The 10 Best Places in the World for Scuba Diving: A Bucket List

Every diver keeps a mental list of places they want to see one day: reefs that stretch to the horizon, walls patrolled by sharks, wrecks that have become legends. We asked our instructors which destinations belong on that list and compared their answers with the sites the international diving community rates most highly. The result is our guide to the best places in the world for scuba diving, with the best time to go and the experience level each one requires.

Scuba diver over a colourful tropical coral reef

The World's Top Dive Destinations at a Glance

Destination	Highlight	Best months	Level
Great Barrier Reef, Australia	Endless coral gardens	June – November	All levels
Raja Ampat, Indonesia	Record biodiversity	October – April	Certified
Sipadan, Malaysia	Barracuda and turtles	April – December	Certified
Galápagos, Ecuador	Hammerhead sharks	June – November	Advanced
Palau, Micronesia	Channels and sharks	November – April	Advanced
Cozumel, Mexico	Drift dives on walls	Year-round	Certified
Red Sea, Egypt	SS Thistlegorm wreck	Year-round	All levels
Great Blue Hole, Belize	Giant sinkhole	April – June	Advanced
Maldives	Mantas and whale sharks	December – April	All levels
Fiji	Soft coral colours	May – October	All levels

Coral Reefs and Biodiversity

1. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The largest reef system on Earth runs for more than 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers everything from shallow snorkelling gardens to remote outer reefs reached on liveaboard boats.

2. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Often called the richest marine area on the planet, Raja Ampat is home to around three quarters of the world's known coral species. Every dive feels like swimming through an aquarium.

3. Sipadan, Malaysia

An island that rises from the deep ocean floor, famous for swirling barracuda schools, resting turtles and reef sharks. Daily diver numbers are limited by permit, so book early.

Big Animals and Strong Currents

4. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Schools of hammerhead sharks, curious sea lions and marine iguanas make the Galápagos unique. Cold water and strong currents reserve it for experienced divers.

5. Palau, Micronesia

Current-swept channels, frequent shark encounters and Second World War wrecks attract divers looking for adrenaline.

6. Cozumel, Mexico

Gentle drift dives carry you along towering coral walls in some of the clearest water in the Caribbean.

Legendary Wrecks and Sinkholes

7. Red Sea, Egypt

The SS Thistlegorm and other famous wrecks sit alongside colourful reefs, and the region is easy to reach from Europe and Turkey. For many divers it is their first taste of the tropics.

8. Great Blue Hole, Belize

A near-perfect circular sinkhole around 300 metres across, with ancient stalactites hidden in its depths. A deep dive for advanced divers only.

Calm Lagoons and Colour

9. Maldives

Turquoise lagoons, manta rays and whale sharks combined with some of the world's most relaxing island resorts.

10. Fiji

Known as the soft coral capital of the world, with reef walls in colours that seem almost unreal.

Before you goOWD+certificate needed

How to get ready for the world's best dive sites

Most of these destinations require at least an Open Water certificate, and several need Advanced training and plenty of logged dives. The best preparation is to learn somewhere warm, calm and close to home.

Antalya diving guide · Certification levels

Start Your Bucket List in Antalya

Warm water from spring to autumn, sheltered bays and short transfers make Antalya an ideal place for your first dive and your first certificate. Build your experience here, then take it to the reefs of the Red Sea, Indonesia or the Pacific.

Book your first dive in Antalya

Looking for something closer to home?

Explore the 10 best places for scuba diving in Turkey or the top 5 dive sites in Antalya.