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Learning to scuba dive? Here’s an essential guide to the equipment – and the lingo – if you want to speak like a pro<\/strong><\/a><\/li>

Prettiest sea animals. Meet some of the most beautiful – and sparkliest – creatures in the ocean<\/strong><\/a><\/li> <\/ul> These submerged installations\u00a0attract\u00a0a diverse range of marine life\u00a0from barracudas and butterflyfish, sharks<\/a> <\/strong>and starfish<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>to\u00a0turtles,\u00a0 octopus<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0 rays.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>

<\/div> <\/figure> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best underwater statues<\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park, Caribbean<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Grenada's Underwater Sculpture Park\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Gj-4Lurwd64?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sandals.com\/blog\/underwater-sculpture-park-grenada\/\">Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park<\/a> is a pioneering blend of art and environmental preservation, featuring installations like \u201cVicissitudes,\u201d a circle of children holding hands. These sculptures not only captivate divers but serve as artificial reefs that promote marine <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/animal-facts\/biodiversity-explained\">biodiversity<\/a>.<\/p> <p>Here, you can expect encounters with vibrant reef fish, stealthy barracuda, and occasionally a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/animal-facts\/marine-animals\/sea-turtle-types\"> sea turtle<\/a> gliding past.<\/p> <p>The water temperatures typically range from 26-28\u00b0C (79-82\u00b0F), creating comfortable diving conditions. The best months for a dive are November to May, when visibility is highest, providing a clear view of the statues and marine life.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Museo Atl\u00e1ntico, Lanzarote, Spain<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Underwater Museum | LANZAROTE \/ SPAIN | Museo Atlantico\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LZG_tlabLeY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/underwatermuseumlanzarote.com\/en\/\">Lanzarote\u2019s Museo Atl\u00e1ntico<\/a>, Europe\u2019s first underwater museum, over 300 life-sized sculptures evoke a powerful connection between humanity and the ocean.<\/p> <p>With exhibits like \u201cThe Raft of Lampedusa,\u201d this site prompts reflection on both environmental and social themes. Marine life flourishes here, with damselfish, octopus, and even one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/animal-facts\/fish\/weirdest-sharks\">weirdest sharks in the world<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/animal-facts\/marine-animals\/angelshark-guide\">angel shark<\/a> frequently visits the site.<\/p> <p>The water temperature is generally between 18-24\u00b0C (64-75\u00b0F), making May to October the ideal time to dive. During these months, the conditions are optimal for exploring the museum\u2019s unique artwork and the thriving marine <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/plant-facts\/habitats-vs-ecosystems\">ecosystem<\/a>.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ocean Atlas, Bahamas<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ocean Atlas is the world's largest underwater sculpture\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/z2lksY9DeEk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlasobscura.com\/places\/ocean-atlas\">Ocean Atlas in the Bahamas<\/a> is an awe-inspiring 60-ton sculpture of a young girl carrying the weight of the ocean on her shoulders, symbolising strength and responsibility toward environmental stewardship. The sculpture is surrounded by a thriving coral ecosystem, drawing in species such as parrotfish, snapper, and grouper.<\/p> <blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"> <p>The site\u2019s coral gardens, combined with the imposing figure of Ocean Atlas, make this an unforgettable dive.<\/p> <\/blockquote> <p>With water temperatures ranging from 24-29\u00b0C (75-84\u00b0F), the best time to visit is from December to April when the seas are\u00a0calm\u00a0and visibility is high.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Silent Evolution, Cancun, Mexico<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Jason deCaires Taylor and Museo Subaquatico de Arte\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oip5M3IJ4bI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pocnadivecenter.com\/post\/the-silent-evolution-evoluci%C3%B3n-silenciosa-in-musa-isla-mujeres\">The Silent Evolution at Cancun\u2019s MUSA (Museo\u00a0Subacu\u00e1tico\u00a0de Arte<\/a>) features over 400 statues, each representing a different aspect of humanity and the resilience of marine ecosystems. This collection of statues has quickly become home to various species, including rays, reef fish, and crustaceans like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/animal-facts\/marine-animals\/difference-between-a-lobster-and-a-crab\">lobsters<\/a>.<\/p> <blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"> <p>The statues, carefully placed to encourage coral growth, offer divers an immersive journey through art and marine life.<\/p> <\/blockquote> <p>Water temperatures are warm year-round, between 25-28\u00b0C (77-82\u00b0F), but December through April is the preferred season for diving due to calmer waters and fewer storms.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bali\u2019s Underwater Temple Garden, Indonesia<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Amazing Underwater Temple Situated In Bali || Brain Feast\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uTQURBQxYoM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.balifundiving.com\/exploring-balis-ancient-underwater-temples\/\">Bali\u2019s Underwater Temple Garden<\/a> brings a mystical quality to the sea, with statues of Hindu deities and temple gates that create a surreal, almost otherworldly diving experience. This site is abundant with life, from\u00a0colourful butterflyfish and angelfish to the occasional reef shark.<\/p> <blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"> <p>The garden\u2019s statues and surrounding reef offer an experience that\u2019s both culturally rich and ecologically diverse.<\/p> <\/blockquote> <p>With water temperatures hovering between 26-30\u00b0C (79-86\u00b0F), May to September is the ideal period to dive, as these months provide the calmest waters.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Moliniere\u00a0Bay Underwater Sculpture Park, St. Lucia<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8LXbNumWfn0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sandals.com\/blog\/underwater-sculpture-park-grenada\/\">St. Lucia\u2019s\u00a0Moliniere\u00a0Bay<\/a> is home to an underwater sculpture park that marries artistry with environmental purpose. Statues like \u201cThe Circle of Children\u201d aid in coral regeneration, creating a living\u00a0exhibit that invites exploration.<\/p> <blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"> <p>This park stands as a testament to how art and nature can collaborate to restore marine ecosystems.<\/p> <\/blockquote> <p>The waters, consistently warm between 27-29\u00b0C (80-84\u00b0F), are ideal for spotting reef fish, barracuda, and even the occasional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/animal-facts\/fish\/eel-migration\">moray eel<\/a> weaving through the statues. November to May is the best time to dive, as visibility is typically clearest.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Nest, Gili Meno, Indonesia<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Nest Statues, Gili Meno, Indonesia\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mJhuMbA1GwM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>In the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlasobscura.com\/places\/nest-gili-meno\">Gili Islands, the Nest <\/a>is an underwater installation designed by artist Jason\u00a0deCaires\u00a0Taylor. It features 48 life-sized figures locked in a continuous circle, a design that encourages <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/animal-facts\/insects-invertebrates\/facts-about-coral-reefs\">coral<\/a> growth and fosters a rich marine ecosystem.<\/p> <blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"> <p>Nest provides a powerful example of art’s role in nurturing life beneath the waves.<\/p> <\/blockquote> <p>This site is a haven for marine life, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/animal-facts\/fish\/queen-parrotfish-mucus-bubble\">parrotfish<\/a>, butterflyfish, and a variety of crustaceans. Water temperatures generally remain between 26-29\u00b0C (79-84\u00b0F). The ideal diving months are June to October when waters are clearest.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Underwater Sculpture Garden, Norway<\/strong><\/h3> <p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitnorway.com\/listings\/jason-tyler-underwater-sculpture-park\/221505\/\">Underwater Sculpture Garden in Norway<\/a> offers a distinctly different underwater experience, with statues set in the cooler waters of the Nordic seas. Here, divers encounter cold-water species such as starfish, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/animal-facts\/insects-invertebrates\/jellyfish-guide\">jellyfish<\/a>, and cod.<\/p> <blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"> <p>The combination of modern sculpture and the stark beauty of the Norwegian seascape creates an experience unlike any other, offering an intimate glimpse into the North Atlantic\u2019s unique marine environment.<\/p> <\/blockquote> <p>Water temperatures are typically between 5-12\u00b0C (41-54\u00b0F), making summer the most comfortable time to dive.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Coral<\/strong> <strong>Urban Reef Experimental Site, Miami, USA<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Reef Line - An Underwater Coral Reef Sculpture Park in Miami Beach\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PjkUQxI9wnI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>Urban Reef in Florida is an innovative site where city-inspired installations become homes for marine life. Snapper, tarpon, and even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/animal-facts\/fish\/seahorse-facts\">seahorses <\/a>have made this artificial reef their habitat.<\/p> <blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"> <p>By transforming cityscapes into coral-rich environments, Urban Reef underscores how urban-inspired designs can benefit marine ecosystems and provide unique diving experiences.<\/p> <\/blockquote> <p>Water temperatures range from 24-28\u00b0C (75-82\u00b0F), with May to October providing the warmest waters for diving.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Museo\u00a0Subacu\u00e1tico\u00a0de Arte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art), Cancun, Mexico 2021\ud83d\udc1f\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/r8ppd_uc5kI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>Isla Mujeres is home to the impressive Museo\u00a0Subacu\u00e1tico\u00a0de Arte, which features close to 500 statues crafted to both reduce the strain on natural reefs and encourage coral growth. Divers frequently encounter turtles, stingrays, and\u00a0colourful schools of tropical fish as they explore the sculptures.<\/p> <blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"> <p>This museum serves as a pioneering example of how art can directly contribute to marine conservation, making it a site of both ecological and cultural importance.<\/p> <\/blockquote> <p>The water remains comfortably warm, between 25-28\u00b0C (77-82\u00b0F), and November to May is the best season for diving.<\/p> <p>Watch Jason Tyler’s TED Talk about his underwater art museums around the world.<\/p> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"An underwater art museum, teeming with life | Jason deCaires Taylor\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RWiI7AkDX-o?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p><strong>Discover more fascinating diving sites and marine experiences<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/get-active\/best-dive-sites-in-uk\">Best dive sites in UK: Discover magical underwater worlds<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/get-active\/famous-shipwrecks\">Britain’s most famous shipwrecks: Discover dramatic stories of lost ships beneath our seas<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/holidays-days-out\/10-most-incredible-marine-life-experiences\">Discover the most incredible marine life experiences for memories that will last a lifetime<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/animal-facts\/insects-invertebrates\/facts-about-coral-reefs\">Coral reefs guide: what is coral and coral bleaching, and species to spot<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Published: Tuesday, 12 November 2024 at 16:14 PM Discover a world of art teeming with marine life: PADI\u2019s guide to underwater sculpture parks, museums and installations How underwater statues can help marine wildlife Across the globe, underwater sculptures, museums and\u00a0installations\u00a0have become unexpected havens for marine life, transforming art into thriving artificial reefs\u00a0teeming with wildlife. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":43792,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"5"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/11\/like-to-dive-check-out-these-extraordinarily-beautiful-underwater-statues-teeming-with-wildlife.jpg",1024,683,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/11\/like-to-dive-check-out-these-extraordinarily-beautiful-underwater-statues-teeming-with-wildlife-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/11\/like-to-dive-check-out-these-extraordinarily-beautiful-underwater-statues-teeming-with-wildlife-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/11\/like-to-dive-check-out-these-extraordinarily-beautiful-underwater-statues-teeming-with-wildlife-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/11\/like-to-dive-check-out-these-extraordinarily-beautiful-underwater-statues-teeming-with-wildlife.jpg",800,534,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/11\/like-to-dive-check-out-these-extraordinarily-beautiful-underwater-statues-teeming-with-wildlife.jpg",1024,683,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/11\/like-to-dive-check-out-these-extraordinarily-beautiful-underwater-statues-teeming-with-wildlife.jpg",1024,683,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Published: Tuesday, 12 November 2024 at 16:14 PM Discover a world of art teeming with marine life: PADI\u2019s guide to underwater sculpture parks, museums and installations How underwater statues can help marine wildlife Across the globe, underwater sculptures, museums and\u00a0installations\u00a0have become unexpected havens for marine life, transforming art into thriving artificial reefs\u00a0teeming with wildlife.…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/43791"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43792"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43791"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43791"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}