Snorkelling and Diving in South-East Asia and Africa
Snorkelling and diving are arguably two of the greatest pleasures one can enjoy during a coastal holiday: It brings you closer to remarkable ocean ecosystems and grants a sense of discovery which is hard to find elsewhere. Every session brings with it the chance to discover something new, be it a species of fish you've never seen before, an unusual coral formation or even a sunken wreck.
The coastlines of Africa and South-East Asia are especially promising as they boast a wide variety of dynamic, interesting dive and snorkelling sites. Whether you're a newcomer just beginning to make their first tentative dips under the ocean's glistening surface, or a veteran with an insatiable love of the unique and challenging, you'll be sure to find a destination which suits you.
Nusa Lembognan: Secluded Sites and Elusive Creatures
With its turquoise waters and isolated nature, the Balinese island of Nusa Lembognan is practically crafted for snorkelers and divers. Recent surges of unregulated water-sports have sadly destroyed some of the island's beautiful sites for those interested with what is under the spray, but there are still plenty of excellent options left.
Watch the ethereal rays of Manta Bay dance inches away from your mask. Alternatively, you can spend hours admiring the coral formations at Gamut Bay, where colourful fish flit about between the cracks and crevices.
For divers, a trip to Crystal Bay is essential. It's one of the few places in the world when you're likely to spot a Mola Mola (come between July and mid-November to increase your chances), an elusive yet surreal fish which ought to be on any diver's must-see wish list. They're incredibly docile despite their size and you'll have the opportunity to get close to one of the rarest marine animals.
Even if you're unlucky, the site is teeming with reef sharks, eagle rays, angel fish and sweetlips. If you have time, the nearby Bat Cave is also accessible from underwater and houses scores of snoozing bats in the daytime.
Phuket: Crystalline Waters and Anemones
The island known as the 'Pearl of the Andaman' unsurprisingly boasts some of the finest coastlines and reefs in the world, with such a range of locations, that anyone can find an excellent option to match their personal skill level.
Shark Point is a popular spot for divers who want to view the namesake fish up close- given space they're quite harmless: Leopard sharks and reef sharks are commonly seen gliding between the pink coral clusters. Anemone Reef is also exceptional, housing leopard sharks, barracuda, clownfish, turtles, cuttlefish and eels. The wreck of the passenger ferry the 'King Cruiser' is also worth exploring as it becomes an underwater hotel for hosts of crabs and small fish.
For snorkelers, the densely packed reefs clustered on the gently sloping seabed are ideal and boast a wide range of fish. Ao Sane is an excellent site for the experienced who can navigate the rocks in search of pufferfish, clownfish and cuttlefish. The Phi Phi islands offer a range of snorkelling spaces to suit all skill levels.
At high tide, Pi Leh Bay is swarming with parrotfish and the ethereally beautiful limestone cliffs make it a delight to visit. Monkey Bay is great for beginners due to its shallow waters and charming marine life: Playful clownfish, luminous giant clams, buttercup-yellow damselfish are all worth looking for. Keep an eye out for the wild macaques that roam the beach but beware- they have become adept at opening zips and will mob you if you're unwise enough to bring food. Even more reason to stay off the shore and enjoy the fish!
Mauritius: Shipwrecks and Sea Turtles
Surrounded by the welcoming waters of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius welcomes divers and snorkelers to a sunken wonderland. There are hundreds of species and coral varieties to be found and every site brings something new to the table.
The Blue Bay Marine Park is ideal for snorkelling beginners as the waters are quite shallow: The seagrass and multi-hued corals house crowds of surgeonfish, parrotfish, Moorish idols and clownfish. If you're determined to spot a sea turtle, Pointe aux Piments is your best bet as the adorable reptiles tend to favour the area. Scorpionfish are quite common throughout the island and exciting to spot but always get a good look at where you're putting your feet or you could get a nasty sting.
Divers who are on the search for larger aquatic species will adore Mauritius: Barracudas, dolphins, hammerhead sharks and even whales frequent the island. If you want to explore a wreck the Sirius, Silver Star and Djabeda shipwrecks are all great options- there's something fascinating about seeing a felled ship merge into the reef. The Cathedrale site is a vast underwater cave where the rays of light tint the water as vividly as stained glass. Bold divers can look for bull sharks at La Passe De Belle Mare, and alien-like lionfish can be spotted in Rempart Serpent.
South Africa: Fur Seals
and Sharks
The water surrounding Cape Town and neighbouring regions is fit to burst with fascinating marine life, underwater landmarks and beautiful scenery. Snorkel at Boulders Beach and share your experience with the beach's famous inhabitants the penguins. Watching their streamlined forms zip past is highly entertaining, and will secure a firm place in your memories of the trip.
The small reef at Windmill Beach is ideal for beginners as it's sheltered from the wind by boulders. Hout Bay is an obvious choice but it should not be missed: The area is filled with curious seals which you can watch performing underwater acrobatics from the surface.
Adventurous divers will love the challenging dives which South Africa offers. The depths of the kelp forest at Pyramid Rock house a myriad of sharks: Sevengills, Pyjama Catsharks, Dark Shysharks and Spotted Gully sharks are all potential sightings.
There are plenty of wrecks to consider exploring, such as the Maori, the Astor, the Katzu Maru and the SAS Pietermaritzburg- they have become hubs for marine life and colourful coral. And of course, if you're looking for a thrill but don't have the confidence to face the sharks alone there are plenty of cage diving opportunities which will bring you closer to the apex predators.
