This Scuba Diving Location Referred to as 'the World’s Aquarium' Was Recently Declared the Most Underrated in the World
A California sea lion glides above the baitfish at the Los Islotes sea lion colony located near La Paz, Mexico.
Photo: Brent Durand/Getty ImagesWhether you're a beginner in scuba diving or have completed over 100 dives, diving beneath the waves always presents a new adventure. For a successful scuba trip, good visibility is essential for spotting marine life and coral. While diving is a key highlight, the atmosphere on land can significantly enhance the experience. (Pro tip: the perfect way to wrap up a rewarding day of diving is by sharing stories with your dive buddies over a local beer!)
The scuba diving specialists at DiveIn.com assessed various factors — such as accommodation costs, dining options, and land activities — to pinpoint the most underrated diving spots. At the very top of the list is the Gulf of California, commonly known as the Sea of Cortez.
"Although this destination doesn’t attract much attention on Google, it offers some of the best amenities and incredible value," the team remarked. "The average nightly rate at the 10 most affordable hotels in the area is only $137.60, meaning a five-night stay could total just $688."
A key entry point for diving in the Gulf of California is Mexico's Baja California. According to the study, there are approximately 10,000 restaurants available and around 300 scuba-related activities to partake in.
A Mobula Ray, known as Manta Cubana, gracefully glides over the Sea of Cortez near Espiritu Santo Island, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
renacal1/Getty ImagesThis region boasts rich ecosystems filled with marine life such as sword-nosed marlins, groupers, and even sea turtles. Notably, Jacques Cousteau is said to have called the Sea of Cortez “the world's aquarium.”
The ideal time to explore these waters is from April to June, when mobula rays can be spotted. During this season, tens of thousands of rays migrate to the Sea of Cortez. I recommend checking out Dive Ninja Expeditions, one of the first PADI Eco Centers worldwide, which offers two unique diving experiences.
Other notable entries in the top five underrated scuba diving destinations include Dominica in the Caribbean, Raja Ampat in Indonesia, Key Largo in the Florida Keys, and Viti Levu in Fiji. Regardless of your choice, escaping the hustle and bustle of land to dive into uncharted waters promises an exhilarating adventure.
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