The Best SCUBA Dive Destinations

Although scuba diving is a relatively complicated hobby, it is participated in by divers around the world. Pioneered in the 1950s and 1960s, scuba diving offers an up-close look at sea life and underwater terrain for recreational divers and scientific researchers. There are several diving locations that are consistently noted as being among the best in the world and should be on the list of any diving enthusiast.

  1. Heron Island, Australia

    • Located on Australia's east coast, Heron Island is a coral island that is part of the famous Great Barrier Reef. It is a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers, and appears on nearly every list of top scuba destinations. The Great Barrier Reef is home to many rare and beautiful forms of sea life, including aquatic plants. Heron Island is also relatively undeveloped, making it a quiet, relaxing place to enjoy a dive.

    Palau Islands

    • The Palau Islands are situated in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. With more than 200 islands to choose from, they offer a wide variety of scuba adventures. These include undersea caverns, sunken ships, coral formations and abundant sea life. There are also sites in Palau that are suitable for new divers without extensive skills. The area is another out-of-the-way diving locale, with minimal tourist traffic.

    Cozumel, Mexico

    • Cozumel, Mexico, is an island located just off the country's southeast shore in the Caribbean. It is surrounded by coral reefs, which are even easier to explore due to the extreme clarity of the water. The island has 19 designated scuba dive spots and is a popular tourist destination with many affordable hotels.

    Florida

    • For American divers, Florida is the best diving destination that doesn't require leaving the country. Besides the state's convenience and affordability, Florida offers two distinct diving destinations. Along the western Gulf coast, divers can enjoy excellent underwater visibility and sea life, including manatees, dolphins and turtles. The eastern Atlantic coast is home to coral reefs and shipwrecks.