Every diver has their favorite site; a hidden gem on their doorstep they’ve explored a hundred times, or perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime vacation dive that conjures awesome memories. From historic shipwrecks to breathtaking marine life hotspots, and spectacular coral reefs to lesser-known but equally special locations, we’ve pulled together our Bluewater best dive sites in the world.
- Wolf and Darwin Islands in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Kicking off the list with a spectacular big ocean site, Wolf and Darwin Islands, on the fringes of the remote Galapagos archipelago, offer thrilling encounters with sharks and other pelagic superstars. Divers braving the challenging swell and strong currents will be well rewarded with sightings of huge schools of hammerheads, as well as regular appearances from Galapagos, silky, and whale sharks. For big animal fans who aren’t averse to cooler waters, this site is not to be missed.
- South Pass, French Polynesia
French Polynesia is known as one of the best shark diving destinations in the world, and what better place to dive with them than in Fakarava Island’s South Pass. Known locally as Tumakohua Pass, visitors can expect to encounter hundreds of lemon, whitetip, and hammerhead sharks patrolling the narrow sides of a submerged valley. The excellent visibility and dramatic topography provide the ideal setting for some top-notch shark encounters.
- Anemone City, Indonesia
Beneath the little-known waters of the tiny island of Alor, a huge field of anemones is ripe for exploration. Quite possibly the largest of its kind in the world, this unique site is characterized by small volcanic boulders smothered in thousands of individual anemones in all colors, shapes, and sizes. Between the gently waving anemone fingers, countless clownfish dart to and fro, frantically protecting their patch from an unseen threat. It’s easy to become absorbed in the individual dramas of this strangely mesmerizing city.
- Tiger Beach, Bahamas
The tiger shark mecca of the Caribbean and arguably the world, the small sand flat of Tiger Beach is tucked away in an inconspicuous corner of the Bahamas and has a fearsome reputation. Divers can mix with dozens of these awesome predators as well as lemon sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and countless tropical reef species during baited shark dives. This shallow site boasts clean, white sand and sparkling water, providing excellent photo conditions and some impressive subjects.
- Roca Partida, Mexico
The only destination to feature twice on our list, Roca Partida is an epic dive site featuring the pick of Socorro’s exciting big animal action. Conditions at this isolated pinnacle are often challenging, but the strong currents and cool water upwellings attract huge numbers of silky, Galapagos, oceanic whitetip, and hammerhead sharks, as well as dolphins, whale sharks, and massive schools of jack and barracuda. Divers willing to brave the 24-hour crossing from mainland Mexico will be well rewarded.
- Blue Heron Bridge, Florida USA
A favorite of the Bluewater team, Blue Heron Bridge is a world-renowned site located at West Palm Beach’s Phil Foster Park. Popular with snorkelers as well as divers, a huge diversity of marine life can be found in the lagoon’s shallow waters. Macro critters such as seahorses, nudibranch, and pipefish abound, and the warm, sheltered waters offer a refuge for countless juvenile tropical fish. The site is easily accessible and offers something for all standards of diver.
