20 Best Places & Destinations to Go Scuba Diving in the World

The Earth is filled with life and colours of all kinds and shades. You can travel to all parts of the world and encounter diverse cultures, cuisines, traditions, lifestyles and more.

But what about life underwater?

The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface and with more than 80% of the ocean remaining undiscovered, there is so much to explore beyond our comprehension. If you're an adventure junkie, then you know that diving into the ocean is your best bet.

With an appetite for risk and adrenaline, let's look at some of the best dive sites across the world that will guarantee a life-changing experience.

Did you know that there are roughly 100+ countries where you can scuba dive? Imagine the view down below! The deep blue waters brimming with colourful fish, sea plants, thriving corals, rock structures and gentle giant creatures curious about your little visit.

To get a world-class experience, we've listed down 20 of the best scuba diving destinations in the world:

1. Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

The French Polynesia comprises 118 islands and atolls, home to white sandy beaches, tropical fauna and flora and crystal-clear lagoons.

The Tuamotu Archipelago is known as the scuba diving paradise of French Polynesia. They consist of a chain of 77 atolls, some famous scuba diving spots in Rangiroa, Fakarava and Tikehau.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Humpback whales, Sharks, Dolphins, Rays, Corals, Barracudas, Jacks, Turtles, Humphead moray wrasse, Wrecks, Underwater stone structures, Snappers, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: May - October

2. Palau, Micronesia

Palau is an island country in Micronesia consisting of over 300 islands nestled in the western Pacific Ocean. Palau's immaculate reefs offer some of the best scuba diving in the world, as almost 80% of the island nation's waters are protected.

The top diving spot here, Blue Corner, is home to so many sharks! It is regarded as one of the best dives in the planet and is an irresistible invitation for divers worldwide.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Rays, Jellyfish, Sharks, Hammerheads, Tropical fishes, Coral reefs, Plankton, Cleaner wrasse, Butterflyfish, Turtles, Bumphead parrot fish.
• Best Time to Visit: October - May

3. Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia

Raja Ampat, which translates to 'Four Kings,' is a province in West Papua, made up of hundreds of islands, many uninhabited. Raja Ampat has some of Indonesia’s most beautiful reefs.

Divers can enjoy stunning underwater views and diverse marine life at several dive sites in Raja Ampat, including the P47 Plane Wreck, Melissa's Garden, Mike's Point, Cape Kri, and others.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Sharks, Rays, Stonefish, Sunfish, Seahorse, Mackerel, Tuna, Barracuda, Whales, Manatee, Turtles, Dolphins, Rocks, Wrecks, Caves.
• Best Time to Visit: May - November

Read more: Scuba Diving in Indonesia

4. Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, Philippines

At the centre of the Coral Triangle, the waters of the Philippines harbour some of the best scuba diving experiences in the world. One can have the best reef and drift dive experiences here!

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a secluded scuba diving paradise in the western Philippines' Sulu Sea. These volcanic atolls draw marine life to them like a magnet, making it one of the best diving sites in the Philippines.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Turtles, Rays, Sharks, Macro marine life, Critters, Octopuses, Seahorses, Whales, Dugong, Tunas, Jacks, Sardines.
• Best Time to Visit: October - May

Read more: Scuba Diving in Philippines

5. North Male Atoll, Maldives

The Maldives is an archipelago of more than 1200 islands and 26 atolls. North Malé Atoll is unsurprisingly one of the most popular Maldivian atolls for divers and tourists alike.

Nasimo Thila, Banana Reef, Okebe Thila, and the Maldives Victory shipwreck are places to explore when scuba diving in Maldives.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Rays, Sharks, Whales, Corals, Turtles, Tuna, Blue-faced angelfish, Parrotfish, Clown triggerfish, Eels, Underwater structures, Caves, Rocks,
• Best Time to Visit: January - April

Read more: Scuba Diving in Maldives

6. Richelieu Rock, Thailand

Thailand is one of the world’s most fabulous scuba destinations in the world, with many sites for travellers to explore. The water of the Andaman Sea, which lies between the Surin and Similan Islands, is brimming with life.

Many find their way to Richelieu Rock. The top of the rock is covered in soft corals, home to many small sea creatures.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Corals, Seahorses, Pineapplefish, Harlequin shrimp, Porcelain crabs, Ghost pipefish, Rays, Whale sharks, Sharks, Bannerfish, Lionfish.
• Best Time to Visit: Only open from 15th October to 15th May.

Read more: 

• Scuba Diving in Thailand
• Scuba diving in Bali

7. Azores, Portugal

Portugal's stunning volcanic archipelago, the Azores, is roughly 850 miles offshore from the mainland. Thanks to conservation efforts, the sperm whale population in the area is now well-known, which additionally brought back a distinct ecology.

You must visit famous dive sites in Sao Miguel, Santa Maria Island, Terceira Island and Faial Island for the best scuba diving experience in Azores.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Whale sharks, Rays, Volcanic arches, Canyons, Reefs, Sharks, Squids, Clouds of krill, Turtles, Dolphins, Flying fish.
• Best Time to Visit: July – October

Read more: Scuba Diving in Portugal

8. Speyside, Tobago

Tobago in the Caribbean Islands offers a prolific mix of Caribbean and South American marine species. Known for its drift dives, the tropical island also has a shipwreck that has become home to many aquatic creatures.

The most popular location for scuba diving is in Speyside in the northeast area. This place has some of the best coral reefs that are unspoiled and rich in marine life.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Brain corals, Sea fans, Hammerheads, Eels, Octopuses, Mantas, Butterflyfish, Goatfish, Trunkfish, Sea whips, Stingrays, Snappers, Scorpionfish, Crabs, Angelfish, Turtles.
• Best Time to Visit: January - June

9. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Ecuador's famous Galapagos Islands has some of the best scuba diving sites in the world for both experienced and amateur divers.

Darwin's Arch is an islet off the coast of Ecuador that is home to a vast and varied array of marine life. Numerous aquatic species are brought to these nutrient-rich waters by converging currents.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Marine iguanas, Penguins, Sunfish, Galapagos sharks, Whale sharks, Silky sharks, Hammerheads, Manta rays, Eagle rays, Dolphins, Barracudas, Bar jacks, Sea lions, Moray eels, Green sea turtles.
• Best Time to Visit: June - October

10. Cocos Islands, Costa Rica

The Cocos Islands, located more than 340 miles off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, deliver some of the most exciting diving on the planet. This top-notch dive location is continuously rated as the world's best place to go hammerhead diving.

Divers of all skill levels can enjoy the Pacific shoreline, which is particularly well-known for its pelagic life.

Unique Underwater Attractions: Hammerheads, Bull sharks, Reef sharks, Manta rays, Whale sharks, Coral reefs, Seahorse, Sailfish, Turtles, Dolphins

Best Time to Visit: May - December

Read moreThe Cocos Islands, located more than 340 miles off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, deliver some of the most exciting diving on the planet. This top-notch dive location is continuously rated as the world's best place to go hammerhead diving. 

Divers of all skill levels can enjoy the Pacific shoreline, which is particularly well-known for its pelagic life.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Hammerheads, Bull sharks, Reef sharks, Manta rays, Whale sharks, Coral reefs, Seahorse, Sailfish, Turtles, Dolphins

• Best Time to Visit: May - December

Read more: Scuba Diving in Costa Rica

11. Socorro and Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico

Mexico, unquestionably one of the best scuba diving countries globally, has thousands of cenotes scattered throughout its Yucatan Peninsula. Scuba diving enthusiasts have a plethora of opportunities in the volcanic islands of Socorro and Revillagigedo, the Sea of Cortez, Cabo San Lucas and the waters around Loreto.

Socorro Island is a pelagic lover's paradise. If you are lucky, you might get the chance to swim among magnificent oceanic creatures such as whales, sharks, rays, etc.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Plankton, Manta rays, Silky sharks, Humpback whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Sea lions, Blue whales, Orcas
• Best Time to Visit: May - September

Read more: Scuba Diving in Mexico

12. Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

Scuba diving in the Bahamas gives you crystal-clear waters to witness wrecks and underwater life. The Bahamas is an ideal vacation destination with thrilling life on land and underwater.

Tiger Beach in the Grand Bahama Island is home to several tiger sharks, hammerheads, oceanic whitetips, and reef sharks that circle around the group while divers wait on the sandy bottom.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Coral reefs, Tiger sharks, Hammerheads, Oceanic whitetips, Reef sharks, Bull sharks, Nurse sharks, caves, Wrecks, Blue holes, Seahorse, Rays, Whales, Dolphins.
• Best Time to Visit: October - June

13. The Florida Keys, United States

The Florida Keys is the ultimate underwater medley. Part of the world’s third-largest living coral barrier reef system, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is home to 6,000 animal species.

The area has nine shipwrecks waiting for you to explore. Miles and miles of glorious coral reefs are home to various colourful fish species of different shapes and sizes.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Coral reefs, Parrot fish, Nurse sharks, Sea turtles, Tarpon, Barracuda, Snappers, Bull sharks, Damselfish, Groupers, Morays, Eagle rays, Wrecks, Statues, Eels
• Best Time to Visit: October - June

14. Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand

Some of the best subtropical diving sites in the Southern Hemisphere are found on the North Island, a few hours north of Auckland.

The Poor Knights Islands, now a marine reserve, are volcanic ruins that once belonged to a section of the Pacific Ring of Fire. You must visit the Blue Maomao Arch, ranked among the world's top 10 dive locations by French oceanographer and navy commander Jacques Cousteau.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Blue maomao fish, Moray eels, Sea slugs, Whales, Red-banded shrimp, Lord Howe coral fish, Kelp forests, Dolphins, Seals, Bronze whaler, Mako sharks, Tuna, Kingfish, Marlin. 
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round

15. Vanua Levu, Fiji

Fiji is an underwater naturalist's paradise, with over 390 coral species and almost 1200 fish species. Colourful corals seen in Fiji include pinks, yellows, blues, oranges, and light purples.

You have everything needed for some of the best scuba diving in the world when you combine amazing marine life with a stunning setting at dive spots near Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, and the Yasawa Islands.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Seahorses, Triggerfish, Turtles, Clownfish, Corals, Different shark species, Jacks, Fusiliers, Anthias.
• Best Time to Visit: April - December

16. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Stretching for 2,300 kilometres, a scuba diver could explore this reef for ages and never see it all. Drift dives along vibrant, coral-encrusted walls regularly bring encounters with more enormous sea creatures, enhancing your dive experience.

The Great Barrier Reef is an obvious pick when it comes to scuba diving in Australia. Most travellers gravitate to Cairns for day diving, but the coral reefs of Heron Island are a must-visit.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Coral reefs, Different species of Rays, Variety of shark species, Sea turtles, Giant trevally, Chevron barracuda, Queensland groper, Tunas, Humpback whales, Shipwrecks.
• Best Time to Visit: June - November

17. Red Sea, Egypt

The Red Sea in Egypt is known for its saltiest seawater and world-famous diving destinations – being one of the 7 Wonders of the World. The coral reefs here explode in different colours of life.

You can go drift scuba diving in Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef in Ras Mohammed National Park, and SS Thistlegorm wreck (one of the best wreck dives in the world), as the currents attract pelagic fish.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Coral reefs, Wrecks, Sharks, Barracuda, Sea anemones, Jackfish, Snappers, Batfish, Dolphins, Dugongs, Rays, Octopuses, Cuttlefish, Mollusks
• Best Time to Visit: March - May & September - November

Read more: Scuba Diving in Egypt

18. Eden Rock & Devil's Grotto, Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman are the three islands that make up the British Overseas Territory known as the Cayman Islands.

The Cayman Islands are a favourite among divers in the Caribbean because of their exceptional coral reefs and accessible wrecks. It is also a world-class diving destination, offering dangerous wreck dives and extremely deep drop-offs.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Shipwrecks, Silversides, Corals, Spotted eagle rays, Sea turtles, Stingrays, Caves, Tunnels, Sponges, Tropical fishes, Seahorse, Sharks, Manta rays, 
• Best Time to Visit: November - May

19. Kona, Hawaii

Hawaii’s volcanic origins and isolated geographical location make for a whirlwind of scuba diving options to explore. The marine life is well protected here, so you can always expect it in abundance.

Scuba diving at Kona Hawaii is beautiful! The Manta Night Dive is a unique night dive, where the site is artificially illuminated, attracting plankton. Mantas arrive to take advantage of the feast, putting on a spectacular show for divers.

Other dive sites in Maui, Honolulu-Oahu and Kailua-Oahu are worth a visit for a well-rounded experience of the marine scene in Hawaii.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Humpback whales, Sea turtles, Tiger sharks, White tip reef sharks, Manta rays, Whale sharks, Eagle rays, Octopuses, Dolphins, Natural lava tubes, Rock formations.
• Best Time to Visit: April - October

20. Great Blue Hole, Belize

The Blue Hole, a bottomless, wide hole outlined by coral reefs and inhabited by sharks was made famous by Jacques Cousteau and has successfully put Belize on the dive map. When descending, the water begins to waver and shimmer as you transition from salt to fresh water.

With over 400 islands, white sandy beaches, the longest unbroken barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and 298 kilometres of coastline, Belize is a world-class scuba diving destination.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Groupers, Whale sharks, Manatees, Sea turtles, Dolphins, Seahorses, Reef sharks, Bull sharks, Hammerheads, Eagle rays, Manta rays, Tunas.
• Best Time to Visit: May – November

Read more: Scuba Diving in Belize

• Those who are physically unwell or are under the influence of substances are advised to avoid scuba diving.
• Have lots of water intake as your body will be dehydrated and tired after a long dive.
• Avoid flying, exercising or consuming alcohol immediately after a dive.
• When swimming among bigger creatures, don't panic or try to swim away. Remain calm, keep a safe distance and pay attention to your instructor.
• Follow all the instructions given by your instructor. Do not venture off on your own underwater, and always stay with your group.
• Check your gear and ensure that it is functioning correctly before you go for your dive.
• Scuba diving conditions can change at any time. Always double check your reservation with your operator before travelling to the location.
• Just like any other adventure sport, scuba diving comes with its own risks. That's why when you are travelling abroad never forget to avail of international travel insurance that also covers adventure sports such as scuba diving.

The list of the best scuba diving destinations in the world is long and for a reason! There's so much to explore in the ocean, with every dive having its own uniqueness. As unpredictable as the waters can be, scuba diving is a mind-blowing adventure sport that you must experience at least once in your lifetime!

Also read:

• 19 Best Places & Destinations to Go Scuba Diving in India
• Cheapest Scuba Diving in the World