Our experts may be seasoned travellers, but there are still a few dreamy corners of the sea calling their names - and who better to inspire your next adventure than our ocean-obsessed team? We asked our resident diving gurus, Jacqui, Emily and Rachel, for a peek at their bucket lists and, as usual, they didn't disappoint. From Fiji's snow-white soft corals to the Galapagos' pelagic paradise, read on to discover where our experts want to dive next…
Jacqui's Dream Dives
Fiji - specifically The Great White Wall
Fiji is often referred to as the 'soft coral capital of the world', and its aptly named Rainbow Reef boasts 15 miles of kaleidoscopic coral and myriad marine life. As if that wasn't enough, the reef is home to the Great White Wall, one of the world's most coveted dive sites (and top of my diving bucket list). There are only two windows each month when currents are gentle enough to see the coral in bloom, but if you're lucky enough to catch it, you'll be treated to the sight of brilliant white corals across a vertical drop-off.
Tanzania
While I'm no stranger to Pemba Island (Misali's cabbage corals just off its coastline are a real highlight) I'm keen to return to this Tanzanian gem to try out Manta Resort's underwater safaris. Each dive guide is equipped with a microphone, and each diver with an earpiece, so guides can narrate the underwater experience in real time. What better way to learn more about Pemba's colourful coral and diverse marine life?
Emily's Dream Dives
Papua New Guinea
From the dramatic fjords of Tufi to the incredible reefs of Walindi and Tawali, Papua New Guinea is truly an untouched paradise. As an uncharted country, it boasts pristine dive sites and varied underwater opportunities, and you'll be able to dive them without worrying about big crowds scaring away the marine life. If you're lucky enough to travel here, I'd recommend complementing your diving adventures with a few rich cultural experiences on land, whether that be staying at authentic homestays or meeting local master artisans.
Yap
If Papua New Guinea is remote, then Yap is something else entirely. This seriously secluded island group in Micronesia is characterised by a strong commitment to conservation, something that's incredibly important to me as a marine biologist. Yap promises year-round manta rays, rugged WWII wrecks and unspoiled coral reefs, populated by sharks, sea turtles and tropical reef fish. Yap is also chock-full of history and culture, so once you surface, you can wander through a local village to watch amazing traditional dancing.
Rachel's Dream Dives
The Galapagos
The water might be a little chillier, but it's well worth bracing the cold for the unparalleled wildlife encounters in the Galapagos. I'm a true pelagic lover, so diving Wolf and Darwin islands is my dream come true: think over 30 species of shark, including whale sharks and hammerheads, as well as mantas and marine iguanas. The archipelago is also home to vast volcanic landscapes and over 100 species of birds, so whether you're a diver or a landlubber, it's one for the bucket list.
The Philippines
The Philippines really has it all. With 7,641 islands, the country's diversity is unmatched, and I'd love to go on an island-hopping adventure to truly experience its incredible biodiversity and famously warm waters. Swimming alongside thresher sharks in Malapascua, venturing into WWII shipwrecks in Coron and muck diving in Dumaguete… need I go on?
