[db]

Shicheng, meaning Lion City in Chinese, was purposely flooded in 1959 due to the construction of the Xin’an Dam. More than 300,000 residents were displaced for their ancestral homes. Nearly half a century later, the Chinese government opened the lake to exploration in 2001. What divers found was a remarkably well-preserved city. While the area has yet to be completely mapped, Advanced divers can explore the “Lost City of the East” with the help of local dive operators. here

[ryanrus13]

Beautiful above and below the water, the Verzasca River in Switzerland stuns with clear waters and colorful eroded rock faces. There are two dive sites here, but The Roman Bridge has the easier access of the two. You’ll first need to cross the ancient bridge. Then you’ll have a great view of it from below the water. Even from 23 feet (7 meters), you should be able to see tourists on the bridge. Diving here is good year-round, but best during the summer months when the valley receives longer periods of sunshine. For the best visibility, dive the river after the weather has been stable for a few days. Finally, currents can be tricky and conditions can be unpredictable, so make sure to take a local guide with you the first time you dive in the Verzasca River. [links]

[qleonardomontoyao]

Home to several shipwrecks, Tobermory is a growing destination for scuba divers. The cold and fresh waters of the Great Lakes preserve ancient wrecks, and allow us a glimpse into centuries gone by. The Arabia is one such ship, famous in local diving circles. Way back in 1884, the ship went down during heavy seas in Lake Huron. The wreck features a fully intact bow and a great view of the bowsprit. In 120 feet (40 meters) of water, this dive is for advanced divers only, and some cold water experience would come in helpful. Whatever the cost, exploring this and any of the other wrecks off Tobermory is more than worth it. [links]

[MichaelWol]

Deep in the Mexican jungle sits this sinkhole, part of the second longest underwater cave system in the world. Many of these cenotes (pronounced sen-oh-tays) attract divers, but Pet Cemetery is unique due to its shallow depth, its fresh water and the objects found on the dune-like bottom. Here you’ll find ancient skeletons of animals both familiar and strange. Archaeologists theorize that this place was once a disposal ground for animals, hence the name “pet cemetery.” Because of the shallow depths and fragile formations in the cave, perfect buoyancy is necessary for this dive site.

[erbauer]

Please note that effective January 1, 2016, all divers and swimmers have been banned from the lake until further notice. This is in an effort to prevent the negative side effects of water sports. We’ll keep you updated on news about the reopening of this fantastic dive site. here

[specto]

Kona's nighttime manta experience

[coino]

A British Merchant Navy ship sunk in 1941, Thistlegorm is one of the most popular sites in the world, visited by hundreds of divers each day. Thistlegorm is most comfortably reached by liveaboard, but day trips run from Sharm El Sheikh. The wreck sits upright at 100 feet on the bottom, with the top at only 40 feet. The real attraction is the wreck’s cargo, which gives a fascinating glimpse of the machinery of war. There are trucks, Jeeps and motorbikes, two locomotives and equipment, including boxes of rifles and rubber boots. Currents can be strong, but inside the holds it’s completely sheltered. For many, Thistlegorm is a poignant dive, a reminder of lives lost during the war. — Alex Mustard

[nicklink483]

Keel down in 140 feet of water just six miles off Key West, Florida, the USS Vandenberg is a thrilling bookend to the Florida Keys Wreck Trek. At 523-feet-long, the former missile-tracking ship deserves more than a single dive (no seeing end-to-end on this beauty). “All the pillows are fluffier,” jokes Joe Weatherby, project manager during the 2009 scuttling, referring to the superstructure’s growth. Hulking barracuda, here from the start, still lurk. Look for enormous goliath grouper near the bow, and baitballs of scad, which attract schools of hunting wahoo and jacks. A swim through the satellite dish remains the obligatory rite of passage. — Terry Ward

[ShonA1985]

From ancient artefacts in the warm Mediterranean Sea to the historic wrecks of the Atlantic Ocean, there’s plenty of great scuba diving in Europe. Each country offers its own gems.

[ModVAVet]

From cold water ocean dives to diving in freshwater springs and tropical adventures, North America is spoilt for choice when it comes to scuba diving. Wrecks, reefs and kelp aplenty.

[drwhite]

From the northern tip of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef to pristine dive conditions off Western Australia, the diving choices in Australia are immense.

[kahealani]

Level: Intermediate. more

[williambruss112]

Level: All levels. here

[nrtr]

Level: All levels (the wreck of the SS Yongala is the most challenging).

[leopoldo78fa]

Thingvellir National Park requires all divers to be certified (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent). The park also requires all divers to have completed a dry suit specialty certification. If a diver does not have this certification, the national park will accept divers with 10 logged dry suit dives in the past two years to come on tour. These dives need to be confirmed by an instructor’s signature.