Dive guide · SCUBA DIVING

Best Dive Sites in the World: 15 Worth the Flight

486 dives  ·  from $11 a head

Warm reefs, cold rifts, wrecks and flooded caves, all in one list. The 15 below are the dives that justify routing a holiday around them, each with what it costs, how long it takes and what you need on your card before a shop will take you.

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - First reef session at Saxon or Norman Reef
Australia Scuba Diving, Cairns Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Australia, Tour Reviews

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,714 reviews · from $190Our pick

Board the Evolution in Cairns for an 8.5-hour cruise to two Outer Great Barrier Reef sites. You get about five hours in the water, equipment, a BBQ lunch, and help from an active crew. Add an introductory scuba session or 10-minute helicopter flight, and look for marine talks from guides such as Indy or Phil.

“Waves were pretty bad, but the entertainment and snorkeling were great. If big waves and strong wind skip and rebook. Great experience.”

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First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos - Meeting at Magic Island Lagoon
Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving for Beginners, Scuba Diving for Beginners in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Scuba Diving

First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos

2.First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,123 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89Top rated

Meet your guide at Magic Island Lagoon for a small-group scuba lesson in calm, waist-deep water. After gear fitting and safety practice, you’ll reach about 15 feet with an instructor nearby. Guides such as Alex, Nick, Danny, and Rida are praised for patient coaching, while free GoPro videos give you a keepsake.

“I had an amazing scuba discovery experience! I got to see so many incredible marine animals, including spotted boxfish, dolphins, sea cucumbers, and jellyfish — truly unforgettable. Huge thanks to my instructor, Rida, for being patient, friendly, and making me feel completely safe the entire time. He also took lots of beautiful photos for me, which I really appreciate. Highly recommend this experience and Rida as a guide! 🌊🤿”

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Oahu Shark Dive - The ride offshore includes more than sharks
Oahu Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Shark Dives & Cage Diving, Shark Dives in Oahu, Shark Dives in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Scuba Diving

Oahu Shark Dive

3.Oahu Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,903 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

From Haleiwa, you’ll ride into open Pacific waters, hear a safety briefing, and enter a secure cage for close views of Galapagos and sandbar sharks. The crew, including guides such as Maddie and Emma, also helps boat-only observers follow the action. Allow about 90 minutes, plus travel time from Waikiki.

“What a great experience. A must do when in Oahu. I advise you have them film your experience as it makes it so much easier.”

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Silfra: Diving Between Tectonic Plates - Meet on Location - What you see at Thingvellir National Park
Iceland Scuba Diving, Reykjavik Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews

Silfra: Diving Between Tectonic Plates – Meet on Location

4.Diving Between Tectonic Plates – Meet on Location

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,139 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $254

Meet your PADI guide at Silfra in Thingvellir National Park for a small-group underwater tour through Silfra Hall, Cathedral, and Lagoon. You will wear a drysuit and warm undersuit, receive close safety support, and spend 30 to 45 minutes in remarkably clear water between the North American and Eurasian plates. Guides including Hugo, Sara, Konrad, Joi, and Ants have led recent tours.

“We had Hugo as a guide, who was really friendly and calm. The whole team virtually dress you for the dive which was a strange experience but took some stress off for us new dry-suit divers. The van to change it was heated- very luxurious. Hugo gave us a solid breifing. The dive was absolutely incredible and we even saw a trout. We were the only scuba divers that day which was also a treat. Hugo led us at a steady pace and took a lot of photos. Hot chocolate afterwards was a nice warm up. Thanks guys.”

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Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise - Upolu Cay and its shallow coral garden
Australia Scuba Diving, Cairns Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Australia, Tour Reviews

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

5.Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,895 reviews · from $181

From Cairns, Ocean Freedom carries you to Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall for six hours of reef time. You can snorkel with a marine naturalist, join a glass-bottom boat tour, or add certified or introductory scuba. Expect a maximum of 75 people, buffet lunch, careful in-water support, and a full day on the reef.

“It was an amazing day. All the crew members were very friendly and helpful all day, they had a solution for everybody in every situation.”

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Beginner Scuba Diving with Turtles and Videos, San Juan - Why the shore entry is a smart choice for beginners
Diving with Turtles, Puerto Rico Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving for Beginners, Tour Reviews

Beginner Scuba Diving with Turtles and Videos, San Juan

6.Beginner Scuba Diving with Turtles and Videos, San Juan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,743 reviews · from $109

Learn scuba basics from instructors such as Jordan, Andrew, Matt, Scott, or David, then enter the Caribbean from Escambrón Beach. This shore-based session suits beginners age 8 and up, with equipment, instruction, underwater wildlife, and complimentary videos included. Plan on 1 to 1.5 hours from check-in through video download.

“My boyfriend and I had an awesome time scuba diving! Our guide Andrew was great. He was very informative on how to use the equipment and kept checking in on us to make sure we were 👌🏼. Would highly recommend for anyone who’s it is their first time diving.”

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Tenerife: Your First Scuba Diving Experience in Turtle Area - The 15-minute speedboat ride is part of the fun
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Tenerife: Your First Scuba Diving Experience in Turtle Area

7.Your First Scuba Diving Experience in Turtle Area

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,679 reviews · 3 hours · from $84

Meet your PADI instructor at Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje for a 30-minute safety briefing, then take a speedboat to Tenerife’s turtle area. You’ll spend about 25 minutes using scuba equipment to a maximum of 12 meters, followed by guided snorkeling. Instructors such as Max, Ramona, Elena, and Tobi are known for calm, patient support.

“Was an amazing experience. Elena is a great guide. She was super friendly good vibes and also showing us lots of fun poses to do underwater. Would definitely recommend😊 She's also really good at spotting sea animals!!”

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Discover Scuba Diving - Getting comfortable with the equipment
Discover Scuba Diving, Discover Scuba Diving in Egypt, Egypt Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Sharm el Sheikh Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews

Discover Scuba Diving

8.Discover Scuba Diving

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,676 reviews · from $127

Spend a full day learning scuba basics with a PADI instructor in Sharm el Sheikh. You’ll practice in a pool, then make a supervised beach descent over coral reefs and colorful fish. Equipment, lunch, drinks, transfers, and a manual are included. Sabrina handles booking questions, while Mohammad is one instructor you may be assigned.

“Wonderful team from start to finish Sabrina made booking easy and messaged me with everything I need to bring, to the dive Mohammad was a wonderful instructor with his patience and professionalism it made it an enjoyable experience, I would highly recommend”

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Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip - The 90-minute trip from Cairns
1-Day Tours, Australia Scuba Diving, Cairns Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Australia, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

9.Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,528 reviews · 8 hours · from $166

From Cairns, Divers Den takes you aboard AquaQuest to two outer reef sites at Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs. You get guided snorkelling, equipment, wetsuit or lycra suit, prescription masks, meals, hot showers, and time for swimming or scuba. Staff including Vanessa and Mazie help nervous first-time participants feel at ease.

“staff were very friendly and informative. snorkeling kit was good, we felt safe at all times food was decent provided us sea sickness pills (~$5)”

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Oahu: Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore - What the cage experience feels like
Oahu Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Shark Dives & Cage Diving, Shark Dives in Oahu, Shark Dives in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Scuba Diving

Oahu: Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore

10.Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,485 reviews · 1h 30m · from $99

Meet North Shore Shark Adventures at Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor for a 90-minute boat trip to open water. Your English-speaking crew gives a safety briefing, supplies gear, and places you in a secure cage for up to 20 minutes near Galapagos sharks. You may also spot dolphins, humpback whales, turtles, tuna, or barracuda.

“This was one of the highlights of our trip to Oahu. Highly recommend.”

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Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise - A calm start from Cairns
Australia Scuba Diving, Cairns Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Australia, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

11.Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,467 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $183

Board Ocean Freedom’s fast 20-metre catamaran at Cairns’ Marlin Marina for two reef visits at Wonder Wall and Upolu Cay. You’ll have guided snorkelling, glass-bottom boat trips, optional introductory or certified scuba sessions, and a full lunch with prawns and smoked salmon. Crew members including Ollie, Paul, and Tori help keep the day calm and well organised.

“I had a great diving time with ocean freedom. Ollie is a very nice diving instructor. He’s patient and attentive to detail. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the dives. The staff were also great! They made the whole experience so enjoyable.”

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Shark Cage Diving on Oahu’s North Shore - What the floating cage is really like
Oahu Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Shark Dives & Cage Diving, Shark Dives in Oahu, Shark Dives in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Scuba Diving

Shark Cage Diving on Oahu’s North Shore

12.Shark Cage Diving on Oahu’s North Shore

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,391 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $100

From Haleʻiwa Boat Harbor, you’ll take a short boat ride offshore with Hawaii Shark Encounters, then enter a floating cage to watch Galapagos and Sandbar sharks through snorkel masks and polyglass windows. Guides such as Caleb, Dave, Efraim, and Jax explain shark behavior, while an observer ticket lets non-swimmers stay aboard.

“Awesome experience! Would highly recommend. Great crew, easy going and informative. Waves were a bit rough but managed to now get sea sick.”

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Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed & White Island Dive & Snorkel - Your first look at Ras Mohamed’s coral
Egypt Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Sharm el Sheikh Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Egypt, Snorkeling in Sharm el Sheikh, Tour Reviews

Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed & White Island Dive & Snorkel

13.Ras Mohamed & White Island Dive & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,280 reviews · 9 hours · from $29Best value

Spend a full day on a three-level yacht from Sharm El Sheikh, with two Ras Mohamed snorkel stops, a 10 to 15 minute beginner scuba session, and a visit to White Island. Instructors such as Kareem, Moaaz, Sam, Sayed, and Salah help nervous first-timers, while lunch, drinks, equipment, park entry, and hotel transfers are included.

“this experience was epic! my 8th year old daughter did snorkeling and my husband visited white sand . the team looked after us very well. very professional and amazing experience. thank you all! felt safe”

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Hurghada: Snorkeling 6 x 1 to Orange Bay w Diving & Massage - Getting to the yacht from your hotel
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Hurghada: Snorkeling 6 x 1 to Orange Bay w Diving & Massage

14.Snorkeling 6 x 1 to Orange Bay w Diving & Massage

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,266 reviews · 8h 30m · from $62

Join Royal Cruise Hurghada for a full day on the Red Sea, with hotel pickup, two snorkeling stops, a beginner scuba session, Orange Bay, banana boat rides, buffet lunch, and a back massage. Guides including Andrew, Fox, Bassam, and Salam are known for warm, careful help, especially with nervous swimmers.

“Our trip on June 1st, 2025 was simply amazing! The crew was super friendly, fun, and totally laid-back – we felt welcome from the very beginning. There were lots of activities like diving, snorkeling, and water sports – everything was optional, so you could join in or just relax. A big shout-out to Andrew, who kept the day entertaining with his great sense of humor, and to the fantastic dive instructor who made sure we felt 100% safe at all times. All in all, a perfect day – active yet relaxing!”

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Intro Diving 2 Stops For Beginners with Pick-up and Lunch - Hurghada - Equipment, briefing, and first-time nerves
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Intro Diving 2 Stops For Beginners with Pick-up and Lunch – Hurghada

15.Intro Diving 2 Stops For Beginners with Pick-up and Lunch – Hurghada

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,146 reviews · from $40

Spend about seven hours on a Hurghada boat with Sea Memories, learning basic scuba skills before two 15-minute underwater sessions. An instructor stays beside you, with guides such as Bassiouni and Badr praised for calm support. Hotel pickup, equipment, lunch, and drinks are included, but bring cash for the $5 marine fee.

“They made it easy to do. With clear instructions and responsive to everyone’s ability. Well organised and a very smart boat with a crew that worked hard to make our full day a great experience. Would recommend this!”

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