DIVE WORLDWIDE’S PHIL NORTH LOOKS AT WRECK DIVING AND HOW IT ALLOWS DIVERS TO UNCOVER A PAST ENGULFED BY THE OCEANS. TO MANY IT IS THIS HISTORY THAT PROVES SO ALLURING. FOR OTHERS, IT IS THEIR ROLE AS VIBRANT ARTIFICIAL REEFS
TRUCK LAGOON
Chuuk State consists of 11 mangrove fringed islands in the Chuuk Lagoon, known to divers worldwide as Truk Lagoon and a further 14 outlying atolls and low islands. One of the world’s largest lagoons, Truk is enclosed by a 225km barrier reef, covering more than 2,000 sq km and is home to an entire Japanese fleet that was sunk in 1944 – it is a must for wreck divers. Frozen in time, complete with sake cups and skeletons, jeeps and tanks still tied on board and fighter planes still waiting in the hangars. Nowhere else in the world are there so many wrecks in close proximity situated in shallow water.
Price: 9 nights from €3200 pp
NORWAY
Explore historic shipwrecks, magnificent kelp forests and a wealth of marine life on this cold water dive adventure to the fjords of Norway. Go in search of fascinating WWII shipwrecks, imposing kelp forests and exceptional marine life on the shores of the mighty Sognefjord, enjoying two boat dives per day. The wrecks of this area ar as intriguing as they are impressive, often with competing stories as to their demise, or indeed their purpose. An area of immense strategic importance during WWII, there are 30 superbly preserved shipwrecks, including the vast German 122-metre freighter, the Frankenwald which is worthy of more than one dive. The unique twin wrecks of the Ferndale and Parat, the SS Havda and the Bandak are also well worth exploring.
Price: 4 nights from €1825 pp
MALTA
Located at the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta offers year-round sunshine, an intriguing history and a spectacular variety of dive sites including wrecks and caves. Among the most popular are the wreck of the tug boat Rozi, its clear water and abundance of marine life; The Bristol Blenheim WWll bomber, with the engines and wings still intact, a non-stop dive to 42 metres requiring careful planning; the MV Imperial Eagle ferry which lies upright on a sandy bottom, and ‘Le Polynesien’ passenger liner which was sunk by a German U-Boat in WWl.
Price: 11 nights from €1025 pp
ST HELENA
One of the most exciting dive areas to open up in recent years, this remote Atlantic outcrop is now accessible to divers, promising endemic species, seldom dived shipwrecks and aggregations of whale sharks in season (December to March) – a real draw for lovers of these gentle giants. Until recently, the only way to reach St Helena was by Royal Mail ship, a journey taking an astonishing five days from Cape Town. Now, this tiny island can be reached by air, providing a unique opportunity to discover and dive a place that few have ever had the chance to visit. There are eight wrecks to explore, with green turtles, hawksbill turtles and numerous species of dolphin found in these waters. Humpback whales are also seasonal visitors.
Price: 9 nights from €3315 pp
ARUBA
Enjoy a mix of boat and shore diving to the tiny island of Aruba’s finest dive sites, with its dramatic coral formations and schooling fish. Dubbed the wreck diving capital of the Caribbean, there are a number of famous sites including the Antilla, a WWII wreck stretched out over 400ft and full of marine life, and the Pedernales that was severely damaged in a torpedo attack on 16 February 1942 while anchored at Aruba. Perpetually warm and sunny with calm seas, this is a great year round destination for all.
Price: 7 nights from €2056 pp
Prices are indications at time of print.Please contact Dive Worldwide for more details.
Tel: +44(0)1962 302 087
www.diveworldwide.com
