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POA

Price notes statement Per person

At a glance

Flight time: 10.5 hours

Water temperature: 24 - 28°C

Highlights on-board: Best in class luxury

Highlights underwater: Best central sites including Ari Atoll

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Dolmen Resort Hotel has over 400 rooms, all with attractive views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, St. Paul's Bay, impressive Neolithic Temples, or the beautifully landscaped gardens, so it will appeal to divers and visitors who are looking for a quality resort with excellent facilities. The Hotel's Oracle Casino boasts a spectacular setting on the shores of the Mediterranean and an easy-going, relaxed atmosphere.

Malta can be reached from the UK in as little as three hours and the Dolmen Resort is less than half an hour’s drive from the airport, putting it within easy reach for UK divers who want to minimise their journey and maximise their diving time.

With its dramatic underwater landscapes, excellent visibility, balmy sea temperatures and lots of wrecks and caves to explore, Malta has enough to keep divers coming back year after year. The island’s history as disputed land has led to an impressive collection of ship, plane and submarine wrecks that have really put Malta on the map for wreck diving. Dozens of shipwrecks, historic and artificial mean that Malta is a key technical diving destination, but it's also an ideal place to learn to dive.

Divers staying at the Dolmen Resort Hotel will be diving with Maltaqua Dive Centre, a PADI Dive Centre and a BSAC School of Excellence with over 40 years’ experience on the islands of Malta. Maltaqua offer Regaldive guests staying at Dolmen Resort a courtesy transfer to their Dive Centre in St. Paul's Bay, just a few minutes’ drive away.

Regaldive is offering seven night twin share packages staying at the Dolmen Resort Hotel including flights, transfers and breakfast from £358 per person. Dive Packs are available through Regaldive starting at £83 per person for seven days of unlimited shore diving (unguided).

For more details, contact our specialist team on 01353 659 999 or email: info@regaldive.co.uk, or visit Dolmen Resort Hotel.

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This liveaboard operates Saturday to Saturday, which means that only 5 days annual leave is required. Flights depart from Gatwick on Saturday morning. 

A 38.7 metre boat, Vita Xplorer easily accommodates 24 guests in her 8 twin-berth cabins, 2 king-size cabins and 1 king-size ensuite cabin. Vita Xplorer has an enviable 120m² of sundecks with both shaded and unshaded areas. Nitrox is provided FREE of charge.

This boat’s itinerary is the popular 'Abu Nuhas & Ras Mohammed' route - it provides the best of both worlds, with visits to famous wrecks in the northern Red Sea, along with some stunning reef diving. Divers can explore the famous horseshoe shaped reef of Shaab El Erg with its beautiful hard coral garden and the chance to see dolphins. Abu Nuhas has four well-known wrecks: Giannis D, Carnatic, the lentil wreck and the tile wreck, all offering spectacular dives and plenty of fish life. In between wreck dives, divers will visit the reefs of the Straits of Gubal, Gulf of Suez and also those to the north of Hurghada. A variety of deep walls and hard coral gardens with an abundance of reef fish make them well worth a visit.

Night dives offered on this trip can be superb, as Gubal Island offers protected anchoring for the night. Whilst in Ras Mohamed, divers may have an opportunity to dive at Shark Reef; a sheer wall falling into the blue. From here the boat heads back towards Hurghada. 

Vita Xplorer is part of the Aquarius Fleet based in the Red Sea, along with MY Okeanos Xplorer.

For more details, please contact our specialist team on 01353 659 999, or by email, or visit Vita Xplorer.

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1. Bunaken, Indonesia

Coral reef in Bunaken National Marine Park, Indonesia

The crystal-clear waters and staggering marine biodiversity of Bunaken Marine Park make this a popular diving destination. In summer, the seas are calm and you can take in the full majesty of the vibrant coral walls which are teeming with colourful fish. The waters are also home to barracuda, Napoleon wrasse and green turtles.

2. Bali, Indonesia 

Mola mola in Bali, Indonesia

The chance to dive with seasonal Mola Mola, or Oceanic sunfish, is an excellent reason to visit Bali in the summer. These gigantic and unusual-looking fish are most commonly sighted in August and September around Crystal Bay (though you might get lucky in July or October). The summer months are also a great time to spot manta rays and other underwater highlights such as turtles, shipwrecks and fascinating macro species.

3. Komodo, Indonesia 

Manta ray in Komodo National Park, Indonesia

A bucket list destination for most divers, Komodo is particularly special in the dry season, April to November, when divers can enjoy lovely weather and excellent water visibility which sometimes exceeds 30 metres. There’s a dazzling array of marine species to discover around the UNESCO World Heritage Site, including manta rays, sharks and an abundance of critters. Underwater, you’ll find steep walls and coral-encrusted canyons, while topside you can search for Komodo dragons!

4. Azores 

Blue shark in the Azores

Diving in the azure waters around the breathtaking Azores archipelago is only possible by liveaboard for a few months each year. We recommend diving there between June and October when average water temperatures are in the low 20s, visibility peaks and mobula rays gather around seamounts. The rewards are endless, from exploring the volcanic islands, arches and caves to encounters with some of the world’s largest pelagics and marine mammals. Playful dolphins, blue and mako sharks and whale sharks (August) are all frequently sighted here. It’s also not unheard of to hear whales while diving. 

5. Bonaire 

Shore diving in Bonaire

Known as one of the finest Caribbean diving destinations, Bonaire is widely renowned for offering exceptional shore diving and snorkelling experiences. The shallow reefs host hundreds of species of colourful fish and critters amid amazing coral gardens. The marine life is spectacular whenever you visit, but during the summer, the weather and diving conditions are superb and there are fewer tourists. Bonaire is also located outside of the Caribbean’s hurricane zone.

6. Lanzarote 

Shipwreck in Lanzarote

If you’re travelling from the UK or Western Europe, Lanzarote is the perfect short-haul option. As the Canary Islands are less than 100 miles from the North African coastline, you’ll get plenty of sunshine and low rainfall all year round; Lanzarote is also known as the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’. From June to October, air temperatures are in the mid-20s, the seas are pleasantly calm and the water temperatures are comfortable. Whilst diving, you can explore dramatic lava formations, caves, drop-offs and shipwrecks. If you’re lucky, you could encounter various cetaceans, but other marine species may include angel sharks, octopus, seahorses and rays.

7. Galapagos 

Whale shark in the Galapagos Islands

The unique ecosystems on the Galapagos Islands are nothing short of awe-inspiring and that certainly includes the marine life. Wolf and Darwin Islands regularly top ‘best diving’ lists, and in July whale shark activity is peaking. Whale sharks are just the start though, because as you explore the archipelago’s pristine waters you could encounter hammerhead and Galapagos sharks, eagle and giant oceanic manta rays, endemic Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas and playful sea lions.  

8. Cocos Island

School of hammerheads in Cocos Island, Costa Rica

The seamount ‘Bajo Alcyone’, near Cocos Island, is widely regarded as the world’s top destination for hammerhead encounters. Vast shoals are attracted to the nutrient-rich waters, creating a heart-stopping spectacle for divers. After descending to the rocks, you can look up and witness hundreds of hammerheads passing directly overhead. To reach this site, you’ll need to take a liveaboard from Costa Rica. Summer is generally best for marine life encounters, which may also include whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, whale sharks, hawksbill turtle, eagle and manta ray.

9. Sardinia 

Cala Domestica beach in Sardinia, Italy

Hailed as the Caribbean of Europe, Sardinia’s sparkling and rugged coastline is known for exceptional scuba diving. Beneath the waves, you’ll find an intriguing landscape of caves, corals, sea fans and historic wrecks. During the balmy summer days, the Mediterranean waters are warm and thriving with octopus, pipefish, eels and groupers, but you also have the chance to encounter dolphins, barracudas, Mediterranean bamboo shark and perhaps even sun fish. The best diving opportunities are found at La Maddalena archipelago - a protected national park - and Lavezzi (a marine reserve in southern Corsica which can be reached from Sardinia).

10. Grenada & Carriacou 

Wreck in Grenada

Known for exciting drift dives, wrecks, human sculptures and fabulous reefs, this Caribbean treasure offers idyllic diving experiences. Being the Caribbean, this is a fabulous destination to visit at any time of year. However, by travelling in early summer (May or June) you can avoid the peak hurricane season (July to November) and the peak tourist season (December to April). You’ll be able to enjoy gentle currents, warm water, beautiful weather and diverse marine ecosystems, and get great value for money on flights and accommodation.

To book any of our diving holidays, speak to our expert dive team, browse our special offers or search our liveaboard departures.

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19 Mar 2024

liveaboards

Socorro

Manta ray and diver in Socorro

Dive with the friendliest and most enormous mantas on the planet, in addition to bottlenose dolphin and hammerhead, silky, Galapagos and whale sharks in Socorro, on Mexico's west coast.

Nautilus Under Sea

15 May 2024 - 10 nights SOLD OUT!

28 Nov 2024 - 8 nights

16 Feb 2025 - 10 nights

14 March 2025 - 10 nights

11 May 2025 - 8 nights

Nautilus Explorer

27 Nov 2026 - 8 nights

Indonesia 

Pygmy seahorse in Indonesia

In the heart of the coral triangle Indonesian Linerboards have something for every diver. Breathtaking drifts, kaleidoscopic corals, magical manta encounters, careful critter spotting, take your pick!

Emperor Harmoni

16 May 2025 - Raja Ampat - 9 nights

6 Sept 2025 - Raja Ampat - 9 nights

29 Sept 2025 - Raja Ampat & Banda Sea - 12 nights

13 Oct 2025 - Raja Ampat & Banda Sea - 12 nights

Indo Master

3 Sept 2024 - Alor - 10 nights

7 Sept 2025 - Alor - 10 nights

Cocos Islands 

Hammerhead shark in Cocos Island, Costa Rica

A rugged, yet green and verdant island that is surrounded by deep waters populated by Whale Sharks, Schooling Hammerhead Sharks, White-tip Sharks, Tuna, Manta Rays & three species of Turtle. Dolphins are often seen and the odd whale if you are lucky!

Sea Hunter

18 July 2024 - 10 nights

Cocos Island Aggressor

18 Oct 2025 - 10 nights

Galapagos

Whale shark in the Galapagos

Diving in the Galapagos features on every diver's bucket list. Dive with whale sharks, walls of scalloped hammerheads, manta and eagle ray, marine iguana, Galapagos sea lion and penguins.

Galapagos Master

23 Sep 2024 - 7 nights SOLD OUT!

7 Oct 2024 - 7 nights

Maldives

Grey reef shark in the Maldives

Servant to the ebb and flow of the seasonal currents, the Maldives makes an exceptional all year round diving destination. These off the beaten track itineraries get you as close as possible to the action at time of travel.

Emperor Serenity

2 March 2025 - Souther Sharks - 14 nights

21 Sept 2025 - Northern Maldives - 10 nights

Emperor Virgo

9 March 2025 - Southern Sharks - 10 nights

6 July 2025 - Northern Maldives - 10 nights

Bahamas

Great hammerhead sharks in the Bahamas

Choose a Bahamas liveaboard for some of the best shark action in the world - dive with great hammerhead, Caribbean reef, tiger, lemon and nurse shark in addition to shipwrecks, caves and walls.

Bahamas Master

16 Sept 2024 - 10 nights

Find all of our dedicated departures by looking out for ** EXCLUSIVE! ** in the itinerary notes.

Contact our expert team to book your next liveaboard diving holiday.

(Updated: March 2024)

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12 Feb 2024

event, online event

Discover marsa alam

Divers and coral reef in Marsa Alam, Egypt

Superstar dive guide Sonia Goggel of Emperor Divers originally hails from Switzerland, but her association with the Red Sea goes right back to 1997, when she travelled to Egypt on holiday and never left. Renowned as possibly the most experienced and knowledgeable diver in the Red Sea, her love for this region has only grown over the years, describing the area as the 'corridor of wonders'. Sonia has a particular passion for the southern Red Sea and has worked with Emperor as a dive guide since 2009. In this talk, she shares why Marsa Alam makes for such an incredible dive destination, honing in on some of the characteristics and inhabitants that make this area special. 

Wednesday 27 March 2024 - 7pm–8pm.

Email us to book your place.

Watch our previous talks

If you missed our previous events, you can watch them here:

Discover Underwater Photography

Discover Tobago

Discover the Whale Sharks of the Galapagos

Discover the Whale Sharks of the Maldives

Discover Grenada & Carriacou

Discover Malapascua

Discover the Manta Rays of Hanifaru Bay

Discover Muck Diving in Indonesia

Discover the Whale Sharks of the Galapagos

Discover the Maldives

Discover Bohol

Discover Bali

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11 Dec 2023

Diving, diving holidays

January: Experience Maldives Magic

Grey reef shark in the Maldives

The Maldives is excellent all year round, but January sees the start of the best diving months. Liveaboards are regularly heading out towards sensational sites in the Southern atolls, including Manta Point, Cocoa Thila, The Victory Wreck and Banana Reef. On these action-packed itineraries, you have the chance to see impressive pelagic fauna, such as grey and whitetip reef sharks, turtles, eagle and manta rays, and whale sharks.

You also get the best diving conditions in the Central Maldives, with water temperatures in the high 20s centigrade and clear views of the fantastic marine life, rock pinnacles, caves, canyons and thriving coral reefs.

The flat sea in January makes whale sharks easier to spot from a boat when they're swimming near the surface, maximising your opportunities for diving or snorkelling encounters. In the South Ari Atoll, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa and Boutique Beach are excellent resorts offering amazing dive safaris and boat diving trips to the famous thilas. 

February: Bucket-list Diving at Raja Ampat

Wayag Islands in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

If you’re keen to visit the world-famous Raja Ampat, then February is an excellent time to go. The archipelago’s 200 dive sites are best explored by liveaboard and February is right in the middle of the peak liveaboard season (December to April). Raja Ampat’s stunning seascapes are teeming with marine life, from healthy coral reefs to colourful critters and large pelagics. 

In February the weather is usually favourable, with low rainfall and warm sea and air temperatures. This makes liveaboard journeys more comfortable, as seas are calmer, and good underwater visibility lets you enjoy the spectacular marine biodiversity, colourful corals and sea fans, and volcanic underwater landscapes to the full. 

March: Wrecks at Chuuk Lagoon in the Central Pacific

Wreck in Truk Lagoon

Known as ‘Truk Lagoon’ in the diving community, this is arguably the best wreck diving destination in the world with over 60 sunken WWII Japanese ships to discover. Although you can dive here any month of the year, the best diving conditions occur in the dry season (November to April), when on a rainless day visibility in the lagoon can reach up to 40 metres. 

March is a good choice because the favourable conditions tend to provide the most rewarding and enjoyable wreck diving experience.

April: Big Fish in the Southern Red Sea

Oceanic white-tip shark in Egypt

The Southern Red Sea is a paradise for divers. Not only are the dive sites less crowded than in the north, but a thrilling range of ‘big fish’ species await you. With fewer divers here, the diving experience remains pristine. If you travel in spring you should strike a good balance between sea and land conditions, with relatively calm seas, plenty of sunshine and pleasantly hot air temperatures (averaging 31°C).

Marsa Alam, the well-established gateway to the Southern Red Sea, is now easily accessible again via direct flights from the UK. If you prefer resort-based diving, we recommend Wadi Sabarah, in Port Ghalib, which is ideally located for boat trips to popular dive sites, like Dolphin House, and has an on-site Emperor Divers dive centre. In the evenings, you can enjoy captivating marine biology presentations.  

Liveaboards give you access to the most remote and sought-after dive sites, such as Elba Reef, St. John's Reef, the Brothers, Daedalus and Fury Shoals. Depending on your chosen itinerary, you may encounter hammerhead or oceanic whitetip sharks, bumphead parrot fish, tuna, turtles, dolphins, or various rays. You can also explore sunken ships, marine parks and coral-encrusted walls.

May: Shore Diving in Bonaire

Shore diving in Bonaire

Bonaire, in the Caribbean, is yet another destination which offers exceptional diving all year round. Easy shore diving is the real draw here, but this destination also features pristine reefs, a protected marine park, fascinating shipwrecks, and abundant marine life - it’s no wonder divers love this place. Although there’s really no bad time to dive in Bonaire, we’ve recommended May because it’s such great value for money. In May you can enjoy amazing diving and consistent sunshine but with fewer crowds and at cheaper rates. 

The multi-award-winning Buddy Dive Resort is one of Regaldive’s most popular hotels, with welcoming staff and oceanfront apartments and studios. Check out their special offers to save even more money!

June: Explore the Indonesian Archipelago

Green sea turtle in Indonesia

This is a fantastic time to visit many of Indonesia’s diving hotspots, such as Kalimantan, Raja Ampat, and Alor, but Bunaken is a particular favourite of ours. In June, you can enjoy ideal weather conditions and excellent visibility of the volcanic topography and healthy reefs fringing Bunaken Island, not to mention turtles galore! 

The Bunaken National Marine Park is loved by underwater photographers and is an exceptional location for wall and drift diving, with steep coral walls and sightings ranging from barracuda, jacks, Napoleon wrasse, reef sharks and sea snakes. 

For a really fun trip, why not combine Bunaken with the Lembeh Strait or Banka? The Lembeh Strait is one of the world’s best muck diving destinations, while Bangka has stunning pinnacles, healthy coral reefs, exciting drift dives and fascinating marine life.

Favourite resorts amongst Regaldivers are Siladen Resort & Spa and Murex Manado, both offering daily dives to the Bunaken marine park, while Dive into Lembeh and White Sands Beach Resort are popular options in Lembeh.

July: Ocean Giants in the Azores

Mobula ray in the Azores

There's only a short window in the year when you can enjoy the fabulous diving opportunities in the Azores. Due to the archipelago’s position in the mid-Atlantic, the core diving season runs from June to mid-September, when sea conditions allow. July to October is also the best time for marine encounters with seasonal visitors. 

The diving experience offers plenty, especially for divers with a little more experience - from encountering playful dolphins to diving with large whale sharks. If you’re lucky, you may also hear the calls of humpback and sperm whales while diving. One of the best dive sites is Princess Alice Bank, an underwater sea mount which is famous for encounters with mobula rays, makos and blue sharks during the summer months. For experienced divers, the Formigas islets are highly recommended. The marine reserve offers amazing visibility, big fish action and fascinating underwater caves. This is often combined with the stunning site of Dollabarat, a beautiful submerged mountain which attracts rays and sharks. 

August: Galapagos Whale Shark Encounters

Whale shark and diver in the Galapagos

A Galapagos liveaboard adventure is perfect for summer or autumn. One of the best reasons to visit in August is the presence of numerous, huge, and often pregnant whale sharks at Wolf and Darwin. Between July and October, nutrient-rich currents attract whale sharks and other plankton feeders, such as migratory melon-headed and humpback whales. Your thrilling encounters could also include rays, dolphins, mola mola, hammerhead sharks and Galapagos specialities such as fur seals and penguins!

Whale shark and diver in the Galapagos

Image by Jenny Waack

If September works better for you, you can join our exclusive, expert-led Galapagos Whale Shark Expedition with renowned whale shark researcher Sofía Green Iturralde (departs 23 Sep 2024).

September: Maldives Manta Ray Extravaganza

Aerial of manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, the Maldives

Hanifaru Bay’s annual manta ray aggregation peaks around the September full moon. It's the largest known gathering of reef manta rays on the planet and this phenomenon occurs when plankton-rich waters from the Indian Ocean are drawn into the reef (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). The ethereal manta rays arrive in vast numbers, gliding gracefully through the water as a plankton feeding frenzy ensues. 

Marine media specialist and conservationist, Danny Copeland, leads an exclusive group tour in the northern atolls of the Maldives, where, along with the manta rays, you could encounter whale sharks, reef sharks, turtles, and Napolean wrasse. 

11 Sep 2024: Maldives Manta Ray Extravaganza 

October: Wrecks and Reefs in the North Red Sea

Abu Nuhas wreck in Egypt

The North Red Sea is known for spectacular reefs and famous wrecks, especially near popular Sharm El-Sheikh. You can dive here any time, but for the best all-around experience, choose spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). You’ll have plenty of sunshine and good diving conditions but avoid the peak temperatures of Egyptian summer. 

Shark and Yolanda Reef, in the Ras Mohammed National Park, is one of the top 10 dives in the world. Beginning at Anemone City, currents take you on an exciting drift dive to Shark Reef’s sheer drop-off, from where you’re immersed in a ‘fish soup’ as you pass as you pass Yolanda Reef’s impressive pinnacles, before discovering a sunken Greek merchant ship. SS Thistlegorm - a 128-metre British cargo ship which was sunk in a German air attack during World War Two - is another world-leading dive site, found in the Strait of Gubal.

November: Spectacular Sightings in Socorro 

Manta ray and diver in Socorro, Mexico

November marks the start of Socorro’s diving season in Mexico, which runs through to June. Liveaboards will be visiting the exhilarating Revillagigedo Islands (Socorro), which are known for sightings of large pelagic life and endemic tropical fish. 

The most famous residents are friendly giant Pacific manta rays, with wingspans as wide as 7 metres! However, these waters are also frequented by dolphins, humpback whales, 7 species of shark, and predatory fish such as wahoo and Yellowfin tuna.  

December: Christmas in the Coral Triangle  

Coral reef in the Philippines

The Philippines is the perfect destination for December, with thriving coral reefs and some of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet. December to April is the dry season, so you can expect warm weather, low rainfall, calm waters and good visibility. 

At Malapascua, you can experience daily encounters with intriguing thresher sharks. Evolution Dive Resort is a fantastic base from which to explore some of the best diving the Philippines has to offer. From its beachfront location in Malapascua, you can reach Monad Shoal’s Shark Point, The Tapilon wreck, and an enthralling mix of big fish, swim-throughs, and great macro sites.

Other places of interest are Moalboal, which attracts mesmerising sardine baitballs, the WWII wrecks of Coron Bay, and Dauin which is one of the best spots in the world for macro and muck diving. And that’s just the start!

To find out more about any of our diving holidays, contact our friendly Regaldive Team. You can also use our trip search to browse all our liveaboard departures or resorts that we feature and browse our latest special offers.

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14 Nov 2023

price match, savings

At Regaldive we are committed to offering you the best possible value for money on all our diving holidays. That's why we offer you a price match promise.

To guarantee we are offering you a great price, we will match the cost of ANY identical diving holiday received from another tour operator.  That way you can be sure to book your holiday at the best possible price.

Get in contact with us today for a brilliant value diving holiday to one of our more than 25 top diving destinations worldwide! 

Our Price Match Promise is subject to the following terms and conditions:

  • The holiday quote being compared must be from an ATOL bonded diving tour operator.
  • The quote must be for an ATOL bonded package including, as a minimum, flights, accommodation, and diving.
  •  The quote must be identical, including: dates, holiday duration, destination, flights, airline, number of passengers, accommodation, room type, board basis, diving operator & package and other services/ taxes and additional fees.
  • The comparison quote must be received in writing.
  • The quote must be dated and received within 24 hours of our quotation.
  • If we have reason to believe the competitor quote is incorrect or inaccurate, we reserve the right to review the accuracy of the quotation.
  • Please note that where we match a competitor's price, no additional discounts will apply. 

Contact our friendly Regaldive team today on 01353 659999 to book your next dive holiday.

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In September, I flew into Hewanaorra airport in the far south of St Lucia in what should have been the middle of the wet, windy, even stormy “hurricane season”. The visibility from the plane window was superb as we cruised down the leeward side of the island, giving us a prime view of the famous Piton peaks. An intense, undulating green, dotted with colourful villages, contrasted against a deep turquoise sea and bright blue sky, set the scene for a vibrant week.

Soufriere Bay & Pitons in St Lucia, the Caribbean

In terms of land area - even tiny Cozumel is bigger! You can drive the length of St Lucia in under two hours, taking in both windward and leeward sides. Having lived in Tobago, it almost felt like coming home – the strong Carib and Arawak history, along with African and colonial influences set against a lush, floral backdrop. In St Lucia, the unique French influence stands this nation apart; it’s apparent in the place names, the language and the exciting French Creole Heritage Month in October.

I was looking forward to diving – not having been in the Caribbean since moving to the Asia Pacific region, and was anticipating a very different aquatic experience.

All the diving is situated along the leeward side of the island, so is sheltered, mostly calm, and the water, thanks to the occasional current, is crystal clear with great visibility. There really is something for all snorkellers and divers – from shore diving for beginners and night dives, to dramatic walls, swift currents, and shallow plateaus home to an abundance of vivid reef fish, healthy hard and soft coral, eel and crab, to the elusive frogfish and scorpionfish, as well as turtles. There are even a few wrecks to explore, and almost all dive sites are above 30 metres. 

Brain coral in St Lucia, the Caribbean

To the north (out of Rodney Bay with Dive St Lucia) you’ll get the chance of rays and larger fish as the Caribbean gives way to the Atlantic. Dive sites here are mere minutes by boat and, all at around 10-18 metres, vary between wreck, wall, boulder and grass. There's enough to see here for several days’ diving. If you wish to stay in the lively far North of the island, with its choice of budget accommodation, you needn’t miss out on great diving. The dive operator is based out of Rodney Bay, makes regular trips southward to the main dive sites.

French angelfish in St Lucia, the Caribbean

Further south, towered over by the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Pitons – two volcanic summits emerging over 750 metres from the sea – are a multitude of underwater sites. Here the walls of the Pitons plunge over 400 metres into the depths, but again the dives are all available to recreational divers.

Pitons in St Lucia, the Caribbean

There are colourful dive sites at Anse Chastenet, Keyhole Pinnacles, Superman’s Flight (named after a scene in the film), Piton Wall and Coral Gardens, and you can find myriad lobster, crab, fans, barrel sponge, feather star, eel, spotted boxfish and other reef species. Thanks to a concerted effort to reduce the number of invasive lionfish, alongside a comprehensive coral rewilding project, the reefs here are vibrant and full of life. On one of the dives, I was happy to hang motionless watching a vivid mass of striped yellow and black sergeant majors busily nibbling reef algae: by far the largest group I’ve ever come across!

Sergeant majors in St Lucia, the Caribbean

After your morning dives, there are a plethora of topside adventures to be had, easily accessible from any of the accommodation choices. I experienced an exciting ATV ride into the hills, taking in an abandoned sugar mill. I ambled on a guided nature walk discovering indigenous flora and fauna, ventured by mountain bike into the jungle and made my very own chocolate bar (the strenuous way in a mortar and pestle – the only time we had some cooling rain in the entire week! Check out the Chocolate festival in December!).

Diamond waterfall in St Lucia, the Caribbean

You could also explore the coast by sea kayak, swim in waterfalls, indulge yourself in volcanic mud baths, get pampered at the many spas, learn about rum distilling and sample the many flavours, try out St Lucian cooking with its spices, or combine your scuba visit with the October Creole Heritage Month, and even climb The Pitons for an incredible view if you’re feeling athletic (and like waking up early). And I haven’t even mentioned the volcanic beaches! Worthy of TV’s “The Bachelor” and “Married at First Sight”, the scope for romantic relaxation is high on St Lucia’s list of things to enjoy.

Kayking in St Lucia, the Caribbean

I experienced a total of seven dives during my week in St Lucia and was not only pleasantly surprised by the variety of sites and marine life, but also left feeling that there was much, much more to see and do, both under and overwater.

Diver and orange sponges in St Lucia, the Caribbean

The choice of accommodation ranges from budget-friendly to ‘the sky’s-the-limit’ all in luxury, and everything in between. With affordable year-round, 9-hour direct flights from London with British Airways, you could have breakfast at Gatwick and be sipping a rum cocktail (from a freshly-lopped coconut) on a Caribbean beach at sunset. In the words of the St Lucia Tourist Board: “Let her inspire you”. She most certainly will. 

To find out more about diving in St Lucia you can speak to our expert team today!

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Sales Consultant, Cath Bates

“When I worked as a dive guide in Sharm el Sheikh, we used to call whale sharks the Giant Spaceship Fish! Although ironically enough, the whale sharks passing through there were juveniles and usually no more than 4 or 5 metres in length.

We would have months in spring with more plankton than usual in the water - which would draw them in - or they would munch on schools of silversides at the warmer local dive sites. However, my best encounter was during decompression after a technical dive on Ras Za’atar in Ras Mohamed.

As my student and I ascended up the sheer wall from 55 metres towards the shallows, a lone spotty fellow joined us. As if mocking our attempts at perfect horizontal buoyancy, he turned, so his tail faced the depths and ascended with us. He did so without moving any part of his body that was designed for propulsion. All I could think was the age-old instructor adage of “breathe continuously and never hold your breath!”

It was a special moment to share our off-gassing with that mythical creature. As we hit 12 metres he opened his mouth, eyeballed us sarcastically and swam off with perfect horizontal buoyancy into the blue!”

Whale shark in Egypt

Manager, Phil North

“I had to wait a long time to see my first whale shark. 

Working as a dive guide and videographer in Thailand, where whale sharks are seen relatively frequently, I often heard the whoops of fellow divers with envy having missed the moment myself. 

Then, one day, I exited the Cathedral Caves at Ko Haa to hear some urgent tank ringing in the distance. Instinct told me these weren’t the sounds of an instructor trying to get the attention of an errant student. I swam out into the blue a little, trying to follow the sound. 

Then, emerging from the hazy distance, there it was. A whale shark, swimming right towards me! What a moment. A thrill I will never, ever, forget.”

Whale shark in Thailand

Product Executive, Joanna Charter

“Spotting the elusive whale shark is a truly special sighting. 

I’ve been lucky enough to see whale sharks in the Daymaniyat Islands (Oman), Isla Mujeres (Mexico), and Djibouti. 

Each encounter has left me giddy with excitement, there's nothing more humbling than being in the presence of one of the ocean’s giants. These experiences have also left me either absolutely knackered from huffing and puffing down a snorkel, or in such sheer shock at actually seeing one that I’m unable to use my camera properly and miss the whole encounter. 

While in Oman, I was so excited to see the whale shark that I jumped in without my fins, mask, snorkel, and camera! The crew of the Oman Explorer realised what I’d done before I did and were swift to get my camera to me just at the right moment to capture the special meeting, I am forever grateful to them!”

Whale shark in Oman

We feature a range of destinations where you can swim and snorkel with whale sharks around the world. You can also join us on an exciting Whale Shark Expedition in the Galapagos, where you’ll have the chance to dive with and learn from expert whale shark researcher, Sofía Green Iturralde. This week-long trip, aboard the Aqua Galapagos liveaboard, supports the research of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project.

Interested in diving with whale sharks? Our diving experts can help you choose a destination or plan your ideal diving holiday. Get in touch today.

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