Binish Qureshi Shares Her Favourite Scuba Diving Destinations

Scuba diving is one of the most popular water activities in the world, and we can understand why. After all, it gives people a chance to discover a whole other world beneath the ocean’s surface. Binish Qureshi is an entrepreneur, real estate developer, investor, and diving enthusiast who resides in Virginia Water, United Kingdom. She has been scuba diving for years, and during this time, has travelled to some of the most famous dive sites across the globe. Here are some of her favourites, and some dream destinations that she hopes to cross off the bucket list soon!

Barracuda Point, Sipadan Island, Malaysia

According to many, Barracuda Point is the best dive site in the world. The site first rose to prominence after the explorer Jacques Cousteau travelled there and raved about its diverse marine life. If you plan to visit the remote Malaysian diving mecca, which is located on the north eastern corner of Borneo, you can expect to be surrounded by thousands of swirling chevron fish and barracudas. Further, the area is home to some of the healthiest and most diverse coral growths in the world, making it a haven for underwater photographers. Lastly, keep your eyes peeled for grey reef sharks that patrol the area when they’re looking for lunch.

The Yongala, Australia

If you’ve been fascinated by shipwrecks since you were a child, then the Yongala is the diving site for you, shares Binish Qureshi. The Yongala, named after the ship that tragically went down (the S.S. Yongala), is a shipwreck site off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The vessel sank back in 1911, resulting in the deaths of over 100 people. Today, those wishing to see the remains of the ship, along with some truly incredible wildlife, venture into the depths of the ocean. From manta rays to octopuses, there is a bevy of marine life that calls the remains of the Yongala home.

Big Island Manta Ray Night Dive, Hawaii, USA

Is there anything as magical as going scuba diving at night? Binish Qureshi doesn’t think so, which is why this Hawaiian manta ray night dive adventure has been one of her favourite diving experiences yet. On this dive, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, underwater lights are placed on the ocean floor to attract plankton. In turn, these plankton attract the huge, famous manta rays of the island. Be prepared for the majestic rays to get so close to you that they may actually accidentally graze your arm or leg as you move out of their way. These gentle creatures, coupled with the ambience of the evening, make the Big Island Manta Ray Night Dive one of the most memorable dives to experience.

Great Blue Hole, Belize

Binish Qureshi has been all over the world to satisfy her love of scuba diving, and another of her favourite spots has to be the Great Blue Hole on the Central American island of Belize. Known as the “Great Blue Hole,” this natural wonder is actually a giant marine sinkhole that is nearly 125 metres deep and 320 metres across — the largest natural formation of its kind. The perimeter of the hole is lined with coral reef, while the centre is known for being a haven for sharks.

About Binish

Binish Qureshi is an entrepreneur and property development specialist in the United Kingdom. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, her family moved to England when Binish was three years old. She grew up attending private schools throughout London, which led her to study law at Middlesex University. After receiving her LLB Law degree, she worked in law for 6 months before realizing this was not her passion.