Auckland ,
20
July
2018
|
00:00
Europe/Amsterdam

Snap up the opportunity to dive with sharks this summer

With Shark Week kicking off on July 22nd, why not jump in the deep end and have it inspire your summer escape? Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travelers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has pulled together the top locations for shark diving, as endorsed by its global travelers. While many may choose to stay as far away from these legendary creatures as possible, all of these spots offer the perfect opportunity for adventurous travelers to get up close and personal as well as provide an ocean-bound escape. From cage diving to snorkeling, there is something for every adrenaline level!

Malapascua Island, Philippines

Malapascua Island is the only place in the world where you can dive with the thresher sharks. While these magnificent creatures can occasionally be seen in other locations, there is no other location in the world that allows you to see them up close. Thresher sharks are not a threat to humans and Malapascua boasts a diving school that specializes in trips to head out to see these endangered creatures. Other than being one of the best endorsed spots for diving, travelers also rated Malapascua Island for its stunning beaches and tranquility.

Where to Stay: Tepanee Beach Resort provides rooms that all come with their own private balcony, as well as a private beach for exclusive use by the resorts guests. After a day of diving, you can enjoy a dinner at the resort prepared by the resident Italian chef.

Umkomaas, South Africa

This small coastal town in the province of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, is world renowned for its amazing diving. Umkomaas offers thrill seekers the chance to experience wreck diving as well as shark cage diving. Local dive schools offer the chance to try baited shark diving, giving the opportunity to see as many as 50 sharks in a single dive. With diverse species of tropical fish and flourishing coral reefs, there’s plenty to get your teeth stuck into. Umkomaas is also rated highly by travelers for its relaxing beaches and beautiful sites.

Where to Stay: La Mer holiday apartments are perfectly located for your Shark Week inspired trip, just a short walk from the beach and with beautiful balcony views and barbecue facilities so you can relax and unwind after your deep sea adventure.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora lies deep in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and while it may be small it offers an enormous amount to do during your trip. If you fancy diving beyond the sandy beaches and into the clear blue waters, you’ll be met with beautiful fish and corals in their natural underwater park. Shark dives in this area grant travelers the chance to see eight species of shark, with a shallow dive or snorkel allowing travelers the chance to encounter the black-tip reef shark. Among Shark diving Bora Bora is rated highly for its natural beauty and jungle lined mountains, a perfect setting to relax in after a day underwater.

Where to Stay: Le Meridien Bora Bora provides kayaks, canoes and pedal boats free of charge for those days when you fancy staying above the water. After a day on the water relax in the beautiful on-site restaurant which overlooks the lagoon and serves delicious Asian cuisine.

Santa Catalina, Panama

This fishing village remained relatively unknown until its discovery by some keen surfers in the 1970’s. However, it is still an incredibly peaceful and secluded spot. Panama is the indigenous name for “abundance of fish” and it certainly lives up to its name with amazing scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. Whale sharks can regularly be sighted during late December, however Reef Sharks are a common sight for the diver all year around.

Where to stay: Villa Coco is a boutique hotel located just a one minute walk from the beach with outdoor showers and hammocks in the garden for a true summer escape. After a dip in the sea, there are plenty of nearby spots for walking and horse riding.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Fernando de Noronha is one of 21 islands off the coast of Brazil, set in the Atlantic Ocean and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a highly protected eco system and the few travelers that manage to visit will be met with unrivalled beaches and one of the world’s best diving destinations. A visit to this paradise can’t be done without a dive to Cabeco da Sapata, an underwater mountain that’s environment is inhabited by turtles, fish and, of course, sharks. While this site is only for highly experienced divers, heading out on a shallower dive might still mean sighting both hammerhead and basking sharks. This exciting island is also rated highly by travelers for its natural beauty and stunning beaches.

Where to stay: All the rooms at Pousada Morena come with a private balcony and a daily buffet breakfast full of regional specialties for you to sink your teeth into.