Awe-inspiring underwater adventures in these exotic locales
Paradise is a destination in itself, where sights so majestic cannot simply be captured by film but must be experienced in person. Breathtaking destinations across the Caribbean and Central and South America have been touted as having some of the best conditions for snorkelling and diving, offering up-close encounters with friendly reef sharks, bottlenose dolphins, tropical fish and coral reef. For the underwater adventurers, we’re spotlighting six spots to witness the world’s wonders below the surface.
The Sea of Seven Colours in San Andrés
The untouched paradise of San Andrés offers nearly 40 dive sites, well-preserved coral reefs and seas so beautiful and rich with marine life it’s earned the name “Sea of Seven Colours”. Nirvana is great for beginners at only 15 metres, while the Blue Wall is a must-see for expert divers, a spectacular outer reef slope extending thousands of feet below the surface with reef and nurf sharks gliding below. Trampa Tortuga is another spot with shallow waters and impeccable visibility for multi-level divers to swim alongside yellowtail snappers, butterflyfish, angelfish, blue surgeonfish and more.
Where to stay: If you’re looking for a charming spot to both relax and dive at, Canadians can travel to San Andrés via Montréal this winter and stay at Decameron Aquarium, only minutes from the airport. Guests can lay by the pool, take a scuba diving class in the natural cove or enjoy the resort’s close proximity to town with restaurants, nightclubs and bars.
Sunken shipwrecks in Honduras
Bordered by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, you can experience Roatán’s with prime conditions for snorkelling and diving with underwater visibility of up to 150 feet, plus colourful coral reefs that are teeming with tropical marine life. Visitors to the island can explore popular dive sites like Dolphin’s Den and the sunken shipwrecks of El Aguila a few minutes off the coast, and the Odyssey, a freighter from 2002 with several areas to get inside and stairs and tables making for incredible photo ops.
Where to stay: The aptly named Fantasy Island Beach Resort, Dive and Marina is a true Roatán paradise nestled on its own 21-acre private island with a secluded beach area and PADI-certified dive centre where you can sharpen your skills exploring the reefs. Capuchin monkeys playing in the treetops and the resort’s mini-zoo are a particularly sweet touch that both adults and kids will love!
Sea sculpture parks in Grenada
In the West Indies on the border between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea sit Grenada, an exotic destination ripe with opportunity to discover the deep blue. Dive or snorkel the Underwater Sculpture Park, a prolific marine ecosystem with more than 100 sculptures three to five metres under the surface, or check out Windmill Shadows, a lively coral reef with an abundance of fish and larger animals like grouper, turtles and rays. Those in search of sunken secrets can dive the wrecks of King Mitch, Shakem and Bianca C, the so-called Titanic of the Caribbean.
Where to stay: Bring the family or a group of friends along on your Caribbean adventures and check-in on the shores of Tamarind Bay at Royalton Grenada An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort. With spacious accommodations including a luxury two-bedroom suite overlooking the water, you can bunk together comfortably so you never miss a moment.
Underwater caves in Freeport
Freeport is home to a world of wonders beneath the sea’s surface, including a vibrant coral reef in the shape of a painter’s palette at Picasso’s Gallery, a famous dive spot in the area, and sunken shipwrecks on the ocean floor blooming with gorgonian sea fans and swarmed by tropical fish. For more daring adventures, snorkellers and divers can check out Shark Alley, an incredible geological experience where you can swim alongside friendly Caribbean reef sharks, or explore one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems at Lucayan National Park.
Where to stay: You can stay close to the action at Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, a family-friendly beachfront resort with a freshwater pool, action-packed activities like trapeze, paintball and snorkelling, and delicious restaurant options like Viva La Pizza serving oven-made pizzas and pastas.
The sites of heroes in Antigua
Although most famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, Antigua is also home to spectacular diving conditions. The island’s south and east coasts are lined with sea shelves, providing ideal conditions for shallow diving and snorkelling amongst turtles, manta rays, bottlenose dolphins, nurse sharks and angelfish. There are four main dive centres across the island with numerous famous dive sites. If you’re a beginner, you can explore the picturesque Pillars of Hercules or Black’s Point, while more experienced divers can discover the popular Montserrat Wreck.
Where to stay: After a day of diving, soak in a breathtaking Antiguan sunset at Royalton Antigua An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort & Casino. This luxurious resort is nestled on its own private beach and offers incredible views of Fort Barrington from the top of the resort’s hill. Continue the excitement from the terrace of your very own Overwater Bungalow with an infinity plunge pool and direct access to the water with complimentary snorkelling gear.
The history of legends in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is one of the most scenic Caribbean destinations with an underwater world that’s equally as impressive, including healthy coral, dramatic walls and shallow shelves ideal for snorkelling and diving. Fairyland is a divemaster favourite with great sights of colourful sponges and turtles, while Anse Chastanet, ideal for shore diving, is home to Saint Lucia’s elusive Loss Ness Monster, rumoured to make an appearance at night. Sign up for a sunset cruise and snorkel the shores between Jalousie Beach and the infamous Pitons, or drift along at Superman’s Flight at the base of Petit Piton.
Where to stay: Following an afternoon exploring the sites, retreat to the luxurious Marigot Bay Resort Spa and Marina set in a secluded tropical location with penthouse accommodations. Pamper yourself at the spa in chic cabins or soak up the sun in the freeform pool overlooking the marina before enjoying specialty rum and cigar pairings at The Rum Cave in the evening.
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