Getting in Deep

It is no secret that some of the world’s best diving can be found in Asia. For years, visitors have congregated at famous sites in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia to plumb the balmy tropical waters. But the region has plenty of variety on offer. From a mysterious pyramid in Okinawa to the fabulous wreck dives off PNG, here’s our selection of unforgettable scuba experiences.

Indonesia is well known as a paradise for divers with countless astounding options scattered throughout the archipelago. While Komodo is most famous for its giant lizards, its pristine depths harbor abundant life with numerous luxurious liveaboard yachts patrolling the ocean. Further east the Spice Islands held a mystique that captivated renowned Old-World explorers, among them Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan. Another of Indonesia’s dive havens is Raja Ampat, which unquestionably ranks among the world’s most stunning island chains. It is characterized by pristine white-sand beaches, concealed lagoons, enigmatic caves, peculiar mushroom-shaped islets, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. A fine way of exploring this part of Indonesia is aboard Aqua Blu, a long-range explorer yacht that offers scope for cultural and diving discovery.

Okinawa showcases a completely different side of Japan for visitors. Known for its friendly, subtropical climate and string of beaches, the province is Japan’s premier spot for sun worshippers. It is also highly regarded for its diving, with coral and marine species as varied as that of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The prefecture has numerous incredible dive sites, none more so than at Yonaguni, where the site known as “Atlantis” or “Yonaguni Pyramid” is rated as one of the best in Asia. Sitting about 30 meters beneath the surface, it features step-like rock formations and amphitheater-like structures. Another reason to dive in Yonaguni is for hammerhead sharks, as the island is on the migration path for these creatures. Congregating by the thousands, they pass through the deep blue waters from November through June. Prime stay options in Okinawa, meanwhile, include HOSHINOYA Okinawa, a modernist retreat nestled along the scenic shores of the East China Sea.

Oman has rich opportunities for whale shark encounters in its plankton-rich oceans. Every autumn, the seas attract dozens of whale specimens that come to feed. One of the best spots to visit is the Daymaniyat Islands, an archipelago located around 50 km offshore from Muscat, rich in coral reefs and marine life. The waters around the archipelago serve as a channel for migratory marine animals, including whale sharks. The first designated marine reserve in Oman and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the islands also shelter nesting populations of Hawksbill and green turtles. After rewarding days underwater rest your head at prestigious Muscat addresses such as Jumeirah Muscat.

Papua New Guinea boasts a selection of dive sites that can rival any in the world. The vibrant marine life alone would be a showstopper, but what sets PNG apart are the numerous aviation wrecks dating back to World War II, making it a pilgrimage site for divers. Off the coast of New Britain, the country’s largest island, where fiery volcanoes and misty rainforests create a dramatic backdrop, you’ll find dive sites like Kimble Bay, the Witu Islands, and the Father’s Reefs. These areas teem with colorful sea life, gracefully navigating through luminous coral gardens. Venture slightly further from the shore, off New Island, and you’ll encounter the Der Yang Wreck. Over time, Pacific currents have transformed this sunken fishing boat into a thriving hub for marine creatures.

The seas off Malaysian Borneo offer some of Asia’s best diving with top locations including Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai. Sipadan is renowned for its stunning biodiversity, featuring barracudas, turtles, and reef sharks. Its steep walls are covered in vibrant corals and sponges. Nearby, Mabul is famous for its macro life, attracting underwater photographers with critters like frogfish and seahorses. Kapalai, a sandbar island with a resort on stilts, provides excellent muck diving opportunities. Its shallow waters are home to fascinating marine creatures, including cuttlefish and blue-ringed octopuses. Together, these islands offer a diverse and captivating underwater adventure for divers of all levels.