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Best Dive Sites Worldwide

As a PADI Master Scuba Instructor, my dive career stretches back more than twenty years and it has given me the opportunity to travel and encounter some of the best diving worldwide.

Thus, having scuba dived at some of the world's best dive sites already, I would like to share some of my personal diving experiences - and a few more that I have yet to complete.

A-Z of World's Best Scuba Diving Locations

This section contains detailed information about the best dive sites in the world and the most popular diving locations for beginners.

In general, as long as you have a safe body of water you can try scuba diving or snorkeling in it.

Even so, searching the Internet and researching the world's best scuba diving locations means you can often combine the exhilaration of:

Note: There are too many great dives out there to cover in one page. But, clicking on the extensive list below will take you to other sections that overview the best places for diving and snorkeling in that particular area or at any specific dive site.

Having current and unbiased diver reviews of sunken shipwrecks, vibrant coral reef formations, and flooded fresh water caves means you can find all the important info you need, including dive site depths, average visibility, best months to visit, and other key points of interest.

Dive Sites in Africa

This Section is Being Updated for 2024



Dive Sites in Australia

This Section is Being Updated for 2024


Dive Sites in Europe

The diverse environments make up some of the best scuba diving in Europe - albeit with a range of water temperatures not suited for all divers.


Can You Help Us Develop this Section?

Would you like to share interesting and practical details about how, when, and why you visited any particular locations for scuba diving?

If so, we would like to feature personalised dive descriptions and comments. Articles written by divers who regularly dive the site, or local experts on the topography and marine life, will have preference for inclusions in this section.

Please use the contact form to send us any useful comments or information and "Scuba Steve" will reply personally by email.

Best Diving Worldwide: FAQ Section

How Many Dive Sites are there in the World?

According to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI®) statistics, the total number of dive sites listed around the world is 3,392.

Recent data also shows that there are 1,897 reef dives available, 877 wall dives, and 554 wreck dives (e.g. sunken ships) worldwide.

Which Country is Best for Scuba Diving?

So, after taking a scuba course to get certified, most divers will appreciate the dive sites in countries like the Bahamas, Egypt, Mexico, and Thailand.

In a nutshell, the top underwater environments for snorkelers and beginners all share five common factors, including clear visibility and the absence of strong water currents.

Where are Divers Most Likely to Find Sea Snakes?

The geographical distribution of aquatic sea snakes and sea kraits is large. However, you will not find any of these marine reptiles in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and areas with high salinity (e.g. the Red Sea, Egypt).

In essence, the best place for scuba divers to find sea snakes in the ocean is somewhat 'subjective'. Even so, the seven locations listed in this section should offer some useful facts and information.

What is the Dive Capital of the World?

Google Earth considers Florida (e.g. the underwater playgrounds at the Florida Keys) as being the area that snorkelers and new divers should visit the most.

The islands are described by many as being the world's dive capital because it is home to the third-largest natural barrier reef, countless mangrove-fringed islands, and large-scale seagrass beds.

Where is the Clearest Water in the World for Scuba Diving?

Almost all submerged adventurers enjoy being in clear water - they want to see fish life and marine biology right? Well, we can't find anywhere clearer than the Silfra Ravine (formed by earthquakes 1789).

You will find this Icelandic fissure in Thingvellir National Park at the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Simply put, it has underwater visibility like no other diving spot in this list of best dive sites - or anywhere else on this planet.

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