Top 10 Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Destinations On The Planet

There are many reasons why people go snorkeling and scuba diving. They want to see the world, experience something different, or just want to feel free. Diving is a risky activity. The ocean is constantly changing, and the desires of divers are all over the place. But there are a few places that consistently produce excellent diving experiences. These sites tend to have great reviews and consistent water quality.

These locations are some of the most remote and beautiful places in the world. You’ll get to explore incredible underwater landscapes and discover unique creatures. We’ll also share some tips on how to prepare for your dives, the equipment you need, and some good places to stay when you visit these sites. 

If you’re an avid diver looking for the best dive sites in the world, you’ve come to the right place. There are many great diving spots around the world, but we've narrowed it down to our top ten list. You'll find our recommendations for the best places to go diving in each country.

10. Bajo Alcyone – Cocos Island, Costa Rica

The best way to get to Cocos Island is by liveaboard. This is the only way to visit Cocos Island, and it is consistently ranked as the best place to dive in the world. Water conditions are best in spring and summer. The water clarity is excellent and the visibility is consistently 30m+ from shore. The weather is usually warm (25°C) and calm, but in the winter there can be a lot of swell and choppy seas. It’s recommended that you book your trip at least 4 months in advance. The best time to visit is during the dry season (October to April).

When you arrive on the island there are two main areas where you can dive. The first is the Bajo Alcyone, a seamount approximately 50m below the surface of the ocean. The second is the shallow reef area, which is just offshore from the island. The shallows are not suitable for most snorkelers, but you can get some great shots from the boat. There is a great variety of fish life here, including the famous Cocos Island Wrasse. The island is uninhabited, and there are no facilities on the island. However, there is a very basic campground on the island. The island is also home to a number of endangered birds, including the Cocos Keeling Cuckoo and Cocos Island Warbler.

The Bajo Alcyone is one of the best places to see hammerhead sharks in the world, and with an abundance of schooling fish and coral, it’s also a great place to see rays, turtles, dolphins, and manta rays. It’s also the home of a very large population of humpback whales. The Bajo Alcyone is a very active seamount, and it can be hard to find a place to dive that is not mobbed with divers. There are a few spots where you can dive on the seamount, but they are generally in the center of the ridge, so you may have to wait a while for the area to clear out. This is the only way to dive the seamount, but it’s recommended that you bring your own tank and regulator to the island. It’s possible to get to the island by boat, but this is not recommended. The boat trip is about 3 hours each way and costs around $100 per person. It is a long and expensive boat ride and is not recommended if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on a boat.

9. SS Thistlegorm – Ras Mohammed, Egypt

The best wreck dive in the world is the SS Thistlegorm. It’s a popular day trip and liveaboard stop from Sharm El-Sheikh. The wreck is a 420-foot (128-meter) British transport ship.

Today, she remains a window into history. She's been preserved as a museum and a monument to the war that nearly destroyed the world.

Best Season: Spring and fall are the most popular months. Winter is good for diving but not for visiting the wreck.

What to See: The SS Thistlegorm has been preserved in its original condition, including the main deck and engine room. There's a glass-bottomed viewing platform on the top of the ship, where you can see the wreck from above.

How to Get There: You can take an excursion from Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada. Most dive operators will pick you up at your hotel. Where to Stay: If you want to stay overnight on board, there are rooms for up to 12 people on the upper deck and cabins below. The best wreck dive in the world is the SS Thistlegorm. It’s a popular day trip and liveaboard stop from Sharm El-Sheikh. The wreck is a 420-foot (128-meter) British transport ship. Today, she remains a window into history. She's been preserved as a museum and a monument to the war that nearly destroyed the world.

Sharm El-Sheikh is a small resort town on Egypt’s northern coast. It’s one of the top diving destinations in the world. The SS Thistlegorm is the best wreck dive in the world. The ship was built in 1942 as a British transport vessel. It served as a troop carrier during World War II. In December of 1944, it was damaged by two German bombers while crossing the Mediterranean.

8. Blue Corner – Ngemelis Island, Palau

Blue Corner is a must-see dive site for those who want to see incredible coral reefs and large schools of fish. It’s one of the best dive sites in Palau when the currents are running strong, so it's a great place to get up close and personal with the marine life.

At that time, divers used reef hooks to attach to the wall and watch a number of pelagic species swim by. Sharks, tuna, and eagle rays are common sights. Many Blue Corner alumni say they’ve never seen so many sharks on a single dive.

This is the time to go for your best results. It's a time of year when you'll find that many products and techniques work well, but don't get in the way of your regular routine.

You'll want to stay close to home since you'll be diving on a relatively small island with few opportunities to explore. If you're planning on taking a trip to Palau, here's how to prepare for the best experience possible.

Blue Corner is one of the best sites in Palau when the currents are running strong, which occurs from May through August. If you plan to dive there, you should visit during that time period. Otherwise, it can be difficult to dive at this site. While the site isn't accessible at any other time of the year, it's still possible to dive in Palau if you’re willing to travel. The waters are warmer than most places in the region and conditions are generally good. Blue Corner is located about 20 minutes from Koror City.

If you’re staying in the city, you'll need a vehicle to get there. A boat trip is a more convenient way to access the reef. If you’re looking for an easier dive site, take a look at the nearby dive sites. If you’re staying in the area, you’ll want to head to Ngerem Island. The site has a lot of coral and is very popular with snorkelers. You’ll find that it’s one of the easiest sites to navigate. If you’re planning on diving here, it’s a great place to learn how to dive. There are also plenty of fish to see here. If you’re planning on visiting Palau in August, you may be able to visit the Blue Corner area during the high season. This is when many people visit Palau, so the crowds can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, take a look at the nearby islands. If you're staying near the city, you can travel to a neighboring island to enjoy a more relaxing dive. The best time to visit the island is from mid-April through May. The waters are warm and calm, and the visibility is good. There are a number of ways to get to Palau. You can fly into Koror City, and then take a boat or car trip over to Ngerem Island. There's also the option of taking a flight to Rota, and then taking a ferry to Ngerem. From there, you can take a taxi over to Ngerem. If you're planning on visiting Palau during the summer, you should make sure that you have a boat tour booked. Otherwise, you may not be able to dive at Blue Corner.

7. Manta Night Dive – Kona, Hawaii

This is definitely one of the most unique night dives. You'll descend to the sandy beach and watch the manta rays swim in front of you.

Manta rays are graceful creatures. They gather in huge numbers at feeding grounds to feast on the rich plankton. Divers can simply relax and enjoy the show as the graceful manta rays turn and spin above.

If you want to start selling in the summer, the best months to do so are April through October.

The average high temperature during this time is around 80°F. It's also a good idea to check with local dive shops about the availability of the boats.

Cost: Boat rides cost $70 per person; it's $50 if you book online (or for kids under 10, it's $20.

When to Go: If you don't mind sitting out in the sun all day, Manta Point is an excellent place to visit in the afternoon.

1. In winter, the price is lower and many fish can be found in the shallow water. In spring and autumn, the sea floor is often covered with the algae that gives the bay its characteristic brownish color. The water is then much clearer. There are two main types of dive:

2. A first dive is a "shallow" dive. It's done in the shallows, usually at less than 10 meters (33 feet) depth. This is the easiest dive and most suitable for beginners.

3. A second dive is called a "deep" dive.

1. It is done at more than 20 meters (65 feet).

2. Divers can spend anywhere from an hour to several hours underwater. Some dives take longer, but some dive sites may be too crowded for that.

3. Manta rays are gentle giants. They don't harm divers and they're not aggressive. They will swim away if they feel threatened.

4. The water temperature is usually between 25°C and 30°C (77°F and 86°F).

5. There is no need to rent equipment; you'll find everything you need.

6. If you want to take pictures, bring your own camera. Some dive centers provide cameras for a small fee.

7. Most of the dives take place at night, but some sites are open during the day as well.

8. A dive center should offer the best prices on the market. But remember that the more you pay, the more you get. It's not unusual to pay $75-90 for a one-tank dive.

6. Cenote Angelita – Tulum, Mexico

Cenote Angelita is a popular place for swimming and snorkeling, and its mystical quality makes it difficult to ignore.

It’s also the only place in all of Mexico where you can swim with sea turtles. There are several other cenotes around the area, but Angelita is the one that is closest to the hotel and that we most often visited. It was also the one that we had seen the most during our trip.

The name Angelita comes from the Mexican words “angel” and “ita” which means “little angel.” According to legend, an angel appeared to a young girl named Angelita, who was playing near the cenote, and she was saved by the water spirits who lived in the lake. Angelita is a natural wonder. It’s a huge sinkhole, about 3 kilometers.

The best time to visit is during the rainy season because then you will see the most plant life. If you want to go snorkeling or diving, it’s very safe because the water is very clear. Angelita has a small museum and you can find out about the history of the place. They also have a small shop selling souvenirs. You can rent a boat and go snorkeling around the cenote. You can also take a boat to the other cenotes, which are all connected by rivers and caves. Angelita is a perfect day trip from Tulum.

There are many hotels in Tulum that will help you get the most out of your stay. There are several places to stay near Angelita. All the hotels will have restaurants where you can eat. Some of them even have bars where you can enjoy drinks and snacks. If you want to go to Tulum Beach, you can take a taxi from any hotel for about $20. There is also a bus that goes to Tulum beach from Playa del Carmen. The closest bus stop is called “Zona Hotelera”. The best way to get around Tulum is by taxi.

5. Tiger Beach – Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

While the Bahamas is known for its shark diving, it's also a wonderful destination for anyone who loves to swim with sharks. You'll see hammerheads, oceanic whitetips, and reef sharks in the waters of Tiger Beach.

Several large sharks visit the area daily to feast on the bait. You may also see nurse, lemon, and Caribbean reef sharks at this popular shark site.

The best time to visit Tiger Beach is during the dry season (November to April). During the rainy season (May to October), the water is usually too rough for safe swimming. There are no lifeguards or amenities at Tiger Beach. The water temperature can get quite cold (20°C) in the winter months. Shark Diving Tiger Beach is one of the most popular spots for shark diving in the Bahamas.

The waters around Tiger Beach are home to a variety of fish, including tarpon, barracuda, king mackerel, and even the occasional shark. 

The most common shark species seen is the nurse shark, which is often found along the coast. Nurse sharks are not aggressive and are generally quite docile. They will swim around at low speeds and often rest on the surface of the water. Other shark species found in these waters include the hammerhead, bull shark, and the great white shark.

The Bahamas has one of the highest concentrations of white sharks in the world. White sharks have been known to swim up to Tiger Beach, and the waters here are considered one of the best places in the Bahamas to see white sharks.

4. Secret Bay (Mainit Muck) – Anilao, Philippines

In the Philippines, a popular dive site for macro lovers and underwater photographers is Secret Bay. It's a good site for beginners because it's not too deep.

Mantis shrimp, rare nudibranchs, gobies of all types, and wonderpus are all common in Ambon. The site is also great for night diving when Ambon scorpionfish, bobbit worms, seahorses, and frogfish become active.

When to Go: September to April

3. Silfra Fissure – Thingvellir National Park, Iceland

The Silfra Fissure is a dangerous place for divers. The water is very clear, and there is plenty of room to dive. But when the plates are moving, it can be hard to tell where you are. The visibility is 300 feet, so diving in this area is a dream.

Take a dip in the clear waters of the ocean and capture the serene images of the ocean as it flows through the rock walls.

The best months to go to the beach are June to September. During the winter months, it's much more crowded and hot.

The area is remote and has no roads leading to it. It is located in a national park, and most people fly into Reykjavik to access the area. The best way to get there is by boat from the Reykjavik harbor. There are a few small boats that can take you to the Silfra Fissure. The trip takes about an hour. You will see some of the most beautiful underwater landscapes in the world as the clear water flows through the walls of the canyon.

What To Bring: This is a great place for underwater photography. Bring your own gear, or rent it from a dive shop in Reykjavik. A dive mask with a clear lens is essential. A snorkel is also helpful to get to the bottom of the fissure. Bring warm clothes for the weather. The water temperature is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It can get chilly at night. Where to Stay If you are diving Silfra Fissure, you may want to stay in Reykjavik. There are many hotels and hostels in the city that offer good deals on accommodation. If you plan to stay in the city, the best option is to stay at the Icelandair Hotel or the Reykjavik Plaza. Both have an indoor pool, and you can take advantage of their Wi-Fi. Other options include the Old Harbor Hotel and the Hilton Reykjavik. The Old Harbor Hotel has an outdoor pool. You can also stay at the Hilton Reykjavik, which offers a sauna and hot tub.

2. Sardine Run – Agulhas Bank, South Africa

Sailing into Cape Town, a great adventure awaits. From June to August, sardines migrate up the west coast of South Africa in huge shoals, which are considered one of the most exciting dives in the world.

Most predators, including dolphins, birds, sharks, and whales, wait patiently on the ocean's surface for tiny fish. Some of these larger animals, like dolphins, even play with the tiny fish by throwing them back and forth.

Some of these congregations have been found and are being fed by divers.

Others are not easily spotted but are sometimes found in large schools when they are feeding. If you want to dive the sardine shoals, you will need a special permit, which is not easy to obtain. The best time to see the sardines is between June and August. At this time of year, the water temperature in the area can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). However, during winter, the water temperature is usually much lower. In fact, the sardines come to the Cape Peninsula in winter because it is warmer there. Sardine migration is caused by a change in water temperature.

1. Cape Kri – Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Raja Ampat is one of the best dive sites in Indonesia. It's one of the first places where scientists recorded the most fish species on a single dive.

It's also one of the few places where you can dive with sharks, and you'll see plenty of them. The waters are clear and warm, so visibility is usually good. There are three main dive areas - the outer reef, the wreck of a WWII transport ship, and the inner reef.

The outer reef has a large collection of sea fans and soft corals, along with many kinds of fish. The largest coral is a large staghorn coral named "Jangga Jangga" or "Long Neck". It's about 30 meters long, and it's still growing. The wreck of a WWII transport ship is located at around 16 meters depth. It's a large sunken steel tanker that was used to transport petroleum in the 1940s. Most of the ship is now buried under sand and corals.

A few other wrecks are located nearby. There are no places to stay on Raja Ampat, but you can visit the neighboring islands, and stay overnight on Pulau Nias. The best time to dive Raja Ampat is from November to April. It's usually sunny and warm. To get to Raja Ampat, take a flight to Sorong (Indonesia) or Wamena (Papua New Guinea). You'll need a passport for both countries. The flight takes about three hours. From Sorong, there's a ferry to Ambon. There are no direct flights to Ambon, so you'll have to fly to Manokwari in Papua New Guinea first. Then take a ferry to Ambon. In the end, you'll arrive at Sorong, on the island of Sulawesi. It's about 1.5 hours by boat from Ambon. There's a small airport in Sorong, and you can rent a car or take a bus to the diving areas.