Whether you like to dive, snorkel or just look out for marine wildlife from the safety of shore or your trusty vessel of choice, there are some destinations better for marine wildlife watching and encounters than others. A recent study from Dip ‘N Dive Sporting Goods aims to make identifying those destinations easier.
The study looked at 30 ocean destinations in the United States and examined factors such as estimated visitor numbers, activity costs, activity providers and more to narrow down the list to the top 10 destinations for wildlife encounters.
The study found Malibu, California, is the best place to go. While you may pay more on average for marine wildlife experiences, you have a high chance of spotting seven gill and leopard sharks via the destination’s many shark-diving opportunities.
California destinations actually take up the top four spots on the list, with Santa Monica, Newport Beach and San Diego following. Fifth is Galveston, Texas, which also stood out as the most affordable destination in the country for marine wildlife encounters. Other destinations to make the top 10 include Virginia Beach, Virginia; Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; Sarasota, Florida; Cape May, New Jersey; and Pensacola, Florida.
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