Scuba divers often look for the best sites in the area when planning where to dive. For experienced divers who are looking for their next challenge, let’s explore what are considered to be 5 of the most extreme dive sites in the world. These dive sites are extreme in different ways from difficult conditions, like diving in Antarctica to night dives in the open blue.
Black Water Diving, Kona, Hawaii
The most memorable night dive you will ever do. Black water diving is when a diver is tied to the bottom of the boat and suspended in completely black water. This happens in Kona, where depths can reach hundreds of meters. Divers watch as creatures come out of the dark, there are bioluminescent creatures that create a psychedelic light show for divers.
The Temple of Doom, Tulum, Mexico
Cenote Esqueleto in Mexico is one of the most famous cenotes. At the beginning of the dive, where sunlight penetrates the cenote, visibility is exquisite. Filled with a series of tunnels and caverns, once divers enter the tunnels, things become slightly more difficult. Do not attempt the cave section of the cenote without the proper training. It’s notorious for divers that lose their way and get lost.
Peterman Island, Antarctica
Perfect for divers searching for that icy twist. What could be more extreme than ice diving in one of the most remote places on this planet. Getting to view an iceberg from underwater and extraordinary ice formations are what makes this dive memorable. In addition, divers may get to spot penguins and seals during the dive. A truly extreme dive for those looking for the ultimate cold-water diving experience.
Sardine Run, Agulhas Bank, South Africa
The Sardine Run that occurs along the coast of South Africa from May to July each year. The millions of sardines that migrate make a perfect feeding ground for predators including birds, dolphins, sharks and whales. Divers search for bait balls and dive in to be face to face with some of these gigantic creatures as they hunt sardines.
Blue Hole, Dahab, Egypt
One of the deadliest dive sites in the world and one of the few with an on-site ambulance, the Blue Hole is commonly referred to as the Diver’s Cemetery, even with headstones commemorating those who have lost their lives at the beginning of the dive site. The arch, which is a passageway that leads to the open blue, lies at 56m and should only be explored by technical divers. Most deaths are related to recreational divers exceeding their maximum depth and nitrogen narcosis slows their decision making process.
