10. Shi Cheng, Chun’an County, Zhejiang, China
An ancient city, established about 1300 years ago, now lies at the 26-40 m depth underwater. The city and the valley were deliberately flooded in 1959 in order to create an artificial lake and hydroelectric power station. Now it could be a unique paradise for divers. Surprisingly the city hasn’t eroded much and the buildings, walls, even wooden details remained. Currently a film crew is commissioned to record the ancient city.
Why to go there?
The artificial Qiandao Lake, also known as Thousand Island Lake, is an important tourist attraction in the province and serves as a recreational area. The mountainous landscape is indeed beautiful and worth visiting. However, there are no tourist facilities for diving.
9. Ithaa Restaurant, Alif Dhaal Atoll, Maldives
Ithaa means mother of pearl and is one of the most exciting restaurants in the world. Built 5 m (16 ft) below sea level in Maldives, the restaurant seats 14 guests. The guests get in by a spiral staircase from a jetty and find themselves in a space with a striking panoramic underwater view. The restaurant, which is part of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, provides views to the reef and various fish species, circumnavigating the transparent structure.
Why to go there?
The one and only underwater restaurant offers an unforgettable experience. The menu features dishes from a contemporary European and Asian cuisines.
8. Cancun Underwater Museum, Mexico
It is the most famous underwater museum in the world! The sculptures were specially made for this spot. Sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor has created tens of pieces, that criticize contemporary complacent and exploiting culture. Posited underwater off the coast of Isla de Mujeres, the sculptures were supposed to substitute the eroding reef. The site indeed attracts tourists and adventurers.
Why to go there?
The amazing museum can be admired from the glass-bottom boats, by snorkeling or scuba diving.
7. Orda Cave, Ural Mountains, Russia
A gypsum crystal cave system stretches for 5.1 km (3.2 mi) under the Ural Mountains, making it one of the longest underwater caves on Earth. Divers can enjoy an extraordinary visibility of over 46 m (50 yd) here – apparently the water gets filtered by the mineral surroundings, resulting in exceptional clarity.
Why to go there?
Only professional divers on special expeditions manage to explore the cave. As this is a relatively unexplored place it might be a challenging adventure for the professionals, who are determined to visit the least discovered places.
6. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California, USA
The aquarium was opened in 1984 and is one of the favorite museums in California. It attracts over 1.8 million visitors every year. Founded on the Pacific Ocean shoreline the aquarium pumps water right from the Ocean and houses over 600 marine species. The marine museum offers various activities: from guided tours to animal and fish feeding, from diving to a sleepover!
Why to go there?
The sleepover can be arranged after a personalized romantic tour, next to the favorite exhibition, so that the visitors can fall asleep and wake up surrounded by the marine life. The Monterey Bay Aquarium also provides many fun activities for the kids, as well as grownups.
5. McMurdo Sound, Antarctica
he area of ice-clogged waters and a McMurdo Sound ice shelf are a source of important researches for the scientists. The amazing ice formations on the surface and stunning underwater world in McMurdo Sound are hidden from the curious eyes of human beings. The wildlife is also very impressive here: orcas, seals, Adelie and Emperor penguins are few of the Antarctic animals spotted in McMurdo.
Why to go there?
Antarctica is definitely one of the most remote places on Earth, housing the most unspoiled beauty you can possibly think of. However, only the scientists and a very few tourists happen to have a glimpse to this enigmatic world. Otherwise one has to get a special permit.
4. Fernando De Noronha, Brazil
The archipelago is made of 21 islands, 354 km (220 mi) away from the Brazilian shore. Due to the South Equatorial Current, the water is very warm and diving with no suit is possible in the 40 m depth. The marine landscape features tunnels, canyons and rocks, making the experience even more exciting.
Why to go there?
Water is crystal clear, visibility reaches up to 50 m and the rich sea life is splendid. And most of the year is good to go, except from March to August, when the rainy season takes over the archipelago.
3. Underwater Waterfall, Mauritius
The remote island in the Indian Ocean, 2,000 km (1,200 mi) away from Africa, is a very attractive tourist destination. The underwater waterfall, located on the southwestern shore, might serve as a signature of Mauritius. It isn’t an actual waterfall, but an optical illusion: the sediment of sand and silt create this dramatic site. The reason for this is that the island is relatively new and a formation of it is still present, causing an underwater slope.
Why to go there?
Tourists are offered to relax in the white sandy beaches and enjoy the warm water, explore the mountains, a reef and underworld world.
2. The Great Blue Hole, Belize
It is a true natural wonder. It is a submarine sinkhole, which lies next to the Lighthouse Reef. It is considered to be a large sinkhole: it is over 300 m (984 ft) across and 124 m (407 ft) deep.
The hole was formed during the Ice Age, when the sea levels were much lower. When its levels rose, the water flooded the cave, which resulted in this fascinating view.
The hole was formed during the Ice Age, when the sea levels were much lower. When its levels rose, the water flooded the cave, which resulted in this fascinating view.
Why to go there?
Belize is a great holiday destination at any time of the year. Meanwhile, tourists can explore the whole on a boat or plane tours.
1. The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
This is the biggest coral reef in the world, the most diverse and the most spectacular. Therefore, it is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. The rich marine world includes corals, sea stars, manta rays, turtles, sharks and more. It is easy to explore it in the crystal clear water.
Why to go there?
The Great Barrier Reef is the best place to go diving for the beginners as well as professional divers. There are also various diving sites.
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