Swimming with the Caribbean's large animals: manta rays, whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphins and more

David Garcia

BIG CARIBBEAN ANIMALS

From Tobago and the Bahamas to the Mayan Riviera, the Caribbean's cast of big animals stars mantas, sperm whales, whale sharks, hammerheads and more.

There’s a common misconception among divers that the Caribbean is all about sunny reefs and their jewel-colored (and -size) denizens — that for the large, dynamic predators and pelagics you have to head to the Pacific. Not so, we say. From Tobago and the Bahamas to the Mayan Riviera, the Caribbean’s cast of big animals stars mantas, sperm whales, whale sharks and more.

What It's Like: To Get Bent

Feeling marching ants crawling under the skin of my thighs at 60 feet during decompression, it was clear to me that I was bent.

New Wreck for Thailand

The Koh Chang region of Thailand now boasts the largest artificial reef in the Southeast Asian country with the scuttling of the HTMS Chang.

Secret Spot: A Rare Glimpse

A close encounter with the Cuban crocodile is an elusive experience.

Secret Spot: Cities in Dust

North of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands' protected area called Acentejo, is this basalt formation, La Rapadura. During an eruption, lava basalt came into contact with the sea, forming the spectacular structure.

7 Tips on Dive-Boat Etiquette

The majority of the best dives still require a boat — here are a few quick tips to help you fit right in on board.

World's Best Diving & Resorts: Gran Melia Resort

Located in Puerto Rico - Gran Melia is known for its incredible diving, golf and tennis facilities, and exceptional dining venues.

Most Outrageous Dive Stories

From sleeping sharks to the deepest dives these outrageous dive stories aren't just entertaining. These true stories are sure to leave you curious about the outrageous people behind them!

Best Shore Dive on the Oregon Coast

Looking for some primo shore diving along the Oregon Coast? Check out Passages of the Deep at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, located in the town of Newport on the edge of Yaquina Bay. Thanks to their new Guest Diving Program, visitors can now immerse themselves in an unforgettable adventure, diving with sharks, bat rays, halibut, schools of Pacific mackerel and hundreds of other fish.

World's Best Diving & Resorts: Ocean Divers

Ocean Divers offers daily dive charters to the reefs and wrecks of Key Largo.

Top 100 Gold List 2013

The Top 100 Gold List of operators, resorts, live-aboards, underwater experiences (i.e., best wall, shore and wreck sites), dive bars and more was determined on a “popularity contest” basis. Rankings are based on the total number of responses, regardless of category.