The depths of the ocean hide underwater volcanoes that are invisible from the surface of the earth, but whose active influence on the formation of the ocean and terrain is constantly felt. Many islands arose as a result of volcanic activity, and unusual underwater formations are located near their shores, which are also a consequence of volcanic eruptions.
Such places are especially attractive for unforgettable diving. Here are the seven most famous corners of the world, which are famous for the active activities of underwater volcanoes and offer interesting locations for diving.
1
Barren, Andaman Islands
In the clear blue waters near this active volcano in the Andaman Sea, incredibly colorful coral reef walls, surrounded by black volcanic sand and newly formed lava rocks, create a very contrasting landscape. Barren Island rises above the ocean waters, surrounded by impressive rock formations and crowned by the top of the eponymous volcano, from which pillars of smoke rise.
Of particular interest to divers is a cave of lava stones near the Purple Haze dive site and a cliff streamlined by lava flows near which the Manta Point dive site is located, where you can meet giant ramps. To get to these picturesque places, it is recommended to book a diving safari or a guided tour that includes diving near Barren Island, from Port Blair on South Andaman Island.
2
Batu Tara Volcano, Indonesia
The stratovolcano Batu Tara, often showing geothermal activity, majestically rises above the Sea of Flores in Indonesia. Fearless divers who dare to dive here can even enjoy the smoke and fire.
The underwater landscapes of the volcano with its surrounding many soft corals and exotic fish (mostly barracuda and one-color gymnasium) are no less impressive than surface “special effects”. Among the colorful soft corals, there are such bizarre marine inhabitants as toad fish and mimic octopuses, as well as seahorses.
3
Banua Wuhu, Indonesia
An even more unusual place for diving in Indonesia is the underwater volcano Banua Wuhu, located near the island of Mahangetan near North Sulawesi. Unlike other volcanoes interesting for diving, Banua Wuhu is completely hidden under water, and its peak is about 6 m below the surface.
Due to emissions of sulfur dioxide as a result of volcanic activity, many bubbles form near the volcano, and the water heats up to almost 100 degrees, which creates the conditions for a unique diving, reminiscent of scuba diving in heated champagne.
4
Molokini Crater, Hawaii
One of the most popular diving sites in Hawaii is the Molokini Volcanic Crater, located off the southern coast of Maui. It arose as a result of the activity of those volcanoes that formed the island itself. Over the many years since its inception, the northern side of the crater has been washed away by ocean waters, leaving as a reminder only an island in the shape of a crescent with small reefs inside it and an impressive 90-meter underwater wall in the background.
Among the reefs, a unique ecosystem has formed with many exotic fish. For example, an endemic angel fish lives here. The lagoon itself is an excellent place for diving with manta rays, and in winter you can swim here next to humpback whales.
5
Garove Island, Papua New Guinea
Traveling on a yacht in the volcanic archipelago of Vita, owned by Papua New Guinea, you can visit the caldera of the volcano of the island of Garove. This is an almost perfect circle in the center of the island, which is hidden under water at a depth of about 300 m. The black bottom of volcanic sand inside the caldera gave this place the glory of one of the best diving sites for poppy diving.
It is also a great location for underwater photographers who want to capture truly fantastic creatures (such as sea leaf fish or blue ribbon eels) that almost merge with the sand. Dicky’s Place is the most popular dive site where long dives are possible and there are all conditions (including the possibility of night diving) for observing unique sea creatures.
6
Gordons Rock, Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands formed as a result of volcanic activity, and the famous diving site Gordons Rock was once a cone of a volcano that arose near the island of Santa Cruz, but its caldera was destroyed by many years of exposure to wind and waves. Now, when flying over these places, you can notice a barely noticeable crescent shape of what remains of the caldera. But from the sea, these remnants look like three rocks protruding above the water.
The fault between the northern and southern rocks passes along the caldera, forming a small area with strong currents. Here you can admire the massive hammerhead sharks that cut through the sea waters, like squadrons of fighter jets. It is also a great place to watch stingrays, Galapagos sharks and barracudas.
7
Supermans Flight, Saint Lucia
Ideal conditions for drift diving in powerful currents exist near one of the most famous volcanoes in the Caribbean. The Superman Flight dive site is located near the volcanic peak Python. This inclined wall is the underwater part of the vent of the volcano, which goes under water to a depth of more than 300 m.
Located on the western edge of the mountain, the dive site has powerful currents that allow divers to experience the most vivid drift diving experience among corals, with giant barrel sponges in the neighborhood.
Posted by Skywriter13