They say you don’t wait for the perfect time, instead you create it. Ideal and optimistic as it may be but reality strikes when even you yourself can’t create the perfect time, and when you have the time, other necessities don’t necessarily pile up to grab the opportunity. That’s why having a midlife bucket list becomes essential — a reminder to seize the moments worth living before they pass you by.
Midlife is the perfect time to take on dream dives. It’s the perfect window in one’s life where resources are balanced — you have the means to spend, the health still is capable of moderate to extreme activities, and appreciation is at its finest where both huge and small things are acknowledged and valued.
In this midlife bucket list we made for you, you will see seven of the must-see, must-visit, and must-try dive destinations before hitting the big 5 and 0!
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Boasting the world’s largest coral reef system, with home to over over 1,600 species of fish, 400 species of coral, and numerous other creatures like marine turtles, whales, dolphins, and sea snakes, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most complex and valuable marine biodiversities in the planet. Diving in this crystal clear waters, welcomed with colorful marine life is a marvel to one’s sight. Perfect for early to mid-divers, this location is the perfect spot to witness the glory of the undersea world.
Blue Hole, Belize
This iconic, giant sinkhole dive is not for the faint of heart. For all the daring divers out there who defy every facet of thalassophobia, this is for you! Beyond the chase for thrill, the divers who conquered the Blue Hole earn a bragging right worth for a lifetime — diving in one of the most sought-after deep diving adventures! Paired with nearby reef adventures, this bullet in your midlife bucket list should be ticked in no time.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Tagged as the “crown jewel of biodiversity,” Raja Ampat or the Four Kings, is an archipelago located off of the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula Southwest Papua province in Indonesia. It is famous for its remote, pristine, and colorful reefs — home to a plethora of aqua flora and fauna To maximise experience and memorability, you should try liveaboard diving — stay in a scuba diving purposely-build boat, or an adapted existing vessel that offers diving trips that usually last longer than one night.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
An archipelago borne of volcanic activity, Galápagos Islands in South America is home to untamed underwater wildlife from hammerhead sharks, to sea lions, to manta rays. It is home to endemic plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world due to its unique history and formation. Travel tip: You need good physical fitness to navigate in these waters as currents may be strong due to its geographic location in the Eastern Pacific!
Red Sea, Egypt
Red Sea is a narrow strip of water extending from Suez, Egypt, to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, separating Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. More than its strategic geographic location as passageway for economic transactions, it is home to historic tales and shipwrecks of pulchritude. It is one of the most accessible dive spots, flaunting a unique blend of vibrant corals and macabre wreckages.
Palau, Micronesia
Dramatic wall dives? Blue waters? WWII wreckages? Palau has it for you! An island country in the Micronesia subregion of Oceania in the western Pacific Ocean, Palau is the perfect destination for those who want adventure sprinkled in with some luxury. It boasts white-sand beaches and exquisite marine ecosystems, perfect for those who see relaxation in oceanic allure. It also offers a unique snorkelling experience at the Jellyfish Lake. Don’t worry, it’s totally safe!
Malapascua, Philippines
Malapascua is the quintessential island paradise. Situated in the central Philippines, it nestles fine white sand, crystal clear waters, and lovely people. It is famous for thresher sharks at Monad Shoal. It is quieter, less commercialized, and perfect for a slower midlife trip. You can also experience their island-hopping adventure just to beat the summer heat.
At 40+, it is imperative to be mindful of the location, activity, and intensity of the diving endeavours in your midlife bucket list. One should be mindful of ear health, stamina, and overall physical activity readiness. You must also consider smart planning for budget and luxury options. And also, time management is key. Diving should be an enjoyment, not a chore.
In the end, you don’t want to turn 50 wishing you’d gone deeper. Midlife is the best time to explore the depths of the sea and enjoy the pulchritude of life while you still can. Afterall, our ages only go up, so why not dive down instead? So which one among the seven locations above will you visit first?
