Top Scuba Diving Destinations, Both Near and Far

Written by Sophie Heward Last updated December 5th 202405/12/24

Scuba diving is one of the most fascinating experiences you can have. There’s no wonder so many people jet off to destinations across the globe to do it! Whether you’d like to fly out to tropical climes for a longer break or explore the magic of sea life a little closer to home, we’ll have a package holiday to suit you and your scuba diving holiday wants.

Read on to discover some of our favourite destinations for scuba diving holidays.

Egypt

Egypt is one of the top diving spots in the world. The Red Sea is home to breath-taking marine life, and there are plenty of ways to explore it. Some of our top recommendations include visiting the picturesque resort of Hurghada or jetting off to one of the most famous locations for diving, Sharm El Sheikh. With it being a mid-haul destination, you could visit for a short break or really soak in the experience and enjoy a few weeks of Egyptian sun.

Thistlegorm – Sharm El Sheikh

40 kilometres from Sharm and the most popular wreck dive, Thistlegorm was a British army freighter that sank in 1941 on her way to Alexandria. She had on board with her war time supplies including aircrafts, vehicles and tanks – so it’s great for history buffs!

Shark and Yolanda Reef – Ras Mohammed

Located in Ras Mohammed National Park. Dive in Shark Reef and finish at Yolanda wreck. Yolanda was a Cypriot cargo ship that ran to ground in 1980. This is noted to be the best diving spot in Ras Mohammed.

Caribbean

It’s no surprise that the stunning shores of the Caribbean are some of the best for a scuba diving holiday. With golden shores, clear blue waters and extraordinary sea life, these islands are perfect for scuba-loving holidayers with a taste for adventure. Aruba has to be our favourite pick.

Antilla Shipwreck – Malmok Bay

The Antilla was a German ship that was sunk during World War 2 and sits off the inviting white sands of Malmok Bay. It’s the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean and arugably, the best dive spot too. While some of the wreck is visible above the waters, it goes almost 60 feet down so it’s great for both advanced and beginner divers.

Mexico

Mexico is another top scuba diving holiday destination and has so much to offer. Not only does it have colourful reefs and playful sea life, but it’s one of the best places in the world to sight a great white shark (in a cage, of course!). There’s something spectacular for divers with all levels of experience, and whatever time of year you visit Mexico, you’ll be able to go on some fascinating excursions under the sea.

Cozumel – an island off the coast of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen

There’s around 50 different dive spots off Cozumel offering something for every level, and with over 100 different types of coral and over 200 species of fish it can be a great adventure.

Indian Ocean

When it comes to scuba diving in the vast Indian Ocean, there are some truly magnificent destinations. Two of our favourites are the Maldives and Thailand. The sparkling lagoons of the Maldives are simply beautiful, and are home to creatures such as manta rays and whale sharks. Thailand has dazzling and diverse coral to explore, as well as some amazing wreck dives. The adventure is endless!

Fish Head (aka Shark Point) – North Ari Atoll

One of the best scuba diving spots in the world for seeing sharks – and a plethora of species too, there’s also caves and overhungs to maneauvre around which makes it a great spot for experienced divers.

Koh Tao

Renowned for incredible dive schools, Koh Tao makes a great scuba diving holiday destination for those looking to get started – or enhance their skill.What’s more, the marine life here is vibrant and vast so it’s a really great spot to pique your interest.

Malta

With a flight time of approximately three hours from the UK, Malta is one of the best diving destinations that’s a little closer to home – it’s even earnt the title as the scuba diving capital of Europe. Malta’s Mediterranean coast offers bright, colourful sea life, brilliantly blue waters and intricate dives through caves and crevices. There’s something for everyone, and plenty to see for those new to scuba.

Um el Faroud

The Um El Faroud was an oil tanker docked in Malta in 1995 when a gas explosion cause irreperable damage. It was later moved off the coast and deemed an artifical reef and diving attraction, and all 110m make for great exploration.

Cape Verde

There is a plethora of marine life off the beautiful coast of Cape Verde, from crabs and rays to turtles and sharks. Cape Verde is also known for its eye-opening underwater topography. Whilst diving among riveting sea life, you’ll discover fascinating rock formations and vibrant volcanic walls. It’s a little newer to the world of diving than some other destinations, but it’s fast becoming a visitor favourite!

Santo Antao – Sal

Now sitting in three pieces on the seabed and bursting with marine life, this 55m long, large cargo ship sunk in 1996 and offers something for all levers of scuba divers.

Shark Bow – Boa Vista

Suitable for the more advanced scuba divers due to its depth, Shark Bow has countless caves and overhangs where you’re likely to see sand tiger sharks and sting rays, as well as nurse sharks, turtles and so much more fascinating marine life.