Looking for the best scuba diving destinations in the world? The iridescent underwater world, colourful fish of all sizes, dazzling coral, the feeling of weightlessness – diving is an endlessly fascinating experience. Once you start diving, it’s hard to stop, so we’ve rounded up some of the finest destinations for scuba diving the world has to offer that should keep you daydreaming for some time about scuba adventures to come!
Year-round diving in the Red Sea
The Red Sea has long been a destination for passionate divers. The Egyptian coastal cities Hurghada, Safaga, Marsa Alam, Sharm El Sheikh, and Dahab on the Sinai Peninsula, are some of the best destinations from which adventuresome divers can plunge into the Red Sea. You’ll find that many of the resort hotels operate their own diving centres and will take great care of you. From those looking to gain their basic diving certificate to pros seeking a wreck dive, the Red Sea offers great diving for all ability levels, all year-round.
Popular dive sites: The Blue Hole (Dahab), Elphinstone Reef (Marsa Alam), Brother Islands
Cruise-dive the Caribbean
Endless white beaches, palm trees swaying in the wind, cool cocktails and hot rhythms: it’s easy to understand why you’d want to stay above water in the Caribbean. However, the world below water is also unmissable. The waters surrounding the Caribbean countries, including the Dominican Republic, Antigua and Mexico, are fantastic to dive directly from the shore – or even better – as part of an extended sailing trip. Off the coast of Grenada you’ll find one of the most impressive diving wrecks in the world: The wreck of the cruise liner Bianca C. Measuring an impressive 183 meters in length, it’s no wonder it’s called the ‘Titanic of the Caribbean’.
Popular dive sites: Saba Marine Park (Island of Saba), Sister Rocks (Carriacou, Grenada’s sister isle)
Diving hack for Mexico: The MUSA is a spectacular underwater sculpture museum. Explore these eerie underwater works with a dive to the Salon Manchones Gallery at 6 to 9 metres depth.
Sun-drenched dives in the Maldives
The stunning islands and atolls of the Maldives lie in the Indian Ocean, a great destination for rest, relaxation, (and not to forget – a romantic getaway!), but also for some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world. Numerous diving schools offer courses for beginners as well as unique diving experiences for experienced divers. If you’ve ever dreamt of swimming with the Manta Rays, head for the Maldives, where the huge, graceful fish cruise around peaceful lagoons.
Popular dive sites: Lankanfinolhu Manta Point (North Male Atoll), and Potato Reef (North Male Atoll)
The diving trail of Thailand
A trail of great dives awaits you in Thailand. Phuket and its surrounding islands are a good place to start off your Thai diving adventure, where you can catch a glimpse of whale sharks in the right season. Dive your way south to Ko Bi Da Nok – a great spot to observe hawksbill sea turtles – and then finish your trip amongst the abundant undersea life at Tarutao National Marine Park.
Popular dive sites: Richelieu Rock (Andaman Sea) and Hin Daeng
A dip closer to home: dive the Mediterranean
You don’t necessarily have to the corners of the earth for a great dive. The Mediterranean has many unique dive sites and affordable flights from the UK. Check out the cave diving spots of Gozo, in the Maltese archipelago, or the wrecks in the Balearic Islands, such as the Don Pedro, off the coast of Ibiza. All around the Med – in Cyprus, Turkey and Greece – you’ll find great world-class diving spots in warm, crystal clear waters.
Popular dive sites: Azur Window (Inland Sea, Gozo) and Kaş (Turkey)
A night dive with manta rays in Hawaii
Hawaii’s Kona island is home to a thriving manta ray population that is active after dark. The speciality night dives on Kona are a sight to behold, with manta rays gathering to feed on plankton, allowing divers to swim amongst them, illuminating the water with torches for a truly magical experience.
Popular dive sites: Garden Eel Cove
Spot rare marine life in the Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are famed for their amazing diversity of animal life, and the surrounding oceans are just as packed with wonderful aquatic life. From whale sharks to swimming iguanas, there are unique sightings to be found across the stunning Ecuadorian islands. This cold water diving spot in challenging seas is not for the novice, but more experienced divers will be rewarded for their efforts.
Popular dive sites: El Arco, Darwin Island
An all-time classic: The Great Barrier Reef
Visit the largest living structure in the world! A list of scuba diving sites would not be complete without the Great Barrier Reef, which is home to an astounding array of marine life both big and small. Atolls and reefs continue for miles, and the number of dive sites and year round opportunities for different species could keep you busy for a lifetime.
Popular dive sites: Osprey Reef
Originally published 08 2016, updated 05 2022.
