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Friday, 24 April 2009

If you’re itching to have a go at scuba diving, you won’t have any trouble finding fabulous locations where you can explore an underwater world of shimmering fish, coral reefs, and lost treasures. The planet is full of spectacular diving sites dedicated to the sport, as well as holiday resorts that offer diving lessons and ‘try dives’.

However, as not all diving schools and lone operators in resorts are regulated, it is essential that you choose a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) accredited operator or diving school. And don’t forget to ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you for diving holidays. Insurance needn’t cost the earth and you’ll be glad you’ve got it when to take your first tentative plunge....

Scuba for beginners
Reputable diving schools in the leading diving destinations and specialists diving holiday operators will have fully qualified PADI dive masters and instructors. You can choose to take a full PADI Open Water course and gain your PADI certificate or just do a try dive or two. Whatever you decide to do you’ll learn all the necessary equipment procedures and manoeuvres before you even strap on an aqua lung – making your first underwater adventure both exhilarating and safe. PADI is the world’s leading scuba diving training organisation. With more than 40 years’ experience and 5300 dive shops and resorts worldwide, PADI training materials and services let you experience scuba diving in the safe hands of qualified PADI Instructors. You’ll also find a wide range of specialist websites that offer advice and tips for beginners.

Insurance matters
As with any adventure sport, it's essential to make sure you are properly insured. If you’re a frequent traveller, you’ll get the most value for your money and comprehensive cover for all your adventures, both in the big blue and on dry land, with a an annual travel insurance policy. Many annual holiday insurance policies do cover you for diving, but usually for only basic diving options at relatively shallow depth. Always check the small print of your policy for diving holiday insurance terms and conditions before you go on holiday and if in doubt call your insurer to make sure you are fully covered.

If you fancy dipping a toe into the under water for the first time, here are five top diving destinations for beginners

Red Sea, Egypt
The Red Sea resorts, notably Sharm el Sheikh and Dehab, are renowned for their high quality diving opportunities and are the most popular choice for first-time divers. Warm water, astounding visibility, dramatic drop offs and a vast array of 19th and 20th century wrecks – as well as first-class hotels and diving schools make for a compelling package. Here, you’ll discover lush coral gardens, red anemone and spot hammerhead sharks in the summer.

Florida, USA
Florida offers the best scuba diving opportunities on the North American continent and caters well for beginners who want to swim with giant turtles, manatees, rays and dolphins. The Gulf coast generally has better visibility while the Atlantic Coast has a wealth of reefs and wrecks, and the Florida Keys offer warm waters and tropical fish.

Cozumel, Mexico
In addition to affordable accommodation and lively nightlife, the Mexican island of Cozumel, off the Mayan coast, is surrounded by stunning reefs and boasts perfect conditions for scuba diving. There are 19 popular scuba diving reef areas, including dramatic swim-throughs teeming with marine life.

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, Caribbean
The beautiful Caribbean island of Grand Turk, situated near the southern tip of the Bahamas, is sheltered from heavy currents making it perfect for novices. Here, you’ll enjoy excellent visibility and year-round scuba diving. The island is surrounded by walls covered in sponges and corals starting at 25 feet and plunging 7000 feet straight down.

Kontokali, Corfu
You don’t have to travel far to get your scuba fix and many European resorts offer excellent diving centres. Among the best and most affordable is the resort of Kontoliki on the Greek Island of Corfu. Great visibility means you’ll get a close up few of octopus, moray eels, grouper, and starfish.

Halifax offers a complete range of bank account and personal investment products. Whatever you're looking for: from savings accounts to personal loans, a mortgage or a credit card at Halifax we aim to give you a little extra. We even offer help with your home insurance and travel insurance too.

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