Don’t spend too much time being a tourist until someone tells you about scuba diving. It’s the perfect activity for romantic getaways, adventure hikes, family vacations, and everything in between.
I have always wanted to study today; This opened up a whole new world of research. As you explore its secrets, you will see coral reefs teeming with life, exotic fish and plants, impressive shipwrecks, and the fragility of our oceans.
The Blue Hole, Belize – A World-Renowned Dive Site Backed by Exploration Legends
The Blue Hole in Belize is one of the most popular Scuba diving spots in the world, and you can probably see why. Listed as one of the most amazing places in the world by the Discovery Channel, this alien site is a giant underwater crater. Diving explorer Jacques Cousteau has named it one of the world’s best dive sites.
The hole itself is about 300 meters (984 ft) in diameter and about 125 meters (410 ft) high. The water here is clear, and you can see reef sharks, bull sharks, and hammerhead sharks. Half-day tour, 2 days from $130, full-day excursion to the blue hole, three tank rides, and from $300. Rich tank from $55.
- Endorsed by Jacques Cousteau, a pioneer of marine conservation.
- Listed by Discovery Channel as one of Earth’s most incredible dive spots.
- Professional guides highly recommend this location for advanced divers.
Scuba Diving in Thailand – Best Budget-Friendly Sites for Beginners and Experts
Thailand offers excellent dive sites such as Phuket, Koh Tao, the Similan Islands, and the Surin Islands. You can snorkel anywhere and still have a good time, but the best snorkeling is around Koh Tao and the nearby Similan Islands.
Koh Tao is also a cheap place for beginners to learn how to dive. Many resorts on the island cater to both beginners and experts, so you should be able to find a company that suits your needs. Open water certification costs about $300 and less than $50 for a single tank leak. A full-day tour costs about $75.
- Featured by PADI as one of the best places to learn scuba.
- Instructors certified under globally recognized standards.
- Ideal location for first-time divers due to calm, shallow waters.
Gili Islands – Indonesia’s Hidden Diving Gem with Pristine Coral Reefs
Over the years, ramps have become popular in Indonesia. And, of course! The coral reefs and water here are ideal for diving. The best-preserved coral reef in the region surrounds the huge island. Since this island is much cheaper than neighboring Bali, everyone is more willing to come to explore it. (There are also plenty of cheap snorkeling trips here.)
An open-water certification costs about $400, a single aquarium dive is about $40, and a full-day trip is $60.
- Coral reefs around Gili are protected marine sanctuaries.
- Regularly rated among the top 10 dive sites in Southeast Asia by travel experts.
- Clear visibility ideal for macro photography enthusiasts.
Sipadan, Malaysia – Top-Rated Dive Destination for Rich Marine Biodiversity
Located in Malaysia, Sipadan is undoubtedly one of the top 5 places in the world. A place full of life. Not only will you be able to see it, but you will become incredibly wealthy, and you will see it in many ways.
This was my favorite place in Southeast Asia, so if you’ve never been here before, don’t miss it! It’s also very affordable, with a rich tank starting at around $35.
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- Declared a protected area by the Malaysian government.
- Jacques Cousteau described Sipadan as “an untouched piece of art.”
- Strict visitor caps protect biodiversity – preferred by ethical divers.
The Great Barrier Reef – Explore the World’s Largest Living Ecosystem
The Great Barrier Reef needs no introduction. The world’s longest barrier reef off the coast of Australia is home to every type of tropical coral and marine life imaginable. The reef itself is about 350,000 square kilometers. Over 2 million people visit the reefs every year, but unfortunately, climate change is taking its toll, so be sure to visit them while they last! Scuba Diving Diving in the Great Barrier Reef was one of the best things I have ever done, despite having fish in front of me!
A full-day dive on the Great Barrier Reef starts at $200.
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- Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Studied by leading marine scientists worldwide (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority).
- Vital part of Australia’s biodiversity – a must-visit for serious divers.
Hawaii’s Marine Sanctuaries – Scuba Dive in the Heart of American Oceanic Reserves
Empty beach at sunset in Hawaii, USA
Hawaii offers great entertainment. Getting to Hawaii without worries is very difficult, as the island is home to coral reefs and wildlife. Being among the last islands in the world, it is not surprising that there are so many of them.
The northern part of the island is recognized as the largest marine reserve in the United States, ensuring great diving for years to come. Hawaii is underrated because so many Americans go scuba diving abroad.
Beginner dives start at $215, and two-tank dives start at $189 am and $159 pm.
- NOAA regulates marine conservation in Hawaiian waters.
- Excellent for spotting rare sea turtles and manta rays.
- Top-rated by American marine biology institutes for reef preservation.
Micronesia – Dive into WWII Shipwrecks and Pristine Coral Walls
Beautiful tropical islands like Micronesia always have one thing in common. Surrounded by living coral reefs. Dive sites like Blue Corner make Micronesia one of the best dive sites in the South Pacific. There are also many WWII shipwrecks. If you’re looking for a cheap, convenient, off-the-beaten-path, look no further. A one-tank dive costs about $75, and a two-tank dive costs between $100-150.
- Blue Corner is globally acclaimed for drift diving.
- Protected by local marine authorities.
- Combines history and ecology—ideal for history and biology buffs alike.
Boracay – The Philippines’ Most Popular Dive Spot with Stunning Beachscapes
This tropical paradise in the Philippines is, of course, also a diving paradise. All the usual suspicious things can be found here, such as eels and clownfish, and some reef systems. It’s the most popular dive site in the Philippines, and for a good reason. After swimming in the sea, you can relax on the beautiful beach. Double win!
An open-water certification costs approximately $465, and a single aquarium dive costs $50.
- Certified dive centers monitored by Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD).
- Combines vibrant nightlife with serene underwater beauty.
- One of the most accessible diving locations in Southeast Asia.
Fernando de Noronha – Brazil’s Exclusive Marine Park for Premium Diving
This place may not be well known to tourists, but it is a world-famous dive site and one of the best in Brazil. Fernando de Noronha’s popularity has grown in recent years, and it’s no surprise. Here you can find many creatures in the blue waters of the islands. You can swim with sea turtles and dolphins. It’s also home to one of the world’s largest shipwrecks, the Corvette V17.
Not only is this one of the best dive sites in South America, but it’s also one of my favorite dive sites in the world. Also, the islands can only accommodate a limited number of visitors, so you can’t share your adventure with many others!
- Regulated entry keeps marine ecosystem protected.
- Recognized by UNESCO for its marine biodiversity.
- Ideal for swimming with sea turtles, dolphins, and stingrays.
Scuba Dive in Egypt’s Red Sea – Vibrant Reefs, Crystal Waters & Ancient Shipwrecks
The Red Sea is a saline basin located between Africa and Asia, part of the Indian Ocean. Crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs never disappoint. It is a paradise for divers as the water temperature is stable throughout the year. From Sharm el-Sheik to Shaab Abu Nuhas, Tishulgom, and the Ras Mohammed shipwreck, great diving awaits in the Red Sea. Plus, it’s very reasonably priced at under $75 for a two-tank dive.
- Mentioned by National Geographic as one of the clearest diving waters globally.
- Stable temperatures all year round make it a diver’s paradise.
- Ancient shipwrecks make it historically significant.
💡 Also read: If you’re fascinated by breathtaking water experiences, don’t miss our list of the 10 Most Exotic Pools in the World You Have to See to Believe. These pools are just as stunning as any dive site!
