Europe’s Best Dive Spots: 5 Iconic Dives

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The majesty of the sea beckons us all, with breathtaking mosaics of blues and greens as her lure. Once again, we dare to dive through the mirrored calm. Then, just beneath her surface, like any temptress, a treasure trove emerges. Revealing, within reach, the awe-inspiring marine flora and fauna. Breathless, I wonder if the mythical mermaids are real. If not? For just a moment, I believe I am one. Then, joining the almost choreographed dance on the oceans floor, I’ll dive deeper, unearthing the hidden. In celebration of our oceans, we reveal 5 iconic dive’s you’ll want to add to your bucket list. If you combed the corners of the earth to find these havens, I promise these would be your favorites. Get all the information, here, to book the tours and plan that epic dive at the most magical destinations in Europe’s best dive spots.

Europe’s Best Dive Spots In Capri, Italy

We’re going to have to start with one of my favorites. Capri, Italy, is to me, a place I could swear I remember from a past life. Whether you believe in them or not, I assure you, the azure island gracing the seascape of the amalfi coast, is an epic adventure you’ll want to explore. Breaking through the mosaic of turquois and deep blues will find you lost in its biodiversity. With elegant marine flora and fauna not far from the surface.

The Faraglioni

Before you do, though, you’ll want to explore the Divine Coasts icon, the Faraglioni. These coastal rock formations raise 24 to over 30 feet high from the sea. Faraglione Stella, which is the first in the natural stacks, is still attached to the coast. The Faraglione di Mezzo is about 45 feet out to sea off the coast. This is the one with an arched opening large enough for our small boat to pass through. Lastly is Faraglione di Fuori (also known as Scopolo). This one is the farthest from the shoreline. It’s also inhabited by a species of lizard found nowhere else in the world but here……. the Podarcis Sicula Coerulea. Perhaps if you’re lucky you’ll capture a glimpse.

The Blue Grotto

The final attraction (if I have to narrow it down) would of course be the Blue Grotto. Although this is an article on dives, I felt I’d be amiss by not sharing this wonder. Although you are not allowed to swim in it or disembark the row boat used to explore the grotto, it’s still a must see. The opening to the cave is so small, you’ll enter in the small rowboats moored outside the cave. To get to them, you book a tour supplied by one of the tour companies on the dock. With the opening being so small, you’ll sometimes have to lay down in the row boat to pass through. Keep in mind, because of the limits in the entrance, it is not always available to tour. Everything is based on the tides and the water levels.

Even though you’re not permitted to swim in the grotto, after 5:30, when the tours close, I’ve found, people do swim into the cave. I warn you however, sea levels are said to be rising 1/8″ per year. If you do choose to join in, know the tides! Water tends to rise at night and can seal off the cave.

When To Go

That warning aside, there is never a bad time to explore the beauty of the Divine Coast. I’ve found the best time of year to go is the shoulder season (during spring and fall). The weather is still beautiful and it’s not as crowded.

Europe’s Best Dive Spots In Crete, Greece

Another dive on the bucket list of destinations I’ve found in the tranquil cerulean waters of Crete, Greece. Elephants Cave is a submarine cave whose treasures are unmatched the world over. The cave has been around for centuries, formed several thousand years ago. Within the underwater paradise, be mesmerized by a kaleidoscope of colors and natural features in red stalactites and stalagmites. It’s greatest feature, the fossilized remains of elephants & it’s tusk. A must see for every diving enthusiast.

When To Go

Although Crete, Greece is the European haven for a winter holiday, the best time to go is from spring to fall. April through October has the best diving with the warmest temperatures in July and August. Book your stay in Crete by clicking on the highlighted words in this sentence. Then choose any dive shop in their area.

Europe’s Best Dive Spots In Tignes-Val d’ Isère, France

For an adventure of a lifetime I couldn’t resist the lure of where it all began. Since 1943, when the Grandfather of Scuba-Diving, Jacques Cousteau, co-invented the aqua-lung underwater breathing apparatus, France has discovered dives envied the world over. One adventure to add to your bucket list is the magical ice dive in Tignes-Val d’ Isère’s natural frozen lake, Lac du Lou.

Aside from Val Thorens being a favorite ski spot in the French Alps for the whole of Europe, this natural wonder drives dive enthusiasts from the farthest reaches on earth. Now I know when you picture an epic dive, you imagine being immersed in the warmth of a crystal blue ocean. I promise, at any level of experience, ice diving will bring an equal warmth. Experiencing the magical shadows & lights from beneath the surface will take your breath away.

The best experts I’ve found for this excursion are the Evolution 2 team. They provide all the equipment, including dry suits that keep you warm & cozy. After a fitting and orientation with instructions, you get paired with the instructor who guides you through the pierced opening in the ice.The ice is sometimes from 3 to almost 7 feet thick. Everyday it reforms. The best part is, you can choose day & nighttime dives. Book your stay in Val Thorens by clicking on the highlighted words in this sentence then include your tour from the link to Evolution 2 by clicking on their highlighted name.

Europe’s Best Dive Spots In Tenerife, Spain

Allowing yourself to be whisked away to the seaside resorts on the coastline of Tenerife, Spain will find you lost in its wonders. Tenerife is known as the “little sister of the Canaries” in the Canary Islands, it’s just 115 meters off the coast of Morocco. Along with perfect weather, the magic includes an area that boasts some of the best diving spots in Spain. Stay in the coastal resort cities of Las Galletas & Costa Adeje to be close to the best dive spots. Then loose yourself in the allure of blues that house diving in Cueva de Palm Mar (or Palm Mar Cave), Cueva del Ali Baba (a wreck & cave dive site), Coral Arch, the El Condesito Wreck or the Churches Wreck. Exploring the volcanic topography with underwater pinnacles envelopes you in the breathtaking marine. Then, unlock the diversity of enviable sea-life in these parts. Witness whales, killer whales, dolphins, blue sharks and hammerheads, in their natural environments.

When To Go

Positioned close to the equator, there is no perfect season. You can relish in the warm and dry climate any time of year. However, the best time of year for Scuba Diving is still between April and October. This is when the underwater visibility is usually 30 meters.

Book your stay and tours by clicking on the links highlighted above.

Europe’s Best Dive Spots In Bol, Croatia

My favorite dive spot in Croatia is off Brac Island in Lucice Cove. Although the winds blowing through the Hvar channel determine diving locations, this cove has five outlets that always provide shelter from the winds. In exploring this coast, the treasure I’ve found is tucked within the cove’s southeast shore. A haven known as the underwater desert, Lucice Cave, won’t reveal much marine life but is still a wonder to be seen. Fifteen meters below sea level is a spacious chamber. The chamber leads you to two underwater tunnels dropping you down 30 to 40 more meters. The surreal beauty is found in the desert-like, completely bare walls. Lack of currents here causes this effect & is also why there are very few sea creatures.

In addition to this hidden masterpiece, look to Bol for the cleanest coast in Europe. The Brac Island dives have been attracting recreational divers from around the world to this haven in the Adriatic Sea for this, and so many other reasons. In May of every year, divers from all over come to clean the ocean floor before tourist season. This insures the highest visibility for a richer diving experience. Find your way through reefs, shipwrecks and caves. Even book a tour for a night dive! The allure of the turquoise, greens and deep blues will capture a piece of your soul.

When To Go

Scuba along the Brac & Hvar Islands is best from April to November. You’ll find the temperatures from 22° to 25° C in the summer months.

Book your stay and tours by clicking on the links highlighted above.

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