Explore
a curated selection of top destinations for scuba diving and
snorkelling holidays, chosen for their coral reefs, clear waters and
vibrant marine life. From shallow lagoons to deep-sea dives, discover
where to go for unforgettable underwater adventures.
Belize – World-class reef systems at the Belize Barrier Reef and the Great Blue Hole, offering vibrant coral, reef sharks and excellent visibility.
Bahamas – Clear-water diving in Exuma, Bimini and Andros, known for shark encounters, blue holes and easy snorkelling.
Curaçao – Shore diving and snorkelling along Westpunt and Klein Curaçao, with calm waters and healthy coral reefs.
Jamaica – Reef and wreck diving near Negril and Montego Bay, combining relaxed snorkelling with accessible dive sites.
Cayman Islands – Wall diving at Bloody Bay and Seven Mile Beach, offering dramatic drop-offs and exceptional clarity.
Turks and Caicos – Deep wall dives and snorkelling in Grace Bay and surrounding marine reserves.
Mexico – Reef diving in Cozumel, cenote diving near Tulum, and snorkelling along the Mesoamerican Reef.
Costa Rica – Marine biodiversity at Cocos Island and snorkelling around Manuel Antonio, featuring rays, sharks and turtles.
Panama – Reef and island diving in Bocas del Toro and the Pearl Islands, offering Caribbean and Pacific ecosystems.
Brazil – Tropical diving in Fernando de Noronha, known for dolphins, turtles and clear waters.
Ecuador – Legendary marine life encounters in the Galápagos Islands, including sharks, sea lions and large pelagics.
Colombia – Reef diving around San Andrés and Providencia, offering colourful coral and relaxed snorkelling.
Malta – Wreck and cave diving around Gozo and Comino, with excellent visibility and historic underwater sites.
Cyprus – Famous wreck diving at the Zenobia near Larnaca, combined with warm Mediterranean waters.
Greece – Clear-water snorkelling and diving in the Cyclades, Crete and the Ionian Islands, featuring reefs and underwater archaeology.
Italy – Marine reserves around Sardinia, Sicily and Ischia, offering rocky reefs and rich Mediterranean biodiversity.
Croatia – Adriatic diving near Vis, Hvar and Kornati National Park, combining wrecks with clear coastal waters.
Spain – Snorkelling and diving in the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, featuring volcanic seascapes and marine reserves.
Egypt – Iconic Red Sea diving in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Dahab, known for coral walls and reef fish.
Oman – Less-crowded reef diving near Muscat and the Daymaniyat Islands, offering turtles and whale sharks.
Maldives – Channel and reef diving across Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll and South Malé Atoll, famous for manta rays and sharks.
Seychelles – Granite reefs and snorkelling around Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, ideal for relaxed marine exploration.
Mauritius – Lagoon snorkelling and reef dives along the West Coast and in Blue Bay Marine Park.
Indonesia – One of the world’s richest marine regions, with diving in Raja Ampat, Komodo National Park and Bali, offering exceptional biodiversity.
Philippines – Reef and macro diving in Tubbataha Reefs, Apo Island and Malapascua, known for thresher sharks and coral gardens.
Thailand – Accessible diving in the Similan Islands, Koh Tao and Phi Phi, ideal for beginners and certification trips.
Malaysia – Coral-rich diving at Sipadan, Mabul and the Perhentian Islands, offering turtles, barracuda and reef sharks.
Japan – Unique marine life around Okinawa and the Izu Peninsula, blending tropical and temperate ecosystems.
Papua New Guinea – Pristine reefs and WWII wrecks in Kimbe Bay and Milne Bay, largely untouched by mass tourism.
South Africa – Cold-water and big-animal diving in False Bay and Sodwana Bay, including kelp forests and shark encounters.
Mozambique – Reef and pelagic diving in Tofo and the Bazaruto Archipelago, known for manta rays and whale sharks.
Tanzania – Snorkelling and reef diving around Zanzibar and Mafia Island, featuring coral gardens and turtles.
Kenya – Marine parks near Watamu and Malindi, offering seasonal whale shark sightings.
Madagascar – Reef exploration around Nosy Be and remote island ecosystems.
Australia – Iconic reef systems in the Great Barrier Reef, plus temperate diving in Tasmania and Western Australia.
Fiji – Soft coral diving in Beqa Lagoon and Rainbow Reef, often called the “soft coral capital of the world.”
New Zealand – Kelp forests and marine reserves in the Poor Knights Islands, offering unique temperate-water diving.
Solomon Islands – Remote reefs and WWII wreck diving with exceptional visibility and low visitor numbers.
Vanuatu – Famous wreck diving at the SS President Coolidge, combined with coral reef snorkelling.
Scuba diving and snorkelling experiences vary widely depending on water temperature, visibility, currents and marine life. Some destinations suit beginners and casual snorkellers, while others require advanced certification and comfort in challenging conditions.
Choosing destinations with marine protection, reputable dive operators and environmentally responsible practices ensures underwater experiences are safe, rewarding and supportive of long-term reef and ocean conservation — allowing travellers to explore marine life while helping preserve it.
Discover top diving and snorkelling destinations with vibrant coral reefs, clear waters and rich marine life. Explore places suited to beginners and experienced divers alike.