There are many places in the world where divers can see specific large marine animals, but only a few locations offer the opportunity to see many different kinds of animals all at once. With that in mind, here’s our list of the top dive spots for big animal encounters.
Galapagos, Ecuador
When we’re talking about places to see big animals — and lots of them — it’s hard to imagine a list that doesn’t include the Galapagos. Famous for its diverse marine life, the Galapagos never disappoints, no matter what time of year you visit. Hammerheads, whale sharks, mola molas, sea lions, fur seals, mantas, turtles, dolphins … deep breath … eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, whitetips, silkies, penguins, dragons. Maybe not actual dragons, but big marine lizards live on a fire-breathing island. That’s close, right?
While there’s no guarantee that you’ll see all of the above on a single visit, you will see some of these animals no matter when you visit. From playful, curious sea lions to mammoth whale sharks, to schooling hammerheads, the Galapagos is where all the cool kids of the marine world hang out. Even if you aren’t a diver, you can easily stick a snorkel in your mouth and swim with turtles, rays, penguins and sea lions. If you’re lucky, you’ll also spot large whales, orcas and breaching mantas in between your underwater explorations.
Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Often compared to the Galapagos, Cocos Island is on this list entirely of its own merit. The 36-hour boat ride from shore to the seamount is worth every minute when you find yourself so surrounded by schooling hammerheads that you can see little else. But the fun doesn’t end there. Whale sharks, bull sharks, whitetips, sailfish, marlin, Galapagos sharks, tiger sharks, guitar sharks and silkies join in the underwater dance along with dolphins and various rays, including mantas. If you dream of seeing so many sharks above you that they blot out the natural light, then head to Cocos. The dive sites are as varied as the marine life, with steep wall dives, deep blue-water spots, drift dives and some shallow-water locations that can accommodate all skill levels and interests.
Flower Garden Banks, Texas
For some people, heading off on a week-long liveaboard trips isn’t an option. Fortunately, it’s not always necessary since some impressive marine life can be seen right in the United States’ backyard at Flower Garden Banks in the Gulf of Mexico. This marine sanctuary is home to one of the healthiest reefs in the world and every August, lucky divers can witness coral spawning that sometimes attracts the mammoth whale sharks in the area. During the winter, the schooling hammerheads start showing up in droves.
Granted, you won’t see as many as you would in Cocos or the Galapagos, but the fact that this spot is a little easier to get to and far less expensive more than makes up for it. You can also see giant manta rays all year long, alongside silky sharks and rays. Tiger and bull sharks are less common, but if you’re lucky one will stop by for a photo op.
Revillagigedos Archipelago, Mexico
If the name has thrown you, there’s a good reason. This spot is more commonly known as Socorro Island, which is much easier to spell and pronounce. One of four islands in the Revillagigedos chain, Socorro compares to both the Galapagos and Cocos, although these islands have frequent visitors that those lack: humpback whales. Accessible by liveaboard only, these volcanic islands off the western coast of Mexico are surrounded by nutrient-rich waters that are best explored by experienced divers.
Go February through April to see humpbacks and their calves; in November you’ll have a better chance to see whale sharks. One thing is for sure: no matter when you go, you’re guaranteed to get a mask full of sharks. Hammerheads, whitetips, silvertips, Galapagos, silky, nurse, and tiger sharks all patrol these waters while giant mantas glide by. Dolphins play in the waters January to March, although it’s common to see them year-round. While you’re in the area, head to Guadalupe Island to check another big animal off your bucket list and cage dive with great whites.
French Polynesia
Now it’s time to head to the South Pacific for gorgeous lagoons that display the full spectrum of blues, deep walls and colorful reefs. This area is well known for big-animal encounters, as divers swim through waves of gray sharks, whitetips, silvertips, lemons and blacktips, with the occasional tiger shark thrown in just for fun. Shark-feeding trips abound in this area and can offer the snorkelers in the group some shark encounters too. September through October brings the graceful mantas; if it’s hammerheads you want, December to March is your best bet. Dolphins are common, as are various smaller rays and marlin. Whale sharks are known to drop by for some of the action but the stars of the show here are certainly the humpbacks that migrate through the area July to October. They come to the area for breeding and calving, so expect to see babies with their mothers.
Tonga
Since they’re reasonably near each other, much of what you read about French Polynesia can apply to Tonga too. But in Tonga, you can actually swim with the humpbacks that frequent the area. Very strict rules apply, but snorkeling with these massive beauties is a real possibility if you head there at the right time. June through October is best, as the humpbacks pass through to mate and give birth. Aside from the humpbacks, Tonga is also well known for large fish, such as tuna and marlin, as well as whale sharks and multitudes of dolphins. Tonga also lacks the crowds that many other destinations have, so you won’t have to fight for a spot on the dive boat. This nice bonus, plus the sharks, dolphins and whales, means Tonga has more than earned its place on our list of top spots for big animal encounters.
Did we leave anywhere off the list? What’s your favorite big-animal dive destination?
