If we talk about #traveling Underwater tourism, it will move you to the world where you can explore life with beautiful fishes and underwater animals. In this kind of tourism, tourists explore the underwater environment and objects like coral reefs, shipwrecks, and other submerged attractions. They do this complete tour by scuba diving, snorkeling, and underwater walking and using underwater vehicles like submarines and glass-bottomed boats.
In recent years, Underwater tourism has grown in popularity, as a lot of tourists are interested in exploring the natural beauty and biodiversity of marine environments. It can also provide economic benefits by creating jobs and earning revenue from tourism.
In some cases underwater tourism can have a negative impact on the marine environment by causing coral reef damage and disrupting marine life. Responsible tourism practices, such as reducing interaction with marine life, employing eco-friendly equipment, and supporting efforts to preserve the environment, are essential both for tourists and operators. In this article we are going to discuss the worlds top underwater tourists spots.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Great Barrier Reef is an incredible attraction for tourists. The name is composed because of three major qualities of this place. "Reef" is ridge or shoal of rock that lying beneath the natural surface of water while "Great" suggests that it is the largest reef in the world and "Barrier" because it shields the coastline from open ocean. Great Barrier Reef is a massive coral reef system off Australia's northeast coast. It is the largest coral reef system in the world that is covering an area of 344,400 square kilometers.
This reef is an important source of income for Australia . It is helping in growing Industries such as fishing, tourism, and research. You can explore more than 1500 species of fish, find 600 species of corals and also see a variety of marine mammals such as dolphins, whales, and dugongs.
Image by Snickers79 from FREE IMAGESome of the beautiful species of the reef are sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, rays, and tropical fishes. The Great Barrier Reef is the best destination for scuba diving and snorkeling due to its large area and crystal-clear water.
It gives the opportunity to tourists to explore the underwater environment in all its glory. Excellent visibility that reaches 50 meters and more provides an optimal experience of marine life and the vibrant colors of coral.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean about 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador in South America. This archipelago consists of 18 main islands and several small islets. It is popular for its unique wildlife and scientific importance. The Galapagos islands are known for their biodiversity. These islands have a wide variety of plants and animal species that you will not find in any other place on Earth.
This archipelago is also famous due to the visit of Charles Darwin who developed the theory of evolution after observing the unique wildlife of the islands. Tourists can visit the Darwin research station and learn about the Darwin research.
The unique wildlife of the islands contains giant tortoises, marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorants, and many other fascinating species
Tourists can do diving and snorkeling and explore the underwater beautiful species in Crystal Clearwater. The vibrant coral reef makes an unforgettable aquatic adventure for visitors.
You can also do a boat tour and explore the islands through cruises. It's the most popular way to visit the islands and enjoy comfortable accommodations and amenities on board.
The islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for ecotourism and scientific research.
Red Sea, Egypt
The Red Sea is a famous underwater tourism opportunity in Egypt. The Red Sea is the place of the world's most beautiful coral reefs that offers vibrant colors and numerous marine life. The beautiful marine creatures are clownfish, lionfish, colorful corals, sea turtles, Moray Eels, reef sharks, and dolphins.
The Red Sea provides tourists with opportunities for world-class diving from beginner level to advanced enthusiasts. Some of the famous dive spots are the Ras Mohammed National Park, Tiran Island, Abu Nuhas Shipwreck, and the famous SS Thistlegorm wreck.
In the Red Sea tourists can explore the shallow reef without the need for scuba diving equipment by doing Snorkeling. It is the one more popular activity here. Many resorts and diving centers provide snorkeling gear and offer guided tours to tourists.
Also, visitors can do photography underwater. Many dive centers offer specialized courses and workshops to enhance their skills underwater and capture beautiful pictures under the water.
Marine life in the Red Sea contains over 1200 species of fish and 200 species of coral. The red sea is also known for its crystal-clear water which provides an excellent opportunity for divers and snorkelers to explore the Red Sea. Water temperature remains warm ranging from 22 to 29 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
Maldives
If you are a travel lover it's not possible that you don't know about the beauty of Maldives. It is also a famous destination for underwater tourism lovers known as a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Here you can spend time in underwater hotels with crystal-clear water.
If we talk about the world-class diving and snorkeling spots of the Maldives it's the one that contains the beautiful coral reefs that are the home to a range of beautiful marine species. Here tourists can see species such as tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks, and even reel sharks. Many resorts in the Maldives offer their own diving centers and guided diving trips for divers of all levels of experience. Maldives has some unique underwater restaurants and several luxury resorts where guests can enjoy a meal while surrounded by beautiful marine views. These restaurants are made up of large glass walls, allowing diners to explore the underwater world while enjoying delicious cuisine.
Images by Daniel Gillaspia from FlickerFor those tourists who don't want to stay in one place underwater or want to move leisurely the submarine excursion is one of the best options. These excursions offer tourists a journey providing an up-close look at the beautiful marine life. Maldives take one more step in underwater tourism by adding an underwater spa. Some hotels provide underwater spa facilities where you can enjoy the message, facials, and other treatments surrounded by beautiful marine life. Also like other destinations Maldives also offers numerous opportunities for underwater photography for all level experience photographers. Night diving is also a thrilling experience in the Maldives. Many marine species who is hidden in daylight become active at night. Here tourists can explore a different view of the underwater world. night dives species are octopus, lobster, and various bioluminescent organisms.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun Mexico is also one of the best spots for underwater tourism. It is located at a coastal stunning location along the Caribbean Sea.
Like other underwater tourist sites, Cancun offers scuba diving, snorkeling, cenote diving, and wreck diving, but not limited to that. Cancun also has an underwater museum that is the biggest attraction for tourists yes you can enjoy the marine life and underwater museum in Cancun.
If we talk about the to explore marine life, so Cancun has exceptional dive sites, besides the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is located here which is the second largest reef system globally. Divers can explore the beauty of the sea as crystal clear water of Cancun offers excellent visibility allowing us to admire colorful fishes, and marine creatures.
Cenote diving is one of the unique activities that you can do here. Cancun has located at the place where natural sinkholes are filled with fresh water. By Cenote diving, you can explore submerged caves and caverns and will discover fascinating geological formations and stalactites.
Now we are gonna talk about the underwater museum is also one of the unique parts of Cancun. The MUSA is a prominent attraction where visitors can explore the 500 sculptures made by well-known artists. This fusion of art and Marine life creates a unique view for the visitor.
Image by Scuba Catalog from FlickerBesides that, you can also take part in underwater activities like photography or even take part in beginner-level diving. The marine life of Cancun contains fish, coral, sea turtles, dolphins, whale sharks, and other fascinating creatures.
There are many other underwater tourist attractions in the world to see this year! Depending on your budget and the time of the year you plan to travel, some of these tourist places may be just the adventure you were looking for. Which one of these destinations are you ready to mark off your bucket list?