Top 10 Recommended Scuba Diving Destinations Around the World
Just a few years ago, I was terrified of water and the ocean—so much so that I avoided swimming pools and bathhouses. Naturally, my summer vacations leaned toward bustling cities rather than beaches or rivers. But everything changed after trying sea walking in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. While the deep ocean still intimidates me, my fear has been replaced with a mix of awe and aspiration. I now dream of trying scuba diving someday. This got me wondering about the world’s top scuba diving destinations. Today, let’s explore the 10 best scuba diving spots together. Are you ready?
1. Scuba Diving Destination: Australia
Home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Australia boasts pristine, untouched natural landscapes, making it a prime location for scuba diving. The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, is a dream destination for divers, hosting over 3,000 coral species and approximately 1,500 fish species. Other notable scuba diving spots in Australia include Osprey Reef, SS Yongala, and The Whitsunday Islands. The best time to dive in Australia is between August and December.
2. Scuba Diving Destination: Hong Kong
Some may be surprised to hear Hong Kong listed as a scuba diving destination, but it’s globally recognized for its stunning underwater beauty, rivaling the city’s iconic skyline. Its waters are home to around 6,000 marine species and hundreds of coral varieties. Popular diving spots include Sai Kung, Bluff Island, Ping Chau Island, and Lobster Bay, with Sai Kung being the most renowned for its calm waters and sightings of moray eels, cardinal fish, butterfly rays, and seahorses.
3. Scuba Diving Destination: Galápagos Islands
Located about 1,000 km off South America, the Galápagos Islands are a top scuba diving destination. Comprising 19 volcanic islands and countless reefs, the islands offer well-developed water activities, with scuba diving being particularly spectacular. Divers can encounter rare species like hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, eagle rays, and penguins. Top diving spots include Darwin Island, Isabela Island, and Fernandina Island, with the best season being February to April.
4. Scuba Diving Destination: Indonesia
Indonesia, with one of the world’s longest coastlines, offers a wide range of scuba diving locations. Notable spots include Thousand Islands near Jakarta, Bunaken and Lembeh in North Sulawesi, Bali, Komodo, Raja Ampat, Pulau Weh, Gili Islands, Lombok, and Nusa Lembongan, each offering unique underwater experiences.
5. Scuba Diving Destination: Maldives
No discussion of water-based activities is complete without mentioning the Maldives. With over 1,000 islands, this nation is known for its luxury resorts and shallow, crystal-clear waters, making scuba diving accessible and vibrant. Popular diving spots include Vaavu Atoll, Lhaviyani Atoll, Male Atoll, and South Ari Atoll.
6. Scuba Diving Destination: Belize
Belize, located between Mexico and Guatemala, is lesser-known but boasts over 400 white-sand cays, making it a top destination for exploration, relaxation, and water sports. Divers can observe massive sharks, rock formations, and diverse marine life. Key diving spots include Ambergris Caye, Glovers Atoll, Silk Cayes Canyon, and Stann Creek District.
7. Scuba Diving Destination: Fiji Islands
The Fiji Islands, an Oceania nation, are renowned for their colorful seas, abundant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Known as the “soft coral capital of the world,” Fiji offers activities like diving, swim-throughs, cave exploration, and canyon adventures. Top diving spots include The Great Astrolabe Reef, Somosomo Strait, Suncoast Fiji, Pacific Harbour, Yasawa Islands, Coral Coast, Beqa Lagoon, and Savusavu.
8. Scuba Diving Destination: Egypt
Egypt, home to the Pyramids and one of the seven underwater wonders of the world—the Red Sea—offers over 1,000 invertebrate species and 200 types of soft and hard corals. Its stunning waters and affordable prices make it hard for visitors to leave. Popular diving spots include Pharaoh’s Island, Dahab, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga. These locations are dive-friendly year-round, though water temperatures can drop to 72°F (22°C) in February, so it’s best to avoid that month.
9. Scuba Diving Destination: Palau
Palau, a federation in the western Pacific, is a world-class scuba diving destination despite its small land area. Comprising around 200 islands, it attracts countless divers annually, with many arriving at the international airport equipped with diving gear. Notable diving spots include Blue Corner, German Channel, Peleliu Wall, and The Big Drop-Off.
10. Scuba Diving Destination: Malaysia
Last but not least, Malaysia is a fantastic scuba diving destination, boasting about 878 islands and extensive coastlines. Its diverse seas are a diver’s paradise. The most popular diving spots include Sipadan Island, Mabul Island, Lankayan Island, and Redang Island.
Just researching these scuba diving destinations has ignited my wanderlust. The sweltering summer season only intensifies this longing. A few years ago, I traveled abroad at least once a year, but with COVID-19 and my current physical condition, international travel feels like a distant dream. My body will recover with time, but I still feel a bit cheated by the travel restrictions during the pandemic. I hope you all can travel abroad on my behalf and enjoy these incredible destinations!