Holy Grail of Diving?

[Thalassamania]

In 2006 International marine scientists regarded the Philippines as the "Center of Marine Biodiversity" in the world, surpassing the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Scientists, however, warned the Philippine government that the rapid deterioration of the country’s marine resources could destroy the nation’s natural heritage.

 

[fisheater]

The Peace out of Ventura, Not big but the hot tub rules!
Best crew in the world bar none.
A two or three day liveaboard, grabbing bugs, diving some incredible spots at the outer islands, kelp forests, eating 5 star food all day long, all for pennies compared to far away destinations. Yeah, it's for me.
I don't know if it's for the OP though.

SHHHH!!!!!

We don't want everyone else knowing about this. There won't be room for us.

 

[iztok]

SHHHH!!!!!

We don't want everyone else knowing about this. There won't be room for us.

Ah com'on share the love!

 

[diversteve]

What do you consider the Holy Grail of diving?

Wakatobi - add a few days on the Pelagian.

 

[mjh]

Holy Grails of diving (given your parameters)

Raja Ampat: Best done from a live-aboard. While not very "sharky" but arguably the healthiest reefs and diversity of life around. Throw in a few mantas and no other divers but you, hard to beat.

PNG: Almost a tie with Raja. Stronger on sharks than Raja but edge to Raja for overall reef life.

Wakatobi and the Pelagin would be a great combo.

OTHER generally accepted Holy Grail spots

Cocos: fantastic for sharks but zero corals or reef fish in any numbers.
Galapagos: Great sharks, and if you go at the right time WHALESHARKS!
South Africa Sardine Run: (Have not done, yet) While an all or nothing trip if you hit it right WOW!
Guadalupe Island: Great Whites, enough said.
Chuuk Lagoon: Wreck paradise and the surprise is the wrecks have become fantastic reefs.
Palau: For many of same reasons as PNG and Raja but IMHO some sites getting a little worn.
Lembeh: For the strange and small one of the best.

So many others but that is a start.

 

[boulderjohn]

I think that from what you have seen so far there is no such thing as THE holy grail of diving. There are many excellent places to dive, and there is no telling what YOU will like best. I personally am somewhat more intrigued with coral formations, wrecks, and things like that than I am in the biodiversity, but others are just the opposite. I suggest you just take it upon yourself to visit good spots, one after another, in your lifetime, enjoying each one on its own merits. Don't waste time worrying if the site you are in at the moment is not the very best in the world, for the very best in the world does not exist.

 

[jake11]

Raja Ampjat for both topside and below the water! I would have to say PNG for a close second IMHO!

 

[fire_diver]

"holy grail" really depends on what you like to see when you dive. There are places known for pelagics, places for tiny critters, places for reefs, places for wrecks.

I've heard there are some completely untouched reefs off the coast of Africa.

The problem with the BEST places, is that they too remote for most divers. They either have no infrastructure, take days of local travel to get to, or are extremely dangerous (from pirates, guerillas, bandits, etc).

 

[vladimir]

I suggest you just take it upon yourself to visit good spots, one after another, in your lifetime, enjoying each one on its own merits. Don't waste time worrying if the site you are in at the moment is not the very best in the world, for the very best in the world does not exist.

I agree, don't worry about going to "the" best. But life will intervene on your travel plans. You will have children, demanding jobs, or other obligations. And you don't have a lifetime, especially if biodiversity is a draw for you--the best reefs are degrading at a frightening pace. So I think you should treat each big dive trip as if it were your last, and try to see the places you'll cherish the most.

 

[cgvmer]

Any place I can get wet....Damm it's cold in NJ