The Best Scuba Diving Spots in the World
SCUBA diving has been a love of mine for over a decade now, inspiring trips all over the globe from the coral triangle of Southeast Asia to the beauty of the South Pacific. Combining years of my own firsthand knowledge with suggestions from other divers I have met along the way, these are the absolute best places in the world to SCUBA dive:
- Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Easily one of my favorite places in the world to dive, Raja Ampat ranks high not only because of the menagerie under water, but for the wealth of beautiful islands, untouched lagoons and beauty that you can experience when you are not diving too.
Plan on seeing reef sharks, octopus, big schools of jack fish and barracuda, Manta rays and healthy coral reefs, including some impressive fans found in this area. One of the best ways to experience diving here is on a live aboard dive ship. Most of them last for about 11 days, but there are also local islands that offer shore diving as well.
The best diving season runs from October to May. Its best to be Nitrox certified for longer dive times. Keep in mind currents can be strong and experience is advised.
- Komodo, Indonesia
I will always think of Komodo when I imagine the most colorful, vibrant reefs in the world. This is also a hotspot for Manta rays, big schools of fish, sea turtles and lots of colorful little nudibranchs. The water clarity is amazing and the temperature is just right, too. I even got lucky and saw Mandarin fish on a night dive!
I dived here as a backpacker on a budget in 2013 with Wicked Diving and thought the experience was fantastic.
Be forewarned that Komodo is more advanced diving where you are going to experience strong currents. This is best undertaken after you have at least 40+ dives under your belt. The diving seasons runs all year with March to October offering the driest conditions. The best Manta viewing is in the rainy season, running from December to February, although I saw them in July as well.
- Chuuk Lagoon, Indonesia
While on my live aboard in Raja Ampat, I asked the other divers what their favorite places are for diving around the world and was told that Chuuk (aka Truk) Lagoon in Indonesia offers some of the best for wreck diving. This is another one that requires a live aboard to get to the best spots.
During World War II, Chuuk Lagoon was the Empire of Japan main naval base in the South Pacific and after some heavy shelling by US Forces it is now home to over 60+ World War II wrecks, making it the largest underwater ship graveyard in the world. Some wrecks are deep which makes Chuuk famous for technical diving. It is best to have at least your Nitrox certification to dive here.
- Bora Bora, French Polynesia
French Polynesia has some of the most incredible diving and reefs I have seen. If you love reef sharks rays want to see beautiful corals and enjoy a truly healthy reef look no further.
Most diving can be done directly from your resort or Island. The water visibility is incredible and depending on the time of year (late July to October) you may even spot a Humpback whale – I have on a dive before!
Although you can drive at any time of year in French Polynesia, the rainy season runs from October to April and can bring more challenging conditions. Note that speaking at least some French is a huge help particularly if you venture to any of the more remote islands.
