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5 Must-Dive Destinations for Tech Divers

5 Must-Dive Destinations for Tech Divers

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on December 14, 2015

Tech divers are a breed all their own in the scuba world. Highly trained and superbly focused, these divers go deeper and see things that few others are willing to risk. Hungry for adventure, tech divers are to scuba what Mount Everest climbers are to land-based sportsmen. Make no mistake, these are risky endeavors and people die undertaking these extreme pursuits. Being well trained and having the right gear is a must. If you’re reading this and thinking “sign me up!”, here are five must-dive destinations for you tech divers.

Dahab Blue Hole

Located in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt, the Dahab Blue Hole is an underwater sinkhole with a depth of over 400 feet. Despite boasting great visibility as well as shore access, this is not a recreational dive spot. Professional guides are recommended for anyone wishing to undertake this challenge, especially those who wish to traverse “The Arch,” an underwater tunnel that connects Blue Hole to open water. The Arch is at a depth of 170 feet. Blue Hole is considered one of the deadliest dive sites in the world.

Truk Lagoon

Year round warm waters in a tropical Pacific environment probably sound like just the ticket during frigid Atlantic Ocean winters. Located in Micronesia, portions of Truk (or Chuuk) Lagoon are a challenge for even seasoned tech divers. Home to dozens of WWII-era sunken ships, Truk Lagoon was a Japanese stronghold during the war until “Operation Hailstorm,” when an attack by Allied forces sent nearly 60 Japanese ships to the bottom.

Bikini Atoll

Limited access to this historic site makes it all the more desirable to tech divers. Located in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, the Bikini Atoll is famous for being an atomic weapons testing site in the late 1940s. Many WWII-era vessels that were sunk in these tests now rest at the bottom, including the aircraft carrier the USS Saratoga, as well as numerous battleships and submarines. The majority of the wrecks rest below 100 feet.

Yucatan Cenotes

An unusual collection of sinkholes found in Mexico, the Yucatan cenotes are an immense collection of underwater caves and caverns. Three of the world’s longest underwater cave systems are found here. Additional cave and cavern dive certifications will be needed to explore this unique underground area.

Andrea Doria

Of course, no tech diving list would be complete without mention of the SS Andrea Doria, the famed cruise liner that sunk off the coast of New Jersey after colliding with another cruise liner in 1956. Poor visibility, crazy currents, and a tangle of fishing nets waiting to ensnare unwary divers are just a few of the challenges of this deep dive. Resting below 160 feet, the wreck is a tangle of metal and wood slowly deteriorating into the sea floor. A dangerous undertaking for even the most experienced divers, the Doria does not treat visitors kindly.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro