For all of Scuba.com’s existence, the site has brought to you hundreds of the world’s best diving and snorkeling destinations. Our long list of diving and snorkeling spots includes locations in Africa, America, Asia, the Caribbean Region, Europe, Oceania, and finally, the Middle East.
From brainstorming and writing to publishing – Scuba.com’s goal has always been to open your eyes to new diving and snorkeling spots within or outside your country. When you scroll down, we are once again presented with the opportunity to bring you further! Read on and see where your next diving or snorkeling destination will be.
Africa
Africa is a treasure trove for its diving spots, wreck dive locations, and marine life. Take diving in Mozambique, for example — it’s straight out of a marine biologist’s dream. You’ll get up close and personal with whale sharks and manta rays, plus a bonus: vibrant coral reefs. As a lowkey and not “mainstream” location, Mozambique stands out as an unspoiled scuba diving spot!
Further south, South Africa invites you to dive into waters where the locals are a bit more playful — and by locals, we mean their three types of dolphins. Whether it’s the cheeky Bottlenose or the elegant Humpback, these genius fishes get a giggle or smile out of everyone on the dive trip. While you’re there, don’t even think about missing out on the aquatic life of Lake Malawi — a freshwater spot that’s home to colorful cichlids. Colorful, gorgeous fishies!
Then, there’s the Red Sea, a diver’s paradise straddling Africa and the Middle East. For those who enjoy a bit of history with their dive, go for Abu Nuhas. It’s called “the Ship Graveyard of the Red Sea,” and it offers a thrilling exploration of shipwrecks that, over time, have become vibrant reefs. And speaking of wrecks, the Salem Express (a controversial wreck dive spot) is haunting and fascinating with its history. And when you inevitably fall in love with the Red Sea, study our list of the best Red Sea dive spots. Following the list will take you on a tour of the most stunning underwater sites!
Asia
It’s not particularly a secret to the community, but Asia is brimming with diving and snorkeling spots. Let’s look at Cebu, a paradise in the Philippines that’s packed with dive spots. From the mesmerizing coral gardens to the chance encounters with thresher sharks, the scuba diving spots in Cebu deliver a feast for the eyes and soul (for less than 60 bucks!). And Cebu is just the beginning. There are more must-not-miss dive sites in the Philippines, such as Apo Island and Coron Bay. The locals meet you with warm smiles and even warmer hospitality! Even Barracuda Lake, known for its natural dichotomy, would make a lovely addition to your Asia diving itinerary. When you go, you get a unique mix of fresh and saltwater that creates an almost surreal diving experience.
But the Philippines isn’t the only diving and snorkeling hotspot of Southeast Asia. There’s the Coral Triangle, which stretches across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and beyond. It earned its name as a vibrant hub of marine biodiversity. Among its jewels, Palawan stands out with dive sites that feel like stepping into a nature documentary. Palawan diving takes you to pristine spots where you can lose yourself in budding-with-life coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. And if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, Bali’s artificial reefs offer an electrifying experience — literally! These man-made structures are changing the way we see marine life, proving that sometimes the best solutions are both creative and eco-friendly.
Thrilling Dive Spots in Asia
Asia’s dive offerings don’t end there. Yup. How does swimming with golden jellyfish in Palau sound to you? It’s as magical as it sounds, and it’s truly one to cross off your bucket list. Then there’s the secret gem of Jeju Island in South Korea — a lesser-known destination gaining a reputation for its underwater wonders. For those who crave a mix of history and mystery, there’s diving the Japanese Atlantis at Yonaguni, which offers a dive into an ancient underwater city shrouded in myth.
And if you’re after something truly out-of-this-world, Mahengetang, the Underwater Volcano in Indonesia, lets you dive into an active volcano’s caldera — an experience that’s as exhilarating as it is unique. Trust us, you’ll come back alive! Finally, don’t miss Barracuda Point in Sipadan — a world-famous site that promises encounters with swirling schools of barracuda. Woo!
America
The U.S. offers an incredible variety of diving and snorkeling spots. The country’s dive and snorkel destinations cater to both cold-water enthusiasts and even those who prefer warmer water. If you’re up for braving the chill (sheesh!), these five cold water diving destinations in the US are a must-experience. These include diverse environments like the kelp forests off the coast of California and the eerie shipwrecks scattered throughout the Great Lakes. If your soul is searching for something truly unique, dive into the Bonneville Seabase in Utah. It’s an unexpected spot where warm waters allow you to swim with tropical fish right in the desert’s center. And if you’re keen on marine mammals, visit the three places to see wild sea lions on the West Coast. It will be an experience that brings you face-to-face with those playful sea lions in their natural habitat.
Over in Hawaii, diving is – as you might expect – a thriving activity. And why wouldn’t it be? The five best dive sites of Hawaii’s Big Island alone take you through lava tubes and coral gardens teeming with life. And if you prefer to stay close to shore, try shore diving in Oahu and our recommended snorkeling sites in Oahu. Both are close to some of the island’s most stunning underwater sights, including the famous Hanauma Bay. For a truly unforgettable night dive, do the manta ray night dive in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, when manta rays cruise, searching for food. A sight you have to remember with your eyes only, since underwater cameras won’t do them justice at night!
Intriguing and Unique Diving Spots in the US
And for a dive that’s both mysterious and beautiful, the Neptune Memorial Reef in Key Biscayne, Florida, provides a chance to explore an underwater cemetery, where the sculptures and tombs create a unique marine environment.
Also, there are unique diving and snorkeling spots across the U.S. in places you might not expect. Ready? It’s in a mall. The Mall of America Aquarium in Minnesota offers a chance to dive with sharks in the middle of a shopping mall. And speaking of aquariums, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta allows you to swim alongside whale sharks, manta rays, and more. And while you’re reading this, list down the Christ of the Abyss in the Florida Keys as your next dive site. There, you’ll dive alongside a submerged statue of Christ. What a spiritual and stunning underwater experience it’ll be!
Diving and Snorkeling Spots in North America
Canada and Mexico offer spectacular dive destinations just a drive (or flight) away. In Newfoundland, you can scuba dive with Narwhals. Fuuun! Another famous dive spot in North America is Mexico’s Riviera Maya, home to the famous Cenotes (underwater caves), offering a surreal dive through submerged caverns with crystal-clear waters. And if treasure hunting is your thing, there’s real treasure in the Sea of Cortez, where divers can explore an underwater world rich in marine life and history.
Hotspots for Wreck Diving in America
If wreck diving is your thing, Oahu’s Corsair Wreck Dive offers a glimpse into World War II history. Dive there and see the wreckage of a downed fighter plane now serving as a home for marine life. The mainland U.S. offers equally exciting dives, with some spots blending history and mystery. The concrete ship Atlantus in Cape May is a fascinating dive where you can explore the remains of a ship built from concrete during World War I, now serving as an artificial reef.
Texas offers a dive like no other at a Nuclear Missile Silo, where you’ll plunge into an abandoned Cold War relic, now filled with crystal-clear water. And for a truly monumental wreck dive, head to the USS Saratoga at Bikini Atoll, where a massive aircraft carrier lies underwater, a remembrance of the nuclear tests of the mid-20th century.
The Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 Shipwreck in Cozumel is one of the most accessible and lively wrecks in the Caribbean, offering a perfect blend of history and marine biodiversity. For something more mysterious, the New Jersey underwater train wreck presents a dive into the unknown. Actually… no one knows exactly how these train cars ended up on the ocean floor. However, they now form a unique dive site that’s both puzzling and intriguing.
Caribbean Region
The Caribbean has a long list of exotic dive experiences, a craving of many divers and snorkelers alike. Begin your Caribbean journey in the Cayman Islands, where paradise is the furthest from fiction. Diving here is popular – especially in places like Stingray City and Grand Caymans, where you get to dance in the water with graceful rays. For thrill-seekers, seek the dramatic wall dives of Cayman Brac: The Caribbean’s Wall Diving Capital. And if you’re a shark fan, the Caribbean’s top three shark diving sites promise proximate encounters with these magnificent predators.
Venture beyond the Caymans to explore the rest of the gorgeous Caribbean region. In the Bahamas, divers will have more shark encounters in notable spots like Tiger Beach. There, guests see tiger sharks! And so, do not dare miss the charm of Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, or the iconic Pig Beach, where playful pigs frolic in the shallow waters.
The Dominican Republic and Curacao further enrich the Caribbean dive scene with their vibrant marine ecosystems and stunning underwater scenery. Whether exploring the wrecks of Aruba or the dramatic depths of Dean’s Blue Hole, the Caribbean is a treasure chest of diving delights waiting to be discovered.
Europe
Diving enthusiasts looking for diving and snorkeling spots that’ll be unique experiences and exotic locations. Good news: there’s plenty to explore across Europe. Start your adventure in Silfra Fissure, where you can ice dive or snorkel between two continental plates in some of the clearest waters on Earth — a thrilling experience that’s as cold as it is breathtaking. Afterward, warm up at the famous Blue Lagoon of Iceland, where you can soak in the steamy, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes. Similarly warm but (some might say) unusual, head to Nemo 33 in Belgium, one of the world’s deepest indoor pools, perfect for training dives for beginner divers!
For those intrigued by the fusion of art and diving, the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park offers a stunner of an underwater gallery where marine life and human creativity meet. This park is the world’s first of its kind, featuring sculptures that serve as artificial reefs, attracting divers and marine life alike. Over in the Mediterranean, Malta’s MV Karwela wreck provides a different kind of dive adventure, where you can explore this sunken ferry and its aquatic inhabitants. Oh! Speaking of the Mediterranean, the diving tourism laws in Greece have recently become more welcoming. Not to assume things or anything, but we think they’re encouraging more divers to explore the country’s ancient underwater treasures! So, go for it!
Oh, and consider heading to the Canary Islands if you’re interested in diverse marine environments and volcanic seascapes. Fiery!
Oceania
Start your journey in Oceania with the enchanting nightlife of the Cook Islands’ underwater world. There, the marine life buzzes more as the sun sets lower. Such activity at golden hour creates a dazzling display of colors and activity. For a more classic tropical dive, Fiji provides an all-encompassing guide to diving in paradise. Its cold, crystal-clear waters and stunning array of fishes transport you to a movie!
If you’re up for something a little different, explore the craters and sinkholes of Mount Gambier in Australia, where you can dive into unique geological formations that offer a dive experience unlike any other. Meanwhile, Chuuk Lagoon in Micronesia, renowned as the wreck diving capital of the world, invites you to uncover the hauntingly beautiful remnants of World War II shipwrecks.
Middle East
The Middle East is a rising star in the diving and snorkeling community. The world’s deepest pool, recently unveiled in Dubai, offers an exhilarating experience for deep-sea enthusiasts. It plunges to a depth of over 60 meters! Not far from this pool is the Dubai Aquarium, which reels in thrill-seekers who want to dive in a more unique setting — within a bustling shopping mall. This aquarium provides an immersive underwater experience right in the heart of the city. Enjoy diving without having to leave the mall’s air-conditioned comfort!
Venturing beyond Dubai, the Dead Sea offers a strikingly different dive experience with its extreme salinity, which creates a unique floating sensation. For a more playful dive, head to Abu Dabab in Egypt, where you can dive with and meet Dennis and Dougal, two friendly dugongs in their natural habitat. Each of these destinations highlights a unique facet of underwater exploration, from record-breaking pools to enchanting marine encounters.
Is Your Diving and Snorkeling Itinerary Ready?
Now that we’ve taken you all around the world (well, most of it), it’s time you take out that notepad and start scheming. Where will your next favorite diving and snorkeling spots be? Hopefully, it’ll be among the ones we listed above.
As always, no matter where your next dive destination is, make sure to dive safely and with the appropriate gear!
