Discover The Most Dangerous Spots in The World To Go Scuba Diving
I like a good thrill out on the water. And, while a little wind along with rough seas certainly makes the hair stand up my arms, I also enjoy the adrenaline rush. So, I always thought about what scuba diving would be like in uncharted waters. Even more, what it would be like to dive in places that have been deemed as the most dangerous in the world. If you have an inner wild daredevil like me, I did a little research for you. Below are some of the most dangerous yet riveting places in the world to go scuba diving.
Eagle’s Nest Diving Sinkhole
Plenty of divers have lost their lives in this challenging diving sinkhole located in Weeki, Wachee Florida. The rainwater here is slightly acidic, therefore underwater caves and sinkholes are formed when rainwater perforates deeply into the limestone bedrock. Which is pretty cool, until you get lost when your navigation glitches. But, that’s not typically why this sinkhole is so dangerous. The main issue is the depth (up to 300 feet) combined with scuba divers, even highly trained ones, pushing their limits. If you are going to go scuba diving through this underwater cave labyrinth, it is best to go with a buddy or a guide. Make sure you have the proper gear. And, as always stay within your limits.
Blue Hole, Dahab Red Sea
Want to literally dive to the depths of the earth? Then you should head out to Blue Hole. This profound diving sinkhole, located in southeast Sinai, a few kilometers north of Dahab, Egypt, has a depth of approximately 463 feet. And, while this dynamic vertical underwater cavern happens to be one of the most popular dive spots in the world, it also claims around 30 lives every year. Again, most divers plunge to their death when they push both their physical and gear limits. Moreover, as soon as you start to descend to a significant depth, no matter where you are diving in the world, nitrogen narcosis can occur. Nitrogen narcosis is an alteration in consciousness which can cause short-term memory loss. It can also produce sense of euphoria and a general state of confusion. This can cause any scuba diver, experienced or not, to become disoriented and eventually drown.
With that said, shallow dives at Blue Hole are perfectly safe. If you are a highly skilled, deep-water scuba diver, then the legendary Blue Hole could very well be the adrenaline rush you are looking for. Just be careful, some call the Blue Hole of Dahab, the “Divers Cemetery”. Which for daredevils, may make it all that more enticing.
Jacob’s Well – Wimberley Texas
Credit: The City And Us
Starting from the opening of the cave, Jacob’s Well, located in Wimberley, Texas plunges for about 30 feet until it descends downward through a complex labyrinth of silted chambers. It’s bottom depth is around 120 feet. So while it’s not the deepest diving cave in the world, it certainly lures in daredevils from all over the world. This is due to it’s dynamic underwater maze chambers. Which is also one of the reasons why this perennial karstic spring, has been claiming the lives of experienced divers since the 80’s.
If you are feeling adventurous enough to explore this deadly diving spot, it has an extensive ecosystem. Abundant in marine life, this well is home to salamanders, crawfish, amphipods and isopods. If you rather float around in calmer waters, the well is open year long and maintains a year round water temperature of 68(f)
Samaesan Hole, Thailand
This hole, which extends 280 feet into the earth, is the deepest dive hole in the Gulf of Thailand. Its profound depth mixed with strong currents can sweep divers to their death at anytime. Besides strong currents and depth, here’s a twist. This diving site was used as a former military explosive dumping ground. Because of this there are unexploded bombs littered throughout its sea bed.
Depth, currents and bombs? I am not sure if I could think of more adrenaline provoking destination to go deep blue scuba diving.
Those are my top picks for the most dangerous spots in the world to go scuba diving. An honorable mention is Great Blue Hole, not to be confused with Blue Hole Dahab. This impressive sinkhole is located just off the coast of Belize. And, while it offers crystal clear waters and gorgeous marine wildlife, it has a depth of 407 feet. Pushing many divers beyond their limits and to their death. So while experienced divers will have plenty to marvel at down in this giant marine sinkhole, it’s best to go with a dive buddy and stay within your limits.
Have you been diving at any of the mentioned dangerous dive spots? Let’s here about it.
Cheers, Captain Gino
