Why is a scuba diving vacation so amazing?
Fun activities like indulging in the best scuba diving in the world make holidays even more memorable and special. Speaking from personal experience, adventuring through the underwater world is quite unlike anything else. I became a qualified diver a few years ago and haven’t looked back since.
However, not everyone is fortunate enough to have world-class diving areas in their back garden, so the best places to scuba dive attract an array of travellers looking to get their scuba fix.
Check out our list of the top 10 best places to dive in the world and get some inspiration for your next scuba dive vacation.
Where are the best places to scuba dive?
- Barracuda Point, Sipadan Island, Malaysia
- Blue Corner Wall, Palau, Micronesia
- The Yongala, Australia
- Shark and Yolanda Reef, Egyptian Red Sea
- Great Blue Hole, Belize
- USAT Liberty, Bali, Indonesia
- Richelieu Rock, Thailand
- Malapascua, Philippines
- The Riviera Maya, Mexico
- Galápagos
Barracuda Point, Sipadan Island, Malaysia
Getting to Sipadan Island is not the most straightforward of journeys. You can’t fly direct and will need to get to Semporna, then take the boat across. However, it’s worth the trip, and some of the best diving in the world awaits you on arrival.
There is an incredibly diverse marine life that includes sea turtles, crabs, parrotfish, and of course, barracuda. The jaw-dropping 800m drop off won’t be something that you forget any time soon.
Blue Corner Wall, Palau, Micronesia
With eagle rays, sharks, barracuda, and Napoleon wrasse to feast your eyes while diving, Blue Corner Wall is one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. This is arguably one of the best places to dive as you can also swim with sharks here. It also offers some stronger currents for a more challenging dive.
Read our story on the best places in the world to swim with sharks.
You will need to fly into the archipelago’s main airport, Roman Tmetuchl, to enjoy the stunning surroundings and your scuba dive vacation.
The Yongala, Australia
I was fortunate enough to dive the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland a few years back and have heard fantastic things about The Yongala. The shipwreck is 90km southeast of Townsville and sank in 1911. It has since become one of the best places to scuba dive in the world.
The 109-metre long ship is home to manta rays, octopuses, tiger and bull sharks, as well as turtles and an abundance of fish.
Shark and Yolanda Reef, Egyptian Red Sea
The Egyptian Red Sea is home to some of the best scuba diving in the world. I did a sleep aboard at the Thistlegorm dive site, and it was unforgettable. The Yolanda shipwreck is another level and is also home to not only Shark Reef but its legendary drop off, and Anemone City.
Most trips out to this region require a flight to mainland Egypt and then a liveaboard scuba dive vacation.
Great Blue Hole, Belize
The Great Blue Hole is an incredible 143 metres deep and 300 metres wide. What makes it so unique is the vibrant range of colours which make way for the darker deeper colours at the base of the hole.
Its crystal clear visibility makes it one of the best scuba diving locations in the world. The hole is home to tuna, octopus and Caribbean reef sharks. To dive it your best bet is to take the three-hour boat ride from Ambergris Caye in Belize.
USAT Liberty, Bali, Indonesia
For those seeking unique photo opportunities, the USAT Liberty shipwreck offers some of the best diving in the world with many instaworthy points. Its hull, which has been encrusted in coral and other marine life, is truly unique. The hawksbill turtle is a regular resident around the wreck, and if you are lucky, you may get to see a cownose ray.
Most tours depart from the shoreline and swim out to the wreck as it sits just 30 metres from the coastline.
Richelieu Rock, Thailand
I got my PADI certification in the beautiful clear waters on the other side of the Thai peninsula on Koh Tao. I haven’t made it to Richelieu Rock which is situated in the Andaman sea but have heard that the site is exceptional. It is famous for whale sharks, batfish, mantas, and enormous schools of fish.
To explore one of the best places to scuba dive in the world, you will need to either take a day boat from Phuket or you can opt for a liveaboard. I strongly recommend doing a liveaboard and exploring the surrounding islands while you’re there.
Malapascua, Philippines
Found just off the coast of Cebu is the tiny island of Malapascua. It offers some of the best scuba diving in the world for thresher sharks and has a wide variety of soft and hard coral. If you’re looking for something slightly different, the area is home to the unique looking Dugong.
The pleasant conditions mean you can dive all year round and can leave your thick wetsuit at home.
The Riviera Maya, Mexico
Mexico is home to thousands of sinkholes known as Cenotes. The Riviera Maya offers some of the best scuba diving if you are looking to explore underwater cave systems. While this spot is recommended for more experienced divers, there are some caverns which recreational divers can explore.
Most people take trips from Playa del Carmen or Isla Mujeres to enjoy the range of dive sites which make this area so famous.
Galápagos
Travelling to the Galapagos will require a 900km trip from Ecuador, but the payoff is worth it. The area is steeped in history. It is regarded by many as the best scuba diving destination in the world.
The vivid wildlife includes whale sharks, sea lions, penguins and iguanas; it is hard to beat. You will most likely have to embark on a liveaboard to explore this fantastic area.
Visiting one of the best places to scuba dive
Not all of the best places to dive are easy to access, but this shouldn’t deter you from taking a dip and exploring. Your next scuba dive vacation will largely depend on your level of experience as well as the type of marine life you want to see. Treat yourself to some of the best scuba diving the world has to offer. You won’t regret it.
