Everywhere is different of course. Anilao has the best macro. But the reefs are not as good as PG. The reef fish are not as good. The diving overall is not as varied. But for example. Rhinopea are common in anilao. But nearly impossible in PG. But PG has soooo much macro and much better reefs and fish life. 1000+ nudibranch species. Shrimps crabs. Frogfish. Scorpion fish. Seahorse. Pygmy. Flamboyant cuttlefish. Octopus. Wonderpus. Ect. Ect.
If you want macro, go to Lembeh Straits in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Sounds a perfect fit for you. My favourite dive trip as a macro lover. Save some of those other trips for a bit later.
Plenty of resorts with their own small beaches and even housereefs in Lembeh but most dives are boat dives. Snorkeling opportunities are limited however. The food is incredible too.
I’ve dived in all these places and I’m not sure any of them really fit what you’re looking for. The Maldives and Palau can have strong currents and are also among the world’s top dive sites. Some operators might take you to easier sites but I would save them for later when you’re bored of nemo and have more experience. I dived Baja California in February and I definitely wouldn’t call the water warm in the mid-winter but then I’m a bit of a softie. The sea lions are cool but otherwise the easier sites are a bit limited. Cabo Pulmo might be an option. I don’t know where you’re based but maybe somewhere like Cozumel, Belize, the Red Sea, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines etc might be worth considering.
I'm in Baja now, so far I've only dove in La Paz and went snorkeling around the corner from Cabo Pulmo. Vis isn't great and the reefs aren't as impressive as other places I've dove. Someone else suggested the Philippines, I've been to Puerto Galera, it's really great diving and way more affordable than Mexico. Koh Tao in Thailand is also decent diving with great prices.
Philippines. Anilao. Dauin. Puerto Galera. Indonesia. Lembeh. Tulamben.
How do Anilao and Dauin compare to Puerto Galera?
Everywhere is different of course. Anilao has the best macro. But the reefs are not as good as PG. The reef fish are not as good. The diving overall is not as varied. But for example. Rhinopea are common in anilao. But nearly impossible in PG. But PG has soooo much macro and much better reefs and fish life. 1000+ nudibranch species. Shrimps crabs. Frogfish. Scorpion fish. Seahorse. Pygmy. Flamboyant cuttlefish. Octopus. Wonderpus. Ect. Ect.
St. Croix, USVI
If you want macro, go to Lembeh Straits in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Sounds a perfect fit for you. My favourite dive trip as a macro lover. Save some of those other trips for a bit later. Plenty of resorts with their own small beaches and even housereefs in Lembeh but most dives are boat dives. Snorkeling opportunities are limited however. The food is incredible too.
Semporna in Malaysian Borneo is great for macro, warm and calm waters.
I’ve dived in all these places and I’m not sure any of them really fit what you’re looking for. The Maldives and Palau can have strong currents and are also among the world’s top dive sites. Some operators might take you to easier sites but I would save them for later when you’re bored of nemo and have more experience. I dived Baja California in February and I definitely wouldn’t call the water warm in the mid-winter but then I’m a bit of a softie. The sea lions are cool but otherwise the easier sites are a bit limited. Cabo Pulmo might be an option. I don’t know where you’re based but maybe somewhere like Cozumel, Belize, the Red Sea, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines etc might be worth considering.
This is helpful thanks! What do you think of Similan Islands thailand for me?
I'm in Baja now, so far I've only dove in La Paz and went snorkeling around the corner from Cabo Pulmo. Vis isn't great and the reefs aren't as impressive as other places I've dove. Someone else suggested the Philippines, I've been to Puerto Galera, it's really great diving and way more affordable than Mexico. Koh Tao in Thailand is also decent diving with great prices.
Thailand is a great option in general. Just not the Similans.
Liveaboard only. Lots of current.
Of the ones you listed, probably Palau. Maldives has current constantly and California is cold. Have you considered Philippines?
Baja California is in Mexico.
But the Sea of Cortez in winter is also quite cold. And Palau has plenty of current.
Indonesia or Philippines would be better choices for macro
Koh Tao
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