The 20 Best Places for Scuba Diving in the World

 

There is a fascinating world, far in the depths of the seas and oceans, yet very close to us. In those underwater worlds, the sunlight filters through the water allowing you to glimpse a colorful and almost ethereal life that populates a world made up of caves and sea gardens. A muffled, at times magical world which affects the soul of many people… easy to understand why.

If you also want to be impressed by these underwater realms, come with us on a tour to discover the 20 best places for scuba diving in the world.

20. Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt

The Ras Mohammed National Park covers the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula is the only Egyptian National Park. On the side facing the Red Sea, you will find more than 20 beautiful sites perfect for diving. A stone’s throw from Sharm El-Sheikh, you will swim next to colorful fish.

19. Turcs and Caicos, Caribbean Sea

It is a coral archipelago, known as an excellent destination for scuba diving since the 70s. Many islands are uninhabited, so they are also perfect for an escape from the hectic city life. It has one of the largest coral reefs in the world. What makes it an ideal location for snorkelers is that the reef is close to the shore and shallow.

18. Little Cayman, Cayman Islands

It’s the smallest of the islands of the homonymous archipelago and is a real pearl! It’s trying hard to resist the environmental threats caused by the, unfortunately, increasing level of pollution in the area. A place of great charm, even if very contained. At the far north, you will find Jackson Point, where the reef drops into the deepest abyss after a drop of nearly 2,000 meters.

17. Silfra Lake, Thingvellir National Park, Iceland

The waters of this lake are a unique but interesting stop. These crystalline waters have optimal visibility to the extent that you can see the cracks caused by the meeting of the two continental plates from the surface. The proximity to the geysers means that the waters are not so cold and some fish swim there. And, the lagoon offers a breathtaking spectacle… a truly incredible place!

16. Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands

Yes, yes: you got it right! We refer to the place of the famous atomic tests. Regardless of what one might think, underwater flora and fauna are very impressive. This place is suitable for the bravest and provides special and unique dives. In fact, wrecks of numerous warships rest on the seabed.

15. Mauritius Island, Republic of Mauritius

The coral reef surrounds the island for three quarters. The east coast is lapped by colder currents but has beautiful spots. You will also find fantastic desert islets where you will feel as if you are diving into uncharted waters. The aquatic fauna here is rich and colorful. If you are experienced enough, enter the intricate architecture of the rocks of the south coast.

14. Zanzibar, Tanzania

A heavenly sea with a wonderful coral reef awaits you. In Zanzibar, many of the best dive sites are ideal for beginners. The 15-meter-deep Chole Wall and Coral Gardens will amaze you. The other most spectacular points are located 30 meters away. But don’t be fooled! Despite the minimal difficulty of diving, the islands of Tanzania offer spectacular experiences even to the most experienced divers.

13. Sulawesi, between Borneo and the Moluccas

The area is very renowned for the beauty of its seabed. But, the value of these waters doesn’t stop here as it’s very important on a scientific level. In fact, there is a marine environment with a high concentration of biodiversity. The place you mustn’t miss is the marine park of Bunaken, which is one of the best sites of this kind in the world.

12. Maldives

This heaven on earth is comprised of over a thousand islands surrounded by fine sand with atolls rich in colorful underwater life of the coral reef. From May to September, you can meet manta rays, while near the atolls of North Male and South Ari, you may come across sharks and sea turtles. In the Maldives, you will also find the best tours and diving centers in the Indian Ocean.

11. Hurghada, Egypt

It’s one of the favorite destinations for several reasons. One of them is the seabed, which is one of the most beautiful and lush in the world. Also, the clarity of the waters is legendary. And, reaching it is simple and cheap. What more could you ask for?

10. Perth, Australia

It is the realm of uncontaminated nature and pure water. A bit over 20 km from Perth is the splendid Rottnest Island: a magical place surrounded by coral reefs and rich in vegetation. A great dive site! Also, don’t forget to immerse yourself in the green of the surrounding nature on dry land. And, you might come across quokkas, the curious kangaroo-like marsupials with an always happy face.

9. Rangiroa, Polynesia

It is an atoll of the Tuamotu archipelago, in Polynesia. The island, large and very beautiful, has a coral reef and an extraordinary underwater fauna. There, you can experience the thrill of swimming side by side with dolphins. In this place, there’s a particular phenomenon when the currents created by two channels allow the water to pass only twice a day.

8. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

It is a vast archipelago, elected as one of the richest coral reefs in the world in 2007. Lovers of underwater photography come from all over the planet to observe this unique biodiversity.

7. Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea

Difficult to reach, but totally worth it! In this place, you will find the greatest biodiversity on the planet. From mangroves to coral reefs, to fish of all kinds and colors, dolphins, and volcanoes; just name it, it’s there. Do we need to add more?

6. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

If you feel like taking a long but unforgettable journey, the Galapagos Islands are perfect! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 400 endemic species, including the famous giant tortoises. While diving, you will enjoy a fascinating show with thousands of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and colorful fish, to say the least.

5. Cocos Island, Costa Rica

A completely wild island, the northern tip of the Golden Triangle, formed by the Colombian Malpelo and the Ecuadorian Galapagos, all of which are wild islands frequented only by divers and coast guards. Cocos Island is a marine reserve with endemic species and very rich biodiversity.

4. Richelieu Rock, Thailand

From Phuket to Koh Samui, the sea is among the most beautiful and the most interesting for diving enthusiasts in the world. In the Andaman Sea, there is a strip of islands, which are well-known among fans but not very popular. There you will find a great variety of colorful fish, coral, and whale and leopard sharks.

3. Kona, Hawaii

The best diving on the Kona coast is done at night. Rays of very powerful light attract the plankton and with it the manta rays. An incredible sight… these majestic animals literally fly through the water, moving gently with an almost unreal rhythm. It seems that the best time to have these particular encounters is on a waxing moon night.

2. Great Blue Hole, Belize

It is one of the most impressive underwater places in the world! In the center of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the Great Blue Hole awaits you. It is an underwater karst sinkhole, almost perfectly circular, more than 120 meters deep. The almost vertical walls are decorated with beautiful stalactites of over 15m. Truly stunning!

1. Palau, Republic of Palau

Elected as one of the “Seven Underwater Wonders of the World”, Palau hosts a lot of legendary dive sites, such as Blue Corner, Jellyfish Lake, Chandelier Cave, and Peleliu Express. Therefore, it’s obvious and probably expected that it will be at the first position of this ranking. Also, there you can find several wrecks of the Second World War. You can’t ask for anything better!