Do you have the urge to put on your flippers and dive into turquoise waters? The « Cast Off » section suggests a selection of perfect destinations for budget-friendly vacations. Explore diving trips in Oman, the Azores, and Mexico, all for less than €2,500.
The Enchanting: The Sultanate of the Sea
The Sultanate of Oman, located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, reveals breathtaking landscapes and boasts over 3,000 km of coastline. For divers, this still little-known destination is a true treasure. Heading north, the plankton-rich waters attract an incredible diversity of marine species. With colorful corals, sea fans, and varied wildlife, you might encounter moray eels, eagle rays, turtles, leopard sharks, and even seahorses for the keen-eyed.
Several regions offer quality seabeds. The Musandam Peninsula, not touristy and separated by the United Arab Emirates, is ideal for drift dives thanks to its fjords and islets. Off the coast of Muscat, the capital, many accessible sites are teeming with marine life. The Daymaniyat Islands Marine Park, a sanctuary for seabirds, hosts an impressive underwater variety, including whale sharks and endemic species. To the south, you might even spot humpback whales.
Above Water
Visit Muscat, the oldest city in the Middle East, rich in history and culture. Explore desert landscapes and wadis — rocky valleys where you can swim. To the south, the Dhofar region offers a contrast with its lush greenery.
Practical
- Time Difference : + 2 hours in summer, + 3 hours in winter.
- Water Temperature : 25°C on average from November to April and 28°C from May to October.
- Ideal Season : from November to March.
- Equipment : 3 mm wetsuit.
- Budget : 7-night stay starting from €1,750 (flights, breakfasts, and 10 dives). 7-night cruise starting from €2,195 (flights, full board, and 3 to 4 dives per day).
- Operators : Oceanes, Aquarev, Subocea, Ultramarina, Spots d’Évasion, Nature Plongée, H2O Voyage, Awateha, Seven Seas.
The European: The Green Isle of Sao Miguel
Located 1,500 km from the Portuguese coast, Sao Miguel is the largest of the nine Azores islands, a true haven of peace where nature reigns, both on land and at sea! In the heart of the Atlantic, its underwater worlds shelter oceanic and tropical species such as devil rays, barracudas, tuna, and parrotfish. This area is also a sanctuary for cetaceans, with 27 announced species, including dolphins and humpback whales, visible during sea trips. Sometimes, dolphins even join divers!
Marine reliefs, sculpted by volcanic activity, offer lava flows, tunnels, canyons, and caves frequented by moray eels and groupers. Most sites are accessible to beginner divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. The wreck of the Dori, a WWII relic, rests at 20 meters depth and is visible while snorkeling. Just a 4.5-hour flight from Paris, this island promises breathtaking scenery for a reasonable budget.
Above Water
The landscapes of Sao Miguel are stunning, with lush vegetation and volcanoes surrounded by turquoise or emerald lakes. Don’t miss the refreshing waterfalls and hot springs.
Practical
- Time Difference : – 2 hours all year round.
- Water Temperature : 20°C on average from June to November, 17°C from December to May.
- Ideal Season : June to October.
- Equipment : 5 to 7 mm wetsuit.
- Diving Level : beginner to advanced.
- Budget : Starting from €915 for 7 nights (flights, breakfast, 10 dives).
- Operators : Aquarev, Subocea, Ultramarina, Spots d’Évasion, H2O Voyage, Seal Adventures.
The Caribbean: Along the Riviera Maya at Playa del Carmen
Stay on Mexico’s east coast, in the Yucatan. Playa del Carmen, a lively and popular seaside resort, offers dive sites suitable for all levels, ideal for snorkeling as well. Just an hour by boat from Cozumel, famed by Cousteau and a national park, you’ll discover the second largest coral reef in the world, rich in soft and hard corals and sea fans.
It’s a prime spot for encountering barracudas, stingrays, turtles, and parrotfish, and even sailfish between January and February. Dives around Cozumel often occur as drift dives, yet remain accessible. From June to September, whale sharks are present, and from November to March, female bull sharks come to give birth, observable at 20-25 meters deep. Playa del Carmen also grants access to the Yucatan jungle, where many cenotes are often included in travel offers to this destination.
Above Water
Take time to explore Mayan history through the famous sites of Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba, away from the hustle of Playa del Carmen.
Practical
- Time Difference : – 7 hours in summer, – 6 hours in winter.
- Water Temperature : 30°C from June to October, 27°C from November to May.
- Ideal Season : December to April.
- Equipment : 3 mm wetsuit.
- Diving Level : beginner to advanced.
- Budget : Starting from €1,590 for 7 nights (flights, breakfasts, and 10 dives).
- Operators : available with most tour operators.
The Pros’ Choice
Where to go on a limited budget? Here are the recommendations of two tour operators.
Stay in Malaysia
Ziad, Nature Plongée : The island of Redang.
- Why go there? A perpetual show: barracudas, turtles, angelfish… Water at 30°C and outside temperature at 28°C.
- Budget : About €2,350 for 10 nights, plus €280 for meals and transfers.
For more details: 10-night stay including breakfasts, flights, 18 dives. www.nature-plongee.com.
Travel in Indonesia
Isabelle, SeaCrush : Eco-resort in Raja Ampat.
- Why choose this trip? Dives at Cape Kri, Blue Magic, and others, with an astounding biodiversity.
- Budget : Starting from €1,263 excluding flights.
For more details: 6-night stay, full board and 2 dives per day. www.seacrush.com.
GPS Coordinates
- Oman : 23°42’53”N – 058°49’29”E
- Azores : 37°48’30”N – 025°28’23”W
- Mexico : 20°37’51”N – 087°04’40”W
- Malaysia : 05°47’00”N – 103°00’50”E
- Indonesia : 00°42’45”S – 130°18’12”E
This article, originally written by Margot Harty for the print edition of PLONGEZ!, has been adapted for the web