cylinders in Murmansk region on the basis of which the permit is issued.

Among the advantages of underwater pastime, one can single out a truly bewitching flora and fauna. Experienced divers always take special cameras with them.

The highlight of the dive is the fact that a huge number of treasure hunters come here every year. Such excitement is caused by the fact that several hundred ships that belonged to the Vikings found shelter in the Barents Sea. It is also worth seeing Swedish frigates and Soviet ships underwater.

• The most visited area is Dalnie Zelentsy, famous for its picturesque landscapes. Families with children can have a great rest at the adjacent bases. One dive will cost about 4000 rubles. with equipment rental.
• Three miles from the port, you can dive into the Dolgaya Bay, where diving is carried out without reference to weather conditions. There are king crabs and huge sea anemones, jellyfish, shrimp and scallops.
• For those who dream of enjoying the picturesque landscapes of the underwater world, it is worth visiting Krasnaya Bay, the bottom of which is covered with canyons, kelp and brown algae. A walk along the adjacent valley, on the territory of which deer, seals and cormorants are found, will be unforgettable.

The best diving centers are Far Zelentsy, Sea Angels.

How to get there

To dive, you need to get to the Kola Peninsula. The road lies through Murmansk, from the ticket will cost a little more than 5000 rubles. The most popular route is the road from Murmansk to Liinakhamari by private car. Then there will be a boat trip to the right places. Divers come here from May to August. The maximum warming of the water falls on the last month of summer.

White Sea

This is a small and shallow sea, which is distinguished by the fact that the water temperature is below 50 meters, even in summer it is about -1 degrees. This is due to the presence of cold currents. In the White Sea there are unique representatives of the fauna - ophiura Gorgon's Head, starfish, polar sharks, etc.

Here you can meet a huge variety of representatives of the animal world, so this place is suitable for those who are not indifferent to the picturesque landscapes and rich fauna. The White Sea will please with its beauty and unique places thanks to which for a long time there will be vivid impressions.

In the northern part of Karelia, in the Arctic almost all year round snow. Ice diving is carried out here. Both beginners and experienced divers come here. Who does not like the cold, you should go to the village of Chkalovsky. Here you can see unique corals, octopuses and enjoy spearfishing. At the same time, diving centers provide travelers with comfortable living conditions.

You can contemplate grottoes and canyons off the coast of Kishkino Island. It is more suitable for experienced scuba divers who plan to upgrade their skills. After all, only here at a depth of 22 you can go down to the grotto.

Unique in its beauty, with amazing forests, is the Keret Granite Island, where diving from a boat or a boat is carried out. This place is popular with newbies.

You can enjoy the beauty of the underwater relief and excellent visibility off the coast of Kasyan Island. Not far from it is the scientific base of Moscow University, which has been engaged in the underwater world of the sea for a long time.

To see the sunken ship, you will have to go to the village of Kovda, off the coast of which lies a Swedish frigate.

The most popular diving center is the Arctic Circle.

How to get there

by the most in a simple way to get to Karelia, is considered a journey private car along the R-21 highway to Chupa, then, focusing on the signs, drive for another half an hour on a dirt road (Murmanskoe highway). Traveling by car will take about 15 hours. If you go by train, get off at Chupa station. You can also fly to Murmansk.

Orda cave

This is the longest gypsum underwater cave in Russia. A comfortable entrance to the water is equipped here, but only experienced divers risk diving here. In winter, very beautiful ice formations freeze over the cave. Despite the cold and darkness, amazing creatures and algae live here.

The longest passage of the caves of the underwater world of the planet and the longest in Russia is the Orda Cave. These places gather divers from all over the world. The study of this area became permissible only with the beginning of the nineties. To date, researchers have examined 5 km of passages. Of these, 300 m is on land, the rest is under water. This option is for experienced divers who do not miss the opportunity to swim in clear waters underwater galleries. Stay comfortably at cottage village located near the cave.

The cave is located near the village of Orda in Perm on the southwestern outskirts. For the safety of divers, only some galleries are available, which are equipped with specially stretched ropes. Beginners do not belong here, as amateurs can easily get lost in the labyrinths. There is a center that prepares cave divers. After the course, the tourist receives a certificate. In the village of Orda, you can stay in a hotel, the cost of which starts from 700 rubles. from a person.

How to get there

The closest to the desired location are Perm and Kungur. Also nearby is the village of Orda. You can get to Perm by any transport, and it is convenient to get to the village fixed-route taxi. The price of a plane ticket to Perm from 3500 rubles. By train - from 3000 rubles. Transfer from Perm to the village from 2500 rubles.

Blue Lakes

They are located in and consist of three lakes. The water in them is absolutely transparent. The greatest depth is 18 meters. The temperature ranges from 3 to 7 degrees above zero. First of all, landscape views are interesting here. From the representatives of the fauna you can meet the water scorpion, amphipods. Due to the high salt content and low temperature, fish are not found here.

This is an option for those who are not afraid cold water. Blue Lake counts perfect place for newbies. In addition, people who plan to improve their health come here, as the water in the lake contains certain minerals and other useful components. Among the advantages of this place is a convenient location. The town is located just 800 km from the capital. In addition, a diver with a modest budget can afford to dive here.

You can stay in a hotel or inn, the price category of which ranges from 2000 rubles. for a person. At the same time, guests are provided with comfortable living conditions, cottages are located near the diving site.

Among the diving clubs, it is worth highlighting the Nautilus, which offers travelers to take courses and receive a certificate worth from 22,000 rubles. But there are options for 15,000 rubles.

How to get there

You can take bus number 35 from the center to the stop Solnyshko or Golubyatnikova. Then transfer to route number 40, and go to the village of Shcherbakova to final stop. Focus on pointers.

Whatever option is chosen, both a beginner and an experienced diver will always want to conquer new peaks, explore the still unexplored underwater worlds.

We present to your attention a selection of the best places for diving, where divers from all over the world seek.

Divers from all over the world unanimously recognize it as one of the best places to dive. Diving here is good at any time of the year, except for the rainy season.

• Transparency: 20-40 m.
• Water temperature: +22 - +27°С
• Season: all year round

Flora and fauna

Various corals, holothurians, gorgonians, sea ​​urchins, turtles, octopuses, starfish, dugongs, rays, butterflyfish, many types of sharks (including reef and whale sharks), tuna, angelfish, hammerhead fish, sea devils.

Best areas and places

Komodo, Raja Almat Nabucco, Menjangan, Nusa Lembongan, Lombok, East Kalimantan, Papua, Tulamben, Wakatobi, Manado, marine park Bunaken (Sulawesi Island)

Bali island

Various undersea world, honored diving schools. Here you can meet one of the rarest fish - Mola-Mola. There are places for wreck diving (diving on sunken ships, planes, etc.) In the Bali region in 1942, an American cargo ship Liberty 125 meters long was sunk.

Raja Ampat Archipelago.

Located on the border of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, which leads to a huge variety of underwater flora and fauna. More than one and a half thousand species of fish, more than five hundred species of corals and almost seven hundred species of mollusks live here. There are whales and dolphins.

Dragon Island Komodo.

Unique Komodo monitor lizards live on its territory - the largest of modern lizards. Komodo attracts divers with the richness of the underwater world: soft corals, whale sharks, sunfish, eagle rays, pygmy seahorses, etc.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, it is best to dive from April to October, in winter the transparency in the waters is significantly reduced due to the eastern monsoon.

• Transparency: 18-40 m.
• Water temperature: 26 - 30°С
• Season: all year round

Flora and fauna

more than 200 species of fish and about 70 species of soft and hard corals. Rabbitfish, butterflyfish, barracudas, clownfish, fusilierfish, parrotfish, tuna, catfish, napoleonfish, martinfish, chromis, snappers, wrasses, green and hawk-billed turtles, lobsters, rays, sharks etc.

Best areas and places

Sipadan, Redang, Layang Layang, Tioman, Kapas, Mantanani, Labuan, Payar, Langkawi.

The volcanic island of Sipadan.

Turtle reserve. Over 3000 species of fish. There are whitetip sharks and huge concentrations of barracudas. There are strong currents great depths- up to 1 km. The number of visitors per day - no more than 120 people.

Redang.

The island is part of the Terengganu Marine Reserve. A distinctive feature of the underwater world is a twenty-meter mushroom-shaped coral with a “cap” diameter of 300 m. In late summer and early autumn, giant shellless turtles are found near Redang. There are places for wreck diving.

Cuba

“Liberty Island” is surrounded by coral walls and numerous archipelagos, which prevents the penetration of strong underwater currents into coastal waters. Calm and clear water at a comfortable temperature attracts divers to this place. different levels- from beginners to aces.

• Transparency: 30-40 m
• Water temperature: +24 - +28°С.
• Season: November to May.

Best areas and places

Varadero, Los Canareos, Cayo Largo, Santiago de Cuba, San Felippe, Jardines de la Reina, Isla de Juventude.

Flora and fauna

About 300 species of sponges, more than 500 species of fish. Wreckage, including a 19th-century metal bridge that sank along with a train passing through it.

Mexico

Divers appreciate this place for unique karst cave complexes - cenotes, the opportunity to swim with whale sharks or sail fish, "visit" famous museum underwater sculptures.

• Water temperature: average annual -+24C
• Transparency: 20-40 m.
• Season: all year round

Best areas

Cozumel Island, Dos Ojos and Chac Mol cenotes, Yucatan, Akumal-Tulum Corridor.

Flora and fauna

Over 250 species of fish, various types of skulls, nurse sharks, whale sharks, humpback whales, dolphins, moray eels, barracudas, the world's largest elephant ear sponge, etc. Near the island of Cozumel is the second largest coral reef on the planet.

Croatia

Basically - diving from a boat, cave and reef diving.

• Transparency: 10 - 30 m.
• Water temperature: from May to October +16 - +18С, in summer period- up to 26C.
• Season: best to go from May to November

Flora and fauna

Many types of corals, octopus, anemones, algae, red gorgonians, rays, lobsters, crabs, octopuses, sea urchins, spiny lobsters, shells, blue eels, etc.

Best areas

Istrian peninsula, Vis island, Hvar, Kornati, Cres, Mljet, Losinj, Elafiti, Premuda, Galiolo, Susak, Dubrovnik.

Croatia is ideal for wreck diving: here you can dive to the burial places of ships of various times: a merchant ship, an Italian destroyer, a German torpedo bomber, etc.

Malta

The Maltese Islands are famous for their reefs, cave formations and shipwreck cemeteries.

• The water temperature in summer is +22 - 24°C, in winter time- +12 - 14°C.
• Transparency: 30-50 m.
• Season: from May to October.

Flora and fauna

Algae, moray eels, sea urchins, sponges, starfish, barracuda, mullet, tuna, seahorses, rays, octopus, squid, dolphins, etc.

Best areas and places

Saint Elmo's Bay, ca. Gozo, Inland Sea, Blue Grotto.

St. Paul's Bay is famous for the underwater 40-meter statue of the Savior with hands raised up. The British warship Maori sank near Fort St. Elma in Valletta during World War II. At Cape Delimara, a Blenheim bomber rests at the bottom. But main riddle Malta - underwater prehistoric temples. Scientists claim that the buildings were erected in the 3rd-4th centuries. BC. One theory says that the legendary Atlantis was located here.

Norway

lovers extreme sports have the opportunity to visit the strongest whirlpool in the world - Saltstraume. In winter, you can swim with killer whales in Norwegian waters. Here is a mecca for wreck divers - the city of Narvik, where at the bottom of Lake Nartvikvanne lie lost ships and airplanes.

• Transparency: up to 20 m.
• Water temperature in summer +8 - 18°С, in winter +2 - +7°С
• Season: from June to the end of October.

Flora and fauna

Laminaria, sponges, corals, nudibranch mollusks, starfish, hermit crabs, flounder, catfish, herring, mackerel, rays, seals, katrans, killer whales.

Best areas and places

Narvik, Lofonten Islands, Salstraumen, Nærøy, Gülen.

Egypt

The richest underwater world, a huge number of diving schools, many coral reefs along the entire coast. Here at the bottom rests the famous British military cargo ship Thistlegorm of 1940, the history of which is described in the book by J.I. Cousteau and in documentary BBC company.

• Transparency: up to 30 m.
• Water temperature: in winter, on average - +20 degrees, in summer - up to +27.
• Season: all year round.

Flora and fauna

Cousteau called the Egyptian Red Sea "a corridor of miracles." All possible types of corals are found here: umbrella, fiery, black, porites, soft reds, favits, etc. Stingrays, crocodile fish, perches, napoleons, sea devils, turtles, various sharks, etc.

Best areas and places

Ras Mohammed Reserve, Sodfa and Amforas reefs, Brothers Islands.

Australia

Here is the largest coral accumulation on the planet - the Great Barrier Reef, which includes about 3,000 reefs and more than 70 islands. This popular place attracts divers from all over the world.

• Transparency: 20-30 m.
• Water temperature: +25 - +30°C.
• Season: all year round

Flora and fauna

About 4000 species of mollusks and 1500 species of fish. Red gorgons, sponges, minke whales, large White shark, sea lions, sea dragons, rare spotted octopus, leopard shark, hard and soft corals

red gorgons, sponges, "potato" perch "armored" fish, dolphins, lobsters, seals, sea lions, dugongs, many types of sharks (tiger, whale, copper, crepuscular, great white, sand), etc.

Best areas and places:

Dolphin Beach, Cape Town, Durban, Sodwana Bay, Margate (KwaZulu Natal)

Diving is a very exotic sport. Any diver, be it an expert or a beginner, will be fascinated by the depths of the places where he finds himself on every dive. Each diver has their own list of favorite dive sites. A survey of divers around the world has come up with a list of some of the best dive sites.

Similan Islands

Similan Islands in the western part andaman sea considered the best diving spot in Thailand. The archipelago consists of 9 white sand islands covered with tropical jungle. There are 2 dive options: east side- gentle coral reefs, and the western side - massive granite boulders covered with corals. Depth can vary from 15 to 40 meters. Read also about the most beautiful islands in Thailand in a separate selection, there are also very good places in order to dive.

maldives reefs

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most popular diving destinations in the world. It is the largest coral reef system in the world, stretching over 3,000 kilometers. These are the only reefs on Earth that can be seen from space. The Great Barrier Reef also has a variety of wildlife and exotic fish including green sea turtles, dolphins, humpback whales and clownfish.

There are many places on the planet that are ideal not only for beach holiday but also for diving. It is about such corners of the Earth that will be discussed in our article.

Mauritania

In crystal clear waters national park"Blue Bay Marine", which is home to dolphins, clown fish and other exotic marine life, very good to learn diving beginners.

Big Island (Hawaii, USA)

On the largest of Hawaiian Islands diving - very popular view recreation. You can swim in the waters here underground caves, admire coral gardens and meet sea turtles, dolphins and moray eels.

Ilha Grande Island (Brazil)

Almost untouched by people, the island is a real paradise on earth. Having dived into absolutely clear water, you can see the remains of the colonial ships at the bottom, as well as swim with seahorses.

Virgin Gorda Island (British Virgin Islands)

For those who like to swim in natural underwater tunnels and grottoes, this place will be ideal.

Palau

A nation made up of 250 islands pacific ocean, has a large number of lakes connected to the ocean by underwater tunnels. One of them, Lake Medusa, got its name for a reason. A huge number of jellyfish live in it, among which divers love to swim.

Bermuda

The most interesting for diving enthusiasts are western beaches. The famous Western Blue Trench is located here, and at the bottom there are three sunken ships almost nearby.

Cayman islands

The shallow waters surrounding the Cayman Islands are ideal for beginner divers. In addition, you can meet huge stingrays here.

Saint John (US Virgin Islands)

Diving here is popular due to a large number octopuses and parrot fish in local waters.

Anguilla

In the local waters, where visibility reaches 35 meters, it is good to explore the coral gardens and their inhabitants.

Turks and Caicos

Popular with divers, the underwater White Trail is home to barracuda, lobsters and even the harmless nurse shark.

Kauai (Hawaii, USA)

In the local waters, diving enthusiasts can swim with green sea turtles, as well as with one of the most unusual fish - zebra surgeons.

Whitsunday Islands (Australia)

The Great Barrier Reef is considered one of the largest coral formations. It is he who pulls a large number of divers into the local waters.

Moorea (French Polynesia)

This island is not as popular as neighboring Bora Bora or Tahiti, but for diving enthusiasts, this place is one of the best. In the local waters, you can meet the Malagasy night sharks.

Oahu (Hawaii, USA)

The best diving spot on Oahu is Hanauma Bay, which is home to a huge number of exotic angle-tailed triggerfish.

Seychelles

The archipelago, made up of 115 tiny islands, is known for the best Indian Ocean diving sites.

Phi Phi Islands (Thailand)

In the local clear emerald waters, it is better to swim before lunch, while the sun's rays can penetrate between the underwater limestone cliffs.

Bora Bora (French Polynesia)

It is not surprising that one of the most prestigious resorts world diving is very popular.

Vieques Island, Puerto Rico

Much of the island, formerly a training ground for the US Navy, is still largely untouched. The waters here are quite shallow and suitable for beginners in diving.

Maui (Hawaii, USA)

The best diving spot on Oahu is the Molokini Crater in the south of the island. It is home to dolphins, turtles and tropical fish.

Culebra (Puerto Rico)

The small island looks like a deserted place. But it is here that unforgettable places for scuba diving are located.

Boracay (Philippines)

Boracay is considered one of the best islands Asia for a beach holiday. The magnificent beach is also ideal for snorkeling thanks to its sloping sandbar.

Sipadan (Malaysia)

In the local clear waters, divers can admire a wide variety of tropical fish living on coral islands.

Palawan (Philippines)

One of the most popular places in the world, divers are attracted by the opportunity to see a large number of starfish and sea snails.

Bazaruto Archipelago (Mozambique)

The hard-to-reach group of 6 islands is considered one of the best places for diving and snorkeling on the planet.

Maldives

Local depths are visited daily by thousands of snorkellers in clear waters.