Where to go scuba diving: the top most interesting places in the world

If you dream of seeing unforgettable coral reefs and the amazing underwater world, the best way to do it is to go scuba diving. To do this, you need to undergo special training and get a diver's certificate, which will give you access to the most fascinating places on the planet.

The best diving resorts offer not only ideal conditions for diving but also reputable schools where you can get an internationally recognized PADI or SSI certificate. The underwater world around you will become so close and amazing that every dive will be an unrivaled experience.

Lonely Planet has recommended the best dive sites where you can enjoy unforgettable underwater landscapes and diverse marine life. From idyllic islands in the Caribbean to the endless waters of the Maldives, these places will give you an unforgettable experience.

Caye Caulker in Belize

This is an ideal diving destination located in close proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve. It is a great location to explore the rich underwater world, with coral gardens, sea fans, and other incredible dive sites. The most famous is the Great Blue Hole of Belize, one of the most famous dive sites in the world, but it requires experience and appropriate skills. Diving courses in Caye Caulker can be more expensive than in other parts of Central America, but here you will get the best conditions for underwater exploration. The best period for diving is May, when diving conditions are almost perfect, although the sea can be rough during the rainy season from December to April.

North Male (Maldives)

This is a true diver's paradise, known for its abundance of underwater landscapes and tropical marine life. Its corals, although suffering from some bleaching, remain impressively healthy, making this region ideal for underwater exploration. The most popular dive sites, such as Banana Reef or Manta Point, guarantee exciting encounters with stingrays and other marine life. Thanks to the presence of numerous resorts with qualified diving schools, this atoll is an accessible destination for beginners and experienced divers, especially between November and April.

Malapascua in the Philippines

This island is one of the most exciting diving destinations where you can meet the famous hammerhead sharks. Located in the center of the "coral triangle," this region has an extremely rich underwater world, including more than 5000 species of mollusks and marine creatures. Malapascua attracts divers due to its unique diving opportunities and the presence of several high-class dive centers, such as Evolution and Thresher Shark Divers. The best time to dive is from November to June when the water is warm and visibility is ideal for observing the underwater world.

Port Vila on the island of Efate

Vanuatu is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy diving among shipwrecks and bright coral reefs. This place is a great starting point for those who plan to dive one of the most famous places in the world – SS President Coolidge on the island of Espiritu Santo. Port Vila is also known for its short diving courses, ideal for those who are short on time. The best time to dive is from April to October when the water is as clear and calm as possible.

Santa Cruz, Ecuador

One of the islands of the Galapagos archipelago in Ecuador offers a unique diving experience due to its location at the crossroads of three ocean currents. Although corals are not the main feature of this region, you will be able to meet a huge number of marine life, including hammerhead sharks, sea lions, and turtles. The island is ideal for those who want to be trained in strong currents and cool water under the guidance of experienced instructors such as Scuba Iguana. The best period for diving in the Galapagos Islands is from January to May when the weather is favorable for active underwater exploration.

Utila, Honduras

Utila, located in the Bay Archipelago at the southern tip of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, is a popular diving destination. Although overfishing has affected the number of marine life in these waters, this is not a problem for new divers and they can enjoy some great dives. Here you can take diving courses at an affordable price, especially in centers such as Underwater Vision or Utila Dive Center. The best time to visit Utila is from March to April or from September to December when you can see whale sharks, which is a real highlight for divers.

Dahab in Egypt

Dahab, located on the shores of the Red Sea, offers some of the best diving conditions, with coral reefs starting right off the beach. For experienced divers, the Blue Hole is a real challenge and a great place for exciting dives. It is a calmer and less crowded place compared to the popular Sharm el Sheikh, located just 90 km to the south. Dahab is ideal for beginners due to its clear water and visibility of up to 30 meters and has well-developed diving infrastructure, with companies such as Poseidon offering reliable equipment and courses.

Ko Tao in Thailand

This is the true scuba diving capital of Thailand, where divers can enjoy rich marine life, including whale sharks, reef sharks, barracuda, and tropical fish. It is one of the few places in the world where such encounters are possible, especially from March to April. Although Koh Tao is also known for its active nightlife, the calm shallow waters such as the Japanese Gardens are ideal for beginners just starting out in diving. Diving courses here are available from operators such as Ban's and Coral Grand, which have a good reputation among tourists.

Byron Bay in Australia

Located in the north of New South Wales, this place is ideal for diving due to its proximity to Julian Rocks, one of the best diving spots in Australia. Here, among the mixed tropical and cool waters, you can see a variety of marine life: turtles, stingrays, several species of sharks, and more than 1000 species of fish. Byron Bay is also popular with budget travelers, offering affordable diving courses from Byron Bay Dive Center and Sundive. The best time to dive here is all year round, with the possibility of seeing leopard sharks and manta rays in the summer and gray nurse sharks and humpback whales from May to September.

Trawangan, Indonesia

It is a true aquatic paradise where warm and clear waters surround a rich underwater world. This place attracts divers due to the great diversity of marine life, including reef sharks, turtles, pygmy seahorses, and colorful corals. Thanks to the high competition among local dive operators such as Manta Dive and Blue Marlin, course prices remain affordable, making the island a great place to learn. The best time for diving is all year round, although visitors often avoid the rainy season from November to April.

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