Looking for something a little more adventurous than your neighborhood pool? The world’s oceans, lakes, and rivers are hiding some pretty spectacular secrets beneath their surfaces. From submerged museums to eerie sunken cities, here are 18 underwater attractions that prove the best sights require getting a bit wet.
1. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Image Credit: Shutterstock / superjoseph
Home to an explosion of life, the Great Barrier Reef is the underwater equivalent of a blockbuster movie. Expensive, yes, but some experiences are worth the splurge.
2. Underwater Sculpture Park, Grenada
Image Credit: Shutterstock / R Gombarik
Swap quiet art galleries for the vibrant marine life that surrounds these submerged sculptures. It’s snorkeling with a twist.
3. The Blue Hole, Belize
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Globe Guide Media Inc
A deep marine sinkhole that’s both a mystery and an adventure. It’s a bucket-list dive that promises the thrill of the deep blue.
4. SS Thistlegorm, Red Sea, Egypt
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Anna segeren
Dive into history with a visit to this World War II shipwreck. It’s an underwater museum where history meets adventure.
5. Silfra Fissure, Iceland
Image Credit: Shutterstock / VicPhotoria
Swim between two continents in some of the clearest water on earth. Yes, it’s freezing, but it’s also fantastically unique.
6. Museo Subacuático de Arte, Mexico
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rob Atherton
Cancun’s underwater museum is not just an art exhibit but a growing coral reef. It’s a double win for eco-friendly art enthusiasts.
7. Jellyfish Lake, Palau
Image Credit: Shutterstock / BlueOrange Studio
Where else can you swim with millions of stingless jellyfish? It’s an otherworldly experience that’s hard to match.
8. Neptune Memorial Reef, USA
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Felix Mizioznikov
An underwater cemetery off Miami that doubles as an artificial reef. It’s free, it’s fascinating, and it’s slightly macabre.
9. The Underwater Room, Zanzibar
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andy Troy
Sleeping with the fishes takes on a luxurious meaning in this underwater hotel room. It’s pricey but unforgettable.
10. Cancun Underwater Museum, Mexico
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rob Atherton
Yes, Cancun has two underwater museums, because why not? This one’s even bigger and just as mesmerizing.
11. Green Lake, Austria
Image Credit: Shutterstock / RiSchmid
A park that becomes a lake in summer, turning hiking trails into dive sites. Nature is full of surprises.
12. Devil’s Den, USA
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sarah Quintans
A prehistoric spring in Florida that offers a dive into crystal clear waters. It’s a refreshing plunge into the past.
13. Orda Cave, Russia
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Evgeny Haritonov
Dive into the world’s largest underwater gypsum cave for an eerie yet stunning experience. It’s not your average dive site.
14. Yonaguni Monument, Japan
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Renata Barbarino
Explore the underwater mystery of Yonaguni. Is it natural or man-made? Either way, it’s a diver’s dream.
15. Christ of the Abyss, Italy
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Cristian Umili
A submerged statue of Jesus that offers a serene underwater visit. It’s a peaceful dive that’s as beautiful as it is surreal.
16. The Underwater Waterfall, Mauritius
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Myroslava Bozhko
An optical illusion that looks like an underwater waterfall. It’s a sight best seen from above, so save up for that helicopter ride.
17. Capo D’Acqua, Italy
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Matthew Clemente
A submerged medieval village that tells a watery tale of history. It’s a dive site that’s both haunting and fascinating.
18. Aquarius Reef Base, USA
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Julien Jean Zayatz
The only underwater research station open to the odd visitor. It’s as close as you can get to being an astronaut on Earth.
Dive Into Wonder
Image Credit: Shutterstock / huang jenhung
From art installations resting on the ocean floor to natural wonders hidden beneath the waves, these 18 underwater attractions offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore the depths on a budget or splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience, there’s an underwater world waiting to be discovered. So grab your gear (or your wallet) and prepare for an adventure that’s anything but dry.
More Articles Like This…
Mastering Underwater Photography on Your Travels
One Day in…Ayutthaya, Thailand
Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations According to Tripadvisor 2024
The post 18 Unique Underwater Attractions American Travelers MUST See was republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Lillac.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.
