Big Fish Hotspots |
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There's no other thrill that quite compares to a really big animal encounter. For some divers, an encounter with a fearsome Shark is what makes them tick. For others, it is sharing a moment with one of the ocean's gentle wanderers.
From Burma in the west to Papua New Guinea in the east, South-east Asia cannot fail to disappoint big fish lovers.
To help you to be in the right place at the right time, we've comiled a list of some of Asia's hottest spots for big marine encounters...
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There's no other thrill that quite compares to a really big animal encounter |
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These submerged sea mounts, which are a stop-off for Liveaboards from Thailand are simply a magnet for Sharks.
All kinds of Sharks can be seen here, from little Blacktips to Silvertips, Hammerheads and even occasional Tiger Sharks. Not too far away, Mergui Archipelago also has some great big fish encounters, especially Mantas, Mobulas & Eagle Rays.
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This atoll not only has awesome wall diving, but is one of the best spots in Asia for Shark encounters. The star of the show here is the Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, which gather in large schools around the atoll in April & May to breed. The sight of hundreds of these majestic creatures together is an experience that cannot fail to excite even the most experienced diver.
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Nestled between Sumbawa & Flores in Indonesia, Komodo & Rinca National Park is not only home to the legendary Komodo Dragon, but also some very big animals beneath the sea too. Between September & March, large numbers of Manta Rays gather in the area to feed on the plankton rich waters, while Shark encounters are not uncommon either.
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Just off Bali's southern coast the Indian Ocean and the Pacific collide, creating the ingredients for some adrenaline fuelled diving. The star of the show here are the Mola Molas, huge fish from the deep that can weigh as much as 2 tons. Head here between July & September for the best sightings, when the animals come to the reefs to be cleaned.
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On the Indonesian coast of Borneo, a little south from the famous Sipadan area is another area with fantastic diving. Here, a small island called Sangalaki attracts large numbers of Manta Rays, which gather to feed opn the plankton rich waters. It is even possible to encounter rare all-black Manta Rays here, as well as the more usual black & white variety.
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At the southern end of Leyte Island in the Visayas is an area called Sogod Bay. This remote area just happens to be on a Whale Shark migratory route and Sogod Bay seems to be the place where these gentle giants stop for a breather. Head there between November & May and you have a superb chance to encounter the biggest fish on the planet...
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Situated on the northern tip of New Ireland, the seas around the sleepy little town of Kavieng seem to have big fish encounters at almost every turn. In the current swept channels, Manta Rays, Mobulas & Eagle Rays cruise by effortlessly, while big schools of Barracuda and other large pelagics are common. If Sharks are your thing, you won't be disappointed either, with numerous species patrolling these special waters.
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On Papua New Guinea's northern shores, big fish are known to thrive. Apex predators abound here, from Tuna & Trevally to numerous species of Shark - including Silvertips, Hammerheads, Bronze Whalers & Tiger Sharks. Further afield, Babang Island & Purdy Island attract even bigger numbers of predators, while between July & September Sperm Whales are known to pay a visit.
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