By Sarah Wormald

Photo by Sascha Janson at Lembeh Resort

Less than 30% of our planet is made up of land so as divers, we are privileged to be able to explore some of the other 70%. Not all of our oceans are bordered by coral reefs, but some excellent diving and stunning marine life can be found in areas where you would least expect it.

The term “muck” in muck diving takes its name from the sediment that lies on the bottom of many dive sites which can be a mixture of sand, silt, natural debris such as dead corals and coral rubble, or manmade debris ranging from tires and paint cans to air conditioning units and beer bottles – anything is possible. One thing is for sure, be careful how you move your fins or you could kick up a (silt) storm!

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Spend six full days snorkeling with humpback whale mother-calf pairs on their calving grounds in Tonga, exploring coral gardens off the coast of Vava'u, and experiencing authentic Polynesian culture. This trip was named one of National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime" in 2009! 

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By Ivana Orlovic

It is almost like the end of the world, and beyond! To give you an idea just how remote this place is, I have been travelling by car, plane, bus, and boat for three whole days. This is a hidden utopia for divers, underwater photographers and videographers. In addition to decades of economic embargo and political isolation, Fidel Castro declared this part of Cuba a national reserve in the nineteen sixties.  Few people have had the privilege to come here and enjoy its unscathed nature and abundant wildlife. There is no commercial fishing, no oil pollution and no commercial ships. This is a place untouched by commercial activities. This is Jardines de la Reina, the Gardens of the Queen, a barrier reef off the southern coast of Cuba.

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