Some people are interested in historical sights, many tourists are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, but many of us love the underwater world. Find out more about the best scuba diving destinations in the world

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With hundreds of countries and diverse interests to choose from, it's certainly a challenge to come up with a list of the best scuba diving destinations in the world.

However, some places have a universal appeal due to their comprehensive mix and variety of marine life, topography, weather and even surface activities. They cater to the needs of beginner and advanced divers, reef and wreck divers, shore divers and boat divers. For this reason, these destinations almost always appear on divers' bucket lists. So, keep reading to find out about the best scuba diving destinations in the world!

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Northern Red Sea, Egypt

The Red Sea offers excellent diving conditions throughout the year, but from March to May it becomes especially attractive for those who want to avoid the summer heat. The water temperature is convenient, not as high as in the summer months, but comfortable enough for diving. Egypt is famous for its affordable diving prices and a wide range of dive sites of any level of difficulty.

Sharm el-Sheikh is the most popular diving destination, but there are other great dive sites in Egypt. In Ras Mohammed National Park, you can enjoy vivid reefs and crystal clear water, home to a wide variety of marine life.

The Strait of Tirana is famous for its steep coral-covered walls, which provide fascinating drift dives. Those who like to explore shipwrecks should visit the SS Thistlegorm and Abu Nuhas, where they can dive alongside historical artifacts and touch the past.

The Red Sea impresses with its diversity and richness of the underwater world, making every dive an unforgettable experience.

Scapa Flow, Scotland

Spring break in Scotland can be an unrivaled experience for diving enthusiasts. The Orkney Islands, located off the northeast coast of the country, are striking in their nature and diversity of the underwater world.

This is especially true for Scapa Flow, a protected body of water that served as the former main base of the Royal Navy. After the First World War, an incredible event took place here when part of the German fleet sank in the waters of Scapa Flow. Today, this area has become a fascinating dive site where divers can explore the remains of these huge ships.

The wrecks in Scapa Flow create a unique underwater landscape that is breathtaking in its grandeur and scale. For history buffs, this is an extremely interesting place where every dive leads to a meeting with the past.

Jardines de la Reina, Cuba

The Jardines de la Reina, or "Queen's Gardens" as they are also known, create an unparalleled conservation success story in the Caribbean. This archipelago of 250 islands, made up of coral and mangrove formations, is home to a myriad of marine species that will leave no diver indifferent.

These islands reflect the powerful force of nature and impress with their biodiversity. Protected from human influence, they have become the greatest indicator of how the ocean can flourish in the absence of human intervention.

In these waters, you can find everything from diverse species of coral to sharks, turtles and rare marine life. Only 350 divers are permitted to visit each year, ensuring the preservation of this unique ecosystem.

March is considered to be the ideal month to visit the Queen's Gardens when the sea waters are calm and the weather is stable. If you are unable to embark on this adventure in March, July to November also offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in this spectacular world, especially for whale shark sightings.

Yap and Chuuk Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean is renowned as a great dive destination all year round, but March is particularly attractive to adventurous diving. Yap is famous for its manta rays, which gather to breed, creating courting chains in the lagoons and around the sewage treatment plants.

From Yap, head to Chuuk, where the lagoon has become a World War II memorial. Hundreds of ships, planes and submarines that sank during the war have created a unique underwater museum. For history and diving enthusiasts, Chuuk is a real treasure.

Diving into these waters will allow you to feel the incredible atmosphere of the past, where ships, trucks and planes have become home to various species of marine life. Each object has its own story, and you are surrounded by a majestic barrier reef, home to a variety of corals and reef creatures.

March is the time when nature wakes up, and the underwater world of Chuuk fascinates with its beauty and history.

Hawaii, United States of America

Scuba diving in Hawaii is a journey into a world of magical beauty, where each object hides a unique flowering of nature. In March, when humpback whales are at their peak season, Hawaii becomes a magnet for diving enthusiasts.

Hawaii's underwater enchantment is striking in its diversity, from vast coral gardens to picturesque landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. In the waters of Kona, you can enjoy night diving alongside manta rays, and at Turtle Pinnacle, you will be greeted by sea turtle cleaning stations.

However, a special treasure for diving enthusiasts in Hawaii is Tubestria, a place where nature decided to play with fire and water. The lava tunnels created by volcanic activity provide an opportunity for underwater exploration of unique canyons and straits. Every diver can experience the magic of nature and touch the grandeur of the architecture that grew out of hot lava. Hawaii offers an unforgettable adventure for anyone looking to encounter the wonders of the underwater world.

Tubbataha Natural Park, Philippines

Tubbataha Nature Park is a true natural wonder located in the Philippines and is deservedly included in the list of the New Northern Wonders of the World. Preserved in reclaimed waters, this coral reef is a true treasure trove of biodiversity and natural beauty.

From March to June, when weather conditions are most favorable, this marine park opens its doors to diving enthusiasts. At Tubbataha Reef, you can immerse yourself in a world where every object hides the uniqueness and diversity of marine life.

This place has become an unshakable foundation for endangered marine species, preserving almost 90% of all coral species in the Philippines. While in the waters of Tubbataha, you will have the opportunity to encounter the fish world in all its diversity - from huge schools of jack and tuna to masstastic manta rays and sharks.

For diving enthusiasts of all experience levels, Tubbataha offers the best dive sites for exciting dives. However, to enjoy all the charms of this place, you should have a boat dive certificate and the appropriate skills.

Ningaloo Reef, Australia

March is a great time to dive the Ningaloo Reef off the coast of Australia. After the February sea turtle hatching season, hundreds of whale sharks will visit the reef, creating a unique seascape.

This reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its diversity of marine life and Australia's largest coral reef. Despite this, the number of divers here is quite limited, making Ningaloo a real paradise for diving enthusiasts.

More than 500 species of fish, hundreds of coral species and a variety of marine animals await you in this fascinating underwater world. Since March, whale sharks can be found on the reef, which gather here every year. In addition to them, the chance to see manta rays, dolphins and sea turtles makes this place even more attractive for divers.

So, if you are looking for a unique diving experience, March is the perfect time to head to Ningaloo Reef and enjoy its incredible beauty and diversity of marine life.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are a real gem for diving enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters and over 350 dive sites, this area is always popular with divers. The charm of the Cayman Islands lies in its diverse underwater landscapes.

One of the most epic dive sites is the Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman. This unique wall, which plunges to a depth of over 900 meters, is considered one of the best wall diving sites in the region. It is decorated with beautiful corals and inhabited by a variety of marine life, which creates an incredible spectacle for divers.

For those who are new to the world of diving, the USS Kittiwake is the perfect choice. This wreck is located in clear waters and has spacious corridors that make it easy to navigate underwater.

In addition, in the Cayman Islands, you can dive in the Stingray City lagoon, where you can meet dozens of silent stingrays, or go in search of sea turtles. After your dive, don't miss the chance to visit the award-winning Seven Mile Beach and enjoy the local beauty.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

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