For all of the amazing landmarks and attractions you can see on the surface of the world while cruising, there are as many if not more wonders awaiting beneath the waves. A wise crab once said. “darlin’ it’s better, down where it’s wetter, take it from me!” We are inclined to agree with the wise words of this animated crustacean. Join us as we list our favorite diving and snorkeling destinations.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Beneath the azure Indonesian waters of Raja Ampat lies biodiversity that is downright unbelievable. In the heart of the Coral Triangle, this marine preserve houses every kind of underwater habitat. From mangrove lagoons to seamounts, this roughly 20,000 square-mile region provides shelter for over 1,300 species of tropical fish, 600 varieties of coral, manta rays, rare turtles, and even a lake full of non-stinging jellyfish. To experience it is to check multiple items off any diver’s bucket list.
This is a remote destination best experienced on smaller expedition vessels. For this reason, we suggest the 60-passenger Aqua Blu from Aqua Expeditions. It is our top selection due to the brand’s commitment to luxury diving expeditions and small capacity for more intimate exploration.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Off the coast of Cairns lies one of the greatest natural spectacles on the planet. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest system of coral reefs. This aquatic paradise is home to over 40 of the world’s best dive sites and numerous shallow-water snorkeling opportunities like Agincourt on the coast of Queensland. Its location on the continental shelf makes it a perfect destination for underwater photography.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most popular cruising destinations in the world, so you can pick your poison when choosing a cruise line, but remember, the smaller the ship, the more you will see and the closer you will get. For this reason, we suggest Ponant. Specifically, their Explorer Class ships, due to the brand’s history of providing top-tier tropical expeditions, these ships are the only ones with The Blue Eye Lounge. A perfect onboard experience for divers between excursions.
The Caribbean, North/Central America
Stand at the port of Miami and throw a rock South, and you’ll probably hit an amazing reef. A simple Caribbean Cruise will unlock many of the finest underwater experiences on the globe. From the massive barrier reef off the coast of Belize to the Bonaire National Marine Park off the coast of Bonaire, the Caribbean offers countless opportunities to commune with sharks, sea turtles, a dazzling array of fish, and more in the coastal reefs and mangrove lagoons.
The Caribbean is the most popular cruising destination on the planet, so you can choose which cruise line works best for your needs, but the bigger the ship you choose, the more you will have to depend on diving shore excursions rather than onboard facilities. For this reason, we suggest ships that feature watersports platforms like Windstar or Seabourn. These offer a perfect hop-in opportunity for snorkelers.
The Maldives, Indian Ocean
Another remote destination treasured by luxury cruisers and divers alike is the Maldives. The island nation is home to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Baa Atoll, a favorite for spotting sea turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks.
The Rasdhoo, Noonu, Ari, and Male Atolls are also favorite destinations to see turtles, rays, and hammerhead sharks. Ponant offers a superb itinerary in the Maldives that gives you more time in the islands.
Seychelles, Indian Ocean
The three islands of Mahe are the epicenter of diving in Seychelles, while the outer islands offer 74 coral reefs to explore. This protected marine preserve is home to angelfish, octopus, wrasses, stingrays, sharks, and the fascinating Mantis Shrimp. Ponant’s large presence in the Indian Ocean makes them our go-to brand for this remote paradise.
There are far too many great opportunities for diving and snorkeling to list them all here. If you don’t see anything on this list that you haven’t already done, call the experts at Luxury Cruise Connections. Our experienced team can tell you about how to slip in between two continents in Iceland or wreck dive off the beaches of Barbados. If you want it, we can find it.
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