Mysterious Underwater Wonders From Around The World

We’ve always suspected the deep ocean holds some amazing mysteries, but what if it’s hiding secrets even more incredible than we thought…like the possibility of a Japanese Atlantis? It sounds like the stuff of legend, but in 1987, a diver stumbled on something remarkable off the coast of Yonaguni in Japan — a huge underwater stone structure, shaped like a pyramid with steps. And the most intriguing part? It might have been built by the ancient Jōmon people, who date back to around 12,000 BC, and may have ties to the lost civilization of Mu, a Pacific version of Atlantis. But when it comes to underwater wonders, pyramids are just the beginning. From the remains of an ancient Roman city to a submerged waterfall, there's numerous other delightfully odd ocean finds waiting to be discovered.  

Yonaguni monument, Japan. Source: nudiblue / Adobe Stock.

Yonaguni Monument — remnants of Japan’s Atlantis?

The Yonaguni Monument is a truly awesome formation that measures over 165 feet long and 65 feet wide. But it’s not the only curiosity on this site. Archaeologists have also found remains of a castle, temples, roads, and stadium — which indicates there was once a whole ancient town here. These formations are made of shale and limestone, and estimated to be around 10,000 years old, possibly even linked to the legendary lost continent of Mu. Some researchers disagree though, and think these ruins might simply be caused by the ocean current eroding the rock over time. Either way, they’re definitely worth a visit in person. Diving conditions in Yonaguni are excellent, with a visibility of over 50 meters, which means you can easily take in all the fascinating details.

Image Credit : © Antonio Busiello

Ancient Rome’s underwater playground 

Located just north of the Gulf of Naples, the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia provides a glimpse into an ancient Roman playground for the rich and famous. In its prime, this popular resort town was where the likes of Virgil, Caesar, and Cicero came to party. But, Baia was vacated in the eighth century, as the land gradually began to sink below the sea (part of a natural process called “bradyseism”). Today, you can don your scuba gear and explore the ancient ruins that lie beneath. A standout attraction is the Nymphaeum of Emperor Claudius: a building submerged at 16-feet-deep where the Emperor liked to unwind. It features four beautiful statues, including two of Dionysus, the ancient Greek God of fertility and wine, depicted as a child.  

Mauritius’s underwater waterfall — a stunning illusion 

When you think of waterfalls, you probably think of water cascading down green hills or rocky cliffs. But, have you ever wondered what it would be like to see one underwater? That’s exactly what you’ll find on Mauritius, a small island off Africa’s eastern coast. Ok so this underwater waterfall isn’t exactly real, it’s an optical illusion, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. The island itself sits on the Mascarene Plateau, a large underwater plateau. The plateau consists of a shallow shelf around 150 meters deep, which suddenly plummets down a whopping 4,000 meters. What creates the waterfall illusion is the ocean current, as it pushes sand and silt off the edge, and makes it look like water's flowing downwards. 

The waterfall is best admired from above on a seaplane or helicopter tour. The aerial perspective really lets you see the optical illusion in all its glory. Conversely, diving generally isn’t recommended due to strong currents. But don’t worry, Mauritius still has over 100 dive sites, so you can get your underwater fix elsewhere.  

The ocean holds endless mysteries, and we’ve barely begun to scratch the surface of what’s down there. Known sites, however, offer insights into some amazing natural wonders and history, and suggest there’s always more to learn and discover.