3 of the best scuba and snorkeling destinations

Snorkeling and scuba diving are often favourite activities for those taking holidays in tropical regions. There are plenty of destinations that will provide a great experience for both first timers and experienced divers in warmer regions where the waters are clearer and warmer than in the UK. Here’s a list of three particular popular scuba and snorkeling destinations to whet your appetite.

The Great Barrier Reef, North Eastern Australia

With some 1,580 miles of coral reefs sitting out from the coast of North Eastern Australia, this region has perhaps the best reputation for snorkelling and scuba diving in the world. It’s the world’s largest coral reef system, composed of some 3,000 individual reefs, and because of its sheer size there are a number of great places to stay lining the coast. However, Cairns and the Whitsunday Islands account for around 85% of the tourism in the region, and they are the best equipped areas for a holiday. From Cairns it is necessary to get a boat out to the reef because it lies offshore. Often these will take you to a pontoon out at sea from which you can dive from, and it’s not uncommon to see giant clams or huge Maori wrasse. In the Whitsundays, meanwhile, you won’t always have to get a boat, as the reefs are closer to the shore. Highlights in this archipelago include Daydream Island, which is home to an outdoor aquarium, and an incredible network of reef lagoons. For flights to Australia see www.cheapflights.co.uk.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Often listed as one of the natural wonders of the world, Bora Bora is a beautiful volcanic island encircled by an incredible barrier reef. The view from the air is truly stunning, but there are plenty of underwater sites that are just as breathtaking. Many of the resorts have overwater bungalows as standard features, so it’s easy to just wake up and dive into the clear waters! The reefs contain a diverse range of fish, sharks and rays, and it’s quite common to see huge manta rays gliding past you. Both in and outside of the lagoon it is possible to see dolphins and turtles, while there is also the chance to go on trips to feed the turtles and sharks. Scuba diving conditions are good all year round in French Polynesia, but the best conditions are between April and November. If you visit between July and early October you may also be able to see visiting whales that come to the temperate waters to raise their newborns. Cheapflights.co.uk also offers flights to French Polynesia.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

A bit closer to home than anywhere in the Pacific Ocean, Sharm el Sheikh is one of the most developed tourist resorts on the Sinai Peninsula. The warm waters of the Strait of Tiran also include over 250 dazzling coral reefs and 1,000 species of fish. More experienced divers will want to try dives to the wrecks of the Thistlegorm and Dunraven – the two most famous wrecks in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, the destination is also excellent for snorkelers, as many of the corals come within 1 metre of the surface due to the small tidal action of the Red Sea. More Europeans learn to dive here than anywhere else in the world, and it is ideal for beginners. Expedia.co.uk is currently running flights to Sharm el Sheikh for £169 return.