Tired of all the snow?
Dennis Graver, an experienced scuba diving instructor who has three books on the sport, shares his favorite dive sites in a new fourth book. In his books, which have sold more than 100,000 copies, he covers everything from equipment to dive science in full detail, and also includes the latest information on new scuba technology. He admits that he likes exotic dive destinations the best and warns that you should never dive anywhere with unfamiliar conditions without first acquiring the training, equipment and supervised experienced that is required.
Graver’s 9 top favorite spots for scuba diving include California, Washington, Florida, New England, Great Lakes, Hawaii, Caribbean, South Pacific and Middle East.
“California has dense kelp beds that form surface canopies that make diving an unforgettable experience,” Graver says.
In Washington the Puget Sound is more protected than the coastal waters and contains artificial reefs as well as shipwrecks. The visibility is usually 15-20 feet.
With all of the beautiful coral reef, colorful fish, shipwrecks, and crystal clear waters, Graver thinks Florida should be one place that all scuba divers go to at least once.
Shipwrecks are also abundant in the waters of New England, as well as many other amusing creatures such as lobsters.
The Great Lakes, however, have the best shipwrecks because of how well preserved they are. “If you like wreck diving, this is one of the places to include on your must see list,” he says.
In Hawaii, you are offered great visibility, amazing underwater formations, large turtles, gorgeous reef fish as well as giant marine mammals.
In the Caribbean, visibility is excellent. “The Caribbean is one of the world’s most popular places to dive, and for good reason. The area includes reefs, wrecks, drop-offs, and life-forms that are unique and breathtaking,” Graver comments.
Fantastic soft corals, sea fans and incredible fish are just some of the things divers see when diving in the South Pacific, not to mention the outstanding visibility.
For the Middle East, Graver states, “The sheer walls, the abundant and colorful life-forms, and the crystal clear waters make this one of the most desirable of all diving destinations. If you can afford a trip on a live-aboard charter boat to offshore islands, you will be treated to unforgettable sights.”
For more information on Graver’s fourth book, CLICK HERE.
—Georgia Stergakos
