If you love the water and everything that comes with it, then this article is for you. Given here are some of the best destinations in the world to catch up on marine life and the natural wonders of the aquatic world. If you are planning a visit to any of these places in the near future, make it a point to explore their underwater worlds, which would leave you spellbound.
Galapagos Islands
If you love to see the big animals that rule the aquatic world, head over to the Galapagos Islands where you will be guaranteed face to face encounters with dolphins, sharks, sea lions and gigantic manta rays. Traveling between the months of May and December would enable you to spot a diverse range of sharks, including the white tip, silver tip, black tip, bull, hammerhead and whale sharks. You would also be able to spot up to 50 manta rays swimming in groups at regular intervals.
Sea of Cortez in Mexico
Considered as the world’s best natural aquarium, the Sea of Cortez off the South Californian coast is home to several hundred species of marine plants and animals. The shallow sea is a regular hotspot for hammerhead sharks, sea lions, spinner dolphins and eagle rays, and boasts of housing unique sea animals like the long bodied browncheeky bleny. These animals are best viewed via snorkeling, diving and kayaking tours.
Tahiti and Sister Islands in French Polynesia
These picturesque islands in the French Polynesia are hotspots for sharks, tuna, jacks, manta ray and barracuda, who frequent the area during tidal changes. Some of the more common species of sharks found here include grays, white tips, silver tips and manta rays. Snorkeling expeditions will also allow you to experience the exhilaration of swimming alongside humpback whales.
Brother Islands in Red Sea, Egypt
These twin miles located in the Red Sea in Egypt are in fact, steep rocks that are remnants of an underwater volcano. A part of the National Park of Marine Park Island, the Brother Islands are known for their striking underwater beauty comprising of kaleidoscopic corals and sea fan forests that are inhabited by hundreds of colorful reef fish. You can also catch glimpses of gray, hammerhead, thrasher and white tip sharks that show up at regular intervals.
Baa Atoll in Maldives
The Maldives in the Indian Ocean is a treasure trove of spellbinding aquatic life. The underwater coral and reef gardens in this part of the world are simply stunning to behold. Not to mention the thousands of colorful fish that live in these gardens. The Baa Atoll is popular for its manta and whale shark spots that attract thousands of these marine animals during the monsoon season every year.
Utila Island in Honduras
Located right on the edge of the region’s continental shelf, the Utila Islands is home to the giant whale shark, the biggest fish in the sea. You can easily spot 20-30 foot sharks roaming in these waters, as well as several hundred species of other marine animals. The best time to visit would be during feeding intervals when entire schools of fosh engulf you in the search for food. The Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Center on the island will also help you identify all the fishes you spotted in the reef while diving.
Beqa in Fiji
Considered as the soft capital of the world, Beqa in the Fiji Islands offers a splendid diving platform for those who wish to explore the colorful reefs surrounding the region. Amidst the beautiful corals, you can find plenty of clown fishes and sponges while giant sharks circle overhead. Not to be missed out are the blue ribbon eel with its sapphire blue body and yellow fins and the zebra-striped lionfish that comes with spiky dorsal fins to eject venom at anything the fish considers a threat.
Palau
This island group located right where the Pacific Ocean and Philippine Sea meet is home to over 1400 different species of fish as well several hundred varieties of coral. A highlight that is not to be missed out while here is the salt water lake in Ali Malik Island which is teeming with jellyfish that are harmless simply because they have lost the ability to sting in a predator-less environment.
Summary
The underwater world is mysterious, alluring and strikingly beautiful. If you want to capture it in all its glory, then visit the destinations mentioned above to enjoy these sights wholesomely.