Pakistan is emerging as a new diving destination. The industry is embryonic with only a handful of dive centres. So, there are no crowds, deserted dive sites and pristine reefs. Catch it while you can
Karachi is known as a graveyard of ships, which sank during the last 40 years and are laying beyond the Manora break water.
The 2004 tsunami devasted much of the Indian Ocean coastline. Howver, its effect on Pakistant was to bring a new spawn of different new species of corals from neighboring coral reefs, the mass migrated offspring started cloning and forming new reefs at incredible speed andover 30+ new species has been found on the offshore reefs.
Getting there
- Churna Island is a marine park - widely varied marine life and different kinds of coral reef. There are claims that there are more than 60 types of corals found near Churna waters and many new corals started to flourish after the 2005 Indian Ocean tsunami. [Source: Wikipedia]
- Astola Island - An uninhabited island and the largest offshore island of Pakistan. It takes about 5 hours by boat to reach the island. Because of its relative isolation from mankind, wildlife is healthy and abundant. Beautiful coral reefs and a nesting site for both the green and hawksbill turtle. There are no accommodations so overnight stays are tent only.
- MV Abbasin, sunk after hitting the wreckage of a Panamanian carrier, MV Isebina. The wreckage of Isebina was removed by a foreign salvage company but the MV Abbasin is still lying submerged four miles southeast of the Manora breakwaters.
- The Regal Sun Shipwreck lies in 20m of water about 5km outside Karachi harbour breakwater.
Note - Travel to any destination may be adversely affected by conditions including (but not limited) to security, entry and exit requirements, health conditions, local laws and culture, natural disasters and climate. Regardless of your destination, check your local travel advisory board or department for travel advice about that location when planning your trip and again shortly before you leave.
