Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is the largest and westernmost of the island chain. Spanning around 76 square miles and 22 miles long, it offers abundant activities, accommodations, and attractions for all explorers. Visitors experience a captivating blend of art, culture, and nature. This island effortlessly weaves these elements into a perfect Caribbean atmosphere. Starting at the Seven Mile Beach on the west side, this is an endless stretch of award-winning sand for relaxation. Nearby, North Sound offers the unique "Stingray City," where you can interact with graceful stingrays and leave with a heartwarming memory. Venture to George Town, where luxury meets tradition and modern treats. Explore duty-free shopping and engage with native vendors, unearthing global and local treasures. Visit the eastern district, home to rare Blue Iguanas at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Savor freshly caught fish at nearby restaurants, a culinary delight intertwined with local tales.

The first dive shop opened by scuba pioneer Bob Soto in 1957. Today, Cayman is one of the top Caribbean dive destinations, offering more than 40 operators and 365 sites marked with moorings.

Cayman gives both the novice and the experienced some of the best diving in the world, as environmentally protected reefs surround each of our three islands. Our secluded locale, far from other landmasses, is what keeps our oceans clean and our coral healthy. Here you’ll happen upon the most spectacular seawalls in the Caribbean as our islands rest on submerged mountains.

Whether you’re shore diving or off a boat, the waters are about 25°C year-round with some of the best visibility in the world. You can even rent propulsion vehicles and see multiple sites in just one dive, making the most of your time under the water.

One of our favorite resorts on Grand Cayman is Sunset House.

Grand Cayman popular dive sites include:

USS Kittiwake - entered service in 1946 and retired in 1994. She was sunk off Seven Mile Beach to create an artificial reef and dive site.

Eden Rock & Devil’s Grotto - Eden Rock and the Devil’s Grotto sit next to each other. Start at the cruise ship port and walk for 10 minutes. Accessible from the shoreline, Eden Rock is brimming with colorful coral and tropical creatures. Then venture to the underwater caves of Devil’s Grotto and see schools of silver sprats and tarpon.

Macabuca - accessed from the shore, with ladders installed to help access the water safely. Here divers get up close and personal with the magic of Cayman’s fish and coral.

Cayman Brac

Named for its breathtaking bluff, Cayman Brac is off the beaten track but remains charming, allowing thrill-seekers and nature-lovers to get up close and personal with rare flora and fauna. Brac is a short 30-minute flight from Grand Cayman. The villages include West End, Watering Place, Cotton Tree Bay, Creek, and Spot Bay. Laidback accommodations offer ideal places to unwind after a day’s adventures and diving. Limestone caves and sinkholes contrast waters with dive sites along seawalls and even a sunken ship.  Images courtesy of Climbing Magazine and X-Ray Magazine.

Our favorite resort on this island is the Brac Reef Beach Resort

Cayman Brac dive sites:

Wildneress Wall – located on the southern side of Cayman Brac, this site is a much-beloved dive spot for locals and visitors alike. Divers are amazed exploring this deep wall that drops hundreds of feet into the abyss.

MV Captain Keith Tibbetts - built by the Soviet Union specifically for the Cuban Navy in 1984, its short life ended when it was sunk off Cayman Brac in 1996.

Fry Cove – near Salt Water Point is a hidden gem of the Cayman Brac diving scene. Depending on the conditions, this moderate swell dive will take you to a cave and wall laden with pillar and elk-horn corals. Experience sergeant majors and snapper, and in the summer, spot swarms of silverside minnows as they school.

Little Cayman

At only ten miles long and one mile wide, there may be more peace and quiet per-square-inch on Little Cayman than anywhere else. Bask on empty beaches with soft sand and only the sound of the breeze rustling the palm trees, or take a bike or a scooter up and down the shore.

Venture to South Hole Sound Lagoon for a secluded swim in water that is every shade of blue. Or row out to the unofficial fourth island in Cayman. Just a kayak away off the coast of Little Cayman, Owen Island offers seascapes in their purest form, making you feel as if you were the last person on the planet.

On land, peaceful Little Cayman offers a calm, serene landscape where the bustle of the birds at the Booby Pond Nature Reserve may be the loudest commotion on land. Little Cayman is so calm because all the activity is set aside for the fish in the surrounding reefs. Bloody Bay Wall Marine Park is one of the most popular dives. With a dramatic drop-off over 5,000 feet, Bloody Bay Wall gives divers the opportunity to glimpse Cayman’s underwater life in a dramatic backdrop. Just 100 feet below the surface, the island’s native sharks, stingrays and turtles can be viewed against the stunning backdrop of the Wall.

Want to dive Little Cayman, book the Little Cayman Beach Resort with us..!

Little Cayman dive sites:

Bloody Bay Wall - Cousteau famously declared this spectacular 2km-drop sea wall one of nature's greatest marvels — a prime diving destination for intrepid adventurers seeking to explore its depths! Explore gorgeous coral reefs and get up close to experience fascinating sea creatures. From arrow crabs to octopuses, you'll see a variety of exotic marine life making this one dive that will truly stay with you forever. Sites here include Randy’s Gazebo and Lea Lea’s Lookout.

Jackson Bight – the Mixing Bowl offers sloping reefs and sandy boulevards and you may experience many pelagic species including sharks, groupers, and turtles.

DAY 1

Check-in on board Mermaid I. Once all guests are on board a safety briefing will be given. If all the guests are on board by 12.00 hours, you have the chance to do two extra dives at Ambon Bay in some fabulous muck dives with critters galore. This area is known for many rare and unusual species including the psychedelic frogfish and Rhinopias.

DAY 2

We will spend the day around Ambon, where there are several options such as a wreck, or doing some really interesting muck dives looking for rhynophias, frogfish (including the psychedelic frogfish), harlequin shrimps, and many other critters. Cruise overnight to the Banda Islands, 110 nautical miles.

DAY 3-4

The next two days will be spent in the Banda Islands, also known in the old days as the Spice Islands. Many of the dive sites around the Bandas are wall dives. Walls covered in massive gorgonians, soft corals, barrel sponges and some very interesting swim throughs. But there are other attractive dive sites such as pinnacles with enormous groups of schooling pyramid butterflyfish, triggerfish and pelagic fishes such as tunas passing through, spectacular hard coral reefs next to the volcano, and great muck dives with lots of mandarin fish in the local jetty. The Banda Islands are much more than diving.  It is also a cultural and historical experience.  We will spend one morning walking around the village of Banda Naira with a local guide, and visit the local museum, the Old Dutch fort, the old colonial governor’s house, the local fish market, and we will have breakfast at a nutmeg plantation. Cruise overnight to Manuk, 55 nautical miles

DAY 5

Manuk, an active volcano about 55 nm south of the Banda Islands, is one of 2 places in Indonesia where there are huge aggregations of sea snakes, Chinese sea snakes and banded sea kraits. It is an incredible experience to dive surrounded on all sides by sea snakes.  The island is surrounded by black sandy slopes with hard coral reefs, volcanic ridges covered in gorgonians with zillions of fusiliers and pelagic fishes such as spanish mackerels and dogtooth tunas passing through. Cruise overnight to the Pulau Koon, 108 nautical miles.

DAY 6

Pulau Koon is a small island on the southeast of Ceram, half way between Raja Ampat and the Banda Islands. Walls covered in soft corals, and sandy slopes with hard coral bommies. But the most interesting feature of this island is the amount of schooling fish and pelagic, barracudas, bigeye trevallies, aggregation of red snappers, pompanos, batfish, and giant groupers. Cruise overnight to Misool, 100 nautical miles

DAY 7-9

The next 3 days will be around the island of Misool, where there literally hundreds of dive sites. Misool is a heaven for wide angle photographers. The prettiest soft corals reefs in the world are located in Misool, as well as having multiple pinnacles surrounded by masses of schooling fish, barracudas, jacks and snappers. There will be some excursions with the tenders through some amazing inner lagoons, fantastic scenery and wild life sightings. Cruise overnight to the Dampier Strait, 90 nautical miles

DAY 10-11

Dampier Strait is located between Waigeo and the Bird’s Head Peninsula. Along with Misool, it is the most famous area for diving in Raja Ampat. All of the dive sites around the Dampier Strait are known for a huge amount of schooling fish - barracudas, schools of bigeye trevallies, oceanic triggerfish, spadefish, surgeonfish and snappers. Besides the schooling fish, it is also an area where you get to see black and whitetip reef sharks and wobbegong sharks. Some of the best manta dives are also located in the Dampier Strait. Blue Magic is a small pinnacle where the giant mantas congregate and get cleaned as well. Some of the best mangrove dives are also located in the Dampier Strait, around the islands of Yanggefo and Gam. And of course, one cannot forget the dive sites at some of the jetties in front of local villages, where the pillars are covered in soft corals and are home to a plethora of small critters. Other fantastic dive sites in this area include Cape Kri, Sardine Reef, Chicken Reef, Mioskon, Mike’s Point, Mangrove Ridge and Citrus Ridge. Cruise to Sorong, 40 nautical miles

DAY 12

Disembark at 8 am after breakfast. Mermaid I staff will transfer you to the airport or local hotel.

Dumaguete is located on the island of Negros, near Cebu Island. It is a quick one-hour flight from Manila. Most resorts and dive sites are located south of the city along the coast of Dauin. Many of the Dumaguete resorts offer amazing house reefs.

Dumaguete's main draw for travelers is the selection of resorts, from high-end resorts to accommodations for the budget traveler. Although the local dive sites are known for macro dives, there are great reefs and wide-angle subjects like large coral reefs, schools of jacks, and groupers just a short boat ride away. 

Dumaguete is a year-round destination where rich marine life is found all year around. The weather is tropical with April being the driest month, but from December thru June, the weather is usually sunny. July to mid-Nov is the rainy season and even a monsoon can happen. Monsoons generally affect the northern part of the Philippines, with Dumaguete affected less. 

The water temperature is generally about 27C / 81F but in January and February, this can drop to around 25C / 77F. A 3mm full wetsuit is recommended. Visibility around Dauin is about 12 meters / 40 feet and near Apo 24 meters / 80 feet.

Best dive sites include Apo Island which is about an hour boat ride. Apo features amazing healthy hard coral reefs and abundant marine life.

Our favorite resort in this area is the Atlantis Dumaguete: https://www.liquiddivingadventures.com/resort/atlantisdumaguete

A Diver's Paradise Awaits

The Nautilus Explorer embarks on a series of captivating journeys that span across some of the most coveted dive destinations in the world. From the serene waters of the Sea of Cortez to the enchanting Cabo Pulmo Marine Park and the adrenaline-pumping encounters at Guadalupe Island and the Socorro Islands, this liveaboard experience offers divers a chance to explore a diverse range of underwater ecosystems.

Unveiling the Underwater World

One of the most exciting aspects of liveaboard diving is the wide variety of underwater experiences it offers. The Nautilus Explorer specializes in encounters with some of the ocean's most iconic and elusive creatures. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Great White Sharks: Guadalupe Island is renowned for its thrilling great white shark encounters. These majestic apex predators patrol the waters, offering divers a front-row seat to observe their grace and power. Cage diving at Guadalupe provides a unique opportunity to come face to face with these magnificent creatures.
• Hammerheads and Whale Sharks: The Socorro Islands are a hotspot for hammerhead sharks and the gentle giants of the ocean, whale sharks. Dive into the deep blue and witness the mesmerizing ballet of hammerheads or swim alongside the world's largest fish, the awe-inspiring whale shark.
• Manta Rays and Silky Sharks: Cabo Pulmo Marine Park is a sanctuary for manta rays and silky sharks. Glide alongside these graceful creatures as they navigate the vibrant coral reefs of the park. Encounter silky sharks and other marine species that call this underwater haven home.
• Bait Balls and Giant Mantas: Experience the excitement of bait ball events, where massive schools of fish gather, attracting predators from all directions. Dive into the heart of the action and witness the chaos and beauty of this natural phenomenon. The Nautilus Explorer is also known for encounters with giant mantas, which often grace divers with their majestic presence.
• Sea Lions and Dolphins: Throughout your journey, you'll have the opportunity to interact with playful sea lions and inquisitive dolphins. These intelligent and social marine mammals provide unforgettable moments as they engage with divers in their natural habitat.
• Cabo Pulmo UNESCO Site: Explore the wonders of Cabo Pulmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with over 6,000 marine species. Dive into vibrant coral reefs and witness the remarkable diversity of marine life in this ecological treasure trove.

Preparing for Your Dive Adventure

Before embarking on your liveaboard voyage with the Nautilus Explorer, it's essential to pack wisely. Here's a checklistto ensure you're well-prepared for an unforgettable diving experience:

• Diving Gear: Pack your essential dive gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, and BCD. Don't forget your dive computer and underwater flashlight for night dives.
• Camera Gear: Capture the magic of the underwater world with your camera gear. Whether you're an amateur or professional photographer, bring your camera, underwater housing, lenses, and strobes to document your encounters.
• Swimwear and Rash Guards: Comfortable swimwear and rash guards are ideal for surface intervals and water activities.
• Sun Protection: Protect yourself from the sun's rays with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Lip balm with SPF will keep your lips safe from the sun.
• Clothing: Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days on deck. A windbreaker or light jacket may be needed for cooler evenings.
• Toiletries and Medications: Bring personal toiletries, prescription medications, and seasickness remedies for a comfortable journey.
• Travel Documents: Safeguard your passport, travel insurance, dive certifications, and any required permits in a waterproof pouch.
• Power Adapters: If you plan to recharge your camera and devices, bring the necessary power adapters and chargers.

As you prepare for your liveaboard adventure with the Nautilus Explorer, ensure your packing list is complete. Capture the wonders of the underwater world with your camera gear, and get ready for thrilling encounters with a diverse array of marine life.

Dive into Extraordinary Moments

A liveaboard journey with the Nautilus Explorer is an invitation to dive into a world of extraordinary moments beneath the surface. Whether you're seeking heart-pounding encounters with great white sharks or tranquil moments with manta rays, this dive adventure promises to leave you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the ocean.

For more information and to book your liveaboard experience, visit the Nautilus Explorer website. Get ready to embark on a voyage where each dive is a testament to the wonders of the deep, and every moment is an adventure waiting to be discovered.

A Dive into Paradise

Our voyage begins in the captivating waters of the Sea of Cortez, an oasis of marine biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes. This pristine region, also known as the Gulf of California, boasts a rich tapestry of marine life and is a veritable playground for divers. The Nautilus Belle Amie sets sail from La Paz, with exciting stops along the way, including Cabo San Lucas, Cabo Pulmo Marine Park, Guadalupe Island, and the Socorro Islands.

Types of Diving and Critters to See

One of the most enticing aspects of liveaboard diving is the diverse range of underwater experiences it offers. The Nautilus Belle Amie specializes in encounters with some of the ocean's most iconic creatures. Here's a glimpse of what awaits beneath the surface:

• Great White Sharks: Guadalupe Island is renowned for its incredible great white shark encounters. These majestic predators patrol the waters, offering divers a chance to come face to face with one of the ocean's top apex predators. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Guadalupe and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of these magnificent creatures.
• Hammerheads and Whale Sharks: The Socorro Islands are a haven for hammerhead sharks and gentle giants, the whale sharks. These remote islands are a hotspot for divers seeking extraordinary encounters with these captivating species. The Nautilus Belle Amie takes you to these remote waters, where you can marvel at the grace of hammerheads and swim alongside the world's largest fish, the whale shark.
• Manta Rays: Cabo Pulmo Marine Park is a sanctuary for manta rays. These graceful creatures glide through the water, captivating divers with their elegance. The park is also home to a vibrant array of marine life, making it a must-visit destination for underwater photographers and nature enthusiasts.
• Silky Sharks and Bait Balls: The Sea of Cortez is known for its thrilling encounters with silky sharks and the mesmerizing spectacle of bait balls. Witness the balletic movements of silky sharks as they glide through the water, and be awed by the sheer abundance of marine life during bait ball events.
• Sea Lions and Dolphins: Throughout your journey, you'll have the chance to interact with playful sea lions and curious dolphins. These intelligent and social creatures are sure to leave a lasting impression as they frolic in their natural habitat.
• Cabo Pulmo UNESCO Site: Dive into the pristine waters of Cabo Pulmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with over 6,000 marine species. Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with life and immerse yourself in the beauty of this ecological wonder.

Gear Up for Adventure – Diving Checklist

Before embarking on your liveaboard adventure, it's essential to pack wisely. Check out our PDF here! Also here's a smaller checklist of items to ensure you're prepared for an extraordinary diving experience:

• Diving Gear: Your dive essentials, including a well-maintained mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, and BCD, are crucial. Don't forget your dive computer and underwater flashlight for night dives.
• Camera Gear: Capture the magic of the underwater world with your camera gear. Whether you're an amateur or professional photographer, bring your camera, underwater housing, lenses, and strobes to document your encounters.
• Swimwear and Rash Guards: Pack swimwear and rash guards for comfort during surface intervals and water activities.
• Sun Protection: Shield yourself from the sun's rays with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Don't forget lip balm with SPF to keep your lips protected.
• Clothing: Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days on the deck. A windbreaker or light jacket may be needed for cooler evenings.
• Toiletries and Medications: Pack your personal toiletries, prescription medications, and seasickness remedies to ensure a comfortable journey.
• Travel Documents: Keep your passport, travel insurance, dive certifications, and any required permits in a waterproof pouch for safekeeping.
• Power Adapters: If you plan to recharge your camera and devices, bring the necessary power adapters and chargers.

As you prepare to embark on your liveaboard adventure aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie, ensure your packing list is complete. Capture the wonders of the underwater world with your camera gear, and be ready for thrilling encounters with a diverse array of marine life.

Dive into Unforgettable Moments

A liveaboard journey with the Nautilus Belle Amie is a gateway to unforgettable moments beneath the waves. Whether you're seeking encounters with great white sharks, manta rays, or vibrant coral reefs, this dive adventure promises to leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the ocean.

For more information and to book your liveaboard experience, visit the Nautilus Belle Amie website. Get ready to dive into a world of wonders, where every moment beneath the surface is a testament to the beauty and magic of the deep blue.

1. Hanifaru Bay: Famous for its seasonal gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks, providing an incredible opportunity for snorkelers to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

2. Dhonfan Thila: An underwater pinnacle known for its vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life, offering an exciting dive experience for both beginners and experienced divers.

3. Maavaru Kandu: A channel dive site featuring strong currents and an abundance of marine life, including sharks, rays, and schools of colorful fish.

4. Dhigali Haa: This dive site showcases beautiful coral formations, large sea fans, and a variety of reef fish species, making it a perfect spot for underwater photography enthusiasts.

5. Kudarah Thila: Known for its caves and overhangs, Kudarah Thila offers a chance to spot various pelagic species like tuna and barracuda along with a wide array of reef inhabitants.

Raa Atoll

1. Maa Uthuru Thila: A submerged pinnacle with excellent visibility and frequent encounters with eagle rays, sharks, and other large marine species.

2. Madivaru Corner: This corner site is renowned for its strong currents, attracting big fish like grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasses, and schools of trevallies.

3. Fushivaru Thila: A great place to observe white tip reef sharks and explore overhangs covered with colorful soft corals and sponges.

4. Maakurathu Beyru: With a diverse topography and an abundance of marine life, this site offers sightings of turtles, moray eels, and various reef fish.

Rasdhoo Atoll

1. Hammerhead Point: An exciting dive spot where divers have a chance to see hammerhead sharks cruising in the deeper waters.

2. Rasdhoo Madivaru: Known for its beautiful coral formations and regular sightings of sharks, including grey reef sharks and white tips.

3. Rasdhoo Reef: A shallow reef suitable for snorkeling and diving, teeming with colorful coral and a variety of marine life.

Ari Atoll

1. Maaya Thila: One of the most famous dive sites in the Maldives, Maaya Thila offers encounters with sharks, rays, and an incredible diversity of fish species, both day and night.

2. Fish Head: Also known as Shark Point, this site is a submerged pinnacle attracting large schools of fish, sharks, and occasional manta rays.

3. Maalhos Thila: A vibrant and picturesque reef with overhangs, where divers can spot nudibranchs, eels, and various macro critters.

4. Broken Rock: An interesting site with a split in the reef that creates a swim-through, housing a variety of marine life and corals.

5. Kudarah Thila: Note: This site was mentioned under Baa Atoll as well. It's a popular dive site in the Maldives, featuring caves, overhangs, and a diverse range of marine species.

Vaavu Atoll

1. Miyaru Kandu: A channel dive with strong currents, attracting large pelagic species like sharks, eagle rays, and tunas.

2. Fotteyo Kandu: Known for its impressive soft coral formations, this channel dive site offers encounters with various sharks and schools of fish.

3. Alimatha House Reef: Perfect for night dives, this reef is home to nurse sharks and offers an opportunity to see them during their feeding frenzy.

South Male Atoll

1. Guraidhoo Corner: An exhilarating drift dive along the outer reef, where divers can observe sharks, turtles, and sometimes even manta rays.

2. Embudu Kandu: A thrilling dive site with strong currents, attracting large schools of fish, sharks, and occasional eagle rays.

3. Cocoa Thila: A submerged pinnacle with a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and schools of fusiliers.

4. Kandooma Thila: A popular site featuring caves, overhangs, and abundant marine life, providing an excellent opportunity for underwater photography.

These dive sites in the Maldives offer incredible underwater experiences for divers and snorkelers, showcasing the region's diverse and abundant marine life.

2. The Brothers Islands, Egypt:

Situated in the middle of the Red Sea, the Brothers Islands are a magnet for experienced divers. These two small islands offer thrilling drift dives, deep walls, and the opportunity to encounter large pelagic species such as hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, and even the elusive oceanic whitetip shark. The stunning coral formations and dense schools of fish make the Brothers Islands a must-visit destination for advanced divers. Photo courtesy of AlertDiver / Marcello Di Francesco

3. SS Thistlegorm, Egypt:

The SS Thistlegorm is a famous World War II shipwreck located near Sharm El Sheikh. This well-preserved wreck, sitting at a depth of 30 meters, is a paradise for wreck diving enthusiasts. Exploring the cargo holds filled with military vehicles, motorcycles, and even train carriages is like stepping back in time. The marine life surrounding the wreck is equally captivating, with large groupers, barracudas, and an array of colorful fish making it their home.

4. Elphinstone Reef, Egypt:

Situated off the coast of Marsa Alam, Elphinstone Reef is a marine sanctuary that offers a thrilling drift dive experience. This narrow reef is known for its steep walls covered in soft corals and its encounters with sharks, including oceanic whitetips and the occasional hammerhead. The vibrant colors and abundant marine life at Elphinstone Reef make it a favorite among underwater photographers. Photo courtesy of Egypt Independent.

5. Dahab Blue Hole, Egypt:

Dahab's Blue Hole is a world-renowned dive site that attracts divers from all corners of the globe. This unique site features a captivating underwater sinkhole that drops to a depth of over 100 meters. The Blue Hole offers a stunning coral wall dive, and experienced divers can explore the "Arch," a passage that connects the Blue Hole to the open sea. The marine life here includes turtles, schools of fish, and even the occasional reef shark. Photo courtesy of Naama Blue Hotel.

6. Sha'ab Rumi, Sudan:

Located in the Sudanese Red Sea, Shaab Rumi is famous for its steep walls and strong currents, making it an exciting destination for experienced divers. The site is home to Jacques Cousteau's "Precontinent II" underwater habitat, which served as an experimental station in the 1960s. Divers can explore the remnants of this historical structure while encountering colorful coral formations and an abundance of marine life.

7. Giftun Island, Egypt:

Giftun Island, located near Hurghada, is a popular dive site known for its beautiful coral gardens and vibrant marine life. The island offers a variety of dive sites suitable for all levels of divers, from beginners to experts. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility, allowing divers to observe an array of fish species, including clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. Giftun Island is also a great spot for snorkelers, with shallow coral reefs close to the shore. Photo courtesy of Red Sea Life Dive Center.

8. Fury Shoals, Egypt:

Fury Shoals is a group of reefs and small islands located in the southern Red Sea. This remote and pristine area offers an array of dive sites with breathtaking coral formations and an abundance of marine life. Divers can explore underwater canyons, swim-throughs, and encounter schools of colorful fish, turtles, and even dolphins. Fury Shoals is a true paradise for underwater photographers, with its vibrant coral gardens and crystal-clear waters. Photo courtesy of Blue O2.

9. Abu Nuhas Shipwrecks, Egypt:

The Abu Nuhas reef is known as the "Ship Graveyard" due to the numerous shipwrecks that rest on its seabed. This site near Sharm El Sheikh is a treasure trove for wreck diving enthusiasts. Among the famous wrecks are the Giannis D, the Carnatic, and the Chrisoula K, each offering a unique diving experience. The wrecks are covered in colorful corals and attract a wide variety of marine life, including schools of snappers and batfish. Map courtesy of Diving Star Center.

10. Tiran Island, Egypt:

Tiran Island is located at the entrance of the Gulf of Aqaba and offers an unforgettable diving experience. The island is surrounded by pristine coral reefs, including the renowned dive sites of Jackson Reef, Woodhouse Reef, and Thomas Reef. Divers can explore impressive drop-offs, encounter schools of barracudas and snappers, and even spot larger pelagic species like sharks and rays. The clear waters and the abundance of marine life make Tiran Island a top destination for diving enthusiasts. Photo courtesy of Egypt Tours Plus.

The Red Sea is a true paradise for divers, with its incredible dive sites offering a wide range of underwater experiences. Whether you're an experienced diver looking for thrilling encounters or a beginner eager to explore the vibrant coral reefs, the Red Sea has something for everyone. So, grab your gear, dive into the crystal-clear waters, and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of this underwater wonderland.

10-Day Adventure Aboard the Palau Siren

Published rate $6440 - Our rate $5940 per person 

The 10 nights Special New moon spawning itinerary on Palau Siren offers guests something truly exceptional. Divers joining this cruise will have a chance to witness one of the most spectacular natural events on earth; the spawning aggregations of the bumphead parrotfish that occur at new moon lunar cycles.

Itching for your next underwater adventure? Want to enjoy the sights above and below Oceania? The Palau Siren gives you everything you require for an unforgettable scuba diving experience! A luxurious dive ship that offers guests the opportunity to explore the amazing underwater world of Palau, this vessel is located in the heart of Palau's spectacular marine environment. Just a few minutes away from the world-renowned Jellyfish Lake and the Blue Corner Dive Site, the Palau Siren docks off the coast of Koror before setting sail. 

The Palau Siren features spacious cabins that are perfect for solo travelers and couples. Each room is equipped with a comfortable bed, ensuite bathroom, and air conditioning.

A fantastic dive cruise experience would not be complete without plenty of delicious food to keep you satiated between your dives. The Palau Siren offers an impressive selection of cuisine to suit every taste. On board, you’ll enjoy an array of fresh, international and local dishes and delicious beers, wines, and cocktails to pair with your meal. 

About The Dives

On the Palau Siren's dive trip, you can expect to see a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, coral reefs, manta rays, turtles, and dolphins. You will also have the chance to visit some of the more unique diving sites like Jellyfish Lake, Blue Holes, and Ulong Channel. If you are lucky, you may even spot some rare species such as the Manta Ray or the Hawksbill Turtle. Guests can also enjoy nearby attractions such as the iconic Rock Islands, the famous Uncharted Nicholls Statue, and the brilliant Ngemelis Wall Dive Site.

The Palau Siren is a PADI certified dive vessel, meaning the boat meets the highest safety standards and offers guests the best possible diving experience. The boat also has a dedicated dive master who is certified to provide guidance and instruction in all aspects of diving, from beginner to advanced levels.

The New Moon Spawning Trip: A 10-Day Adventure

The Palau Siren offers scuba diving enthusiasts a 10-night trip that takes guests on an incredible journey through the stunning reefs and islands of Palau. The New Moon Spawning Trip takes place each month when the moon is at its darkest. This trip allows divers to witness one of the most spectacular natural events on earth; the spawning aggregations of the bumphead parrotfish that occur at new moon lunar cycles. During this unique event, divers will witness the vibrant coral reef transformation as fish spawn and lay eggs in stunning hues. Along the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to discover the unique wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and distinct cultures of Palau. 

Contact the team at Liquid Diving Adventures today to help you arrange your travel plans!  

Get our discounted rate and save $500 - $5940 ppdo  BOOK this TRIP

WHY DIVE AZORES? 

When thinking about pelagic life, most think about the Caribbean and Asian waters, with countless pelagic fanatics flocking there each year. Most don’t think about European waters like the Azores, an autonomous Portuguese territory consisting of nine islands located 1500 km west of the mainland. The Portuguese-speaking territory has stunning white-sand beaches and some of the most mesmerizing sites in the Atlantic.

ARRIVING AT AZORES - HOW TO GET THERE

Guests arrive in the Azores through the airport Ponta Delagada, located on São Miguel Island. From North America, visitors can fly in from Boston, Toronto, or through most European cities. The flight is usually around 4-5 hours. The other eight islands can be accessed through local flights. Guests can also take ferries between the islands, but the schedules can be inconsistent outside of the summer season. 

DIVING IN AZORES 

As a pelagic hotspot, guests often spot blue sharks, whale sharks, mako sharks, mobula rays, and manta rays in the Azores with rare sightings of Galapagos or smooth hammerhead sharks.  Resident and migratory whales can be seen breaking through the water’s surface, usually during excursions to Pico of Faial in May. Other creatures include crustaceans, cetaceans, yellowmouth barracuda, amberjacks, gully jacks, Atlantic bonito, wahoo, skipjack tuna, bigeye tuna, large groupers, sponges, crusting anemones, moray eels, octopus, nudibranchs, hermit crabs, and unicorn shrimp.

The Azores has a volcanic underwater landscape that differs from its tropical counterparts; instead of colorful corals, there are underwater canyons, caverns, and gullies. The underwater visibility is up to 40 meters and the water conditions are unpredictable. It is recommended to plan for boat cancellations due to weather. The water temperature is cooler than tropical waters, typically around 21ºC. A 7mm semi-dry suit with a hood and gloves is recommended. 

DIVE CONDITIONS AND WHEN TO VISIT  

The dive season lasts from June to September with waters at their most calm and warm during June and August. The visibility is greater in September, although temperatures drop during this time. Overall, the water temperature ranges from 15ºC to 23ºC, and the air temperature ranges from 14ºC to 25ºC. The most rainfall is from October to March, and the air is consistently humid. 

WHERE TO STAY

We recommend Water and Wind for your Azores liveaboard adventure. The 13-meter Fountaine Pajot catamaran is all-inclusive and hosts up to eight divers. The Azores-based itineraries explore the archipelago and Santa Maria Island.

Ready for your AZORES adventure? Book with us today!