Everyone has a bucket list of specific things they would like to do or places they would like to go in their lifetime. This list might be a mile long if you are a diver or just interested in the underwater world. Most divers aren’t satisfied diving or snorkeling in the same places over and over and, at some point, would like to experience all of the beautiful diving spots around the world.
If you are looking for the best places across the globe to dive or snorkel, look no further. This list will give you the best spots worldwide that are known for their fantastic underwater sights. Whether you are looking to complete your bucket list or have some fun, follow this list to find the best places to dive in the world.
Raja Ampat, Alor, Komodo – Indonesia
The Indonesian Republic is a nation that is made up of over 13,000 individual islands. Each island also has its own unique characteristics, both below the water and above. Indonesia is part of the “Coral Triangle.” It is home to one of the most biodiverse ocean habitats in all of the world.
Indonesia could easily claim all of the world’s best diving spots on its own, but Raja Ampat, which is close to New Guinea, is the crown prize. Raja Ampat has the Alor and Komodo National Park, which is home to over 75% of all known species of coral, over 1,500 species of fish, and an amazing number of sharks looking for their next meal.
The island of Alor is known for being home to groups of hammerhead sharks. It also has a variety of unique animals, from big ones to small ones. This island is a great place to use both a wide-angle lens and a closeup lens.
At Komodo National Park, visitors can take in all different varieties of scenery. This unique location is described as Hawaii, Malaysia, and Egypt, all wrapped up in one breathtaking sight. There are plenty of sheltered and protected spots to dive for beginners since the islands are known to have powerful currents. If you are looking for one of the most beautiful diving places on earth, Indonesia has you covered.
Malapascua – Philippines
The Philippines are home to world-renowned diving spots such as Cebu, Boracay, Palawan, Puerto Galera, among many more. Much like Indonesia, as mentioned earlier, the Philippines house such beautiful diving spots due to their location on the Coral Triangle.
Malapascua is a small island that sits just off the shores of nearby Cebu. It is a famous destination due to the frequent thresher shark sightings. Even if you are not lucky enough to spot one of these magnificent beasts, this location still has tons to offer.
There are over 500 different native species of soft and hard coral, and fascinating animals such as hammerheads and manta rays are often seen swimming nearby. There is plenty of jack-fish and barracudas, often spotted schooling in the thousands among the areas famous shipwrecks.
Due to the fantastic weather, divers are able to enjoy this spot year-round, and getting there requires nothing more than just a 3mm shorty. If you want to know about the wetsuit thickness and water temperature, check out this article here.
The Riviera Maya – Mexico
Located on the infamous Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico’s Riviera Maya is not only a top holiday resort destination, but it is one of the most famous diving spots in all of the regions. There are dozens of deep and mysterious sinkholes called Cenotes, which are one of the reasons the area is so popular with divers.
There are also several extensive underwater cave systems that many experts regard as some of the best in the world. If you plan on exploring these cave systems, you must have previous technical diving experience, as they can actually be quite dangerous. However, if you are a novice, several more accessible cave systems are better suited for just diving for recreation.
If you go out to sea, you will be able to see a plethora of sailfish and bull sharks, especially in the winter months. During the warm summer months, you will also find many nesting sea turtles and migrating whale sharks. Whale sharks are commonly grouped in packs of up to 20 in this area.
Galápagos
These islands were made famous as the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s famous theory of evolution. Here, he witnessed the natural selection of the diverse animal population on the island. The islands themselves are located about 900km away from the coast of Ecuador, and they have become the home of many unique and endangered species.
The protected status of the islands allows for one of the most complete diving experiences on earth. This is a location where you can witness sea lions, penguins, iguanas, hammerheads, and even whale sharks, all at once.
It isn’t easy to get there, but visitors say that the best way to explore the islands is by doing a liveaboard. If you can make it there, these islands are well worth your effort.
Malta, Gozo and Comino
Malta, Gozo, and Comino are home to some of the fascinating shipwrecks with some of the most breathtaking underwater scenes on the planet. You can find underwater caves that offer high visibility, unrivaled aquatic life, and an array of interesting underwater topography, complete with arches.
These Maltese islands are easily accessible from most major European airports. The fantastic climate makes for excellent diving year-round. If you aren’t into the nightlife of the big city, Gozo and Comino have quiet and picturesque scenes that are perfect for novices and pros alike.
Silfra Gap – Iceland
Diving in Iceland might sound strange, but Silfra, Iceland’s most famous diving site, is worth putting on a dry suit and braving the cold water. You will see some of the most transparent water on the planet that is unpolluted and practically uninhabited.
Silfra is commonly regarded as one of the most beautiful dives on earth, despite its relative lack of sea life. Silfra is home to fascinating geothermal chimneys that pump volcanically heated water directly into the freezing water. This is the only place on earth to see such a unique and beautiful feature, and it makes the trip well worth the effort.
Final Words
The world is filled with beautiful and unique plants, creatures, and environments. If it is on your bucket list to visit some of the best diving locations on earth, this list will help you decide. Wherever you choose, you are in for some splendid sites.