Stingray City, US

By Tim Rock (Adapted from "passport to diving the world")

Well Known For :

The best 12-foot (four-metre) dive in the world.

One of the world's most famous dives, Stingray City is billed as "the best 12-foot (four-metre) dive in the world." The stingrays for which the site is famous have been measured at over one metre across and weigh more than 50 kg. The divemasters, or "Ray Wranglers," have a canister containing squid, from which they occasionally release bits to keep the rays swimming around the divers as they kneel on the brilliant white sand. This can go on for up to an hour, especially if no other boat is around, but don't fret if you (somehow) tire of the ray show. There are yellowtail snappers, large groupers, and a somewhat cataract affected large green moray eel nearby. And while it may seem incongruous to bring a macro lens, the site is near a reef channel and an outlet for the mangroves in the inner bay, meaning excellent macro possibilities. With all that, don't forget to enjoy the rays and this amazing interaction - there are few places in the world quite like Stingray City.

(Ok enough with the stories, I'm itchin' for a dive)