In terms of Australia adventure vacations, scuba diving is one of the most sought-after experiences by eager travelers. The country’s oceanscape is rightly famous for a diverse collection of wildlife, extraordinary beauty and exceptional locations in which to dive. Entirely encircled by the ocean as it is, Australia is home to numerous exciting locations to take a dive, and a grand tour of them would make a solid basis for any exciting trip to the island nation.

The most famous of these destinations is, of course, the Great Barrier Reef, northeast of Queensland. Unlike the myth of the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef actually can be seen from space, without special magnification. It is a vast and mysterious ecosystem of coral and other aquatic life, with a bounty of colors and species to examine and delight in. There are even the shipwrecks of the Yongala and the Llewellyn to explore when accompanied by an experienced guide.

For those who can’t get enough of the big and the powerful, Ningaloo in Western Australia offers the opportunity to swim with the massive creatures known as Whale Sharks. Entirely nonaggressive toward humans, they are still tremendous beasts and are awe-inspiring to see cruising through the water only meters away.

Travelers with a more playful bent will not want to miss Baird Bay in South Australia. This locale offers the exciting chance to swim with affectionate and sometimes rambunctious sea lions and dolphins, some of the most beautiful and energetic creatures in the sea. Whole herds and pods of these animals will happily swim around and tease divers with their playful antics, and if the diver is lucky they might even pose for an underwater photo shot.

Diving is an exciting, traditional way to explore the beauty and the power of a world that’s just next door to our own, yet in many ways entirely different. When it comes to a chance to explore the diving life of a country as rich and diverse as Australia, the opportunity is one well worth taking.

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Whale sharks are tremendous creatures and ever so intimidating when you swim with them near Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. Huge in body, powerfully muscled and generally considered very peaceful animals, they are a compelling sight as they move through the sea. Despite their name, these sharks do not eat people like their more famous cousins do, instead straining plankton with their complex mouths. Swimming alongside one can be an incredible experience, and for those with a vacation package to Australia, they’re well worth the effort of tracking down.

The excursions range from scuba dives to simple snorkeling trips. A senior supervisor is present to make sure the event is handled properly, so there need not be any undue fears of “doing it wrong” so long as their advice is followed. Most advise keeping about 10 feet away from the shark. For those of us quite used to our time on land, even that distance can be an enticing, exhilarating thrill. Ten feet is less distance across than the average room in a house, and that’s how close these dives bring people to these incredible, gorgeous creatures.

The encounters are usually brief, with the party setting out for the day’s excursion on a boat. This is a great part of any Australian vacation, with the bright sun in the sky and the salt of the ocean in the air. When the main guest of the party is spotted, the group prepares, then scrambles into the waters and watches in awe as the powerful creature slides by. From testimonials, the sharks are quite aware of the visitors’ presence, but are completely unconcerned and just continue on their way, turning aside only if necessary.

Whether your interest is just in a brand new experience to share with friends and family or you’re secreting a passion for marine biology, take a little time out of your vacation schedule to have a look at a real powerhouse of the sea.