Nigeria is a big, vibrant West African nation with plenty to see and do. While it hasn’t yet caught the attention of conventional tourists, adventurous travellers are finding their way there. The capital, Lagos, is an increasingly sophisticated and buzzing place to be, while the country’s mountains and forests offer some fascinating wildlife. But what if you want to see beneath the water on a Nigeria scuba diving trip?
Nigeria is not a dive destination. Much of its coast is polluted, with low visibility and not much to see. If you are in Nigeria and want to dive, you’ll need to head elsewhere. That’s no problem. Just head along the coast to Ghana. There, you’ll find a fast-developing dive industry and plenty to see.
Ghana’s ‘Gold Coast’ is a place of sandy beaches and clear water. Out to sea, you’ll find a few small coral reefs and a good variety of marine life that is similar to that of the Caribbean. Ghana’s water is tropical, with temperatures into the late twenties, and mostly good visibility.
Expect to see barracuda, sharks, rays, snapper, eels seahorses and, if you’re lucky, turtles. There are dives from various spots along the coast, with some nice easy beach dives as well as boat dives. It’s best to dive in the dry season, from September to April.
If you are looking for a Nigeria scuba diving holiday, look to Ghana instead. The country has a developing but still young tourist industry, meaning facilities are improving, but the place still has an undiscovered feel. Its beaches are gorgeous, perfect for relaxing on after a day out on a dive boat.
