Share The LOVE 14 of The Best Dive Sites in The World You Should Visit When it comes to the best dive sites in the world, every diver has their personal favourites. Some prefer hidden gems they’ve explored countless times, while others look for a once-in-a-lifetime dive vacation. I have selected what I feel are some of the best diving locations in the world, as each offers unique and unforgettable experiences. These sites range from popular locations to lesser-known but equally unique spots. If you’re a seasoned diver or just starting your underwater adventures, these destinations will leave you in awe of the beauty of the ocean. Let’s explore some of the best dive sites in the world to experience the wonders of the underwater world. Each dive can connect you closer to nature, from coral reefs and walls, pinnacles and black sand slopes to undersea caverns and marine life. So, if you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, these top diving destinations have something for every type of diver. Wolf And Darwin Islands, Ecuador The best diving experience usually involves thrilling encounters with marine life, and the Wolf and Darwin Islands in the Galapagos archipelago are no exception. These remote islands are the best dive sites for whale sharks, schooling hammerheads, giant manta, many other shark species and a range of bustling aquatic life. Divers willing to face the challenging waves and strong currents at Wolf and Darwin Islands get to see large groups of hammerhead sharks and frequent visits from the Galapagos, silky, and whale sharks. If you’re okay with cold water and love seeing big marine animals, these islands are top spots to visit and rank firmly within the world’s best diving locations. Anemone City, Alor, Indonesia The tiny island of Alor harbours a hidden gem beneath its waters – a vast field of anemones, possibly the largest of its kind globally. Small volcanic boulders characterize this unique site blanketed in thousands of anemones in various colours, shapes, and sizes. Between the gently swaying tentacles, countless clownfish dart back and forth, fiercely guarding their territories. It’s easy to become captivated by the individual dramas unfolding in this mesmerizing underwater city, where each anemone hosts its vibrant ecosystem. South Pass, Fakarava, French Polynesia Fakarava Island is famous for its shark diving opportunities, particularly at the South Pass, locally known as Tumakohua Pass. This narrow, submerged valley attracts hundreds of lemon, whitetip, and hammerhead sharks, which patrol the sides of the pass. The exceptional visibility and underwater topography create the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience of the awe of coming face to face with sharks. Divers have the chance to witness these magnificent creatures up close. Richelieu Rock, Andaman Sea, Thailand Off the west coast of Thailand lies Richelieu Rock, a remote rocky outcrop boasting an incredible diversity of marine life along its thriving reefs. This site is regarded as Thailand’s premier diving destination, attracting a remarkable array of visitors, including manta rays, whale sharks, and tuna, which mingle seamlessly with the resident reef species. The combination of these transient giants and the vibrant resident marine life creates an unparalleled variety and diversity that is hard to match. Adding to the allure, keen-eyed divers can discover fascinating macro critters nestled among the intricate and expansive coral heads, making Richelieu Rock a well-rounded and exceptional diving experience. Tiger Beach, Grand Bahama, Bahamas Tiger Beach is a small sand flat in the Bahamas. It is famous for tiger sharks. Divers can see dozens of tiger lemon and Caribbean reef sharks here. During baited shark dives, they also see many tropical reef fish. The site has shallow water, white sand, and clear visibility, which makes it great for photography and seeing sharks up close. Tiger Beach offers a fantastic opportunity to dive into different shark species in their natural environment. SS Thistlegorm, Red Sea, Egypt The SS Thistlegorm is one of the best dive sites in the Red Sea. It offers an exciting exploration of a military wreck accessible to divers of all levels. Exploring the dark cargo holds, you’ll find fantastic World War II treasures like jeeps, motorcycles, boots, and bullets. This wreck is a historical treasure and a thriving underwater ecosystem. It has abundant soft corals and interesting macro life hidden among the superstructure. The SS Thistlegorm is a must-visit destination for wreck enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to witness history while immersing in the vibrant marine life that now calls this sunken vessel home. Roca Partida, Socorro, México The isolated Roca Partida is an epic dive site showcasing Socorro’s exciting, significant animal action. Despite the challenging conditions with strong currents and cool upwellings, divers are rewarded with encounters with vast numbers of silky, Galapagos, oceanic whitetip, hammerhead sharks, dolphins, whale sharks, and massive schools of jack and barracuda. Those willing to brave the 24-hour crossing from mainland Mexico will be treated to an unforgettable diving experience at Roca Partida. The abundance of marine life and the thrill of encountering these magnificent creatures make it one of the best diving locations in the world. Blue Heron Bridge, Florida, USA Blue Heron Bridge is one of the best diving spots in the world, popular with snorkelers and divers. The shallow lagoon waters teem with diverse marine life, including macro critters like seahorses, nudibranchs, and pipefish. The warm, sheltered environment also serves as a refuge for countless juvenile tropical fish. Easily accessible, this site offers something for divers of all skill levels, making it a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts seeking a unique and diverse diving experience. Rapid Bay Jetty, Australia Rapid Bay Jetty in Australia is a top spot for seeing the leafy sea dragon, a beautiful creature related to seahorses and pipefish. It is perfectly camouflaged to match its surrounding brown kelp home. It is best to hire a local guide to increase your chances of encountering these fantastic but rare fish. With a knowledgeable guide, you can unlock the secrets of this unassuming jetty and witness the incredible diversity of marine life it harbours. Cape Kri, Indonesia Cape Kri in the Dampier Strait is famously a world champion for spotting the most fish species on a single dive. This place has the most abundant marine life you can find anywhere, from schooling pelagics to nudibranchs on the wall and curious reef fish to large solitary keystone species. While currents can often be brisk, they bring the reef fish out to play, making Cape Kri one of the best dive sites in the world for divers seeking an unparalleled underwater experience. Situated in the middle of Raja Ampat, at the end of the main Kri Island this dive site with its incredible variety of marine life, is a true testament to the natural wonders of the ocean. Tubbataha Reefs, Philippines Tubbataha Reef is one of the world’s best diving spots. The reefs in the Sulu Sea, west of the Philippines, are a marine reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Comprised of northern and southern atolls, the remote Tubbataha Marine Park is widely considered to offer the best scuba diving in the country. This dazzling marine habitat is home to over 700 species of fish, 370 species of coral, 11 species of shark, and 12 species of dolphins and whales! It also has a large nesting population of hawksbill and green turtles and an islet in the south, which is a rookery for birds and is a wildlife photographer’s favourite. Because of Tubbtaha’s location, it is only diveable by liveaboard and is accessible only from March through June. Aside from being one of the country’s longest existing marine reserves, the accessibility helps to maintain the pristine condition of its walls and reefs. Both atolls barely sit above sea level and encompass gorgeous, sandy lagoons. Tubbataha Reefs offers an extraordinary wide-angle diving experience. The reefs boast various marine species in all shapes and sizes, with hard corals, sea fans, and steep walls that serve as a sanctuary for countless critters, crustaceans, and eels. The marine park dazzles with millions of vibrant tropical fish zigzagging among the corals, enormous groups of jackfish whirling overhead, and other pelagic species cruising by in a stunning display of colours and motion. It’s so captivating that even the most experienced scuba divers and underwater photographers will be amazed. Los Islotes, Mexico Diving with the sea lions at Los Islotes in the southern Sea of Cortez is an unbeatable joy. These playful and sometimes cheeky sea lions are a delight, zooming around and playfully inviting divers into a lively game of tag. While the sea lions are undoubtedly exciting to watch, the site’s rocky promontories also have plenty of sardines. This unique combination of marine life and the opportunity to interact with the charismatic sea lions makes Los Islotes a genuinely unforgettable diving destination. Barracuda Point, Malaysia Barracuda Point in Sipadan is a world-class diving spot. It lives up to its name, with hundreds of chevron barracuda moving together in a fantastic dance near a colourful reef home to 3,000 types of fish. The area’s deep underwater cliffs attract big fish like trevally, dogtooth tuna, and hammerhead sharks. Diving at Barracuda Point is a memorable adventure with much marine life and beautiful underwater views. Manta Night Dive, Kona, Hawaii Divers and snorkelers can experience the exhilarating spectacle of mantas swooping in and out of their torch beams, creating an unforgettable underwater show. This night dive is considered one of the best dives in the world. To Wrap it Up The best dive sites in the world offer opportunities to explore the ocean’s wonders. Each dive in any of these places can be a way to connect with nature and create lasting memories. You will encounter everything from historic shipwrecks and diverse marine ecosystems to thrilling interactions with sharks, manta rays, and other magnificent creatures. So, if you want an adrenaline-filled adventure, the underwater world has something extraordinary in store for you. Do not hesitate to contact us for inclusive dive trips to some of the world’s best dive sites! Written By: Mojo Rising An avid diver, marine conservationist and plant-based athlete. I roam the globe looking for the best places to scuba, documenting my journey as I go. See author's posts