World's Top 20 Scuba Diving Destinations
Discover the most captivating underwater destinations that offer unique and awe-inspiring encounters with diverse marine life. From the vibrant coral reefs of Raja Ampat to the enigmatic depths of the Red Sea, these top dive sites promise an unforgettable journey beneath the waves.
Rapid Bay Jetty, South Australia, Australia
This picturesque location is renowned for its rare and elusive resident, the leafy sea dragon. With its delicate, leaf-like appendages and vibrant colours, this unique fish is a sight to behold for any marine enthusiast.
The Philippines
This Southeast Asian gem is a paradise for divers and snorkelers alike. Apo Island, off the coast of Dumaguete, offers an extraordinary wide-angle dive site teeming with marine species in all shapes and sizes. For those seeking family-friendly adventures, Apo Island and the nearby island of Malapascua in Cebu are perfect destinations.
Raja Ampat, Misool region, Indonesia
Known as the 'Amazon of the Seas', Raja Ampat's Magic Mountain is a kaleidoscope of colour and a fantastic mix of creatures, great and small. This region is a must-visit for divers seeking an unparalleled underwater experience.
Fakarava, South Pass, French Polynesia
A haven for shark enthusiasts, South Pass offers one of the best shark diving experiences in the world. Hundreds of lemon, whitetip, and hammerhead sharks can be encountered here, making for an unforgettable dive.
Hawaii, Kona
Kona offers year-round night-time encounters with manta rays, providing a mesmerising display of bioluminescence as these graceful creatures glide through the water.
Blue Heron Bridge, Florida, USA
Located at West Palm Beach's Phil Foster Park, this world-renowned site is a hotspot for diverse marine life. A favourite among macro photographers, the bridge offers a unique opportunity to capture the weird and wonderful creatures that call this area home.
Oslob, Philippines
For those seeking an encounter with the gentle giants of the sea, Oslob, near Apo Island, offers a chance to snorkel with whale sharks. While this practice has been criticised by some conservationists, it remains a popular attraction for many visitors.
Raja Ampat, Cape Kri, Indonesia
Holding the world record for the most fish species identified in a single dive, Cape Kri is a must-visit for divers seeking a truly diverse underwater experience.
Palau, Blue Corner Wall, Micronesia
This iconic dive site showcases the full spectrum of Micronesian marine life in all its diverse glory. From schools of fish to giant manta rays, the Blue Corner Wall promises an unforgettable dive.
Anemone City, Alor, Indonesia
A unique dive site featuring a huge field of anemones, Anemone City is a haven for clownfish and other colourful marine creatures.
Vatu-I-Ra, Fiji
Home to Mellow Yellow, one of several fantastic dive sites found in the Vatu-I-Ra Passage, this location is known for its large population of yellow soft corals.
Wolf and Darwin Islands, Galapagos, Ecuador
These islands offer thrilling encounters with sharks and other pelagic superstars. Divers can expect to see huge schools of hammerheads, as well as regular appearances from Galapagos, silky, and whale sharks.
Isla Guadalupe, Mexico
Noted for great white shark cage diving, Isla Guadalupe is a premier destination for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping encounter with these apex predators. However, please note that shark cage diving in Guadalupe was closed indefinitely in 2022.
The Brothers, Daedalus, and Elphinstone reefs, Red Sea, Egypt
Renowned for sightings of hammerhead, thresher, grey reef, and Longimanus sharks, these Red Sea areas are a must-visit for divers seeking an unforgettable shark encounter.
Moorea, Society Islands
Dives with lemon sharks, blacktip and whitetip sharks, along with diverse marine life including turtles, can be enjoyed at Moorea. This destination is suitable for various skill levels, as it is managed by organized dive centers like Moorea Blue Diving.
Florida, USA
Various operators offer shark dives featuring lemon sharks, bull sharks, nurse sharks, and sandbar sharks. Popular locations include spots around South Beach and Flamingo.
Socorro, Mexico's The Boiler
Renowned for magical encounters with docile manta rays, The Boiler is a must-visit for those seeking a unique and enchanting underwater experience.
Los Islotes, La Paz, Mexico
At Los Islotes, divers can interact with playful and inquisitive sea lions, making for a memorable and up-close encounter with these charming marine mammals.
These top dive sites, recommended by Bluewater, offer a range of experiences from cage diving to open water encounters with different shark types. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a novice, these destinations promise an unforgettable underwater adventure.
- In the magical underwater world of Raja Ampat's Magic Mountain, various species, large and small, come together to create a captivating spectacle, making it a dream destination for divers.
- For those seeking a shark-filled vacation, Fakarava's South Pass in French Polynesia offers one of the best shark diving experiences in the world, with an abundance of lemon, whitetip, and hammerhead sharks.
- Kona, Hawaii, is famous for its year-round night-time encounters with manta rays, offering a mesmerizing display of bioluminescence as these gentle creatures glide through the water.
- The picturesque Rapid Bay Jetty in South Australia is renowned for its rare resident, the leafy sea dragon, a unique fish with delicate, leaf-like appendages and vibrant colors.
- Divers seeking an unparalleled underwater experience should make Raja Ampat's Cape Kri a priority, as it holds the world record for the most fish species identified in a single dive.
- Palau's Blue Corner Wall, a known dive site in Micronesia, displays the full spectrum of marine life in all its diverse glory, featuring schools of fish and giant manta rays.
- For close encounters with playful sea lions, Los Islotes in La Paz, Mexico, offers an unforgettable opportunity for interactions with these charming marine mammals.
- Sustainable travel enthusiasts will find that the diverse marine life and wide-angle dive sites in the Philippines, such as Apo Island and Malapascua, make it a perfect destination for eco-friendly adventures.
