Top 5 Most Romantic Diving Destinations
Embarking on a diving adventure with a loved one is an incredibly rewarding experience - you get to feel the thrill of shared discovery, work as a team and support each other, strengthening your mutual trust, honesty, and respect. Besides, many of the world’s best dive sites are found in tropical idylls that lend themselves perfectly to romance. So, with Valentine’s Day upon us, let’s take a look at five of the most romantic dive destinations that will be perfect for a getaway with that special someone.
Maldives
An archipelago nation whose name translates as “The Realm Of The Thousand Islands,” Maldives is the destination that practically screams romance. White, sandy beaches, tall palms, azure waters, and luxury resorts are only a few of the country’s attractions. The diving is spectacular, too, with highlights including thriving coral gardens, and the abundance of marine life attracted to the Maldives’ nutrient-rich waters. Divers can expect to see Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, snappers, fusiliers, jacks, and sweetlips. There are also plenty of cleaning stations where cleaning wrasses and shrimps service the larger marine species. You can even spot the pelagics that frequent the Maldives, including manta rays, eagle rays and a variety of sharks. The numerous caves, caverns, and overhangs, that can be found in the current swept channels between the atolls, are home to soft corals, colorful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonian fans.
One of the best ways to enjoy the Maldives is on a liveaboard boat, cruising between the islands, as is allows you to experience lots of different diving sites in a few days. Alternatively, you can stay in one of the many 5-star luxury resorts, go for daily diving excursions and, on your return from the sea, have a private, candle-lit dinner on the beach, watching the rosy tropical sunset over the Indian Ocean.
The Wakatobi Islands, Indonesia
Indonesia’s 13,500 islands make it a popular destination among scuba divers, but one group of islands is particularly great for those who want to go on a tranquil romantic getaway. The regency of Wakatobi is a remote treasure chest of unspoiled natural beauty. It has both biodiverse reefs and romantic accommodations - a perfect combo for scuba diving couples. Because the islands are remote, and large parts of them remain undeveloped, save for a few bungalows and villas on the beach, guests here can enjoy truly alone time. It is possible that you will see no other divers for at least 100 miles.
With over 750 different species of coral and 942 species of fish, Wakatobi has the highest number of reef and fish species ever recorded. It is also the second largest barrier reef in the world and encompasses a spectacular 1.4 million hectares. Although Wakatobi is not the best spot for big fishes and action, you can still see some Blacktip Reef Sharks, Whitetip Reef Sharks, Grey Sharks, Eagle Rays and Turtles on several dive sites. The main attraction in this place, however, is the high density and variety of small creatures and critters. You can spot Pygmy Seahorse on a superb Sea Fan, rare and colorful species of Nudibranchs and Ghost Pipefish.
St. Lucia, Caribbean
With its gorgeous terrestrial landscapes, crowned by the landmark twin peaks, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, St. Lucia is an ultra-romantic retreat, loved by couples from all over the world. The island’s underwater seascapes are just as stunning as those found above the surface. Beginner divers can enjoy the warm, crystal-clear waters and marvel at the stunning purple vase sponges, bountiful sea fans, and corals, while the island’s walls, pinnacles, and shipwrecks offer different but equally as exciting experiences for advanced divers. Overall, St. Lucia offers a wide variety of marine life - from macro to pelagic species. Sea turtles, barracuda, stingrays, eagle rays a variety of tropical fish are all often seen. Flying Gurnard, frogfish and spotted drums are some of the more unusual species on offer. On the smaller side of things, seahorses and feather duster worms are sure to keep macro-lovers entertained. Conveniently, you will find some world-class resorts that cater specifically to scuba divers in St. Lucia.
As for the other interesting things to do, be sure to check out the island’s drive-in volcano, trek through unspoiled rainforests, take a dip in the hot Sulphur Springs and discover the beautiful Botanical Gardens. Whether you choose to spend most of your time exploring the underwater world or enjoying the topside attractions, St. Lucia is a magical Caribbean destination that you are sure to remember for years to come.
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is a real haven for nature lovers, snorkelers, scuba divers, and romantics. The blend of rich history, timeless village charm, vivid sea life, and first-class beach clubs is Cozumel’s recipe for success. On top of that, Cozumel is one of the more affordable destinations. It was recognized by a U.S. News & World Report Travel Agent Survey as the North American and Caribbean destination offering the best value for money.
The warm, clear, turquoise waters surrounding the island hold a large and healthy reef network, filled with limestone caves, tunnels, and rare black coral. With the heavy currents that produce the excellent drift dives in the area, divers regularly spot a plethora of pelagic species, including Bull Sharks and eagle rays. There’s also a chance of spotting Green Turtles, Loggerhead Turtles, whale sharks, and sailfish during their respective migrations.
After the dive, you can relax on sandy white beaches, try soothing spa treatments or go out into town and experience Cozumel’s famous nightlife.
Beqa, Fiji Islands
Fiji is a country that fully embraces and even boasts it’s well-deserved romantic reputation. One of the Fijian Tourism Board’s favorite slogans is “600 proposals last year, 600 yeses”. Fiji’s remote location and a plethora of picture-postcard beaches make it the perfect getaway for couples seeking some together time.
Beqa is one of the best known Fiji scuba diving destinations and is christened "The Mecca of Pacific Diving". The fringing reef around the island and the barrier reef (68 km) around Beqa Lagoon are both known for their healthy soft coral gardens and an array of sea life. Competing for awe are golden gorgonians teeming with clouds of orange and purple anthias, lionfish, leaf fish, blue ribbon eels. All in all, there are over 100 dive sites around Beqa island. These include two shipwrecks and a protected marine park, where you can see 8 species of sharks simultaneously - tiger, bull sharks, nurse sharks, lemon sharks, grey reef, silver tips, black tips, and white tips.
In addition to great diving, a stay on Beqa Island will give you a glimpse into the traditional Melanesian way of life. Here you’ll have a chance to experience true Fijian hospitality and observe the fascinating time-honored rituals of the locals.
