Top 5 snorkel wreck diving holidays
Monday, 12, Jul 2010 03:52
The underwater world is, for divers, the ultimate in discovery. Sunken wrecks, colourful coral, mesmerizing mammals and fascinating fish await those who take the plunge. But what about those non-divers out there who want to share in this diverse underwater universe?
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the discovery of the Titanic wreck (on September 1st 2010) diving holiday specialists Regaldive have put together their own 'Top Five Must-Do Snorkel Wrecks' for all those snorkellers out there who want to experience the wonder of a mysterious sunken vessel from the surface of the ocean.
The shallow wrecks listed below offer snorkellers the chance to see 200 year old ghost ships literally teeming with amazing aquatic life. So strap on your snorkel and fins and take a lazy swim through these windows to the past.
1. Lusong Gunboat - Palawan, Philippines
This wreck is ideal for snorkellers to explore. Situated just 10m down in crystal clear water, it's a small but incredibly pretty wreck. Adjacent, a beautiful coral reef is beginning to colonise the wreck producing a teaming array of marine life and colourful coral. No diving necessary!
2. Liberty Wreck - Bali
Just 7m under the water you will find Liberty Wreck, a 120m freighter which was sunk by the Japanese whilst motoring across the Lombok Strait. Lying almost parallel to the beach, it's pretty difficult to list what you will see at this wreck because you will come across just about anything and everything found in any Indo-Pacific reef guidebook.
3. Tugboat - Curaçao, Caribbean
There is one word which really describes this wreck and it's cute. This site is very popular and given its diversity is great for snorkellers. The wreck sits at 5m after sinking 25 years ago, covered in coral and well preserved; it teems with marine life including morays, trumpetfish, angelfish and tube coral.
4. Brunswick wreck - Cape Town, South Africa
This English East-Indiaman ran aground in 1805, and is off significant historical importance. Of wooden construction the remains of her timber hull have been well surveyed by marine archaeologists. Sitting at just 5m deep, this shallow and interesting wreck has many colourful critters living around it just waiting to be spotted.
5. Underwater Sculpture Park - Grenada, Caribbean
Although strictly not a wreck, this incredible and unusual Underwater Sculpture Park sneaks onto the list as it really is a must-do for all snorkellers! The park is the work of sculptor, Jason Taylor, from England, The unique pieces of art depict Grenada's colourful history and folklore. All of the sculptures are in beautiful, clear shallow water, easily accessible by snorkellers. The sculptures create artificial reefs, further enhancing the marine environment.
2010 sample diving holiday packages from Regaldive:
Lusong Gunboat: Philippines from £1609pp.Includes return flights, 7 nights Full board accommodation at the Club Paradise Resort and transfers.
Liberty Wreck: Bali from £1327pp.Includes return flights, 7 nights B&B accommodation at the Siddhartha Dive Resort & Spa and transfers.
Underwater Sculpture Park: Grenada from £920pp.Includes return flights, 7 nights B&B accommodation at The True Blue Bay Resort and transfers. Snorkel trips available in resort from $48pp.
For further information on any of the above packages see the Regaldive website or call 01353 659999.
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