The Best Scuba Diving Destinations

While the definition of what the “best” scuba diving sites are depends completely upon who you are and what specifically you are looking to see and experience, there are definitely a great number of locations that are worth seeing no matter what. So whether you are looking for a classy resort location or something more natural, I’ve narrowed down a list of top 10 “must see” locations. These are in no particular order and are meant to provide a general feel of what you can expect.

Located off the Mayan Coast, Cozumel is a gorgeous island encircled with reefs and crystal clear water. This site offers 19 diving areas and on the best days, underwater visibility is up to 200 feet. Cozumel has been named one of the more tourist friendly sites and the accommodations are affordable as well. One extra perk about this site is that if you are interested in cave diving, you can take trips to the mainland to dive the freshwater caves.

This location has often been called the king of all diving sites and is the world’s largest reef. Settled right in the middle of all this is Heron Island. For most, this island looks tiny and rather inconspicuous but it has more than 20 diving sites and most of them are within 20 minutes of resorts. The waters are home to thousands of different species of fish as well as great white sharks, and with much to see right off the shore, you can even spend a lot of time just 20 feet deep with a snorkel.

There are a significant number of Caribbean diving sites and Grand Cayman is considered the absolute best. Because it offers year round beautiful weather, the water is always warm and clear. This site is known to have pretty much everything a diver is looking for, which means it’s extremely crowded but it’s definitely well worth risking a flipper in the face for all the fish species you will see. Angelfish and stingrays are popular in this area, and if you do a little homework you will find dive instructors who will lead you to secluded and relatively untouched areas where your view of these creatures will be clear and unobstructed.

If you live in North America, you know that you are not in the most prime location for scuba diving. Luckily, the best diving available on the continent is offered in Florida right along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts. Endless dive shops line both coasts and a boat ride will have you face to face with turtles, manatees, dolphins, and other tropical fish. The biggest perk of this location is that it is convenient and affordable. During the summer this is a major North American tourist spot so you can expect to be sharing your adventure with a lot of other divers; but its easily accessible location and all the amenities it has to offer definitely make it a worthwhile endeavor.

For all its naturally beauty and exquisitely preserved ecosystems, this site does not get the credit it deserves. Many areas have yet to be overrun by tourists, so if you are looking for peace and relaxation this may be the ideal location for you. The best dive sites are located in San Pedro, which is the busiest area, but you will literally be swimming right along with stingrays and nurse sharks, all the while taking in overwhelming amounts of other sea life. Visibility can often be poor in this area, but the underwater photography opportunities are unlike anything you will find.

Yes, you read it right; there is actually a place called Yap. The fact that it is relatively unheard of makes it another great spot to experience the underwater life in all its natural beauty and not overrun by tourists. The water here is like glass and underwater caverns are just waiting to be explored. Sharks and turtles are commonly sighted on this island, but it is most frequently visited for its promise of manta ray sightings.

Located right at the southern end of the Bahamas, the luxury of this location is that it is beautiful and accessible all year round. Dolphins, eels, and batfish are some of the most commonly spotted marine life here, and a 10-20 minute boat ride will have you up close and personal with them. Thanks to government efforts to preserve the natural environment, no large scale developments are allowed to take place and access to absolutely everything remains unconstrained.

If caves, coral, and shipwrecks are your idea of an excellent dive, then the “Pearl of the South” may be what you have been waiting for. This destination offers something that most don’t; live-aboard cruises. Days of living on a cruise ship and endless diving make swimming with manta rays and shaking fins with a shark a very real possibility. Of course, there are also resorts on the shore and about 15 dive spots that offer a number of day time dives in the coastal waters that are sure to be overflowing with marine life. Oh, one small note; check to make sure you’re not packing your bags during monsoon season.

This site is another favorite for underwater photographers. The visibility is outstanding and soft coral, stunningly clear water, and a wide assortment of tropical fish make Fiji a gold mine for photography. Beqa Lagoon is a globally distinguished diving spot that has enough new and unique sights to see that even the divers who think they’ve seen it all will be dropping their jaws.

The best spots take about an hour to reach by boat and with a good tour guide you may even get to witness the Caesar and Nisici rock formations. The Fijian winter (May-October) is the best time to visit and also the best time to spot the notorious blue ribbon eel.

This trip requires special preparation since Mozambique is still suffering the aftermath of an extensive Civil War; you’ll have to check with travel advisories to make sure your trip will not result in you being promptly sent packing. However, once you arrive, you’ll find some of the most exciting diving that any place has to offer.

The Marine National Park offers divers a rare treat; night diving. Diving at night is a completely new and exciting experience for any diver and in the clear waters of Bazaruto, it simply cannot be beat. There are also underwater wrecks to explore, sunken ships, and amazing reefs. The dives here all take place in open waters that are within close view of the islands; you’ll also find yourself making friends with manatees and dolphins.

You knew we had to have a number 11 didn't you! Cyprus is a great dive destination and it's located in Europe so is relatively easy to get to. Dive conditions are best during the summer months when the water is clear and the marine life is plentiful. When heading to Cyprus check out the range of pissouri villas on offer, and make sure you visit the town of Bellapais when you visit. You will be surrounded by true beauty!

No matter where you choose to go on your diving expedition, there is plenty to see and do.Every destination has unique sights and adventures to offer and you’ll never have the same experience twice. So find your passport, gather up your gear, get a map, and choose where your journey will begin!