Top 32 Best Scuba diving in the World
Scuba dive is one of the most prevalent activities in the world, which is why it comes as no surprise that divers are on the lookout for new destinations.
Every year, we discover new diving destinations around the globe and people scramble to make their way to these places. The best diving locations in the world are not only great for underwater exploration, but they also offer a unique experience in the water.
Many of these destinations offer stunning landscapes and natural beauty that make your dives even more memorable. There is no better way to start this list than with tropical islands and clear waters.
What is scuba diving?
Scuba meaning is a process in which individual breaths underwater using a self-contained breathing apparatus device (scuba). What do scuba divers breathe? They use their breathing gas, compressed air, which allows them to move freely underwater and travel for extended periods without resupply from the surface. They breathe a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium. The higher the pressure, the deeper you go, and that pressure requires you to use the proper mixture of these gases so your lungs can breathe comfortably. The combination is determined by how far you intend to travel.
There is proper training and certification to dive for divers to follow safety procedures, but most people get this training before they dive on their own.
Underwater diving without breathing apparatus is possible using other methods, but scuba provides the greatest freedom in movement. The most important aspect of scuba diving is the location and traveling is the new trend and if you want to travel in luxury, then plunging underwater is the best choice.
So, the next question is, are you an experienced diver who is looking for a new location to dive? If so, then this article will interest you.
The 31 Best Places to Scuba Dive In The World
Many divers have a dream of exploring the most famous, exotic locations in the world. This year is going to be a special one for you! Let’s look at our dive guide of the Top 31 Diving Spots in the World!
Table of Contents:
- Blue Corner Wall, Palau, Micronesia
- The Yongala, Australia
- Thistlegorm, Egypt
- Shark and Yolanda Reef, Egypt
- Manta Ray Night Dive, Kailua Kona, Hawaii
- Great Blue Hole, Belize
- USAT Liberty, Bali, Indonesia
- Navy Pier, Western Australia
- Wolf And Darwin Island, Galapagos, Ecuador
- South Pass, Fakarava, French Polynesia
- Anemone City, Alor, Indonesia
- Richelieu Rock, Andaman Sea, Thailand
- Tiger Beach, Grand Bahama, Bahamas
- Roca Partida, Socorro, Mexico
- Blue Heron Bridge, Florida, USA
- Cape Kri, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- Rapid Bay Jetty, South Australia, Australia
- Apo Island, Dumaguete, Philippines
- Los Islotes, La Paz, Mexico
- Barracuda Point, Sipadan, Malaysia
- Mellow Yellow, Vatu-I-Ra, Fiji
- Bajo Alcyone, Cocos Island, Costa Rica
- The Boiler, Socorro, Mexico
- Magic Mountain, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- Dinah’s Beach/Lauadi, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea
- Batu Bolong, Komodo, Indonesia
- Big Brother, Egypt
- The Similan Islands, Andaman Sea, Thailand
- Cenote Angelita–Tulum, Mexico
- Sardine Run–Agulhas Bank, South Africa
- Silfra Fissure–Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Now that we named these islands, let’s see more of the details!
The Top 9 Best Diving Spots In Asia:
Diving in Asia presents several unique opportunities for underwater exploration. Asian waters are home to some of the best diving destinations in the world. Although it’s possible to dive in almost any body of water, some areas offer divers more opportunities for exploration than others.
Amazing coral reefs, beautiful oceans, exotic marine life, and plenty of water sports are only some reasons to make Asia your next scuba diving destination.
1. Liberty Wreck–Bali, Indonesia
The USS Liberty wreck dive location is about 40 meters from the shore, with its bow pointing north. This wreck is roughly three meters deep at its shallowest point, and nearly 30-meters deep at its deepest point, where parts of the superstructure and debris can be found scattered on the sandy bottom. Some of the Liberty’s port side and hull have been buried by sand in the shallows, but the vertical remains of the deck and structural system, as well as parts of the engine room, hold, and bow section, can all be traversed.
This place is well known by both professional and amateur divers because it is an easy dive for beginners and advanced divers alike.
Because of its large presence, Liberty is one of the most crowded diving sites in Bali. This is best dived by staying in or near Tulamben and arriving early in the morning when visibility is usually better and day-trippers from the south of Bali have yet to arrive. By 10 a.m., Liberty is crowded, so it’s best to dive one of the other sites in the area before returning for a late afternoon or night dive once the site has quieted down. Be careful when navigating the wreckage as some areas are very dark.
2. Anemone City, Alor, Indonesia
Anemone City is a shallow reef located in Alor, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This dive location is only recommended for experienced divers due to the current and surge. The topography varies from sand patches to rock formations. Fish life is abundant, with schools of fish, rays, and turtles scattered throughout the area. If you are lucky you may see a Napoleon Wrasse or even a Mola Mola that comes up to the surface to feed off the plankton attracted by the lights at night time.
This site is about 25 meters deep, with visibility ranging from 10 to 20 meters, and is famous for being home to thousands of anemones. Rhinopias, the holy grail of fish, is also found in Alor. Something about the conditions in this area makes it one of the best places in the world to see this rare fish.
There are several scuba dive locations where they are likely to be found. Kalabahi Bay is one such area. This bay is where you will find Alor’s fantastic muck diving. Along with Rhinopias, we’ll be looking for octopus, frogfish, ghost pipefish, squid, cuttlefish, strange and wonderful shrimps, and nudibranchs galore! Inside Kalabahi, the dive spots are Mucky Mosque, Rocky Church, and Pertamina Jetty.
It’s the perfect place to get up close and personal with one of the ocean’s most beautiful creatures.
3. Richelieu Rock, Andaman Sea, Thailand
The Richelieu Rock is one of the top 10 dive locations in Thailand. It’s a small rock of the Andaman Sea, about 4 hours south of Phuket, close to the border with Malaysia. And with the formation is a part of the Phi Phi Islands in Krabi, Thailand. Richelieu Rock is home to beginner and intermediate-level divers.
There are two dives locations at Richelieu Rock. The first one is about 1000 meters east of the rock, near the border of Malaysia. Secondly, the one is much closer to the rock itself, and it’s a brilliant spot for inexperienced divers. A few minutes from the shore, you’ll find a beautiful reef inhabited by a lot of tropical fish, eels, and even turtles.
Thailand is more of a wide-angle location, showcasing vibrant reefs and migratory action. However, if you delay things, you’ll be shocked at what macro life you may find. At any given time, Richelieu appears to have a combination of exquisite harlequin shrimps, as well as highly patterned baroque ghost pipefish. Another common sighting is tiger tail seahorses, and a resident gigantic frogfish has made Richelieu it is home for the whole 2020–21 season. Tiger cowries can always be found on gorgonian corals, peacock mantis shrimp can be found scuttling around, and a vast variety of nudibranchs, provide enough life to keep most macro fans satisfied.
4. Magic Mountain, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Diving at Magic Mountain in Raja Ampat, Indonesia is one of the most incredible experiences in the world. The dive location is a small island with a mountain rising from the center.
On the north side of this mountain, several caves and tunnels drop from the surface to over 90 feet deep. Here are several large underwater caverns that form between these tunnels and caves which are home to many types of marine life, including sharks, rays, and eels.
Raja Ampat, which translates to “Four Kings” in Indonesian, is a globe marine park known for being the epicenter of marine biodiversity. This park spans a huge area, with a distance of around 170 nautical miles between its northern and southern boundaries. It would be feasible to dive for weeks on end and not see the same locations.
The North, Central, and Southern Sections of Raja Ampat can be separated into three sections. This heritage region is one of a kind, with spectacular beauty both above and below the sea, making it a must-see for divers and nature enthusiasts alike.
As long as you swim through these caverns, you can see all three creatures in their natural habitat.
5. Batu Bolong, Komodo, Indonesia
Almost every diver who travels to Asia dreams of diving in Komodo. The experience here is unlike practically anywhere else on the planet. Mother Nature’s work, with the rich marine life and terrain of the 50 or more dive spots, is the cause for this. Not to mention the magnificent Komodo Dragons, which are frequently seen on a half-day hike on your Komodo diving liveaboard safari.
Diving at Batu Bolong is a unique experience. It is a beach dive, and the water visibility is great. The seabed has a magnificent array of corals and marine life, including many species of nudibranchs, octopus, shrimp, and crabs, some of which are only found here.
There are more colorful fish to see, and the coral garden is very healthy. This is a place where the coast drops into a deep canyon and you can dive to a depth of 40 meters or more. They cover the walls of the canyon with soft coral and colorful fish, and you can see sharks swimming around.
Everything you see insight is excellent! There are two main reasons for the region’s seismic and volcanic activity, as well as the nature of the topography above and below the surface. The Ring of Fire is located in this portion of the Earth, and the earth’s plates have been shifting for millions of years, triggering earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
As a result, energy-rich rock and sediment are abundant, allowing life to thrive. And, as previously said, the surrounding deep water on either side of the canal in which Komodo is located means that large amounts of cool deep seawater pass through daily. This opens up even more opportunities for aquatic life to thrive and diversify.
6. The Similan Islands, Andaman Sea, Thailand
The Similan Islands (or “Similan” as it is also known) is a chain of 9 islands in the Andaman Sea, located off the coast of Thailand’s Phang Nga province, about 70 kilometers northeast of Phuket. These world-renowned islands, 30 miles off the coast of southern Thailand, run north-south in the Andaman Sea. Mu Ko Similan National Park encompasses the nine islands of the archipelago, as well as Ko Bon and Ko Tachai to the north, and covers an area of around 87 square miles.
The manta rays and whale sharks that frequent the warm seas from December to April each year are the true draws. Outside of these months, however, the diving remains fantastic, with medium-sized species patrolling the busy reefs and abundant macro hidden amid the gorgeous hard corals. Liveaboards in the Similan Islands provide an incredible experience.
Similans are the best-known scuba dive spots in Thailand and one of the world’s top ten diving destinations. These Islands comprise limestone and granite and house 36 hard corals, and many species of fish such as Manta Ray, whale shark, and barracuda. And, the water temperature is about 28°C and has good visibility.
Sharks such as blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, zebra sharks, and leopard sharks can all be found here. Schools of barracuda, giant trevally, and Napoleon wrasse are all common visitors, as are blue-spotted ribbon tail rays and spotted eagle rays rushing across the beach.
The waters around the Similan Islands are home to four different kinds of marine turtles, with the beaches of Ko Huyong, Ko Phayang, and Ko Payam (also known as Islands 1, 2, and 3) being important turtle nesting locations for the leatherback and olive ridley turtles. When exploring the outer atolls, divers are frequently accompanied by green or hawksbill turtles. With rainbow nudibranchs, pipefish, scorpionfish, and small octopuses, the critter life is no less interesting. If you want to know more about the Thailand islands you can follow this link.
7. Apo Island, Dumaguete, Philippines
Apo Island or Apo Reef is a Philippine island in the middle of Leyte Gulf. It is part of the municipality of Apo, in the province of Negros Oriental. It is one of the three principal islands in the Apo Reef Natural Park, which is administered under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. As part of Dumaguete, also known as “the City of Gentle People,” is a tiny town in the Philippines with a population of roughly 120,000 people. This welcoming resort is suitable for those looking to combine outstanding muck diving with the opportunity to learn about Filipino culture.
Dumaguete is famous for its muck diving and critter life, but it also has beautiful reefs and passing pelagics such as barracuda, turtles, sea snakes, schools snappers, and jacks.
Apo Reef is one of the best dive locations on Apo Island. It is a drop-off that will make this diving destination more interesting. It has a high diversity of marine life and coral because there are different levels in the reef. You can see sharks, turtles, groupers, barracudas, cuttlefish, and octopuses here.
The water temperature is usually 27.5C/81F, however, it can decrease to around 25C/77F in January and February. A 3mm complete wetsuit with boots is recommended for diving. After several days of recurrent diving, many divers choose to wear light gloves and, on rare occasions, a hood. Bring a light rain jacket and plenty of sun protection.
Visibility: 30-40 feet near Dauin, 60-80 feet at Apo Island
The weather of Dumaguete is divided into two seasons: dry and wet. Meanwhile, the average maximum temperature is 34.3 degrees Celsius, with a minimum temperature of 22.9 degrees Celsius.
8. Cape Kri, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Cape Kri is a beautiful diving spot located in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. It is often called “The Wall” because it has a steep wall dropping down to around 150 meters in depth. The wall is covered with soft corals and large sponges, some of them reaching up to 2m in diameter. It’s wide-ranging, it’s teeming with fish, and the visibility has been excellent on the majority of dives here (even in the off-season). Simply go here!!!
The coral garden is a marine life dream and features Manta Rays, Sharks, Barracudas, and giant trevallies. It has a record-setting of 374 different species of fish. Even though we had a light current, the changes in direction are difficult and require a lot of concentration. Bumphead Parrotfish and reef sharks, as well as an amazing bed of colorful soft corals and Redtooth Triggerfish, were the reward.
Cape Kri, which holds the world record for the most referenced species in a single dive, has earned a spot on many divers’ bucket lists. The diversity and abundance of fish at Kri Island’s easternmost point must be seen to be believed. It is so immense that it is incredible, with uncommon and unusual underwater species in every direction. Many new species have been identified throughout the archipelago in recent years.
The convergence of many currents on the island of Kri’s tip has resulted in an incredible diversity of wildlife and flora. This diving location in Raja Ampat will not disappoint its tourists.
9. Barracuda Point, Sipadan, Malaysia
The Barracuda Point near Sipadan Island is a spectacular diving location with an abundance of marine life and coral reefs. This name generally gives you a hint, and you are not going to be let down. It is well known as the ‘tornado’ of swirling barracuda frequently witnessed at the spot, which is located on a reef point close to the jetty, is well-known.
As you dove into the water between the reef and what could only be described as a barracuda curtain. Tropical fish swim in large schools and you can observe them even at 10 meters depth. You may also see some manta rays, which usually hang out on top of the water. Touching a stingray is one of the most unforgettable feelings for diving enthusiasts who have had the chance to be close to one.
This dive location is out of the way and a little difficult to get to. There are only a handful of dive resorts on the island, and no hotels. We stayed at Mabul Resort, which has an excellent dive operation.
The coral reefs are divided into two areas – upper reef and lower reef and both are teeming with marine life. As you go deeper, you will discover that the colors of their inhabitants become more vivid, just like in a kaleidoscope. You’ll find a multitude of macro-life, from nudibranchs and hairy-squat lobsters to lionfish and moray eels, if you can pull your gaze away from the blue for a few minutes and stare at the wall. At Barracuda, you can regularly see octopus in the channel, as well as scorpion leaf fish in the shallows near South Point. Sipadan, in short, has something for everyone, from coastal divers to comparatively tiny hunters.
The best time to see them is from April to October when they come here to mate.
The Top 10 Best Spots For Diving In America:
When you are planning your next diving travel, don’t forget the many amazing places to explore in South America. Traveling to South America to go on a dive is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Offering some of the best diving in the world, it can fill up an entire year’s worth of vacations.
From the Caribbean, scuba dive Riverton to the Pacific Ocean, there are plenty of dive spots to explore. These countries have different environments and conditions that make them unique from one another, and other dive locations around the world. Not only that you can do just the diving part, but you might also want to consider hiking, sailing, and high diving in your itinerary. So, if you are looking for your next vacation destination, consider some of these brilliant spots where you can combine all-inclusive travel with your diving passion.
1. Manta Ray Night Dive, Kailua Kona, Hawaii
On the Big Island, this popular tourist dive spot takes place in a natural lava cave lit by lights set into the ocean floor that attracts Manta Rays. Night dives are an amazing experience and the Manta night dive is one of the best diving spots in Hawaii. Manta rays are gentle giants of the ocean that can grow up to 11 meters across.
During night dives, you swim with the mantas that come into the shallows to feed on plankton. The mantas are friendly and curious creatures (A manta ray can be up to 20 feet wide), and they glide gracefully across the water. The water is clear and dark, which makes it easy to see the beautiful fish swimming by. It’s fascinating to watch Manta Rays swim through.
Diving at night can be quite challenging, especially for new divers. The ocean is completely different, but just seeing a manta glide right by you is an unforgettable encounter. You can go to the best months to see manta rays flock in this place are from April to May and September to November. Especially when the water conditions are very stable during these months and visibility is excellent at over 50 feet.
2. Great Blue Hole, Belize Scuba
Diving is a popular recreational activity in Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula. The most famous underwater site of Belize is the Great Blue Hole, which lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 40 miles from the mainland and Belize City. It’s like a painting of a large submarine sinkhole more than 1,000 feet (300 m) across and 400 feet (120 m) deep.
The hole is almost perfectly circular, with vertical walls plunging to dark depths. Divers can explore inside the chamber because it has very little sediment on the bottom, allowing visibility down to 125 feet (38 m). The walls are covered with hard and soft corals and thickets of sponges.
A large number of fish species can be found inside the Blue Hole, as well as pelagic species like tuna and barracuda, which migrate through the area. In general, deeper waters are home to larger species such as sharks. Whale sharks have been spotted in Blue Hole.
Because of its depth, clarity, and easy access from shore (a 30-minute boat ride), it’s one of the world’s best-known diving spots.
3. Wolf And Darwin Island, Galapagos, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are the most famous diving destinations in Ecuador and the Wolf and Darwin Island (or Islas Darwin)are two of the most popular dive spots here. Darwin Island and Wolf Island are large volcanic rocks in the Galapagos Islands’ northern region that are regarded as some of the best diving places in the world. They have the world’s largest fish biomass, as well as colorful tropical species and diverse marine life. Both islands are deserted and only accessible by diving cruise or dive ship. Only divers are allowed on the islands.
When you dive around these islands, you will witness some of the most gorgeous and diverse marine species ever seen in the world. You’ll have the opportunity to dive with sea lions, penguins, whale sharks, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, turtles, hammerhead sharks, iguanas, golden rays, seals, and a variety of other sea species. A dive safari is the finest way to learn about the Galapagos.
Within the archipelago is on the equator, straddling the Pacific Ocean’s tectonic plate boundaries. The influence of these two plates creates some of the world’s most spectacular diving locations.
4. Tiger Beach, Grand Bahama, Bahamas
Tiger Beach dive location is near Grand Bahama Island, in the Bahamas. This is one of the best diving spots in the world. We name the location after its famous resident, the Tiger shark, which can reach 2.5 meters. Other shark diving destinations may be found all around the world, but none compare to Tiger Beach.
If you want to dive with massive Tiger Sharks, a slew of giant ‘friendly’ lemon sharks, as well as a slew of Caribbean reef sharks, bull sharks, nurse sharks, and one or two great hammerhead sharks, Tiger Beach is the place to go.
Every shark diver’s bucket list should include this incredible dive location! The dive spot is located near the island’s western shore. It has a depth of about 18 meters and offers visibility up to 30 meters. Its shallow water diving destination makes it an excellent place for all levels of divers.
This site comprises a narrow sandy area surrounded by coral reefs and is a good place for avid snorkelers and windsurfing as well. Here you can see octopus and barracudas, and you will enjoy the soothing sound of the waves and the sun shining down on you.
5. Roca Partida, Socorro, Mexico
Roca Partida is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Mexico. It has become famous as one of the top diving spots in the world. This diving spot is near the town of La Roca in the state of Sinaloa, 180 miles up the Pacific coast of Mazatlan.
Diving within a couple of miles of shore is uncommon for scuba divers because of the strong shore current and often rough surf. The warm waters of the Caribbean create a very different dive experience from the icy waters of the Pacific.
These inviting waters are much clearer, and the fish’s life is abundant and diverse. Meanwhile, these waters are deep with life and coral, making it the perfect spot for underwater photographers, an amazing spot where you can see and dive with both dwarf and great hammerhead sharks.
The legendary subjects at Roca Partida are on every diver’s wish list, but the Revillagigedo’s peculiar oceanic manta rays rise to the occasion. People swim up to you as if to strike up a conversation, and they frequently circle divers and play in their bubbles. Learning scalloped hammerheads, as well as silky, Galápagos, dusky, and blacktip sharks, are frequently managed to spot out in the blue.
Schools of vast yellowfin tuna regularly visit the area, and whale sharks can be seen coming in from the turquoise quite frequently throughout the first half of the season. Unless you’re extremely fortunate, you might even see a mother humpback whale and her young calf resting here before beginning their long journey north.
6. Blue Heron Bridge, Florida, USA
There are countless diving spots all over the world, but this one is fascinating. The Blue Heron Bridge, also known as the Blue Heron Bridge-Tunnel, is a beautiful diving location in Key Largo, Florida, USA. They built the structure for cars to cross over a section of water between mainland Florida and Marco Island. Over the years, however, several floods damaged the structure, and it collapsed.
But that’s when the beauty and revelation of Blue Heron Bridge underneath it lies a mossy underwater world, with beautiful fish and other underwater creatures inhabiting a surreal green environment. The visibility and conditions can be amazing, especially if you go on the weekdays when it’s less busy. It has over 20 feet of clearance below it, so divers can go through without worrying about hitting the bottom.
It offers the opportunity to sink into the depths of the Gulf of Mexico’s clear waters and admire the untouched beauty of the ocean. The perfect natural habitat for all kinds of marine life, the dive spot, is ideal for those who love diving. If you want to get started diving, this is your place to do it.
7. Los Islotes, La Paz, Mexico
Los Islotes is a small island, one of the many islands that dot the Sea of Cortez. The island is part of a conservation area and is home to Sea lions. And since these gentle sea creatures are the major attraction for many visitors. Los Islotes, approximately an hour’s boat trip from La Paz, Baja California Sur’s capital, is home to a thriving colony.
Sea lions, especially juveniles, are friendly and curious creatures. Because orcas and other predators are rarely seen in this region, one of the guided tour people affectionately referred to them as “dogs of the ocean”. Therefore, the location is relatively safe, the sea lions tend to be friendlier. This is an excellent diving location for both novice and expert divers.
You can find different marine life, such as lionfish and moray eels, yellowtail snappers, stone fishes, and many more. There are also several historical shipwrecks in this area that divers can visit. Visitors will remember these lively animals for a long time, but there are a few things to bear in mind when dealing with them. If a sea lion approaches you, do not chase or catch it; instead, be calm and enjoy the magical experience. Guests should always be cautious while engaging with animals and do their homework before embarking on a wildlife tour.
The water ranges from 20 to 30 feet deep and the average temperature is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. And the best time to dive is from November to April.
8. The Boiler, Socorro, Mexico
Diving in the Gulf of Mexico is a popular tourist attraction for people from all over the world. Socorro is a small island municipality in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and is home to the popular diving destination, known as The Boiler. It’s a large rock structure that was hit by meteorite millions of years ago. It is about 2 miles from the nearest building. The Boiler is one of San Benedicto Island’s most popular locations, and it’s the best place to see big manta rays since they congregate here to be cleaned by Clarion angelfish.
This location, like Roca Partida, may be circled many times in a single dive. You may expect to encounter dolphins, sharks, and whales in addition to the friendly mantas that appear to bask in the exhaled bubbles of the divers.
The Boiler comprises a series of vents and chimneys on the ocean floor created by the super-heated water from an underwater volcano, which causes a rich variety of life to thrive. It’s a massive pinnacle that rises from the depths to just 20 feet below the surface with large rock formations that can reach up to 30 feet in height.
A famous diving spot here is where the remains of a ship called the Sierra Negra broke into pieces and sank to the bottom of the sea. It’s an excellent dive location for advanced divers because of its strong currents and deep depths (130 feet).
9. Bajo Alcyone, Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Bajo Alcyone is a dive location in Bajo del Torro on the south coast of Costa Rica, a small protected marine area just north of Hermosa beach. It is part of the Coral Triangle and is one of the best diving destinations in Central America.
Hundreds of Hammerhead sharks and THOUSANDS of Big Eye Jacks may be seen in huge schools here. There’s also a strong chance you’ll swim with one or more whale sharks! Due to harsh surface conditions, current, surge, and at times poor visibility, this is an advanced scuba dive spot.
The protected marine park is accessible by boat from Tamarindo Beach and is a popular diving location for beginners and advanced divers who like the tranquility of diving on a small, uncrowded beach.
It was visited by the Cousteau Society’s research ship Alcyone in Cocos in 1987, uncovering a seamount that would later become the renowned location. Alcyone delivers great pelagic action because of its remote location. With scalloped hammerhead sharks swarming above, fast descent to the top, which is at 85 feet, is an amazing experience. Dolphins, whale sharks, tuna, big manta rays, Mobula rays, eagle rays, and marble rays all swim through. The region is also home to octopuses, eels, and the unique Cocos triplefin, which gives plenty of entertainment.
It starts with a vertical wall descending from approximately 14 meters to 25 meters. At this depth, you will find soft and hard corals, sponges, sea fans, feather stars, an abundance of tropical fish, moray eels, and stingrays. Temperatures in the water range between 73 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Cenote Angelita–Tulum, Mexico
Angelita, which translates to “small angel” in English, is not only an unusual Cenote dive but also a once-in-a-lifetime dive in every way. It is the farthest frequented site from Playa del Carmen, located 17 kilometers south of Tulum. You can reach this gorgeous circular-shaped Cenote by walking through the bush for about 5 minutes. It does nothing but descends straight down to 60 meters. At 30 meters, you’ll find yourself in a mysterious hydrogen sulfate layer that seems like a giant cloud with trunks and branches reaching through it after descending through clear freshwater. The saltwater begins beneath the cloud. The darkness gives the diver the impression of being in a forest at night.
Diving together in a cave system is one of the most exciting experiences available to you. The Cenote Angelita is a natural pit of water within the jungle that is filled with fresh water. This is worth noting Cenote is on the Chichen Itza archaeological site, one of the most valuable Mayan ancient finds and popular tourist attractions in Yucatan.
A careful climb can be done slowly, spiraling up alongside the walls, depending on the amount of air consumed. Huge stalactites dangle from the Cenote’s edge, harkening back to a time when the water level was considerably lower. Because of its depth, Angelita is a dive for experienced divers only.
The site is 30 meters wide, 40 meters deep, and 50 meters deep at its deepest point. Its water is crystal clear, and it has no strong currents. They are formed as massive underground rivers find their way to the surface through the rock and soil. When they reach the surface, they create these incredible freshwater pools or cenotes.
Cenotes are an incredible natural phenomenon and have been popular tourist attractions since pre-Hispanic times as they have always been sacred places.
The Top 4 Best Diving Destinations In Africa:
One of the best ways to learn about a new country is to try diving there and Africa is fast becoming a very popular destination for diving lovers.
The African continent has a lot of hidden gems for divers–warm waters, good visibility, and there are lots of interesting things to see. During the diving holidays in Africa, however, most people head straight for Egypt.
The Red Sea is a great place to go diving with the chance of seeing manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, and many other species. If you’re thinking of taking up this exciting sport, then read on for information about the top places to dive in Africa.
1. Shark and Yolanda Reef, Egypt
This is the most famous diving destination in Egypt and one of the best-known dive locations in the world. It’s named after a sunken ship that lies at its center. The ship’s masts still stick out of the water, making it an easy reference point for divers.
Yolanda Reef is just off Elphinstone Island, which is part of the gulf sea protectorate, so you don’t need to pay an entrance fee to dive here. The reef itself is about 3 km (1.8 miles) long and about 1 km (0.6 miles) wide and has more than 150 species of fish, including several types of grouper. This is also a good site for snorkeling because you can see a lot from just above the surface. Here you can find the Three reefs in one dive, making this place extremely popular among divers who want to see many kinds of coral and fish.
There are several small shipwrecks, with two large ones being the most famous. The most popular dive spot is Shark Reef, which has a drop-off at 35m and then slopes up to deep water. Also, it’s rich in anemones and very colorful corals.
2. SS Thistlegorm, Egypt
You can take a boat trip to this wreck dive location and dive down to the ship. The Thistlegorm is an old United States cargo ship sunk during World War II by a German bomber. It is now covered in corals, sponges, fans, and soft corals with large schools of fish living inside. Some people believe it holds the greatest diversity of marine life of any wreck in the world, including many species that are unique and found nowhere else.
You can swim through huge holes in the wreck, which is great for photographers as you can get very close to the fish without disturbing them. Many divers say it’s one of the best wreck dives in the world, but I think it’s a bit of an over-rated dive so I didn’t take any photos of it.
If you want to see lots of corals and marine life then hire a boat and do a two-tank dive there. It takes around 45 minutes each way from Sharm el-Sheik which isn’t too far away. There are several different ways you can go diving and there isn’t much current at this site so you should be able to see everything on your first dive even if you’re not that experienced.
3. Big Brother, Egypt
In 1983, Egypt’s offshore islands were designated as natural protectorates, granting them marine park status. Among these islands is the now-legendary Brother Islands or El Ikhwa in Egyptian.
These two tiny islands, known as Big and Small Brother, are located 40 miles east of El Qoseir and are surrounded by magnificent reefs. Due to their remote position, the Islands are frequently visited by liveaboards, especially during the summer months.
According to CNN, the diving location was placed ninth in a list of the world’s 50 finest dives, and second in the Mediterranean sea.
The coral growth and colors are spectacular, and the reef’s burgeoning life draws hammerhead and longimanus sharks, who are frequently seen on dives in this area. The Numidia and the Aida, two amazing shipwrecks, may be found on this site. Divers should have great drift-diving abilities and second-level certifications or above due to the strong currents.
The chance to go wall diving is a unique characteristic of this location; the walls are buried by corals, sea whips, and gorgonians due to the strong open sea currents, resulting in a brilliant display of colors. Tuna, jacks, snappers, hammerheads, antipatharians, grey reef sharks, silver tips, mantas, and oceanic whitetip sharks are all attracted to these corals, which in turn attract a wide diversity of marine life and huge pelagics. If you’re lucky, you could even see a thresher shark in the area.
Little Brother Island, the smallest of the two islands, is formed like a teardrop descending from the northwest. It is defined by deep walls that almost entirely encircle it. A plateau at a depth of about 40 meters lies to the north, and many consider it to be one of the greatest spots to view sharks. Black corals, gorgonian fans, and thick, soft corals cover the walls.
Big Brother Island is known for its large number and diversity of fish, including anthias, sweepers, and tuna. This island, on the other hand, has no lack of walls covered with gorgonians and corals. Hammerhead sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, and grey reef sharks all frequent the area around the southeastern tip. The Numidia and the Aida, on the other hand, are two wrecks in the northeastern region.
It is a steep-sided volcanic cone dive populated by different sharks, and the currents here will be wild and unpredictable. A dangerous spot for inexpert divers.
4. Sardine Run–Agulhas Bank, South Africa
Sardine Run is an annual phenomenon that takes place in the waters of Cape Town at the Agulhas Bank, located off the coast of Gansbaai. Every year, millions of sardines gather here to spawn. They are justly considered the greatest fish aggregation on earth.
In terms of biomass, researchers estimate the sardine run might easily surpass the huge wildebeest migration in East Africa. Some shoals are almost 4 miles (7 kilometers) long, with a width of.3 miles (1.5 kilometers) and a depth of 98 feet (30 m).
The sardine run is a feeding frenzy of baitfish (sardines and anchovies) by many predators in the ocean. Every year, this coastal behavior lasts three months (August to October), when billions of sardines migrate from the chilly waters off Cape Point to the warmer waters. It is one of the greatest encounters with nature that you will ever see and also an adventure if you decide to dive into this area.
Because sardines are extraordinarily sensitive to even minor changes in water pressure, when one fish in a shoal moves, the rest of the shoal reacts as well. Predators take advantage of this to concentrate some of the fish into balls. Before starting an assault, dolphins will occasionally blow bubbles toward the ball to further focus the fish. Sharks and Cape gannets join in the feast, and when the oxygen in the surrounding water drops, the fish grow sluggish, making them vulnerable targets.
“If you want to witness the sardine run, you’ll be the one running“, as an old joke goes. As every diver knows, there’s no assurance of specific marine life on a dive. You may plan your dives around specific spots and times of the year, but seeing what you came to see is never guaranteed. The sardine run is the same way.
To detect and locate the shoals, dive centers in the region frequently collaborate with aircraft firms, fishing boats, and land-based observation stations.
The Top 7 Best Diving Spots In Oceania:
Diving in Oceania is an amazing experience. The waters are warm and clear, and you can see beautiful coral reef fish swimming at eye level. The islands offer many variations, from the pristine reefs of the Gilbert Islands in Micronesia to the famous underwater city of Truk Lagoon. If you prefer tropical diving, then Fiji, Samoa, or Palau are good choices as well. All of these dive spots will give you a unique chance.
1 .The SS Yongala, Australia
This shipwreck is a former Queensland Transport ship that ran aground off the coast of Townsville, Australia in 1911. It is 109 meters below sea level and under protecting the Historic Shipwrecks Act. There is a lot of wildlife at the site: Manta Rays, Tiger Shark, Bull Sharks, and Turtles. The wreck itself has incredible coral formations. Diving in The Yongala is very popular because of its proximity to Ayr Township.
SS Yongala wreck is located on a 33-meter-deep sandy bottom with a 15-meter-deep wreck top. When the visibility is poor, ranging from ten to fifteen meters depending on the tide. Because of the high currents, this dive location is only suitable for experienced divers. It has even happened in the past that the conditions are too risky to dive after arriving at the place.
The wreck is still in excellent shape after 100 years in the ocean, with the masts and even the bathrooms visible! Since the wreck is currently protected, entry into the real wreckage is prohibited to prevent corrosion caused by the air.
The shipwreck is roughly 3 hours (89 km) away from Townsville by fast boat. On the other hand, the Yongala may also be dived from Ayr (1 hour south of Townsville) for a significantly shorter journey (30 min boat ride rather than 3 hours). Because the trip is shorter, it may be accessed more often and is less likely to be canceled due to weather.
2. Exmouth Navy Pier, Western Australia
Exmouth is about 14 kilometers away from the 300-meter-long pier. Because it is still an operational Navy Pier that is occasionally used by Navy ships to service the Naval station, it is not open to the general public and must be dived by a licensed firm. Dives here are wholly reliant on tidal movements; the area’s currents are quite powerful, therefore diving is only possible at slack tide.
Because access to the pier is restricted and fishing is prohibited, the structure is teeming with marine life beneath it, which has been described as the aquatic equivalent of an oasis in the desert, and the marine life gravitates to the structure for safety. Based on the facts, the biodiversity of such a little region is astounding.
The Exmouth Navy Pier is a cameraman’s dream, with a strong diversity of maritime life to entertain every style of diver, from those who want tremendous striking vistas to those who prefer the negligible stuff. Every angle and crack is permeated with nudibranchs of every form and glow, flatworms, scorpionfish, frogfish, moray eel, toadfish, shrimp, and octopus. Large schools of snapper, rabbitfish, and fusiliers, as well as colossal grouper, sea snakes, and sharks, including a grey nurse, reef, and wobbegongs, journey through the murky edifice.
3. Rapid Bay Jetty, South Australia
The Rapid Jetty Bay is an important breeding site for marine life, constructed in 1940 to mark the mouth of Rapid Bay, South Australia. The site is roughly an hour and a half drive from Adelaide. It is Diving Adelaide’s most popular spot since it is home to many Leafy Sea Dragons.
Rapid Bay is a favorite dive location not just because of the high likelihood of seeing Sea Dragons, but also because is a stunning dive location and a photographer’s dream. The pylons are gorgeously overrun with soft corals in a rainbow of colors! Sponge and ascidians come in a variety of brilliant colors such as yellow, orange, purple, and blue. There are several colorful nudibranchs, (pygmy) leatherjackets, cowfish, and enormous schools of old wives and pufferfish, among other things.
They made it of concrete and is very popular among divers because it houses the largest population of endemic Australian sea cucumber, “Parastichopus californicus”. On the northern end of the jetty, there is a large sandstone reef accessible at low tide.
The large schools of fish like to congregate at the T-Section, which is located a bit farther down the jetty. One of our favorite photographic situations is when the sun comes out and the rays shine directly through the ancient jetty and onto the ocean beneath. If you’re fortunate, you’ll come across one of the big native Bull Rays, which are really friendly and typically pretty interested! Don’t be shocked if they circle you several times!
This reef runs roughly parallel to the jetty and both provide excellent opportunities for snorkelers and some very large scallops. If you are not certified to dive, you can still snorkel alongside and see sometimes octopus and crayfish. The spot is a protected waterway for boats and ships. It is open to the public as long as you respect the area and do not damage it.
4. Blue Corner Wall, Palau, Micronesia
The spot, which is located at the northwest end of Ngemelis Island, contains everything a diver might want. Strong currents here attract enormous schools of fish and large pelagics (currents get much stronger at a depth of 11m/36ft). This dive starts at the top of a shallow coral shelf that extends into the water and has steep cliffs. Divers will reach a cavern with gigantic gorgonian sea fans after swimming along the luxuriant soft coral wall for around 100m/300ft.
Diving at Blue Corner is a wall dive popular with experienced divers. As mentioned earlier, the strong currents make it challenging, but the dive is worth it. You can have the excellent opportunity to see sharks, turtles, enormous schools of jacks, barracudas, snapper, dogtooth tuna, manta rays, white tip sharks, Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, moray eels, mackerel, and occasionally hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, mantas, marlin, sailfish, and whales this spot.
This world-renowned plunge site is without a doubt the most popular in Palau. Not a dive for the faint of heart; the currents can be very strong and unpredictable at times. Those are the conditions that draw so many sharks to this ridge, which jets out into the open ocean and drops thousands of feet.
Explorers typically drop to about 90′ to see magnificent gorgonian fans, anemones, eels, and soft corals along the wall. You may be greeted by a cruising gray reef shark, but they will keep their distance for the time being.
Palau has a tropical climate with an average annual air temperature of 28 degrees Celsius/82 degrees Fahrenheit and a water temperature of 25 degrees Celsius/77 degrees Fahrenheit. The dry season, which runs from November to May, is ideal for diving.
The fabulous diversity of marine life makes this a must-do for diving lovers.
5. South Pass, Fakarava, French Polynesia
South Pass is the best dive spot in Fakarava, French Polynesia, and an excellent dive location for all levels of divers. It’s a shallow dive you can do as a shore entry or boat access.
Fakarava Atoll and its neighboring islets are a UNESCO biosphere reserve due to their remarkable environment. When the tides generate an approaching current, the boat discharges divers after a 5-minute journey over the “ski slope,” which marks the commencement of the Tumakohua Pass drift dive. The “ski slope” is a lengthy stretch of white sand amidst coral reefs.
To add, the water is clear and the island formations are beautiful. It has a colorful drop-off, with huge schools of fish and reef sharks, and lots of tropical marine life. There’s also deep water nearby that’s filled with big pelagic species like tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. The pass is about 200m long and has a depth of 5 to 15 meters. This is a brilliant area to do dives.
Aside from the huge amount of sharks, maybe the most startling aspect is how accessible it is even to novice divers. Because there is no requirement to dive deeper than 20 m, you may do it as soon as you are comfortable with the moderate current of a light drift dive.
6. Mellow Yellow (Rakiraki), Vatu-I-Ra, Fiji
Mellow Yellow is a small island in Fiji that became famous after they publish an article in a travel magazine. It is about 20 kilometers away from Nadi International Airport and 12 kilometers off the coast of Denarau. The waters surrounding Vatu-I-Ra Island are teeming with aquatic life, and they consider this place to be one of the best diving spots in Fiji.
Rakiraki’s dive destinations are designed to make beginners feel calm and delighted, while experienced divers may appreciate the richness of the topography and marine life.
Take a full tank and dive Breathtaker for the ultimate Fiji diving encounter at Rakiraki’s Mellow Yellow Dive Site. Three coral heads reside at around 25 to 30 meters from a base of about 100 meters, implying an abundance of nutrients and a flurry of marine activity. Divers will almost probably meet sharks in large numbers including blacktip, grey reef, and whaler sharks.
This is a magnificent site home to many sea creatures. Here you can also see dugongs, turtles, dolphins manta rays, barracuda, and Spanish mackerel. Mellow Yellow is a paradise for divers for its profusion of soft yellow corals, and an abundant variety of marine life. The calm waters around the island make it an ideal place for both beginners and professional divers.
7. Dinah’s Beach/Lauadi, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea
Diving at Dinah’s Beach is an experience like no other. On the west side of Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, the beach is only accessible by boat and has an amazing view of Lauadi Island. It is a fun and easy site to dive with warm water and a great variety of life. A big drawcard for divers is the wreck on the north side of the beach. This was a large cargo ship that ran aground here in the mid-1970s.
As the last frontier of diving, a wild region surrounded by a sea of possibilities. Papua New Guinea is recognized as the home of muck diving, and Milne Bay is still one of the best places on the globe to look for mysterious creatures.
This is a destination that will appeal to big-game hunters, reef lovers, and critter hunters alike. PNG boasts some of the most prolific and clean coral growth in the world, because of a mix of seclusion and good terrain. Steep slopes and cliffs start just feet from the coast and plunge to depths of over 1,000 feet. Coral structures may develop to enormous sizes in regions protected from currents.
The bottom of protected bays, on the other hand, may be coated with volcanic silt, which harbors a plethora of exotic marine species. Converging currents wash over offshore pinnacles, points, and sea mounds, attracting a diverse range of sharks, rays, and other pelagic animals. The water temperatures can range from the early 70s to the low 80s depending on location.
If you want to dive into a place where you can see hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, barracuda, groupers, giant clams, and all kinds of tropical fish, then this is the place to go!
The Best Diving Destination In Europe!
1. Silfra Fissure–Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
The Silfra Fissure is the meeting point of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and is a popular diving spot for beginners and experts. Divers can plunge among both two continents, and their perspective on the underwater landscape is unlike anything else on the planet. Silfra Fissure, also known as The Diver’s Cave, is near Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park.
The water that flows in and out of Silfra Fissure is always crystal clear and originates from the Langjökull glacier. Visibility in the fissure is excellent at 30-100 meters, and the water temperature is always 2-4°C (36-39°F) throughout the year, regardless of the outside temperature. This is one of the best places on earth for diving with drysuits.
Which Diving Certification Do You Need?
Certification is a necessary component of learning how to dive. The PADI Open Water Diver course is the most popular dive course in the world. It’s also one of the easiest to complete, and it will teach you everything you need to know to enjoy diving right away.
It helps you develop new skills and gain confidence in the water. To get qualified, there are several steps that you need to take.
You will need to learn about proper scuba diving equipment, dive physics and physiology, dive planning, underwater communication techniques, and last, but learn how to handle emergencies safely.
The PADI scuba dive professional course is the ultimate achievement for recreational divers. It represents a commitment by the student and instructor to complete an advanced level of diver training. The course includes hands-on training in all aspects of scuba diving, including underwater navigation, deep dives, wreck diving, search and recovery diving, night diving, and more. Upon completion of the course requirements, students will earn the title “PADI Professional Diver“.
Which Dive Gear Should You Buy?
Scuba gear is usually divided into two categories: essential and nonessential. The essential diving gear is everything you need to enjoy a safe, enjoyable dive. Nonessential gear is things like camera equipment, extra fins, and so on.
An essential diving gear list will vary depending on the type of diving you’re planning to do, but some basic principles apply to every diver. Here’s an example essential diving gear list to help you get started:
- Two regulators or one alternate air source with both an open and closed-circuit bailout configuration.
- A buoyancy compensator (BC) with an integrated weight system.
- A good-fitting mask
- An exposure suit (wetsuit or drysuit)
- A compass
- A pressure gauge
- A depth gauge
- A knife or other cutting tool
- An underwater slate (slate) for communication between divers and surface support personnel
- dive computers are not a substitute for a pressure gauge as it does not measure depth.
Nonessential gear is defined by its lack of necessity. For example, a table or bench may be considered nonessential if it is not intended for diving but can be used for storing gear. When divers are purchasing gear they are encouraged to prioritize the essential gear first and then purchase nonessential gear later.
Remember that nonessential gear can still have important uses, especially in recreational diving. Here are some examples of nonessential gear:
- Binoculars: Binoculars can allow you to view marine life above and below the water’s surface. They are useful for observing marine life in areas where there is limited visibility (for instance, during the night). However, they are not necessary since you can use your natural eyesight to observe marine life.
- Dive Flag: A dive flag allows other boats and ships to see the location of a diver underwater. While this may help when diving near boats and ships, it is not necessary since you can usually see boats and ships from a long-distance underwater. A dive flag is also helpful for surface support personnel to locate divers underwater. The flag should be mounted about two meters above the waterline on a boat or ship.
Sum and Substance
The world is full of the most incredible diving destinations. Many factors should come into play when deciding which location to visit next, including cost, difficulty level, and even the season you want to dive in.
We hope our list has helped you narrow down your options for where you will dive next! If any specific locations were left out of our list, please let us know by liking or following us on our social media so we can include them in an updated version.
