Are you already planning your next great adventure? As the Turks and Caicos’ local dive experts, the Big Blue Collective is perfectly placed to help you choose the perfect place for a dive-cation. Here’s our cheat-sheet for the top 5 places to dive in 2020… and the Turks and Caicos more than earns its spot on the list too, of course!
1.The Blue Hole, Belize
There’s a reason this spot has become something of a legend among divers. This famous site is arresting even in photographs, and nothing compares to experiencing its natural beauty up-close-and-personal. The ‘Blue Hole’ takes its name from the massive marine sinkhole that lies at its heart, and it’s long been proclaimed one of the best diving spots in the world. The sinkhole itself has a 300m diameter and plunges down 125m. Arrestingly blue waters make visibility a dream, and you have a great chance of spotting a variety of reef- and bull-sharks, and possibly even a hammerhead or two!
The Blue Hole is the largest marine sinkhole in the world, and its rocky walls were forged in the last ice age, giving a sense of awe and grandeur to the experience.
2. The Gilli Islands
Practically forgotten until recent years, these Indonesian islands are seeing a surge in popularity among divers and vacationers alike- so it’s time to get in ahead of the crowds. Far cheaper as a destination than nearby Bali, it’s also a great choice for the budget-conscious diver. The Gillis offer you an excellently-preserved reef system (remember to invest in reef-friendly sunblock for your trip), and some spectacular underwater vistas you’ll struggle to find elsewhere.
Conditions here are generally clement, so if you’re a beginner diver this is a perfect experience for you. Shark Point is probably the best-known dive site in the area, but it’s packed with adventures waiting for you to explore.
3. Sipadan
If you’re looking for a bustling, active reef packed with marine life, look no further than the beauties of Sipadan. This top Malaysian dive spot constantly makes the list of top 5 places to dive, and 2020 will be no different. Experience the gorgeousness of natural marine life, including (but certainly not limited to) flashy neon fish, arresting coral, turtles, sharks, dolphins and much, much more. There’s also fascinating cave systems to explore while you’re underwater. The sheer abundance and variety of life surrounding you at this site is staggering. This is an absolutely heavenly Southeastern Asian dive destination, and you simply have to experience it for yourself at least once.
With Borneo close at hand, the volcanic pinnacle that formed Sipadan plunges straight down into the depths. Be sure to come armed with a camera, and ready to experience superlative dive conditions during your trip. The animal life alone is mesmerizing.
4. Micronesia
If a restless soul wants you to head off the beaten track, look no further than the South Pacific. Redolent with thrilling dive sites like the ‘Blue Wall’, Micronesia is the ultimate ‘unknown’ dive location, and perfect for inclusion in our top 5 dive sites for 2020 list. If wreck diving is your speciality, there’s also a host of fascinating World War 2 era wrecks for you to explore. If you prefer to skip the crowds (and save a little too), then Micronesia simply has to make your 2020 dive list.
The Federated States of Micronesia, somewhat like the TCI, offer a chain of islands ready for you to explore, and there are fantastic dive sites littered everywhere. Don’t feel confined to the better-known dive sites, especially if you are a veteran under the water. Palau has a reputation for amazing shallow reefs, as well as caverns, walls, drop-offs, and tunnels. Dive with manta rays at Yap, or head to Chuuk if you are a recreational diver interested in wrecks and marine history. There’s ‘liveaboard’ and land diving options available for everyone.
5. The Turks and Caicos
Speaking of pristine natural environments, it’s time to experience the very best of the Caribbean far from the tourist crowd. The TCI has managed to stay relatively untouched by the Caribbean boom, so while you’ll find plenty of accommodation and amenities, you’ll still get to explore the undamaged beauty of a pristine natural environment. Crystal-clear warm seas offer a host of spectacular dive sites, from shallow water to plunging depths off the continental shelf that lies in the area. There’s even cave systems and a few wreck dives you can enjoy, so the TCI truly does offer something for everyone.
With ideal wind-and-water conditions almost year-round, there’s no bad time to visit the islands, and you’re sure to be enchanted every time. If the diving ever pales (we guarantee it won’t), there’s plenty to do both on the water and on land, so your only hassle will be fitting it all in. Add in friendly people, knowledgeable resident dive teams like our crew here at the Big Blue Collective, and delicious local food, and it’s no secret why the TCI made it to our list of the top 5 dive destinations for 2020. Depending on the season you visit, you may also have a superlative chance to dive during the famous whale migration, and see these spectacular beasts for yourself.
Keen to get your diving adventures started? Then be sure to get in contact with the team here at the Big Blue Collective. Our friendly staff are always on hand to help you plan the ultimate diving adventure, and with our year-round perfect climate, the Turks and Caicos is the ideal starter location from our 5 top dive spots for 2020 list, so why not get your booking made today?