Feature: Learning to dive on the cheap
When it comes to diving, many people assume it will break the bank as expensive destinations like Australia or the Caribbean spring to mind. But unknown to most, there is a huge number of exotic dive sites all over the world which will not only be easy on your wallet, but allow you to appreciate local food, culture, and wildlife in far flung exotic regions.
All you have to do is look at a map and see that any country’s coastline could be a potential dive site. But instead of swimming 20 feet below the surface of the murky English Channel to watch the menacing Conger Eel feed, we have compiled a list of exotic dive destinations where you can learn to follow Jacques Cousteau’s dream - on a shoe string budget.
Thailand
Now one of the biggest destinations on the modern dive scene, ‘The Land of Smiles’ still continues to attract millions of visitors each year – and for good reason. This fantastic country has so much to offer for the visitor on all budgets, from intense backpacker parties to five-star resorts, to jungle treks, beach retreats, good food, and a wealth of ancient history.
Just about perched in The Gulf of Thailand, near the country’s eastern shore, stands the tiny turtle shaped island of Ko Tao.
As well as being a mecca for partying and relaxing, it is host to a large number of private dive companies, who all charge between 9000 and 9900 baht (roughly £180 - £198) for the four day introductory open water course. They usually throw in free accommodation as well.
The marine life is understandably exotic and tropical, and we would be quite surprised if you didn’t get to see a Moray Eel or baby Grouper swimming 10 feet below you! To prove the point, all you really need to do is take a glimpse just under the surface of the water to see tiny little tropical fish feeding from the surface.
And in the evening? What better way to relax from a long day’s diving than with a 250 baht (£5) Thai massage, followed by an ice cold Singha or Chang in one of the many bars and restaurants on the island. One of the main happening island haunts is Sairee Beach, where a large selection of beach bungalows and bars mix together. Lotus Bar has nightly fire shows, and occasional happy hour pricings for those looking for hedonism. And if you’re really daring, get the fire jugglers to do it right over your head. See how low they will go before you scream...
Vietnam
This exciting little country is an adventure seeker’s paradise, with options for trekking, sunbathing, and dirt biking through rough terrain. A land of nearly 100 million inhabitant, this long stretch of country has a well-established dive scene on its south east coast.
A country known for its war with America and the endless sight of people on motorbikes (try not to be surprised if you see a family of four on one tiny scooter, while carrying a mirror and a chair on the back!), it now offers good food, welcoming hospitality, and, of course, top class diving.
The most popular place in the country for the sport is the southern beach resort of Nha Trang, sometimes referred to as Vietnam’s Mediterranean Area due to its warm climate, large number of hotels, and happening nightlife. This bustling beach resort town has a number of off-shore islands which can be toured by day-trips, a sometimes raucous night life scene, and a fun water park for all the family which includes free arcade games late at night.
Rainbow Diving offer the PADI four day open water course for 7,350,000 Vietnamese Dong (£212) in a number of locations all over the country, including Nha Trang, the capital Saigon, Whale Island, and the stunning historic city of Hoi Ann. Just don’t be surprised if you see the multi-coloured and extremely dangerous Lion Fish swimming a few feet in front of you!
Belize
One of the more expensive countries in Central America, this tiny ex-British colony which is home to a mixture of Mayan, Rastafarian, and Creole culture, still offers some of the cheapest diving in the world. This is quite surprising considering that the Belize Barrier Reef is part of the longest unbroken reef in the Western Hemisphere, and the second largest in the world after Australia.
The tiny country, sandwiched between Mexico and Guatemala, is also home to unique percussion music on the coast, and an abundance of natural wildlife, including rare butterflies.
Off The Wall Dive Centre and Resort is based on the marine protected and world heritage site of Glover’s Reef Atoll, and offers a range of accommodation and diving packages, as well as fly fishing for extremely hard fighting pelagic game fish such as bonefish and permit. The resort offers the full PADI open water course for £263, or alternatively seven night, gourmet and full board accommodation packages starting from £830, some of which include diving.
Zanzibar
What comes to mind first when thinking of Tanzania is mainly wild safaris, lions, and the icy caps of Mount Kilimanjaro, but just off the coast is the 53 island archipelago of Zanzibar, a top class diving destination among other things.
Known as the Spice Island due to its production of cinnamon, pepper, vanilla, and nutmeg, it has been attracting colonial visitors for the past 500 years, and the largely Muslim population also produces lychees, breadfruit, arrowroot, and jackfruit. All these can be seen and tasted on one of the island’s many spice tours.
Pemba and Unguja are the two main islands on the archipelago, both of which are known for good diving and snorkelling. Unguja is recommended for beginner divers due to its calm waters, but due to its series of sheltered tidal lagoons it offers amazing snorkelling opportunities to see its fish and multi-coloured marine life.
There are a collection of dive companies on the island, and one of the oldest is the Australian run One Ocean, which has been teaching divers since 1993. It is now the biggest dive operator in East Africa, and offers a range of courses depending on the season and your ability.
So, with so much to choose from – even on a tight budget - there is little excuse for not trying a new destination for your next diving holiday. The underwater world is like landing on another planet, there are so many weird and wonderful creatures swimming by. ...Speaking of which, if you happen to cut yourself on the coral, there is a high chance that cleaner fish will swim by and clean your wound for you!
