10 amazing places to scuba dive

Summer is slowly slipping through our fingers - pretty much like the sand on a beach on a pretty sunset, caught in a boomerang video. This doesn’t mean we’re ready to let it go though!

What is more, we think that this is the perfect time to look back at destinations that we made amazing memories at and pinpoint the next locations on the map we can’t wait to pack our bags for next summer! Let’s travel together to the top 10 places in the world where scuba divers swear the experience is the best! 

Ready? Get set! SCUBA DIVE!

 

10. Galapagos Islands

Famous for their amazing and diverse wildlife and in particular - the biggest turtles on the planet, the Galapagos islands call us with a voice so powerful it is very hard to resist. The 18 islands are an archipelago with a volcanic origin that formed thousands of years ago in close proximity to Ecuador. Since then, life on them has bloomed and amazed scientists as well as tourists and divers from all around the globe.

One thing you should know is this destination is for the more experienced divers. Oh but all the beauty and life that awaits you if you dare to accept the opportunity to dive there! The islands are well known for their vast and very rich marine flora and fauna. There are species from the marine life you can only see there in the whole world. That fact combined with the clear waters and amazing air makes a lot of people say this is the best place for scuba diving.

To be absolutely precise, though, we have to pinpoint the exact location on the islands. It won’t be easy to find Wolf and Darwin Island, but if you do your research, you will find out this is the absolute best place to dive into the archipelago. Why? Because this is the only place you will be able to see in one place a big variety of sharks, dolphins, turtles, including but not only the Giant Galapagos turtles, octopuses, marine iguanas and a very, very big variety of sea fish. What is more - there are also plenty of activities to do on-land too. That way you will not get even one second without enjoying the Galapagos experience!

What you should know is there are two distinct seasons you have to take into consideration when choosing the Galapagos isles as your diving destination. Manta season - also known as the warm months, is between December and May. While most of us celebrate Christmas, the people on the Galapagos islands are preparing for their warmest months! Temperatures are higher, there is more sunshine and the waters are calmer, offering smoother sails. The temperature of the Ocean is between 72 and 86F ( or 22 - 30C). If you want to see more sharks, though, you should think about going in May - the time just before the official Whale Shark Season starts. During this time, between June and November, temperatures are lower, the waters are turbulent and you better get a thick wetsuit to keep out the cold.

Divers say the best places in the Galapagos archipelago for scuba diving experiences are El Arco, El Arenal, Roca Redonda, Cape Douglas, Pitt Point and Camano Islet. It is recommended you use liveaboard trips since they offer the best spots, guidance, and on-land activities too.

9. Thailand

With its’ beautiful, endless beaches, warm weather, and exotic culture Thailand is a paradise on Earth - including for scuba divers! It holds a whole universe of itself of places, species, and amazing diving locations. Some of which we will present to you here! 

One of the things that make Thailand an extremely special place for scuba diving is the clarity of the waters. Their diving spots are world known for this fact as well as all the species and underwater coral life. What is more, the adventurous types among you can easily find their new favorite place in the face of Thailand, because it also provides opportunities for deep diving, shipwreck exhibits and so much more!

But let’s talk more about what you can actually see. If you are a fan of the big fish… this will be the scuba diving place on top of your personal list, because Thailand waters are the home of whale sharks, manta rays, leopard sharks, and many other species. 

For the best scuba diving experience, we recommend first you choose your spot. This is because of the fact that Thailand has tropical weather, but is also so big it has two different diving zones that are in opposite diving seasons. They are called The Andaman Sea to the West and The Gulf of Thailand to the East. If you choose the Andaman Sea, you’d better visit between October and April. If you want to go to The Gulf and enjoy its clear waters though, you’d better book a trip somewhere between May to September.

Want to know the best part? Thailand is a good place for scuba diving beginners as well as for well-trained experts looking for new thrills. No matter your level, this will be a trip to remember!

And here are the best places to scuba dive in Thailand:

• Andaman Sea - will give you the opportunity to see beautiful coral reefs and amazing wildlife
• Koh Tao - amazingly diverse, this location will steal your heart with its’ beauty and diversity of marine life
• Similan Islands - here you can see the great whale sharks and manta rays. Should we say more?!
• Koh Lanta - the absolute heaven on Earth, home of great and rare ocean species such as the leopard sharks. No on-shore diving though - so prepare for a boat ride!
• Koh Phi Phi - tropical life blooms in these crystal clear waters. Prepare yourself to be amazed!

8. Australia

Getting to the continent home of the kangaroo, the Sydney Opera, and some of the most poisonous and dangerous animals is hard… but the scuba diving experience is so amazing, it is worth it!

Let’s just start with four simple words: The Great Barrier Reef. Do you need more though? There is so much more!

Australia is one of the few places on Earth you can see whales - and two species of them too! You can also enjoy the beauty and the dangerous, adrenaline-spiking company of a whole lot of 7 species of sharks. 

You can dive in Australia throughout the whole year. If you have a specific part of the marine life, though, you have to do your research on when it can be sighted there. The best diving conditions if you want to enjoy The Great Barrier Reef though are between early September to early December. You should know that winter in Australia is between June and August and summer: December to February. 

Australia is also a good location both for newbies in scuba diving and experienced experts with a lot of practice. The water is so clear and the conditions - so good, lots of scuba divers actually come here to get certified.

We recommend you try the following places for your Australian scuba diving experience: The Great Barrier Reef, The Yongala Wreck, Wolf Rock.

 

7. Belize

Have you heard of this magical place, situated in the Caribbean, on the North coast of Central America? What will you say, if we tell you his very small country offers one of the most amazing scuba diving experiences in the world?

For one, on the map, the country is right between Mexico and Guatemala. This means it has Ocean but it also has great warm weather and also - pretty landscapes and sandy beaches to fall in love with. It also offers you to enjoy the longest unbroken barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.

This is not all though. The main attraction of Belize is the famous Blue Hole - an extraordinary Unesco Heritage Site that is 400ft deep and 1,000ft wide. But beware - keep your expectations for it real, because some divers find it boring since the boat drive is long, there are few fish and some stone formations. But the facts are true: you are either mesmerized or terrified of it - of both.

The best time to go to Belize is exactly when you choose it to be. Nevertheless, the warmest weather is throughout August to October with temperatures between 82- 84°F (28-29°C). April to June though, are better if you want to enjoy a little bit cooler weather with the possibility of seeing whale sharks.

If you want to make yourself a scuba diving experience gift from you to yourself, visit these sites in Belize: 

• Half Moon Caye: close to the Blue Hole, this tropical island paradise is filled with on-land species and is one of the best diving sites you can choose in Belize.
• Turneffe Atoll: this diving site is one of the preferred in Belize: an offshore atoll reef that has a lot of dive sites and even more species you can see.
• Ambergris Caye: this place is well known for its nightlife and that while scuba diving you can see species that you can find nowhere else in the world. So if you have a bucket list about that, you will most likely check out some of the rarest fish in it here.
• Placencia offers fewer tourists and turmoil, more nature, history (Mayan sites), and great diving spots. Especially if you enjoy diving with sharks.
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve - the home of some amazing fish and one of the very few spots in the world you can dive at night and experience scuba diving in an entirely different way.

6. Hawaii

Adding one more volcanic archipelago to the list, we absolutely cannot leave Hawaii out of it! 

Volcanic origins, isolated geographically and not that easy to get to, since you usually need a US visa to go there - Hawaii might offer some technical dificulties for travel but it also gives us a ton more amazing scuba diving options! What is more, the wildlife is protected, so it is always blooming.

Another good thing about Hawaii - the weather and the location of the islands give you the oportunity to go there whenever you want throuout the year and have an amazing diving time. The temperatures vary aroud 24 - 27 degrees Celsius. It’s warmest in September, though, so if you like warm weather you should travel then. This is important information for when you pack your suitcase - for the winter months you should choose a 3mm wetsuit, but for the summer, a 1mm vest would be just enough. 

One of the biggest attractions of the Hawaii scuba diving experience is the Humpback whale. If you want to see one of those, you might want to visit during the mating season of these amazing animals: between December and March. 

Except that you can expect dolphins, manta rays and great wildlife, blooming in crystal waters, filled with amazing reefs and volcanic formations. The best sites for diving are, as follows:

• Maui
• O’ahu
• Lana’i
• Moloka’i
• Kaua’i
• Molokini Wall
• Hawai’i

 

5. Egypt

Egypt is usually associated with the history, pyramids, Cairo, and exotic culture. Did you know it has some of the best diving sites in the world, though?

The country borders on the Red Sea - one of the saltiest water bodies on the planet. It’s also famous for its amazing reefs and therefore - diving sites. And contrary to popular belief, there is a lot to see once you get under the surface. 

One of the best things about Egypt is it has clear and calm waters. That makes it perfect for beginners in scuba diving. What is more, exploring the Egyptian waters will offer you a touch to history. A lot of the diving sites offer historical views as well as traditional scuba diving experiences. You will feel the adrenaline and adventurousness flowing through your veins and you will never forget the experience - that’s for sure!

Egypt is big though, so where should you set sail? A great place to anchor is Alexandria. The city is a famous port known for its’ historical importance for import and export of a variety of goods throughout the centuries. The waters here are clean, nevertheless, and offer ancient ruins. Two of the best ones you can see are Cleopatra's palace and the Lighthouse at Alexandria. And while the wildlife can be more diverse, you can easily visit a site nearby: Omu Sukan, and have your share of colorful coral reefs and rich wildlife.

Another place you shouldn’t miss, visiting Egypt, is Dahab. This is a very well-known spot for scuba divers because of the amazing coral reefs and variety of fish. Nearby is a natural phenomenon called the Blue Hole too. It’s a 100-meter deep water that offers you to see barracuda, tuna, and even more - if you have the skills and the courage to scuba dive into it.

Another great thing about Egypt is you can visit it any time you want throughout the year. The weather is constantly warm and calm, with temperatures between 21°C to 28°C. The visibility in the water is also very, very good: between 20 and 50 meters.

One of the most attractive species you can see while scuba diving in Egypt, is the Hammerhead shark. If you want to have a glimpse, your time of the year is between June and September - the Summer season in the country. If you want to see a Whale shark, though, you might want to start a little bit early - they roam around the Red Sea waters from May to August. You can also spot three more types of sharks, turtles, dolphins, and a variety of fish. 

4. Micronesia

Next up the list is Micronesia - a small island region near Australia. It consists of literally thousands of tiny islands in the western Pacific Ocean, spread between six nations. What these lands lack in soil, they compensate in amazing diving sites, though! 

What you can find in Micronesia is no less than everything you need for the best scuba diving experiences. There are whole resorts, dedicated to the sport and in addition - there is a little something for everybody. You have historical shipwrecks, you have soft and hard coral reefs, some amazing animal encounters… You just have to choose your diving spots on the different islands wisely. Our advice - choose a few spots in advance and make your own schedule for the trip. That way you can get the best of it.

If you choose Micronesia for diving, you go big or go home. Although the visibility and diving conditions are good, we might suggest it’s more of a place for experienced divers. You can go throughout the whole year, but you might want to choose a time outside of the rainy season. The diving conditions during it can become very dangerous very quickly. Once again though, this will vary on the islands you choose to visit. 

Our advice: do extensive research on the islands you’d want to visit based on what you want to see. This way you will figure out the best time to go and choose your spots. Next and very important - check the diving traditions and infrastructure. Some places have better ones and some - basically none. For example - the islands Chuuk and Palau have great services and resorts for scuba divers. A lot of the others can’t offer this though.  

The best places you can dive in Micronesia are, as it follows:

• Palau
• Yap
• Kosrae
• Chuuk
• Pohnpei

 

3. Indonesia

Situated far East and a little bit South on the map, Indonesia is known for its interesting culture, more than 100 endangered species, home of the biggest flower in the world, and… some of the best scuba diving sites in the world! And there is good reason for that - when you take a glimpse at this heavenly underwater world, you will hardly have the strength to look away! 

Indonesia holds a very, very big biodiversity when it comes to life in the water. This, and the fact the archipelago holds thousands of islands, makes it a paradise on Earth for scuba divers. This is also one of the very few places you can experience night diving too. 

For scuba diving purposes, and for all else, too, you might want to visit Indonesia between the months May and September. This is the dry, warm season there that offers dry and sunny weather and generally - better diving conditions. 

Whenever you choose to go through, you will have the opportunity to see hundreds of types of fish and even more coral types. There is so much to see. And on land as well, since Indonesia is the home of the very rare Comodo Dragon.

The best places you can choose for the ultimate Indonesian diving experience are:

• Bali
• Manado, Sulawesi
• Komodo National Park, Flores
• Raja Ampat, Papua
• Wakatobi, Sulawesi
• Pulau Weh, Sumatra
• Gili Islands, Lombok

 

2. The Maldives

We’re almost at the top of our ranking and it’s time to present you with the magic of The Maldives. Popular romantic destination, these islands with their amazing and long wild beaches, clean water, fresh food, and friendly people are definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think of scuba diving. We’re going to change your mind, though! So even if you’re planning a romantic getaway with a special someone, don’t forget to pack your scuba diving equipment!

The truth is you need to know only four words to choose this archipelago for your scuba diving trip: world-class scuba diving! The Maldives consist of more than 1500 islands. About 200 of them are inhabitable, but you can get everywhere by boat. 

You can dive here all around the year due to the great tropical weather. The best time to do it though is between January and April. This is the dry and warmer season and the lack of rough weather gives you the opportunity to see more species as well as have better sails and even better dives with clear and warm waters. We do not recommend May, June and December just because of that - rains and unpredictable weather can lead to less visibility at best. 

Another good point for The Maldives is that it can be experienced by both beginners and skilled divers. You can dive in shallow waters for training and even diving classes or choose great spots with reefs, old wrecks and drift dives too. It’s all up to you.

Fortunately, we got the best places for diving at The Maldives. They are:

• Ari Atoll - the clarity of the water will mesmerize you and leave you absolutely breathless!
• Baa Atoll - this atoll is part of the Unesco heritage and is a protected zone. Here you can see manta rays and whale sharks in their natural habitat - and enjoy their company along with many fish and other members of the sea life.
• Fuvahmulah Atoll - this atoll is unique with the species it hosts. It is a home of rare shark types: tiger sharks, thresher sharks, whale sharks, and if you’re really lucky: hammerheads.
• Male Atoll - it has two sections and is majorly preferred by the more experienced divers.
• Vaavu Atoll - this is one of the best diving sites in the world. Many divers fall in love with it because of a channel that runs there that offers access to caves and beautiful underwater scenery you can see nowhere else.

 

1.  Malaysia

Here we are - at the top of the list, where, as the best diving place in the world, sits Malaysia!

The country is situated in Southeast Asia and it’s an irresistible travel destination for adventurers, bloggers, and... scuba divers, of course! Malaysia offers lots of opportunities for the latter and for every level of expertise. The waters are calm, the weather - warm and the visibility in the water - perfect for diving.

You generally have a choice to visit the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, or East Malaysia. For the best diving experience in Peninsular Malaysia you would want to choose the time between March and September. If you want to visit and explore East Malaysia, though, you can go any time you want. The conditions the geographical location offers for scuba diving are good throughout the year. 

In the clear waters, you can set eyes on five types of sharks, eagle ray, manta ray, and a vast variety of marine life. Colorful and protected reefs await you and will leave you captivated.

The best diving sites you can choose in Malaysia are:

• The island Sipadan: this location is world-famous in the scuba diving community with its breathtaking coral reefs and walls. This diving site is also a protected area and is said to be the best-preserved marine location on Earth.
• Sibuan Island: it is located in the  Semporna Marine Park and for it can be said one thing: it does not disappoint the divers and marine photographers both with the amazingly rich marine life.
• Mabul Island: if you search for muck and critter diving, this is your place - situated very near the Sipadan island, mentioned above.
• Redang Island: a spot you shouldn’t miss on your diving adventures. It offers the best diving conditions you can wish for and mesmerizing coral sites.
• The WWII Wrecks of Kuching, Sugar Wreck (Perhentian), Kenyalang Rig Wreck (Miri): three locations that will light the fire of the adventurer in you. Don’t miss them, because they offer the best of both worlds: scuba diving and marine life and history tales you will want to pass on!

 

Ready to DIVE into the wonders of the world?