The Worldâs 7 Most Unique Diving Locations
Here at Oyster Diving, we love discovering new dive locations. Diving in serene waters full of various fish and colourful corals never gets old. But sometimes, we like to discover diving locations that are a little further off the beaten track (so to speak). Thatâs why, we have decided to explore some of the most unique diving locations in the world. This article lists some of our favourites for you to explore! Read on to find out more.
Bonne Terre Mine, Missouri
Hidden in Missouri, Bonne Terre Mine is one of the most popular diving adventures in America and itâs easy to see why. Underwater pillars, archways and ceilings stretch for miles in all directions, mapping out this stunning submerged mine.
This stunning diving location originated in 1961 when nearly 100 years of mining ceased. The worldâs largest lead mine was all mined out, the pumps were turned off and the water trickled in to fill the void. Fully submerged, this mine has year-round 100ft visibility and is one of the most unique diving locations in the world.
Silfra Fissure â Iceland
Have you ever thought about swimming between two continents? Well, thatâs exactly what you can do at the Silfra Fissure in Icelandâs Thingvellir National Park. The National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its geological uniqueness.
The unique landscape of the Silfra Fissure is caused by continental drift which causes the two continents to separate by a couple of centimetres a year. This diving location is also renowned for its crystal-clear waters, unlike anywhere else, that are the result of freezing glacier water which is filtered through lava fields for years before ending up in the lake. As a result, the lake has an abundance of fish species but they donât usually venture far into the Silfra fissure. For a unique diving location, this is as good as it gets!
Homestead Crater â Midway, Utah
Image Credit: Skybambi
Homestead Crater in Utah offers divers the unique opportunity of diving in a thermal spring, with water temperatures just above 90 F. Over 10,000 years in the making, the crater formed when melting snow from the Wasatch Mountains seeped deep within the earth. Two miles below the surface, the earthâs interior heated the water. The hole at the top of the dome is what lets in sunlight and fresh air, while the interior remains heated by the mineral water, creating an optimal diving temperature.
Ice Diving â Antarctica
Ice diving in Antarctica is one of the most unique diving experiences out there! If you head down to McMurdo Sound in Antarctica, break through six feet of ice and then jump into the water, you can enjoy one of the most unique diving experiences in the world. Just be sure to leave your claustrophobia at home. Once you have broken through the ice, you will be plunged into freezing waters filled with sea urchins, corals, penguins and more. The stunning sight of the ice above you is completely unrivalled by any other natural phenomenon and is extremely unique. You wonât want to miss a minute it!
The Neptune Memorial Reef
The Neptune Memorial Reef is certainly unique but it is one of the creepier dives on our list. This diving experience takes you down to an artificial reef which, surprisingly, doubles as a cemetery. This man-made reef was established for âcreating life after deathâ and was built to encourage the growth of marine life. People who decide to be buried in this memorial reef are first cremated. Their remains are then mixed with non-porous cement, sand and water, before being moulded into a stone shape of their choosing. Once completed, the stone is added to the reef by scuba divers. Anyone can visit this memorial, including relatives of the deceased, scuba-divers and marine biologists. When fully completed, the memorial will have the capacity to hold the remains of around 100,000 people.
Boeing 727 Aircraft Wreck
Image Credit: Media Cache
Located off the coast of Miami, Florida, is a Boeing 727 jet that was sunk as part of the Key Biscayne Artificial Reef Site in 1993 and has remained there ever since. The jet was lowered to the ocean floor, at a depth of 82ft and lies there for divers to explore.
This aircraft wreck, affectionately referred to as the âSpirit of Miamiâ, is visited by divers all over the world. Also, to let you into a secret; it is rumoured there is a time capsule hidden somewhere in the wreckage, due to be opened in 2043, that is yet to be found!
Jacobâs Well – Wimberley Texas
Jacobâs Well is located southwest of Austin Texas and looks just like your average back country swimming hole. However, deep below the surface the depths of this well are home to a network of four main chambers, offering up some of the most dangerous cave diving in the world. Generally, divers have little trouble diving between the first and second chambers but it is the third chamber that causes problems. When divers reach the third chamber, silt can become stirred up causing disorientation and panic. At least 8 people have sadly lost their lives in these chambers. They are certainly unique for a reason but divers should proceed with caution.
Final Words
Have you dived in any of the locations mentioned above? Let us know about your experience in the comments below, we would love to hear from you! If you would like to know more about diving, ask for advice on the best dive sites or book a dive with our team â call us today!