Traveling is all about having adventures, and what better adventure than a snorkeling or scuba diving experience. If you fancy jetting off to Europe you’ll be pleased to know that there are so many beautiful diving destinations to choose from. To help you out with some great ideas, let’s have a look at some of the most unique scuba diving and snorkeling spots.
Top Destinations In Europe For Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Maddalena Archipelago National Park, Sardinia Italy
The Maddalena Archipelago National Park is located in the northeast of Sardinia, it’s made up of many beautiful islands. The most famous of these isles are called ‘the seven sisters’. Maddalena Island is a stunning destination, surrounded by crystal waters and sparkling sands. The Maddalena Archipelago Park is the perfect place for boat trips and scuba-diving experiences. Here you’ll discover many different types of sea life, from octopus and lobsters to moray eels.
Oludeniz, Turkey
Oludeniz is one of the most famous beach resorts in Fethiye Turkey. It’s the perfect place to have a scuba diving adventure. Both novice and experienced divers can book diving trips here. You’ll get the chance to explore caves and meet plenty of creatures, from sea turtles to seahorses. Once you’ve had your fun with a diving experience, why not check out paragliding? Oludeniz beach is the perfect place to try it! When visiting Turkey it can be hard to find a reputable company for your airport transfer. For excellent reliability and professionalism, check out Fat Taxi.
Margarina Reef
Margarina Reef sits on the west coast of Susak, an island just off the Croatian Coast. Divers can explore the canyon and the shipwreck at the bottom. It’s considered the ideal diving destination for beginners. You’ll find that the diving spot isn’t too deep, but that there’s still plenty of space to explore. Marvel at the ruins of an ancient ship, as colorful reef fish swim by.
Ghar Lapsi, Malta
Ghar Lapsi is a popular spot for many scuba divers, here you’ll find a stunning cave system to explore. The cave is approximately 8 meters deep and 40 meters long, a real gem for underwater photographers and divers. The best time to dive at Ghar Lapsi is the afternoon, as sunlight streams through the cracks in the rock. Diving here you’ll find cardinalfish, jellyfish, moray eels, stingrays, and parrotfish. Don’t forget to head to Carmen’s Bar to taste some truly delicious local cuisine.
Lobos, Canary Islands
Lobos Island is a small part of the Canary Island archipelago. The island has an incredibly diverse ecosystem, here you’ll find over one hundred types of plants, and many fish and seabirds. Lobos Island is a fantastic place for scuba diving, and there are lots of other activities to experience here. While visiting Lobos many choose to hike the Caldera Mountain, it’s a fairly easy hike, with a peak of 127 meters. At the top, you’ll get some stunning views of the whole island.
Varna, Black Sea, Bulgaria
Over the last few years, the Black Sea in Bulgaria has become increasingly popular for scuba diving. One of the most popular diving sites here is just outside Varna. There’s an ancient Roman port, just 12 meters under the water. It’s a perfect place for beginner divers to explore. While you’re here don’t forget to explore the city center, where you’ll find Roman baths and an archaeological museum. Other top sites here include Varna Cathedral and the Stone Forest.
Nice, France
Nice is famous for many beautiful diving spots, including Le Tombant Des Americains. This diving destination is well known for its marine life, from crayfish to morays. When translated into English the name is’ The tomb of Americans’. It’s a 50-meter dive so you’ll need the support of professional divers to go and explore. The dive is generally not recommended for beginners. It’s suggested that the best time to go diving here is between May and November.
Skinaria, Crete
Shinaria beach is located in Lefkogia village, you’ll find that the beach is quiet rather than overrun with tourists. The beach is relatively small, with pebbles and soft sand, against the crystal waters. With a scuba diving experience here you’ll get the chance to see all different marine animals, including octopus and blackfish. When you’ve finished your diving experience, you’ll enjoy chilling back on the beach and sampling some of the delicious local foods.
Top Tips Before You Go Scuba Diving
Choose the right diving experience
It’s important to find a reputable diving school because safety comes first. Research the diving experiences which are PADI certified. PADI refers to the ‘Professional Association of Diving Instructors’, which is the most famous certification agency worldwide.
Carefully listen to the briefing
Your divemaster will provide an overview of the dive before you get going. The briefing will include the route, the marine life, and safety rules. Ensure that you listen carefully to all the information you are given. Now is also a good time to ask questions on anything you’re not sure of. Remember, there are no silly questions, it’s best to make sure you understand all the info you’re presented with.
Practice clearing your ears
As a scuba diving beginner, it’s important to learn how to ‘clear your ears’, also known as ‘equalizing’. It means releasing the pressure from your sinuses and ears, as you dive deeper. To equalize you need to open the eustachian tubes, (you can do this if you pinch your nose and blow gently). Alternatively, you can use the muscles of your throat and swallow. It’s not a good idea to go diving if you have a sinus infection or a cold.
To conclude
With so many amazing places to choose from, you’ll surely find something to suit you. You’ll be able to find all the snorkeling and scuba diving equipment you need at these locations. Some excursions include lunches and boat trips, depending on where you choose to visit. If you’re looking for bucket list ideas, scuba diving or snorkeling is certainly one to consider!