Different divers have different personalities. For each diver, there is one perfect scuba diving destination. With about 70 percent of the planet made up of water, there are thousands of scuba destinations all over the world. As such, even the pickiest scuba divers will find a favorite dive spot.

 

The main considerations for choosing a dive spot is the water and what can be seen underneath. A great dive site should have vertical walls in pollution-free waters. Clean waters usually have more underwater marine life, making the dive site more colorful and exciting. If you are fond of scuba diving, or are looking for the perfect dive spot, then this top ten list is for you.

 

Below is the list of the top ten best dive sites in the world, as compiled by expert underwater adventurers. Read on and get your diving gear ready.

 

1) Southern Red Sea, Sudan

 

The Southern Red Sea in Sudan is one of the most untouched scuba diving spots in the world. With the rich history of the area, the Southern Red Sea is as mystifying as the sea creatures that consider the place its habitat. The Southern Red Sea, which is separated from the rest of the Indian Ocean, has developed an intricate coral reef system that is not found anywhere else in the world. As such, about 30 percent of the marine life found in dive sites in the Southern Red sea is endemic, taking the dive to a whole level.

 

Why Go? You will be likely to spend time underwater with assorted beautiful fish, such as angelfish, stingrays, manta rays, butterfly fish, wrasse and other creatures that swim the reefs. You are also likely to encounter sharks, such as Silvertip, Silky, Tip Reef, and Scalloped Hammerhead.

 

When to Go? Book from May to September, the period when the weather is at its best.

 

2) Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

 

Bonaire, located 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela, has beautiful beaches, but Bonaire is really known for its shore diving sites, which rank in the second spot according to PADI, or the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. With the spectacular underwater life, and the comfort and accessibility offered in Bonaire, you are sure to keep coming back.

 

Why Go? Bonaire is a highly developed dive site that you can gear up and walk into.

 

When to Go? Diving is offered year-round, and all throughout the day.

 

3) Coron Island, Philippines

 

If you are a diver seeking more adventures underwater, then Coron is the best place for you. A wreck diver’s paradise, Coron abounds with World War II ship wrecks. You can explore the wrecks, swimming from the bow to the stern of the ships, or you can marvel at the diversity of corals growing from these wrecks, and the colorful schools of fish that have made a home in the wrecks.

If you would rather steer clear of wrecks, you can explore the coral gardens and go spelunking in the underwater caverns nearby.

 

Why Go? It does not matter whether you are a newbie diver, or an old time diver, as diving in Coron, Philippines is great for all levels.

 

When to Go? Reserve during the summer, from March to April, for the best dive weather.

 

4) Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef, Belize

 

The Lighthouse Reef in Belize offers an alternative diving experience.

With the very little marine life underwater, a dive in the Blue Hole is comparable to a geological trip more than a marine sightseeing adventure. As seen from above, the reef is almost perfectly circular, hence the name Blue Hole. History lessons tell us that it was created by a dry cave system that dates back to the Ice Age. Dive deeper into the Blue Hole, at about 110 feet below, and you can see stalactite formations. While the water stands perfectly still above you, you will see reef and hammerhead sharks lurking in the shadows.

 

Why Go? Blue Hole is quite unlike other dive holes in all its geological marvels.

 

When to Go? For the best shark sighting experience, dive anytime during May and June.

 

5) Blue Corner, Palau, Micronesia

 

If the Blue Hole in Belize is somewhat lacking in marine life, the Blue Corner in Palau is teeming with it. All forms of sea life, from the smallest turtles to the biggest sharks, can be found in the Blue Corner. There are also World War II ship wrecks that are worth seeing. The Blue Corner, however, is not beginners, as it has fairly strong currents. Most divers in the Blue Corner, usually advanced divers, use reef hooks to enjoy all the underwater action.

 

Why Go? If you want an extreme diving adventure—or see a whole bunch of sharks feeding naturally.

 

When to Go? Dive between the months of October to early June for the best experience.

 

6) Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

 

The Grand Cayman provides the best of Caribbean diving. If you are a discriminating diver in search of the perfect in the Carribbean spot, the Caymans has all that you need. To start with, the weather is beautiful all year round, with only occasional rain during the summer months. The Caribbean water is warm, clear, and has a distinctive blue hue. Exploring the reefs and observing the underwater creatures in their habitat in the Caymans is truly a remarkable experience. You can also dive in the more untouched scuba spots to experience underwater paradise.

 

Why Go? Great waters, great weather, great people.

 

When to Go? It is best to dive between mid-December and mid-April.

 

7) Bali, Indonesia

 

Reef diving in Bali is truly a world-class experience. Easily accessible, diving in Bali is like diving in two worlds. Located between the Pacific and Indian oceans, Bali has a faultless current that allows for a leisurely exploration of the underwater marvels. Be amazed by the landscape filled with coral gardens, black volcanic sands, and rare unusual species. Underwater photography is taken to new heights with Bali diving, so be sure to bring your underwater marine camera with you.

 

Why Go? For fuss-free diving that can give you the best of both underwater worlds.

 

When to Go? The best time for diving in Bali is between September and October.

 

8) Dinah’s Beach and Observation Point, Papua New Guinea

 

For muck diving, there is no more-recommended place than Dinah’s Beach and Observation Point in Papua New Guinea. With lower visibility, you will be forced to get closer to what you are looking at, providing you with a new look at the underwater surroundings. You will be able to see rare underwater creatures, such as the Harlequin, Cockatoo Wasp fish, Spiny Devilfish, Ghost Pipefish, and Merlet’s Scorpion fish. You can also go to the dive site by land, if you are into hiking and if you want to take in the beauty of the land.

 

Why Go? For a more scientific and educational dive, check out Dinah’s Beach.

 

When to Go? Dive anytime between mid-October and June.

 

9) Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

 

In diving, you cannot have too many favorites, but The Great Barrier Reef is sure to be one of them.

The novelty of diving in the Coral Sea might have passed already, but the spot still packs as much novelty as the next dive. Suitable for all diver levels and open all year round, the Great Barrier Reef is an underwater tourist’s perfect dive spot. With a visibility of up to 200 feet below sea level, you will be able to see the diversity of marine life at its finest.

 

Why Go? It is the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral system, one of the seven wonders of the natural world.

 

When to Go? The best month to dive is in October.

 

Now if you want more of the most popular tourist hotspots in Australia and around the world to fuel your wanderlust, just visit: hottest places in the world

 

10) Coco’s Island, Costa Rica

 

Located 300 miles off the coast of Costa Rica, Coco’s Island offers liveaboard diving at its finest. With the diversity of marine animals you can come in contact with, you are sure to have a different kind of fun. You will find yourself surrounded by hundreds of dolphins, sharks, tuna, rays, and even whale sharks. For the adventurous, nature-loving diver, Coco’s Island is the best dive destination.

 

Why Go? For diving fun, Coco’s Island is the ultimate destination.

 

When to Go? The months of May to October provide the perfect diving conditions.

 

 

Diving the best underwater dive sites in the world is like the quest for the finest things in life. Do not forget to visit the top ten dive spots mentioned above. Choose your diving destination, and let’s dive!

 

 

Because diving is such an intense and exciting activity, it may not be the perfect vacation activity for those who just want to kick back and relax. For a list of the most relaxing vacation ideas for the stressed out, visit the Top Ten Most Relaxing Vacation Ideas for the Stressed-Out