A Diver's Guide to the Top Underwater Exploration Spots Around the Globe

Non-divers are missing out on a unique perspective of the planet's breathtaking views. The underwater world, experienced in the serene depths, offers a distinct beauty visible only through a scuba mask. With over 70% of Earth's surface blanketed by water, the top scuba diving locations are as diverse and captivating as any terrestrial wildlife or natural wonders.

Here are 13 of the finest dive spots, from Fiji's famous Rainbow Reef and the strong currents of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia to the sunlit coral reefs and shipwrecks found in the Florida Keys. Get inspired to dive into these locations for unforgettable scuba adventures.

1. Tuamotu Archipelago (also known as Tuamotu Islands), French Polynesia

For scuba enthusiasts, a visit to Tahiti is best spent exploring the many dive sites in the atoll passes of the Tuamotu Archipelago. During the incoming tide at Rangiroa’s renowned Tiputa Pass, located on the northwest side of the atoll, visibility becomes crystal clear, revealing a stunning display of schooling fish, including unicorn fish and pompano, with occasional dolphin sightings that often interact playfully with divers. Rangiroa Diving Center offers daily boat trips to Tiputa Pass.

For those looking to venture further on Rangiroa, the family-owned eco-adventure company Tereva Tane e Vahine takes travelers 16 miles south across the lagoon to the Blue Lagoon for full-day excursions that feature lunch, snorkeling with lemon sharks, and tranquil walks along secluded sandbars.

In the Tuamotus, Fakarava's south pass, Tetamanu, is renowned for its wall teeming with hundreds of gray reef sharks, while the north pass, Garuae, is home to thousands of fish swimming within Ali Baba Canyon. In Tahiti, you can dive alongside blacktip reef sharks near Moorea and the main island or snorkel with humpback whales from August to early October in those waters and around Bora Bora. Mobydick Tahiti features onboard acoustic systems that allow you to listen to the songs of humpback whales underwater before you dive in.

2. Tobago

Tobago, the beachier and more adventurous sister island of Trinidad, is a top choice for scuba divers. The nutrients flowing from the Orinoco Delta enhance Tobago's waters, attracting a rich array of marine life and contributing to the impressive growth of barrel sponges. Visitors can capture the ultimate underwater photograph by stretching out in a superman pose while maintaining their neutral buoyancy above the world’s largest brain coral, which spans 16 feet in diameter, located in the waters off Speyside with Tobago Dive Experience.

Near the island's southern airport, stay at Coco Reef Resort & Spa, Tobago’s premier oceanfront resort. The on-site dive shop, Undersea Tobago, organizes daily excursions to dive the nearshore reefs as well as the wreck of the Maverick, a former passenger ferry that was sunk in 100 feet of water and is now home to free-swimming eels and octopuses.

3. Socorro and Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico

“If you envision enchanting manta ray encounters and swimming amidst schools of hammerhead sharks while being swooped by an orca, the Revillagigedo Islands are the ideal destination for you,” states Julie Andersen, senior director of global brand and media for PADI. These remote volcanic islands, accessible only by liveaboards (boats that serve as your diving platform and sleeping quarters), are located approximately 285 miles south of Cabo San Lucas, with trips lasting between 5 to 17 nights for experienced divers seeking high-adrenaline adventures.

The prime diving season at this location spans from November to May, with the peak period being January to April, when humpback whales are frequently spotted migrating through the waters surrounding the Revillagigedo Islands. Join citizen scientist expeditions aboard the Quino el Guardian, a 16-passenger former research vessel, which is one of many dive liveaboards, including those from the equally esteemed Nautilus Adventures, exploring this remarkable region.

4. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, where the Indian and Pacific Oceans converge, Raja Ampat is situated in Indonesia's eastern Papua province. This UNESCO World Heritage site, comprised of around 1,500 islands, is a remote paradise that many seasoned divers aspire to explore at least once in their lifetime.

The waters surrounding Raja Ampat are teeming with approximately 75 percent of the planet's coral species and over 1,500 distinct fish species. In essence, the underwater vistas here are a diver's fantasy—untouched coral gardens, encounters with manta rays, and swarms of tropical fish so dense they can obscure the sunlight.

Establish your base on land at a local village with Meridian Adventure, recognized with PADI’s Green Star award for its environmental initiatives, or at the unique Misool Eco Resort, which features an on-site conservation center. Aqua Expeditions provides luxurious sailing experiences through Raja Ampat aboard the Aqua Blu from December to February. Meanwhile, seasoned liveaboard divers appreciate the upscale Indonesian vessels managed by Dive Damai for a boutique floating dive experience.

5. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands, a renowned paradise for nature enthusiasts, presents an even richer experience for certified scuba divers. Andersen encourages families to dive here, as the dive sites cater to both beginners and seasoned divers. For the more experienced, the channels around the islands act as pelagic highways, attracting over 3,000 unique marine species.

To access the most iconic dive sites, it's best to plan excursions via liveaboard boats, including a visit to Darwin’s Arch. “It’s a diver's haven, with an abundance of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, eagle rays, dolphins, and Galapagos sharks,” states Jenny Waack, founder of Galapagos Shark Diving, which organizes shark conservation dives in the region. “I once wrapped up a safety stop there, surrounded by dolphins and boobies watching from above.”

Ecuadorian company Ecoventura operates the Galapagos Sky, a 16-passenger vessel that offers expedition cruising and dive trips year-round to Wolf and Darwin Islands, along with other locations known for attracting mantas, eagle rays, and whale sharks. GalAgents Galapagos Cruises also boasts one of the finest fleets of dive boats in the Galápagos, featuring day cruises, liveaboard yachts, and catamarans to choose from.

6. Azores

“Once a hunting ground for sperm whales, the Azores islands are now celebrated for their thriving population,” notes Andersen, highlighting this destination as a prime spot for adventurous scuba divers. Conservation efforts have significantly protected and boosted the numbers of these deep-diving cetaceans. Situated about 1,000 miles off mainland Portugal in the mid-Atlantic, this autonomous region comprises nine volcanic islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters. While encountering sperm whales during a dive is uncommon, there are plenty of other aquatic wonders to behold.

“The unique ecosystem here arises from the intersection of warm and cold ocean currents,” explains Arlindo Serrão of Portugal Dive, collaborating with local operators to highlight the best underwater vistas around islands such as São Miguel, Pico, and Faial. Reserve a spot on the eight-passenger Water and Wind catamaran to explore Azores dive sites, including Princess Alice Bank, where massive schools of jack, tuna, and barracuda swirl around the seamount. For land-based diving adventures, Haliotis Diving Center offers guided boat excursions from Santa Maria. Once you've fallen in love with diving in these Portuguese islands, consider extending your journey to Madeira and Porto Santo for exceptional wreck diving experiences.

7. Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand

Located off the coast of New Zealand's North Island, the Poor Knights Islands (Tawhiti Rahi in Māori), now designated as a marine reserve, are volcanic remnants of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Jacques Cousteau hailed the waters here as one of the finest diving locations in the world. Established as a marine protected area (MPA) in 1981, this site has become a remarkable success story, showcasing a fully rejuvenated marine ecosystem where both cold- and warm-water species coexist.

Enriched by subtropical currents, these waters boast lush kelp forests and an array of intriguing tropical fish not commonly found this far south, such as mosaic eels, red-banded shrimp, and Lord Howe coralfish. However, the most spectacular sight might be the vibrant schools of blue and pink fish at Blue Maomao Arch, swimming alongside clouds of kingfish, snapper, and various other species.

This region is designated as a "no-take" zone, prohibiting fishing, mining, extraction, and any other disruptive activities. For diving, Dive! Tutukaka is the premier operator, recognized as New Zealand’s first PADI Adaptive Service Facility, promoting accessibility in the sport for everyone. The dive shop also mentors local residents to become guides and stewards of their coastal waters, instilling the economic importance of preserving the Poor Knights Islands as an MPA. For accommodations, consider staying at Lodge 9, a boutique dive lodge nestled in a tranquil valley, featuring a cedarwood sauna and decor crafted from marine debris.

8. Fiji

Put on your mask and dive into the waters of Fiji, where you'll discover some of the most vibrant and abundant soft corals in the world. According to the Coral Reef Alliance, this region is home to 42 percent of all coral species globally.

To experience the underwater spectacle of colors and corals at their peak, head to the aptly named Rainbow Reef, located between Vanua Levu and Taveuni in the Somosomo Strait. For daily two-tank dives, consider staying at Paradise Taveuni or Fiji's first PADI Eco Center, Sau Bay Resort & Spa, where you can engage in mangrove and coral planting as well as participate in village beach cleanups. Migrating humpback whales are frequently spotted in these waters from June to October. Additionally, PADI and Fiji have launched an initiative called “Bula Blue” to bolster conservation efforts in this renowned region of the South Pacific.

Off the southern coast of Viti Levu, Beqa Lagoon offers divers a chance to witness a variety of sharks, including tiger sharks, nurse sharks, bull sharks, and lemon sharks. As Andersen notes, "What makes this dive site even more enchanting is the sight of these massive shark gatherings against the backdrop of the brilliant colors of healthy coral." Notable coral reefs to explore include the Great Astrolabe Reef near Kadavu Island and the Namena Marine Reserve, which is the largest no-take reef in the country, situated between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

For those looking to combine relaxation with diving, consider eco-conscious accommodations like Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Six Senses Fiji, or Vomo Island. These resorts run coral restoration programs and employ resident marine biologists who provide deeper education for divers, including youth programs.

9. Florida Keys

The Florida Keys offer a veritable feast for underwater enthusiasts. Here, certified divers can easily embark on their very first open-water dive or pursue advanced certifications, possibly honing their technical diving skills in the depths of a wreck.

Home to part of the world's third-largest living coral barrier reef system, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary boasts 6,000 animal species. Many of these creatures inhabit spur-and-groove reefs—coral formations separated by sandy channels—that rarely drop below 45 feet in depth.

Wreck divers revel in exploring the rusted remnants of numerous sunken vessels in these waters, whether lost to storms or intentionally sunk. Embark on a road trip along the Florida Keys Wreck Trek to dive nine wrecks, starting with the impressive 510-foot-long Spiegel Grove. This former U.S. Navy landing ship was deliberately sunk off Key Largo in 2002 to create an artificial reef and is now adorned with corals and bustling with marine life.

Consider making a positive impact in the area by volunteering with the Coral Restoration Foundation. You could participate in projects that involve outplanting corals onto reefs or constructing coral trees on land—no diving certification is necessary for the latter.

10. Palau, Micronesia

Snorkelers primarily associate Palau with its iconic Jellyfish Lake, which has been negatively impacted by over-tourism and climate change, resulting in fewer jellyfish sightings compared to previous years. For scuba divers, the thrill of exploring these remote Micronesian waters, located about 800 miles southwest of Guam, is unparalleled, with wall and drift dives taking center stage, often accompanied by vast schools of fish and numerous sharks.

At popular Palau dive sites like Blue Corner, the swift currents can be so intense that divers often use a reef hook to secure themselves to a stationary part of the reef, allowing them to enjoy the underwater spectacle. The experience is reminiscent of an underwater wildebeest migration, with tropical fish as the wildebeest and sharks as the predators.

German Channel is renowned for its consistent manta ray sightings, while Ulong Channel features stunning walls adorned with lettuce corals along a sandy passage, serving as a thoroughfare for diverse marine life. Established dive operators such as Sam’s Tours and Fish ‘n Fins have extensive knowledge of Palau’s diving opportunities. For avid divers seeking to log up to four or five dives in a day, liveaboard options include the Palau Siren, Palau Aggressor II, and the Ocean Hunter, which boasts two onboard jacuzzis. In October 2023, the 11-cabin Four Seasons Explorer, Palau catamaran relocated to these waters after years in the Maldives, providing a luxurious floating base for diving, snorkeling, and exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock Islands Southern Lagoon.

11. Komodo, Indonesia

While most people associate Komodo in Indonesia with its legendary dragons, the largest lizards on Earth, you can also encounter them during your downtime from diving. If you stay on land, various dive shops in Labuan Bajo, such as Blue Marlin Dive, can take you out. Alternatively, for a unique experience—especially if you’re traveling with non-divers—consider a voyage aboard the custom-designed phinisi, Celestia, which debuted in 2023. This luxurious Indonesian-owned schooner offers amenities like daily massages, private island-hopping excursions, beach dinners, and snorkeling, alongside diving in the renowned waters of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park. Notable for its drift dives, one site called The Shotgun allows advanced divers to navigate swift currents past vibrant reefs in a channel filled with schooling fish, with the chance to spot sharks and manta rays. For beginners, there are gentler dive sites such as Sabolan Besar and Sabolan Kecil, featuring majestic sea fans and opportunities to see sea turtles and cuttlefish. If you prefer a land-based stay, consider the luxurious AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach or the newly opened Marriott property, Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo.

12. Maldives

This idyllic archipelago, famous for its powdery white beaches and luxurious overwater bungalows, is a popular choice for honeymooners. However, for scuba enthusiasts, the Maldives offers so much more than just exquisite dining and spa indulgences. The immaculate reefs are teeming with marine life and feature numerous "underwater cleaning stations," where larger fish come to have their gills, teeth, and shells cleaned by smaller fish. These areas regularly attract resident manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles. The expansive UNESCO-listed lagoon known as Baa Atoll is particularly renowned for its large populations of reef manta rays, making it one of the most exhilarating dive experiences.

Many resorts in the Maldives are leading the charge in conservation efforts. One notable example is the PADI Eco Center Six Senses Laamu, which initiated the Maldives Underwater Initiative aimed at identifying, surveying, and protecting over 670 resident sea turtles and more than 138 manta rays that inhabit these shores. Additionally, Laamu Atoll has been designated a Mission Blue Hope Spot due to its role at the crossroads of marine conservation and economic development. Many of the resort’s PADI instructors and marine biologists are local Maldivians who have benefited from scholarship programs provided by the resort.

13. Marsa Alam, Egypt

Regenerative diving plays a significant role in one of North Africa’s premier diving locations, Marsa Alam. Nestled on the western shore of the Red Sea in southern Egypt, the area's dive tourism greatly benefits the local communities. Divers are actively encouraged to participate in a Dive Against Debris initiative when exploring with the eco-conscious operator Red Sea Diving SDinogoi, which has been operational since 1990 and has three locations in Marsa Alam, including the Marsa Shagra village. Here, access to the “house reef” in front of the dive resort is regulated as part of various conservation measures.

The vibrant reef and drift dives around Marsa Alam beckon divers to don their (wet)suits, with over 60 stunning dive sites calling out. Elphinstone Reef is consistently ranked among the top dive sites globally due to its thriving soft corals, which are particularly favored by underwater photographers, along with frequent shark encounters that may include thresher sharks and scalloped hammerheads.