Essential Info

• Season: June-Oct (warmer weather, calmer seas). Beat the crowds: Sept/Oct.
• Visibility: Average 30 meters (100 feet)
• Water temp: 16-24 C (63-77 F)
• Getting there: fly to Sao Miguel (airport code: PDL). For other islands, you'll have to fly through Lisbon or PDL.
• Plenty of topside activities, including geo-tourism, hiking, fishing, surfing, golf, horseback riding, kayaking, etc.
• Whale watching season: April-Oct. October for humpbacks, and March-May for blue whales.
• Typical cost: 100-120 EUR for 2 dive trip + rental fees

Dive Briefing

• 9 islands in total - with multiple dive sites on each. Pico Island is one of the best (lots of big sea life close by). Other fantastic choices are Santa Maria and Sao Miguel.
• Highlights: tuna, barracuda, hermit crabs, octopus, morays, nudibranchs, sea turtles, manta rays, sharks (mako, blue, whale). If you're lucky: hammerheads.
• Best dives (all levels): Shrimp Cave (Pico), Ponta da Cozinha (Sao Miguel), SS Dori Wreck (Sao Miguel), Baixa da Maia (Santa Maria), Baía de Entre Montes (Faial)
• Best dives (experienced): Princess Alice (Pico), Ambrosio (Santa Maria), Formigas and Dollabarat (Sao Miguel)
• Best dive shops: Twin Peaks (Pico), Haliotis (Faial / Santa Maria), Wahoo (Santa Maria), Azores Sub (Sao Miguel)

Essential Info

• Season: any time of year (go during summer for pleasant water temperature). Best time: May-October.
• Visibility: 10-40 meters (30-120 feet)
• Water temp: 18°C (64°F) in January to 27°C (81°F) in July
• Getting there: fly to Larnaca International or Paphos International.
• Price per dive: approx. €60-70. Currency: Euro

Dive Briefing

• There's great diving at multiple points on the island, including Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Ayia Napa-Protaras
• The main draw: the MS Zenobia wreck (sunken car/truck ferry) is massive and you can easily spend 4-6 dives exploring it. AOW+ required.
• This is a great place to learn, and also to try out your first (shallow) wrecks - such as the Copper and Diana.
• Best dive shops: Dive-In Larnaca, Viking Divers (Larnaca), and Coral Bay Divers (West side).
• Marine life: coral gardens, stingrays, groupers, moray eels, starfish, parrot fish, turtles (summer months)
• Best sites (beginner friendly): Green Bay, Tunnels & Caves, Cyclops Bay, Kerynia wreck, Pistol Bay
• Best wrecks (intermediate/advanced): MS Zenobia, Alexandria, Nemesis & Liberty wrecks

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Best: April to October. Warmest: July/August (most pleasant top-side temps)
• Visibility: 10-40 m (30-120 feet)
• Water temp: Silfra is 2-4 C (36-39 F) year-round.
• Getting there: fly to Reykjavík (KEF)
• Cost: $300 for the Silfra dive (incl. pickup from Reykjavík). Other guided dives: $300+ for day trip (2 dives). To experience the best of Iceland, the costs add up quick!

Dive Briefing

• While the Silfra dive gets all the press, there's much more (and arguably better) diving here! All can participate, as long as you have dry suit cert. or 10+ logged dry suit dives in the last 2 years (signed logbooks required!)
• The Silfra Dive: 30-40 minutes, max 18 meter depth.
• Forget liveaboards or resorts. The diving here is either inland or close to shore
• Divers must be age 17+ (18+ for National Park dives)
• Highlights: clear waters, thermal geology, kelp forests, wolffish, scorpionfish, monkfish, underwater chimney (Strytan), underwater springs (Kleifarvatn)
• Best dive shops (including Silfra): DIVE.IS, Diving Island
• Best dive sites: Silfra Gap, Gardur, Kleifarvatn lake
• Best dive sites (experienced): Strytan, Bjarnagja, El Grillo (wreck between 28-45 meter depth)

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Warmest: June-Aug (also busiest). Winter is best for orca and cod spawning tours.
• Visibility: ~20 meters (60 feet)
• Water temp: between 4 C / 39 F in winter to 10-13 C (50-55 F) in summer. Drysuit with hood and gloves recommended year-round.
• Getting there: drive (take the E6 highway to the E10 National Scenic Route in Norway). Alternatively, take a ferry from Bodø or fly directly to the islands (expensive)
• Cost: 1,300 NOK per guided dive (~$130). Max 2 dives per day. Includes air, tank, weights (equipment rentals extra)
• Plenty to do topside: whale watching, snorkeling, museums, hiking, fishing, mountain climbing, etc.

Dive Briefing

• These 7 islands (185 miles north of the Arctic Circle) offer some of the best cold water diving in the world.
• Highlights: kelp forests, coral gardens, algae, soft coral, urchins, jellyfish, starfish, halibut, cod, wolffish, flounder
• Dive shop: Lofoten Diving (lofoten-diving.com)
• Best sites (easy): Hamburg, Kabelvåg Canyons, Shit Wall
• Best sites (experienced): Vaterfjorden (rapid drift dive), KNM Farm wreck (20-30 m depth), M/S Hadsel (45 m depth), Gudrun Gisladottir (40 m depth wreck), D/S Nordstjernen (42-57 m, technical wreck)

Essential Info

• Season: any time of year. Best time: June-Sept (go June or September to beat the crowds!)
• Visibility: 15-30 meters (50-100 feet)
• Water temp: 14°C (57°F) in winter to 26°C (79°F) in August
• Getting there: fly to Malta International Airport (MLA)
• Price per dive: approx. €50-60. Currency: Euro
• Where to stay: Sliema (area in Valletta) or St. Paul’s Bay (close to many dive shops)
• Driving? Make sure you have Google Maps as navigation can be tricky (paper maps are almost useless here).

Dive Briefing

• There's great diving on all 3 main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Stay on Malta and take day trips to Gozo.
• Type of diving: rocky reefs, wrecks, and some caves. Mix of shore and boat diving.
• Best dive shops: Dawn Diving, Divewise, Buddies Dive Cove, and Paradise Diving.
• Marine life: increasingly scarce due to overfishing. Come here for the wrecks and caves!
• Best sites (beginner friendly): Blue Hole (Gozo), reefs around Cirkewwa, Ghar Lapsi, Inland Sea & Tunnel, Billinghurst Cave (Gozo), Santa Maria Caves (Comino), Reqqa Reef (Gozo)
• Best sites (intermediate/advanced): Um El Faroud (wreck), Cirkewwa (P29 & Rozi Tugboat)

Essential Info

• Season: March to November. Best time: June to September (warmer).
• Important: book EARLY! Spots on the boats fill up fast.
• Visibility: 10-30 metres (30-100 feet)
• Water temp: 4°C (39°F) in April to 14°C (57°F) in September. Bring a drysuit!
• All of the dive boats leave from Stromness. Closest airport: Kirkwall Airport (regional). Ferries to Stromness are available from Scrabster (near Thurso).
• Typical cost: £170-200 per diving day (typical itineraries are 5 days of diving). Currency: GBP

Dive Briefing

• Main attractions: the 7 surviving wrecks from the scuttled German High Seas Fleet (1919).
• To make the most of your trip, it's recmmended to read a bit about the history!
• Depth: 20-45 meters. One hour journey from Stromness by boat.
• Best boat operators: MV Valhalla, Huskyan, Halton Charters (Clasina).
• Dives are deep and long, so Nitrox is practically a must. Twinset and deco gas or a rebreather recommended.
• Recommended skills: Drysuit, DSMB, Deco.
• The smaller (lighter) cruisers are nicer as they lie the "right way up" (the larger wrecks are keel up now).

Essential Info

• Open: any time of year. For the warmest weather, aim for June to September. High (tourist) season: July to December
• Visibility: 20-60 metres (65-200 feet)
• Water temp: 20°C (68°F) in February to 27°C (81°F) between July and October
• Getting there: fly to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH), then catch a taxi to Dahab (45 EUR, 1.5 hours). Buses are available from the main Sharm bus station (cheapest option).
• Price per dive: approx. 30-35 EUR

Dive Briefing

• Mostly shore diving. Much more relaxed than Sharm El Sheikh. Great place to work on skills, get certs, etc.
• What to see: reef fish, jacks, snapper, barracuda, eels, rays, turtles
• Best dive shops: Scuba Seekers, Sinai Divers Backpackers, Reef 2000 Diving Center, Fantasea Divers Dahab, Sea Dancer Dive Center, and H2O Divers Dahab.
• Best dives: Lighthouse (B), Three Pools (B), Mashraba (B), The Islands (B), Eel Garden (B), Canyon (B/E), Bells / Blue Hole (E/A)
• Don't miss: day trip to Gabr El Bint (B)

B = Beginner, E = Experienced, A = Advanced

Essential Info

• Open: any time of year. For the warmest weather, aim for June to September. High (tourist) season: July to Dec
• Visibility: 20-60 metres (65-200 feet)
• Water temp: 20°C (68°F) in February to 27°C (81°F) between July and October
• Getting there: fly to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH)
• Price per dive: approx. 40-45 EUR

Dive Briefing

• VERY popular diving destination. Mostly boat diving (for easy shore diving, head to Dahab).
• Get some experience under your belt (e.g. PADI AOW) to make the most out of diving here.
• Best dive shops: Emperor Divers, Camel Dive Club, Elite Diving with Divers United, and Reef Oasis Dive Club.
• What to see: wrecks, reef fish, jacks, snapper, barracuda, eels, rays, turtles
• Beginners: choose a hotel with a great house reef (e.g. Sentido Reef Oasis Senses, Reef Oasis Beach)
• Best sites (E/A): Ras Mohamed (esp. Shark & Yolanda Reefs), Straits of Tiran (Jackson Reef, Thomas Reef)
• Don't miss: SS Thistlegorm (E/A), one of the best wreck dives in the world (day trip leaves 4 AM, return 6 PM with 2 dives there).
• Day trip idea: visit Dahab, dive Canyon (B/E) and/or Blue Hole (E/A)

B = Beginner, E = Experienced, A = Advanced

Essential Info

• Open: any time of year. Warmest: June to September.
• Visibility: 20-60 metres (65-200 feet)
• Water temp: 20°C (68°F) in February to 27°C (81°F) between July and October
• Point of departure depends on your itinerary. Commonly out of Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.
• Typical cost: 400-1500 EUR (depending on itinerary and operator) + Equipment rental costs (as needed)
• Other: Egypt entry visa (€25), route fees/taxes (€150)

Dive Briefing

• Recommended to have at least AOW certification (50+ dives logged) to fully enjoy most itineraries.
• Best boats: Blue Planet Liveaboards, Amelie Safari, Blue Force Fleet, All Star Liveaboards. Most operations are fine (more money gets you fancier lounge/deck areas and slightly larger rooms)
• What to see: wrecks, reef fish, jacks, snapper, barracuda, eels, rays, turtles, sharks (if you're lucky)
• As a general rule, North itineraries have less pelagic life than South. Diving in the South is much more challenging (negative entries, deeper, strong currents, etc.)
• The classic South itinerary is known as "BDE" (Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone). Mostly wall diving.
• Other itineraries: North & Wrecks (includes Thistlegorm), North & Brothers, North & Tiran, DRZ (Daedalus, Rocky, Zabargad)

Essential Info

• Open: any time of year. Best: Feb-April (when water temperature is about 25 C - for pelagics)
• Visibility: 20-60 metres (65-200 feet)
• Water temp: 20°C (68°F) in February to 27°C (81°F) between July and October
• Getting there: fly to Jeddah (JED)
• Typical cost: $125 USD for 2 guided boat dives. $2,000 per person for a 8D/7N (18 dives) liveaboard experience - Farasan Banks itinerary (Departure point: Al-Lith)

Dive Briefing

• Overlooked by many travelers, the diving here is excellent - with pristine reefs. A liveaboard is the best way to experience the area.
• Local customs: non-Muslim do not need to wear a headscarf. Both genders should cover legs and shoulders in public (loose trousers and t-shirt is fine). On the liveaboards, it's standard casual swimwear (most of the guides are Egyptian).
• Highlights: reef sharks, barracuda, tuna, hammerheads (if it's not too warm), reef fish, turtles, and more.
• Good liveaboard: Almonda
• Best wreck dives: Ann Ann Wreck, Chicken Wreck, Cable Wreck and Marbel Wreck (all accessed by boat)
• Best dives (Yanbu): Iona wreck (main attraction), Nemo Garden, Seven Sister Reef, Abo Qalawa.
• Shore diving here is mostly resort-based.

Essential Info

• Best time of year: June-Nov (raggies). Dec-Jan for tigers and hammerheads.
• Visibility: 5-40 metres (15-130 feet)
• Water temp: 19°C (66°F) from July to October to 24°C (75°F) in February
• Getting there: fly to Durban (King Shaka International Airport), then transfer by car to Umkomaas (40 mins).
• Price per dive: approx. 700 ZAR (~40 USD) depending on equipment rental. Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)

Dive Briefing

• What to expect: sharks, reefs, and wrecks (MV Produce & SS Nebo)
• Marine life: reef fish, turtles, manta rays, tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, whales, dolphins.
• Best dive shops: African Watersports Aliwal, Buddy Scuba, ScubaCo Diving & Travel.
• Best dives (all levels): Chunnel, North Sands, Northern Pinnacle, Raggies Cave, South Sands
• Best dives (all levels): Eel Skin, Manta Point, Cathedral, Howard's Castle
• Baited Shark Dives are another possibility here (no cages!)

Essential Info

• Open: 364 days (closed for New Year's Day). Best time: January to May (best visibility and warmest). Late July to late September for the Humpback Migration.
• Visibility: 15-30 meters (50-100 feet)
• Water temp: 19°C (66°F) from July to October. 24°C (75°F) in February
• Getting there: fly to Durban (King Shaka International Airport), then transfer by car to Sodwana Bay. Hotels provide transfers (at a significant premium).
• Where to stay: Coral Divers Hotel, Occi Lodge, Sodwana Bay Lodge.
• Price per dive: approx. 700 ZAR (~40 USD) depending on equipment rental. Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)

Dive Briefing

• Mostly reef diving - and lots of opportunities to see sharks. Great sites for all skill levels.
• What to see: tropical fish, coral, pelagic fish, morays, turtles. Sharks: bull, ragged tooth, black tip, thresher, tiger, hammerhead, and others. Depending on the season, dolphins and whales.
• Best dive shops: Pisces Diving and Amoray Diving.
• Best dive sites: Anton's Reef, Wayne's World, Quarter Mile Reef (pregnant ragged tooth sharks from Dec-March), Simon's Cave, Pinnacles, Four Buoy, Coral Gardens.

Essential Info

• Best time: Oct-March for a chance to see whale sharks. June-September for migrating humpbacks (Jul-August best chance).
• Visibility: ~15 meters average (ranges from 5-30 m)
• Water temp: 22°C (72°F) in winter to 27°C (81°F) in summer
• Getting here: fly to Inhambane Airport (INH). LAM has direct flights from Maputo and connecting flights from Johannesburg. Get your hotel to arrange a pickup (don't use public transportation).
• Typical cost: $50/dive. South African Rand and USD are widely accepted.
• Don't go to Africa if you're in a hurry! Take it easy - things move slowly.

Dive Briefing

• What to see: whale sharks, humpbacks, manta rays, octopus, dolphins. Good amount of macro life.
• Dive sites are anywhere from 5 to 35 minutes away. ~20 dive sites to explore.
• Typical dives are 20-35 meter depth, 45-50 minutes. Nitrox recommended.
• Entry is via zodiac boats from the shore - everyone pushes and jumps on (quite an experience). Strong surface currents means negative entry for most dives.
• Best dive shops: Tofo Scuba, Peri Peri Divers, Liquid Dive Adventures
• Bring seasickness medication if you're prone.

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Dry season: Jan-May. Rainy season: June-Dec. Overall best: Nov-July.
• Visibility: 15-30 m (45-100 feet) during dry season. Drops to 10-20m during rainy season.
• Water temp: 26-29°C (79-84 F)
• Getting there: fly directly to Bohol–Panglao International Airport. From Cebu: go to the pier and take a fast ferry to Tagbilaran (500 PHP / $9 USD), 2 hours. From Tagbilaran, catch a tricycle (300 PHP) - they are waiting outside.
• You can save lots on accommodation by staying a bit off the beach and walking just 10 minutes to the dive shops.
• Cost: $30-35 USD per guided dive (incl. environmental fee)

Dive Briefing

• Can get crowded with tourists (the diving is a lot more enjoyable). Great dive sites for all levels.
• For the best sites, take trips to the islands: Balicasag, Cabilao (Dec-June for hammerheads), Pamilacan (drift dives with mantas)
• Highlights: mantas, turtles, macro life, schooling fish, sharks, coral gardens. If you're lucky: hammerheads, dolphins, whales.
• Best dive shops: Piratas Alona, Philippine Fun Divers
• Best sites (Panglao): Doljo Point, Garden of the Eels
• Best sites (Balicasalag): Black Forest, Turtle Point, Cathedral Wall, Diver's Haven, Royal Garden
• Best sites (Cabilao): View Point, Fallen Tree, Looc, Cambaquiz, 3 Coco

Essential Info

• Diving season: November to early June. July/August is rainy season. Best months: Nov/Dec & April/May. Jan-March is cooler, but with even more critters!
• Visibility: 15-20 meters (45-60 feet) November to May. Worse during rainy season.
• Water temp: 24°C (75°F) in winter to 27°C (80°F) from March to May.
• Getting there: fly to Manila. Anilao is a 2-3 hour van ride.
• Where to stay: Casa Escondida, Solitude Acacia, Asri Dive and Leisure, Blue Ribbon, Crystal Blue
• Dive cost: around $80/dive + other fees. Overpriced for the region (good alternatives: PG nearby, Apo Island, Bali)
• Puerto Galera (PG) is just 1 hour away by speedboat. Very easy to combine with a trip to Anilao (and cheaper!)
• Topside activities are limited (mainly snorkeling / kayaking). PG is better bet for traveling with non-divers.

Dive Briefing

• The best macro diving in the world - come here for the tiny critters (and bring a good camera)!
• Most dives are a 10-20 minute boat ride from the resorts.
• What to see: coral, nudibranch, sea horses, turtles, crabs, shrimp, reef fish, squid, and much more.
• Pro tip: for absolutely pristine reefs, take a 10 minute boat ride to Marikaban Island
• Best sites: Twin Rocks, Beatrice, Kirby's Rock, Secret Bay
• The best muck sites change constantly - ask your guide!

Essential Info

• Best time: October to May (June-Sep is rainy season)
• Visibility: ~20 meters (60 feet)
• Water temp: 26-30°C (79-86 °F)
• Getting there: fly from Manila to Dumaguete (or 3 hour boat from Cebu). From there, it's a 45 min. transfer to the resorts. 40 min. boat ride from Dauin to Apo Island
• Stay (Apo Island): Apo Island Beach Resort, Mario's
• Stay (Dauin): AivyMaes, Bong Bong, Silver Reef, Liquid, Pura Vida, DIVE BUXX, Atlantis ($$$), Atmosphere ($$$)
• Dive cost: $30-40 per dive + equipment rental

Dive Briefing

• Marine sanctuary off Dumaguete (this is NOT Apo Reef).
• Go to the Dumaguete coastline for macro life, or head straight to Apo Island for some of the healthiest, most diverse reefs in the world!
• 11 open dive sites off Apo Island, 20 off Dauin/Dumaguete
• Topside is boring in Dauin (go to Dumaguete for nightlife)
• While there are sites for all levels, some of the best ones (e.g. Coconut Point) are for those with experience.
• Life: 615 species of fish, 400 species of coral, lots of turtles
• Best sites (all levels): Mamsa Point, Chapel, Rock Point West, Cogon, Largahan
• Best sites (experienced): Coconut Point, Rock Point East
• Best sites (Dauin): San Miguel, Thalatta house reef, Basak

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Best: December - March (best visibility). Go early Dec or January to avoid Christmas / CNY crowds.
• Visibility: 5-20 meters (15-60 feet)
• Water temp: 26-30°C (79-86 °F)
• Getting there: fly from Manila to Busuanga. Coron Town is a 45 minute taxi ride from the airport.
• Where to stay: close to Coron Town near the dive centres (you can't stay on the island itself).
• Typical cost: $90 for 3 dives (all-in, with equipment/lunch)

Dive Briefing

• Very popular destination for wrecks (with penetration). Not a good place to learn diving.
• Very beautiful - with clear lakes, white sandy beaches, limestone formations. Hire a bangka boat and explore!
• What to see: wrecks, caverns, turtles, dugongs, macro life, nudibranchs, reef fish
• Best dive shops: Corto Divers, Safety Stop, Reggae
• Best wrecks: The "Big 6" wrecks. Okikawa Maru, Akitsushima, Irako, Kogyo Maru, Olympia Maru, and unnamed Japanese freighter.
• Other great wrecks: Kyokuzan Maru, Morazán Maru
• Easier wrecks (can even snorkel): East Tangat Gunboat, Lusong Gunboat
• Best sites (non-wreck): Barracuda Lake, Cathedral Cave, Siete Picados, "Dugong Watch" (eco-tourism program: dive next to dugongs off the north coast of Busuanga)

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Best time: January to April. Expect rougher weather Nov-Dec.
• Visibility: 15-25 meters (60-80 feet). Best: June to Sept
• Water temp: from 25°C (78°F) in Jan to 29°C (85°F) in May
• Getting there: fly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport. 3-4 taxi ride to Maya Part. Then water taxi (boat) to Malapascua (1 hour).
• Typical costs: $45-50/dive + equipment rental

Dive Briefing

• What to see: thresher sharks! If you're not excited by thresher sharks, you can skip Malapascua (alternative: Moalboal has more marine life and variety).
• While there are dive sites for all levels, it's best to be AOW or above for shark diving. The other sites here aren't as interesting.
• Great place to stop and relax - very peaceful place.
• It gets crowded, so pick a dive shop with the earliest arrival time to Kimud Shoal / Monad Shoal (6-8 AM).
• Recommended to schedule 3-4 days of diving here to maximize chances to see threshers.
• Must try: day trip diving out to Gato Island
• Best dive shops: MTD Dive Shop, Ocean Passion, Kokay's, Dan's Dives, Devocean, Sea Explorers
• Best sites (experienced): Monad Shoal (threshers! Nitrox recommended), Kimud Shoal (Feb-March for hammerheads)

Essential Info

• Best: Nov-May (best weather and visibility).
• Visibility: 15-20 m (50-66 feet)
• Water temp: 27-30 C (80-85 F)
• Getting there: fly to Cebu, then take a bus to Moalboal (3 hours / 170 PHP or $3.10). Alternatively, you can take a taxi for around 3,900 PHP ($71)
• Where to stay: Pasagnama Beach (budget/backpacker scene, but things get nicer if you go a bit south past Neptune Resort). Upscale resorts: Pescadores, Quo Vadis. White Beach is much nicer/cleaner/prettier.
• Price per dive: about 1,600 PHP ($30 USD). Full gear rental $6/dive. Marine park fees: $2/dive.

Dive Briefing

• Busy backpacker destination known for its great, affordable diving. Avoiding peak tourist season is the key to a good time here. Tip: go in October.
• Great, affordable place to get certified
• Expect: great wall diving and huge schools of sardines!
• You don't need to dive to experience the sardines - easily accessible by snorkelers or free divers from the shore.
• Marine highlights: coral, macro life, turtles, nudibranches, sea snakes
• Best dive sites: Pescador Island, Sardine Run house reef, Tangmo, Talisay, Ronda bay
• Best dive shops: Savedra, Neptune Diving (also a budget resort), Dive LAB, FLOI Diving Center, Cebu Fun Divers

Essential Info

• Open: year-round! Rainy season: July-Sept.
• Visibility: 15-30 meters (45-100 feet)
• Water temp: 30 C (86 F) in summer / 25 C (77 F) in winter
• Getting there: fly to Manila (MNL). Then, taxi to Batangas Pier (2 hours). From there, a 1-hour ferry to Puerto Galera (PG). If you stay at a resort, many offer transfers at reasonable prices.
• Cost: $30-35/dive (~1,700 PHP) Very affordable diving - and a great place learn!

Dive Briefing

• Many great dive sites to choose from (all just a 5 or 10 minute boat ride away)
• Very close to Anilao (some of the best muck diving in the world, just 1 hour away). More top-side activities in PG.
• Highlights: turtles, thresher sharks, barracuda, reef sharks, morays, lion fish, lots of macro life
• Best sites: Manila Channel, Boatyard, Coral Cove, Monkey Beach, The Canyons, The Alma Jane (wreck), Shark Cave, The Giant Clams (muck), Kilima Steps (thresher sharks)
• Day trip idea: Verde Island (to dive The Wall - one of the best dives in the world). Don't skip this one!
• Best dive shops: Action Divers, BADLADZ

Essential Info

• Season: only open mid-March to mid-June.
• Visibility: 20-40 meters (60-120 feet)
• Water temp: 27-30°C (81-86°F)
• Getting there: fly from Manila to Puerto Princess (1 hour flight). Liveaboards depart from here.
• Typical costs: $2,000-4,500 for a liveaboard. Book IN ADVANCE - the waiting list for Tubbahata liveaboards is long.
• Aim for at least a week total: 2 days of travel there/back, and 5 days on the liveaboard

Dive Briefing

• To dive here, you'll need to book a liveaboard. While you can do it as a beginner, it's best to get your AOW so you're more comfortable and can enjoy it fully.
• It's all about the megafauna here: whale sharks, manta rays and sharks (grey reef, hammerhead, tiger).
• Other marine life: schools of fish (jack, barracuda), turtles, giant octopus, lots of coral
• Prepare to be up at 5:30 AM daily for the first dive. 4 dives per day, no night dives due to current. Mostly wall dives.
• You're not far from the legendary Coron wrecks (can add Coron to your trip).
• Operators: Philippines Aggressor, Philippine Siren, MV Narayana, Zamerdius Dive, Infiniti Liveaboard
• Best sites: Delsan, Shark Airport, Black Rock, Malaya

Essential Info

• Open: any time of year. Best time: April to November.
• Visibility: 25-35 meters (82-115) feet
• Water temp: 26-28°C (78-82°F). However, thermoclines are common: 20°C (68°F) and below are possible.
• Getting there: fly to Alor Island (ARD).
• Resorts: Alor Tanapi, Alor Divers. Book well in advance (think: 6-8 months). Not for last minute trips!
• Costs: ~$1,200 USD for 7 days of accommodation+diving (3 dives/day) per person (double occupancy) or ~$75/dive
• Have a spare $7,000 or so? Try the Seven Seas liveaboard

Dive Briefing

• The diving here can be challenging: thermoclines, rapidly changing currents, etc. No hospitals or chambers for hundreds of km. Better to have some experience!
• Lots of dive sites (some still being discovered), all within a 5-30 minute boat ride. Pristine reefs, clear waters. And quality on par with Komodo / R4. Alor is one of the last gems (go before it gets overrun).
• Best dive shops: Air Dive, Nautika, Lazy Turtle. There are only a few dive shops on the island.
• Highlights: macro/muck, mola molas, sharks, turtles, rays, eels, crabs. Dolphin / pilot whale sightings.
• Two main dive areas: Kalabahi Bay (macro and muck diving) and Pantar Strait (pelagic, reefs, strong currents).
• Best dive sites: Kal’s Dream, Current Alley, Sharks Galore, Kalabahi Bay, Alcatraz, Max's Point, The Cathedral, Great Wall of Pantar, Babylon, Pink Forest, Clown Valley

Essential Info

• Open: year-round! Jan/Feb for mantas (rainy season), April (best overall, chance to see Dragons), December (great for Dragons and mantas). Aim for late Nov to March
• Visibility: average 15 meters (50 feet). Ranges from 7-30 meters (23-100 feet).
• Water temp: average 27 C (81 F). 3mm full wetsuit.
• Getting there: fly from Bali (Denpasar) or Jakarta to Labuan Bajo (LBJ). The budget backpacker option from Bali/Lombok: Stingy Nomads
• Costs: ~$300/night (liveaboards) or ~$175 (3-dive trip)
• Other costs: $20-25/day (National Park Fees)

Dive Briefing

• Komodo vs. Raja Ampat: Komodo is better for the big stuff, while Raja is better for reef fish and tiny creatures.
• Highlights: Komodo Dragons, turtles, sharks (incl. hammerheads), dugongs, nudibranchs, mantas
• Have a spare $8000 or so? Take a long dive cruise from Raja Ampat to Komodo (or vice versa). Many boats offer this twice a year as they switch over: Example
• Try a shorter liveaboard first (3-4 days) before you commit to 14-16 days on a boat with strangers!
• Best dive shops: Uber Scuba, Azul Komodo, iDIVE, Manta Rhei, Sea Creatures
• Best dives (all levels): Manta Point, Mawan, Siaba Besar
• Best dives (experienced): Batu Balong, Batu Tiga, Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Pilaarsteen, Payung, Yellow Wall

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Best visibility: Oct-Dec. Best all-around: Sept/Oct.
• Visibility: 5-20 meters (16-65 feet)
• Water temp: 26-29°C (79-84°F)
• Getting there: fly to Lembeh Island (MDC) - direct flights available from Singapore, Jakarta, Bali. 2 hour car ride to Bitung (where the resorts are).
• Typical costs: $1,000 for 5 nights bungalow occupancy (4 guided days of diving x 3 dives each = 12 dives. All-in, based on double occupancy)
• Where to stay: YOS Dive lembeh, Dive Into Lembeh. Diving here is mostly from resorts.

Dive Briefing

• The muck diving capital of the world - a macro photographer's paradise. If you're not into macro, you might as well go elsewhere!
• Highlights: frogfish, pipefish, nudibranchs, seahorses, and many exotic critters.
• Mostly sand, rock, muck, or rubble. A couple of sites with great walls / corals.
• Best dive sites: Police Pier, Nudie Falls, Nudie Retreat, TK3, Goby a Crab, Hairball

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Cold season (peak tourism): June to Oct (mola mola, thresher sharks). Warm season: Nov to May (mantas). Most of marine life here is NOT seasonal.
• Visibility: 15-30 meters (45-90 feet)
• Water temp: 26-29°C (79-84°F)
• Getting there: fly to Denpasar (Bali). Then, take a boat from Sanur (public boat 1.5 hours, speedboat 50 minutes) to Nusa Penida.
• Dive cost: $40-45/dive
• Good resort: Mambo Dive Resort (book EARLY)

Dive Briefing

• With a few dives under your belt, you'll do just fine here. It's "Komodo with training wheels." Expect currents!
• Highlights: manta ray, sunfish, sharks, morays, lobsters, schools of fish, turtles, coral formations (lots of macro). If you're lucky: whale sharks, dolphins.
• Penida is a larger island (more to do, but also more crowded). All the dive shops on the three islands (including Ceningan) dive all three islands.
• Best dive shops: World Diving Lembongan, French Kiss Divers, Lembongan Discovery, Big Fish, Roctopus
• Best sites (Lembongan): Blue Corner, Mangroves
• Best sites (Penida): Toyapakeh, Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Ceningan Wall, Gamat Bay, Sekolah Dasar (SD) Point
• Tired of the crowds at Manta Point / Crystal Bay? Check out the east side of Penida.

Essential Info

• Open: year-round! Best: September to April. Overall best: Nov-March.
• Visibility: 9-20+ meters (27-60+ feet)
• Water temp: 31°C / 89°F year-round. No wetsuit needed!
• Getting there: fly to Sorong Airport (SOQ). Direct from Jakarta (otherwise 1+ stops). Liveaboards typically depart from Sorong.
• Price per dive: $250-500/day for a good liveaboard (best way to see the area)
• Stay: Sorido Bay Resort
• Raja Ampat aka "R4" means "Four Kings"

Dive Briefing

• Strong contender for world's best warm water diving!
• Known for its stunning diversity (if you prefer pelagic, head to Komodo). Lots of coral, macro, fish of all sizes. Stunning topside scenery!
• Easier diving than Komodo (shallower dives on average, weaker currents).
• The world's center of fish and coral diversity. Contender for world's best warm water dive destination.
• Liveaboards are very popular (season: October-May). The boats then head to Komodo for the summer.
• Have a spare $8000 or so? Take a long dive cruise from Raja Ampat to Komodo (or vice versa). Many boats offer this twice a year as they switch over: Example

Essential Info

• Open: year-round.
• Visibility: 10-25 meters+ (30-75+ feet)
• Water temp: 26-29°C (79-84°F)
• Getting there: fly to Denpasar (Bali). 3-3.5 hour car ride from there. You may want to take it slow and explore more of the island, too!
• Typical cost: $35/dive (incl. equipment rental and Nitrox)
• Where to stay: Tulamben (closer to the best dive sites).
• Tulamben is a small fishing village on the North-East coast of Bali.

Dive Briefing

• Type of diving: wreck (Liberty), reef. Great for beginners!
• Marine life: lots of diversity! Eels, clown fish, turtle, grouper, nudibranchs, sharks. If you're lucky: eagle rays, mola mola.
• Pro tip: go for a dawn dive on Liberty. The day trip buses don't arrive until about 9AM, so you have the place to yourself.
• Best dive shops: Aqua Dive Paradise, Let's Dive, Dive Concepts, Scuba Tribe Bali, Bali Elite Scuba
• Best dive sites (all levels): USAT Liberty, Coral Garden, Seraya Secrets, Drop Off, Kubu, Melastic
• Best dive sites (experienced): Alamanda, Batu Kelebit

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Dry season: Jan-April. Aug-Nov to see the big guys (peaks late July to early October for mantas and whale sharks)
• Visibility: 10-40 m (30-120 feet). Average 25 m (80 feet).
• Water temp: 27-30°C (80-86°F) year-round
• Getting there: fly to Male (MLE). This is the departure point for liveaboards (the best way to dive the Maldives). Alternatively, take water aircraft to your next stop.
• Liveaboard: $2,500-5,000 per person (depending on itinerary). Regular (boat) diving: $60 per dive + rental.

Dive Briefing

• Highlights: mantas (lots of them), coral, turtles, morays, eagle rays, schools of fish, barracuda, reef sharks, tuna, abundant macro life. If you're lucky: whale sharks
• Most liveaboard divers will be on Nitrox
• Hanifaru Bay is the place to see lots of mantas and whale sharks (snorkelers only)
• Dead set on whale sharks? May be better to stick with a resort in South Ari to get as many chances as possible
• Good liveaboards: Scubaspa, Emperor Divers, Aggressor, Adora, Blue Force, Carpe Diem
• You can save a lot of money by staying on local islands. For resorts, it helps to get quotes from multiple resorts and negotiate a lower room rate that way.
• Shops: Dharavandhoo Divers, Euro-Divers Vilamendhoo
• Overall, poor value compared to other Asian destinations.

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Best: Feb-June and Oct-Dec (best visibility, calmer seas).
• Visibility: 15-40 meters (45-120 feet).
• Water temp: 27-30°C (79-86 F) year-round.
• Getting there: fly to Tawau (TWU) via Kota Kinabalu (BKI) or Kuala Lumpur (KUL). 90 minute transfer to Semporna. Then, boat from Semporna to your resort.
• Where to stay: Scuba Junkie Mabul Island (you'll have to share a room if solo), Seaventures Dive Rig
• Cost: standard 5D/4N package (3 Sipadan, 2 non-Sipadan days): RM4,600 ($1000 USD). Includes accommodation, boat transfers, equipment rental, tea/snacks, etc.

Dive Briefing

• Somewhat overrated. Hard to get to and crowded. Good if you're already in Malaysia (if not, why not just go to the Philippines or Indonesia?)
• While you can find diving for all skill levels, it helps to have AOW or equivalent because the best stuff is at depth.
• Sipadan access is prioritized for those staying longer - this is not a 2-day getaway! Aim for 5 days.
• Highlights: jacks, Bumpheads, coral reefs, turtles, sharks, lots of small critters
• For a 5 day package, expect 3 days diving Sipadan and 2 days at Mabul/Kapalai (due to limited permits)
• Best dive sites: Barracuda Point (main attraction), The Drop-Off, Hanging Gardens, South Point, Turtle Cavern, Whitetip Avenue, Paradise 1

Essential Info

• Best time: December to April. Best time for large pelagics: Feb to April.
• Visibility: 5-20 meters (15-60 feet)
• Water temp: 27-28°C May-Oct (rainy season) to 30-31°C Nov-Apr (dry season).
• Getting there: fly to Phuket (closest) or Krabi and take a taxi or shared minivan to Khao Lak (2 hour ride).
• Typical cost: $800 for a great 4 day / 3 night liveaboard (includes food, equipment, fees, etc.). Alternatively: $200 (all-in) for a 2-dive day trip to Richelieu Rock.

Dive Briefing

• Skip the Similan Islands (unless you have an excellent guide). Come to the Surins for the best of Thailand (including Richelieu Rock - the country's best dive site).
• Two good options: stay in Khao Lak and do day trips. Or book a 2-4 day liveaboard that focuses on the Surin Islands / Richelieu Rock (most economical).
• Best liveaboard operators: Smiling Seahorse, Sea Bees Diving, Khao Lak Explorer Diving, Sea Dragon Dive Center
• Best dive shops (Khao Lak): Wetzone Divers, Pirate Divers, Big Blue Diving, Sea Turtle Divers
• What about the rest of Thailand? There's Koh Tao for classes (best dives: Sail Rock, Chumphon, Southwest Pinnacle and Sattakut), or Koh Lanta (Hin Daeng and Hin Muang). Otherwise, there's better in South East Asia!

Essential Info

• Open: year-round! Best visibility: Sept-Nov.
• Visibility: 10-30 meters (30-90 feet)
• Water temp: 22°C in winter to 29°C in summer
• Getting there: fly to Cairns, Australia (departure point for liveaboards).
• Cost: about $3,200 AUD ($2,150 USD) per person (double occupancy) for a 4 night journey to dive Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef

Dive Briefing

• The Great Barrier Reef has undergone massive bleaching - so the trick here is to go to the Outer Reef on a liveaboard (look for itineraries to the Ribbon Reefs and Coral Sea). Ideally you should reach Osprey Reef.
• Best to have your Advanced cert. (25+ logged dives) prior to tackling these itineraries.
• Highlights: reef sharks, turtles, rays, barracuda, lots of macro life, and more.
• Good operators: Mike Ball (MV Spoilsport), Spirit of Freedom
• Minke whales: between June/July. Humpbacks: best chance Aug-October.
• Resist the urge to dive the inner reefs (e.g. Hastings, Norman, Saxon) - they simply don't compare.

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Best visibility: May-Sept (winter). Nov-March: best chance to see sharks and rays.
• Visibility: 15-30 metres (50-100 feet)
• Water temp: 19-25°C (25-77 °F) in summer to 14-17°C (57-62 °F) in winter. 7mm wetsuit recommended. Remember: this is the Southern Hemisphere :)
• Getting there: fly to Auckland and drive to Tutukaka (2.5 hours). Or fly directly to Whangārei (closest airport) and it's a 40 minute car ride to Tutukaka. From there, it's an easy boat ride (1 hour) to the Poor Knights.
• Cost: $350 NZD ($220 USD) - 2 dives incl. equipment rental from Tukukaka. Nitrox extra.

Dive Briefing

• Great for non-divers too (snorkeling, kayaking, dolphin/whale watching)
• Can be hit or miss: lots of colorful fish or not much at all (check visibility reports).
• Best dive shop: Dive! Tutukaka
• Best dive sites: Blue Maomao Arch, Rikoriko (Dancing Light) Cave, Northern Arch, Magic Wall (macro), Middle Arch, The Gardens, Ngaio Rock, Landing Bay Pinnacle (experienced)
• Other sites in the Marine Reserve (require calm seas for access): Tye Dye Arch (The Pinnacles), Sugarloaf

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Main season: April to October. Best viz: July-Dec (colder water)
• Visibility: 30-50 m (98-165 feet) in winter
• Water temp: 25-27 C (winter), 28-29 C (summer)
• Getting there: fly to Nadi (NAN). For the other islands, it's about a 1 hour flight from NAN.
• Where to stay: Paradise Tavenui, Nakia Resort, Dive Academy Fiji, Fiji Lodge Vosa Ni Ua
• Typical costs: $160+ for a 2-tank dive trip (discounts for multiple day packages available). Fiji is expensive!

Dive Briefing

• Jacques Cousteau called it the "Soft Coral Capital of the World" - and the slogan has stuck.
• Fiji vs. Palau: Palau has more fish density, greater chance to see pelagics, macro. Fiji wins for soft coral and topside activities (cultural tours, hiking, windsurfing, etc.)
• Highlights: coral, reef fish, morays, pipefish, blue ribbon eels, turtles, sea snakes, sharks (in Beqa Lagoon)
• Best dive sites: Taveuni (Rainbow Reef), Beqa Lagoon, Viti Levu (Mellow Yellow, Black Magic Mountain), Vatu-I-Ra Passage (E6), Namena Marine Reserve
• Dive shops: Taveuni Ocean Sports, KoroSun Dive

Essential Info

• Open: year-round! Best: Jan-March (for hammerhead sharks and eagle squadrons). Dry season: May to October.
• Visibility: 15-40 meters (50-120 feet)
• Water temp: 26-29 C (79-84 F)
• Getting there: fly to Rangiroa (RGI) via Tahiti (PPT) or Bora Bora (BOB). Alternatively: fly to Fakarava via Tahiti or Rangiroa.
• Don't need A/C? You can save money by staying in a pensionne instead of an expensive hotel.
• Cost: ~8000 fcp/dive (75 USD) + equipment rental. Currency: French Pacific Franc (fcp)
• If you want to experience both Rangiroa and Fakarava, budget at least 10 days (ideally 14+).

Dive Briefing

• For the best diving, head to Rangiroa or Fakarava (Bora Bora is boring by comparison). Note: this will require an extra flight on Air Tahiti.
• While divers of all levels can enjoy French Polynesia, it's recommended to have some experience to take advantage of the best drift dives
• Highlights: lots of sharks (grey reef, hammerhead, silky, tiger, etc.), jacks, eagle rays, manta rays, dolphins
• Dive shops (Rangiroa): Six Passengers, Rangiroa D.C.
• Best dives (Rangiroa): Tiputa Pass, Avatoru Pass
• Dive shops (Fakarava): O2, Kaina, Dive Spirit, Topdive
• Best dives (Fakarava): Tumakohua Pass, Garuae Pass

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Milne Bay / Port Moresby / Tufi: best from Oct-May (wet and windy after that).
• Visibility: 15-50 meters (45-150 feet)
• Water temp: 26-31 C (79-88 F)
• Getting there: fly to Port Moresby (POM). Then, transfer to a domestic flight or head to the Port for your liveaboard.
• Cost: $375-550/day for a liveaboard experience (10-12 days). Dive & Stay package at resort: $300-400 per night (incl. domestic flights, transfers, 2 dives/day, meals).
• Stay: Tawali Resort (Milne), Tufi Resort (Tufi), Nusa Island Retreat (Kavieng), Walindi Plantation Resort (New Britain)

Dive Briefing

• If you want "off the beaten path" - this is it! While there are safety concerns traveling through PNG, the diving here is world-class. Rich marine life and pristine reefs!
• This is not an "easy" place to travel. Parts can be dangerous and sketchy. If you're going for ease of travel, check out Indonesia (right next door).
• Highlights: sharks, turtles, sea snakes, lots of macro life, pristine reefs, WW2 wrecks (incl. aircraft and submarines).
• Both liveaboards and dive resorts are great options. Not sure which area to start with? Try Milne Bay, Tufi, New Britain, or Kavieng.
• Don't miss the chance to visit some local villages/tribes.
• Best dives: B-17 Black Jack, Planet Channel (Kavieng), Albatross (Kavieng), Tufi: PT Boats / Cyclone Wall / Mulloway / Minor's Reef / Veale's Reef

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Jan-March is rainy season (diving is still great).
• Visibility: Avg 15 meters (45 feet).
• Water temp: 26-29 C (80-85 F) year-round
• Getting there: fly to Honiara (HIR) - direct from Brisbane available. Then, board your liveaboard or take a small plane to your resort.
• Topside activities: cultural (village) tours, hiking (lots of waterfalls), day trip to Savo Island (active volcano).
• Cost: $300-600/day for a liveaboard

Dive Briefing

• World-class diving... without the crowds! Only a few resort and liveaboard options to choose from.
• Highlights: wrecks, caverns, soft coral, macro life
• Stay: B-17 Dive & Beach Bungalows
• Easy shore wreck dives (Bonegi Beach): Hirokawa Maru, Kinugawa Maru, and Kysyu Maru (locals nickname these B1, B2, B3 respectively)
• Good liveaboard operator: Bilikili
• Best dive sites: Kavachi Corner, White Beach, Leru Cut, Mirror Pond, The Bat Cave, Mary Island (Barracuda Point), Maravagi(Devil’s Highway, Twin Tunnels), The Cathedral, Wreck Of The Ann

Essential Info

• Diving season: year-round! Best: Oct-May (dry season).
• Visibility: 15-50+ meters (50-150+ feet).
• Water temp: 28-30°C (82-86°F) year-round.
• Getting there: fly to Rock Islands (ROR). Direct flights available from Taipei, Manila, and Guam.
• Where to stay: Koror. To save money, avoid the resorts.
• Cost: $3000-3500 for a 7-night liveaboard. $165 for a 2-tank dive trip from Koror. +$30 fees for Peleliu.

Dive Briefing

• Contender for the world's best warm water destination (truly something for everyone - drift dives, wrecks, caverns, walls, reefs, hook dives). Very FUN diving!
• Your choice: liveaboard (up to 5 dives/day) or day trips (2-3 dives). An argument can be made for either approach (most of the best sites can be accessed via day trip).
• Often combined with diving to Yap & Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon
• Palau vs Indonesia: Palau has less biodiversity and reefs, but more pelagics (esp. sharks during hooked dives).
• Best dive shops: Palau Dive Adventures, Blue Marlin, Palau 7th Wonder, Sam's Tours, Fish n' Fins
• Popular liveaboards: Rock Islands Aggressor, Palau Aggressor II, Neco Marine (look for discounted weeks/deals, should be $2500 all-in with fees and tips)
• Best dives (all levels): German Channel, Big Drop Off, Blue Hole, New Drop Off, Siaes Corner, Chandelier Cave, Devil Fish City, Jake's Seaplane
• Best dives (experienced): Blue Corner, Ulong Channel, Peleliu Wall, Helmet Wreck (easy wreck)

Essential Info

• Diving season: year-round! Best: Oct-May (dry season).
• Visibility: 12-18 meters (40-60 feet).
• Water temp: 28-30°C (82-86°F) year-round.
• Getting there: fly to Chuuk (TKK) via Guam (you will need to clear US immigration - prepare for delays).
• Typical cost: $3,700 per person (double occupancy) on the Truk Odyssey liveaboard. 6 days x 5 dives each.
• Other costs: $50 permit, $30 exit tax, equipment

Dive Briefing

• Known as a "mecca" of wreck diving. If you're interested, dive here ASAP before they crumble into the ocean.
• Once a Japanese WWII stronghold, Chuuk (Truk) is now home to 40 over sunken ships.
• Experience helps here - many of the wrecks are only accessible for technical divers.
• Divers recommend the Truk Odyssey (expensive, but worth it). Best way to see the area.
• Marine life: it's not just about the wrecks! Highlights: reef fish, corals, sharks, turtles, rays.
• Unlike Yap, Chuuk itself is dirty and unsafe. Avoid staying here - head straight to your liveaboard if possible. Good value: Kurassa Hotel near the airport.
• Best wrecks: San Francisco Maru, I-169, Fujikawa Maru, Nippo Maru, Kensho, Heian, Shinkoku Maru

Essential Info

• Diving season: year-round! Best for mantas: Dec-April.
• Visibility: 12-18 meters (40-60 feet).
• Water temp: 28-30°C (82-86°F) year-round.
• Getting there: fly to Yap International (YAP) via Guam (you will need to clear US immigration - prepare for delays). Two flights per week.
• Where to stay: Manta Ray Bay Resort. $1800 for 7 nights / 5 dive days (double occupancy) - includes accommodation, nitrox, lunch on the boat.

Dive Briefing

• The "off the grid" option of the three (Palau, Chuuk, Yap). Lots of historical charm - and much, much safer/cleaner than Chuuk.
• The place to go for manta rays. For even more fun, see if you can attend the annual MantaFest (late August) that attracts photographers from around the world.
• Can be hit or miss. If the mantas don't show up (or don't stay long), it can feel like a wasted dive at the cleaning stations.
• Best site: Manta Ray Bay, Valley of the Rays, Yap Corner, The Canyons, Vertigo

Essential Info

• Diving seasons: Dec-May (dry season, calmer) and June-Dec (rainy season, rougher seas, but more big fish to see)
• Visibility: 10-30 meters (30-90 feet). Higher in dry season.
• Water temp: 24-30°C (75-86°F). Can vary greatly due to thermoclines. 5mm full length wetsuit recommended (with hood and gloves).
• Getting there: liveaboards depart from Puntarenas. Fly to San Jose (Costa Rica) and transfer to Puntarenas (bus $6 3 hours, taxi $140 1.5 hours)
• Cost: $300-500/night on a liveaboard (typically 10 nights - 7 dive days x 3 dives each). Add $554 National Park Fee, $80 fuel surcharges, tips... prepare to shell out!

Dive Briefing

• 342 miles (550 km) off the mainland of Costa Rica. Prepare for moderate to very strong currents! 20 dives total (all close together).
• Forget pretty corals or reefs! Cocos is all about the big guys: sharks (incl. hammerheads, tiger, whale sharks), wahoo, tuna, manta rays, octopus, schools of fish (jack, tuna), and others.
• Not a destination for non-divers (they'll be bored)
• Liveaboards: Undersea Hunter, Cocos Island Aggressor
• Recently, tiger sharks have taken over - causing other species to leave (fewer turtles now). But very high chance of encountering curious tiger sharks.
• Never skip a dive on a rainy day!

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Best: Dec-June (wet/warm season, and best chance to see mantas and hammerheads).
• Visibility: 10-21 meters (30-70 feet)
• Water temp: 21-30 C (70-86 F) and cooler at depth.
• Recommended: 7mm wetsuit, 2-3 mm gloves, 3-5 mm booties and a 5mm+ hood (you can rent it all there)
• Getting there: Liveaboards depart from Baltra Island (Isla Baltra). You can fly here from Guayaquil or Quito.
• Price per dive: Liveaboards are about $400-600/day (including meals and diving). Average: $5000+ (double occupancy for 8 days). Browse on Liveaboard.com (check prices on the specific company website too).
• Book EARLY (many itineraries are booked a year+ in advance). Looking to save via last minute booking? Your best chances are Jan-May (show up to Puerto Ayora with a few thousand USD in cash or be ready for wire transfer).

Dive Briefing

• Galapagos is best via liveaboard (many won't take divers with under 50 dives and/or Advanced cert.) Good skills to practice: drift diving, negative entry.
• Dive shops (Puerta Ayora): Eagleray Tours, Academy Bay Diving, Eagleray Tours, Scuba Iguana
• Best day trips (non-liveaboard): North Seymour + Mosquera, Isla Espanola (hike Punta Suarez then dive at Isla Gardner). Snorkeling is great in the Galapagos too!
• Highlights: hammerheads, sharks (incl. whale sharks), manta rays, marine iguanas, sea lions, orca, mola mola

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. March/April for the calmest seas.
• Visibility: 3-15 meters (Jan-April), better May-Sept
• Water temp: 16-18 C (Jan-April), 25-27 C (May-Sept)
• Getting there: fly to Cali, Colombia. Private transport from Cali to Buenaventura (3 hours).
• Cost: $5000-6000 per diver on the Ferox liveaboard (Colombia Dive Adventures). 11 Days (6 diving days, 3 divers per day). Plus rentals, tips, and $34/day park fees.

Dive Briefing

• A tiny, barren island 300 miles off the coast of Colombia. Epic concentration of pelagic life (on par or exceeding Galapagos / Socorro). 28 dive sites total.
• A favorite for photographers - lots of sharks!
• Type of diving: wall, reef, drift, pinnacle, swim throughs
• Highlights: hammerheads (esp. Jan-April), silky sharks, Eagle rays, morays, large schools of fish. Wet season (May-Sept): possible sightings of whale sharks, Galapagos sharks and manta rays.
• Challenging conditions (strong currents). Diving is from RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats), max 6 divers/boat.
• Minimum requirements: Advanced Open Water, 50+ logged dives (at least 35 at sea). Logbooks checked by Colombian National Parks (60 days prior to departure). Currents can be strong.
• All dives on the Ferox are Nitrox 32%

Essential Info

• Diving season: November-May (best chance to see mantas and sharks). Late June-Oct is hurricane season.
• Visibility: 15-35 meters (50-115 feet)
• Water temp: 23-27 C (75-80 F). 5mm wetsuit with hood recommended.
• Getting there: fly to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). Liveaboards depart from San Jose Del Cabo (15 mins) or Cabo San Lucas (40 mins).
• Typical cost: $1,800-4,500 for a liveaboard. Think of it like the Galapagos-but cheaper!

Dive Briefing

• Socorro is just one island of the four volcanic Revillagigedo islands known for their unique ecosytem.
• 12 dive sites total - only access is via liveaboard (450 km from the mainland). It's a long and choppy boat ride - bring seasickness meds!
• Socorro vs. Cocos. Socorro is "feast or famine" (when the big stuff is around, it's excellent) vs. Cocos has prettier reefs and all-year marine life.
• Can get windy on deck - bring a jacket / long sleeved shirt.
• Highlights: manta rays, sharks (hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, tiger, whale sharks), dolphins, whales, octopus, lobster, eel. All about the pelagics here!
• Whale sharks are known to be there during the warmer months of May/June and Nov/Dec
• Reputable liveaboards: Belle Amie, Rocio del Mar

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Least crowded: September / January. Best conditions: May-Sept.
• Visibility: 10-30 meters (30 - 100 feet).
• Water temp: 21-27°C (70-80°F)
• Getting there: Fly to Kailua Kona (KOA), Hawaii
• Price per dive: $200 for a 2-tank boat dive. $200-250 for the Manta night dive. $200 for Black Water night dive.

Dive Briefing

• Easily the best diving of the Hawaiian Islands. Helps to do some research in advance. Check out the guides to the best shore dives by Kona Honu and Jack's Diving Locker
• To be safe, some like to book the Manta dive two days in a row (book in advance!)
• What to see: manta rays, eagle rays, turtles, dolphins, barracuda, octopus
• Best dive shops: Jack's Diving Locker, Aquatic Life Divers, Kona Honu Divers, Kona Shore Divers
• Best shore dives: Two Step (Honaunau Bay), Crescent Beach, Mile Marker 4
• Best dives: Manta Ray Night Dive (don't miss this one!), Black Water Night Dive (experienced / AOW+)

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Best time: Best: mid-July to late September (warmest)
• Visibility: 7-20 metres (20-60 feet). Best Sept-November (worst in summer due to phytoplankton bloom)
• Water temp: 10-21°C (50-70°F). Dry suit or 7mm semidry.
• Getting there: fly to LAX. Take the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach (1.5 hours - look out for dolphins!)
• Where to stay: Avalon or Two Harbors. Alternatively, you could try to do it all on a day trip from LA. Shore dives from Catalina Island would be the easiest way.
• Typical price: $90/dive. Two-tank: $170

Dive Briefing

• Hiring a guide is highly recommended if you aren't familiar with the area.
• What to see: Giant kelp, sea lions, sharks, sunfish, octopus, lobsters, barracuda, rays, nudibranchs, and much more!
• Catalina vs. Monterey: Catalina has clearer water and ~10°F warmer (otherwise, the same marine life).
• Best dive shops: Catalina Scuba, Catalina Divers Supply (request Mark or Suzy), Sundiver International (boat from Long Beach)
• Best dive sites (all levels): Casino Point Dive Park
• Best dive sites (experienced): Farnsworth Bank, Blue Cavern Point, Johnson’s Rock Pinnacles, Valiant (wreck - winter only due to boat traffic, Nitrox recommended)

Essential Info

• Best time: June to September.
• Visibility: 10-30 meters (30-100 feet)
• Water temp: varies on location and depth. 63-73 F for shallower wrecks (30-35 feet), 41-46 F for wrecks at 70-100 feet. Summer temperatures.
• Getting there: the 5 lakes are surrounded by 10 States and one Canadian Province (Ontario), so transportation depends on your target dive sites.
• Not sure where to start? Head to Lake Michigan or Lake Huron. If you're in SW Ontario, head to Tobermory
• To read: The Great Lakes Diving Guide 2nd Ed. (C. Kohl)

Dive Briefing

• The Great Lakes contain ~6,000 shipwrecks, beautifully preserved by the freshwater (some from the 1800s).
• Deep Diver certification highly recommended!
• Marine life: nothing interesting to speak of. You're here for the beautifully preserved wrecks!
• Lake Huron: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (aka Shipwreck Alley), Sanilac Shores
• Lake Superior: Kamloops (freighter), The Gunilda
• Lake Erie: Great Lakes Seaway Trail
• Dive shops (Ontario): Dan's Dive Shop (St. Catharine's,), Abucs scubA (Picton), Divers Den (Tobermory)
• Dive shops (USA): Double Action Dive Charters (Chicago), Great Lakes Divers (Alpena, MI), Shipwreck Explorers (Milwaukee, WI)

Essential Info

• Open: any time of year. Best: May to October. Best month: May (warm, not as crowded as summer).
• Visibility: 12-30 meters (40-100 feet)
• Water temp: 21-29°C (70-85°F)
• Getting there: fly to Miami and drive down to Key Largo.
• Typical cost: full day (4 tanks): $250 + equipment rental

Dive Briefing

• Type of diving: mostly either deep wrecks (150 feet+) or shallow reefs (under 50 feet). Over 100 sites!
• The Christ of the Abyss Statue dive is kind of boring.
• What to see: sea turtles, barracuda, moray eels, octopus, reef sharks, grouper, snapper, and more.
• Best dive shops: Sail Fish Scuba, Quiescence, Silent World Dive Center, SunSports Charter, Horizon Divers.
• Best dives (all levels): Molasses Reef, French Reef, The Benwood (open wreck), John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park
• Best dives (experienced): USS Spiegel Grove, USCG Duane & Bibb. All 65-130 feet depth.
• Diving popular wrecks? Go as early as you can - and watch out for strong currents!
• Tip: for less crowded reefs, see if you can get a ride to Snapper Ledge Reef or Pickles Reef. Ask your operator!

Essential Info

• Best time to go: Mid-July to Mid-October (warmest)
• Visibility: around 20 meters (60 feet)
• Water temp: 60-80F (76-80F in July-October)
• Getting there: find your way to Morehead City, NC
• Typical cost: $185 for a 2-tank trip + tanks and rentals

Dive Briefing

• Known as The Graveyard of the Atlantic, the Outer Banks are home to over 2,000 shipwrecks.
• AOW or equivalent recommended: this is wreck diving with challenging currents. Most of the sites are far from shore - a boat ride is required.
• Marine life: sand tiger sharks, tropical fish, barracuda, amberjack
• Best dive shops: Olympus (Morehead)
• Best sites (all levels): Indra
• Best (intermediate): U-352 (the main event), Aeolus, Normannia, Papoose, Caribsea, USS Schurz
• Best (advanced): Proteus

Essential Info

• Open: year-round. Best late March to early May, or late August to October (calmer seas and no planktoon blooms)
• Visibility: 5-30 meters (15-100 feet). Best in winter (Oct-Feb, with vis frequently 80-100 feet).
• Water temp: 8–12°C (46-53°F). Drysuit recommended!
• Getting there: fly to Seattle, Vancouver, or Victoria
• BC Ferries offers service from Vancouver (Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo. 2 hour journey (book online)
• World-class temperate water diving. Nanaimo is a great starting point - lots to explore!

Dive Briefing

• What to see: giant Pacific Octopus, Wolf Eels, lots of kelp, beautiful wrecks, macro life, jellyfish
• Good book: 151 Dives in the Protected Waters of Washington State and BC (B. Pratt-Johnson)
• Best dive shops: Pacific Pro Dive (Courtenay), Nanaimo Dive Outfitters, Frank Whites (Victoria), Rockfish Divers (Victoria), Ocean Quest (Vancouver City)
• Best wrecks (Nanaimo): Saskatchewan, Cape Breton
• Easy dives (Nanaimo): Shore: Madrona Point, Cottam Point, Dolphin Beach, The Jib, Keel Cove, Wall Beach.
  Boat: Neck Point Park, Clark Rock, Yeo Islands
• Experienced dives (Nanaimo): Breakwater Island, Dodd Narrow, Gabriola Passage, Snake Wall Island
• Victoria: Ogden Point, Willis Point, Ten Mile Point
• Bring a good torch (flashlight) and headlamp.

Essential Info

• Open: any time of year. Best time: April to June.
• Visibility: typically 15-25 meters (40-80 feet)
• Water temp: 79 to 84°F (26-29°C) year round.
• Getting there: fly to Belize City (BZE)
• Where to stay: skip Belize City. Stay on a Caye instead! Value pick: Sandbar Hostel (Ambergris). Fancy: Turneffe Island Resort. Backpacker vibes: Caye Caulker
• Cost: ~$80 (2 tank trip). $350 for full day Blue Hole tour.
• Lots to do topside: jungle hikes, birdwatching, visiting Mayan ruins, or simply relaxing.

Dive Briefing

• Plenty for beginners and advanced divers alike. Mostly boat diving (liveaboard is best overall).
• What to see: rays, toadfish, barracudas, grouper, eels, reef fish, nurse sharks, turtles
• Ambergris Caye/San Pedro is shark diving heaven
• Best dive shops: Ramon's, Scuba School, Amigos Del Mar, Chuck & Robbie's
• The Blue Hole is overrated - you go for the other two dives included (Half Moon Caye and Aquarium). Prepare for a long boat ride (2 hours each way!)
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are great dive sites but you can easily snorkel them, too
• Best sites (beginners): Glover's Atoll, Mexico Rocks
• Best sites (experienced): Turneffe Atoll, South Water Caye, Gladden Spit, Long Caye Aquarium, Esmeralda Canyons

Essential Info

• Open: any time of year. Best time: May-June (fewer tourists, good weather)
• Visibility: 30+ metres (100+ feet)
• Water temp: 26°C (79°F) to 9°C (84°F).
• Getting there: fly to Bonaire International (BON)
• Price per dive: approx. $50 (+ gear rental)
• Mandatory: $75 entry visitor tax (official link). $45 nature fee per diver (official link). Important: these are the ONLY legit government links - watch out for scams.

Dive Briefing

• Great wall, reef, and wreck diving (over 80 dive sites).
• If you have experience, Bonaire is great for self-directed shore diving with a rental car (99% are stick shift).
• Don't leave anything that looks valuable in your rental. Leave vehicle open, windows down. Keep keys on you!
• Best grocery store: Van Den Tweel. Restaurants are SLOW
• Bring: fin socks, thick-soled booties, coral-safe sunscreen
• Try some boat diving to Klein and/or Rappel. Buddy Dive is a great operator.
• Generally, the west side will have the more comfortable / easier diving. East side is more challenging, with potentially larger fish.
• What to see: wrecks, reef fish, rays, turtles, coral, macro creatures, sharks (if you're lucky)
• Best dive sites (all beginner friendly): 1000 Steps, Salt Pier, Karpata, Capt Don's Reef, Oil Slick, Hilma Hooker
• Best dives (experienced): La Dania's Leap, White Hole

Essential Info

• Open: any time of year. Best time: June to November.
• Visibility: 15-30 meters (50-100 feet)
• Water temp: 78-80°F (25-27°C) Nov-April to 84°F (29°C) in May-October
• Getting there: fly to Curaçao International Airport (CUR)
• Where to stay: Avila Beach Hotel, Bahia Apartments
• Price per dive: approx. $60. Local currency is ANG but you can use USD everywhere (1 USD = 1.75 ANG)

Dive Briefing

• Over 85 dive sites (mix of boat and shore diving). Very popular with (macro) photographers
• Bonaire is better for pure self-directed shore diving, while Curacao has actual beaches, too! 😎
• What to see: lots of turtles, barracuda, grouper, eels, reef sharks, octopus, rays, small sea life
• Best dive shops: Dive Center Pietermaai, The Dive Bus, Scubaçao, Ocean Encounters, Dive Charter Curacao
• Best sites (beginner friendly): Director's Bay, Mushroom Forest, Tug Boat, Booby Trap, East Point, Small Wall, Eel Valley, Smokeys (Punti Sanchi), Snake Bay
• Best sites (experienced/advanced): Klein Curacao, Superior Producer (wreck), The Blue Room, Beacon Point, Watamula, Paradise
• Looking for turtles? The best spot to see lots of them is Playa Piskado
• The Far East boat diving is phenomenal - but only a handful of operators go there

Essential Info

• Open all year. Busiest: mid-December to mid-April.
• Visibility: 25-60 meters (80-200 feet)
• Water temp: 79 to 84°F (26-29°C) year round
• Getting there: fly to Owen Roberts International (GCM). For Little Cayman, catch a local flight (35-40 mins).
• Typical costs: $70-80/dive. USD widely accepted
• Where to stay: Seven Mile Beach (Grand Cayman), Little Cayman Beach Resort, Southern Cross Club (LC)
• Topside: golfing, historical tours, eco-tours, tax avoidance.
• Many rank Little Cayman as superior to Grand Cayman. You could head straight to Little Cayman / Cayman Brac (world class diving without the crowds!)

Dive Briefing

• Boasting 365 dive sites, every day here brings something new (expect to hear this joke repeatedly).
• What to see: nurse sharks, stingrays, octopus, sea turtles, parrot fish, reef fish, wrecks
• Best dive shops (GC): Don Foster's Dive Cayman, Divtech, Deep Blue Divers, Just Dive, Living The Dream Divers, Ocean Frontiers (east end)
• Best in Grand Cayman: USS Kittiwake, Ghost Mountain, Aquarium South
• Little Cayman: Bloody Bay Marine Park (overall top rated), The Cascades (for experienced divers)
• Cayman Brac: Bert Brothers Boulders, East Chute/Cayman Mariner

Essential Info

• Open: any time of year. Best: May to Sept (warm, not as crowded). Bull sharks: Nov-March. Eagle rays: Nov-Feb.
• Visibility: average 30 meters (100 feet)
• Water temp: 25°C (77°F) winter to 29°C (85°F) May-July
• Getting there: Cozumel International Airport (CZM). Tip: walk OUT of the airport and hail a taxi there
• Typical cost: $60 per dive. No need to rent a car (walk or take a taxi). Tip: bring lots of small bills (USD $1, $5, $10)
• TL;DR: Playa del Carmen for bull sharks / cenotes, Cozumel for everything else. Book in advance. It's a 45 min boat ride from Playa to Cozumel (may not happen if weather is rough). Diving focused trip? Stay in Cozumel!
• Cheap good food in Cozumel: Los tacotales ($4)

Dive Briefing

• Expect currents - be honest re: your experience level!
• What to see: turtles, moray eels, nurse sharks, tropical fish, eagle rays. Blacktip reef sharks if you're lucky!
• Operators (Cozumel): Salty Endeavors, ScubaTony, Cozumel Marine World, Aldora
• Operators (Playa): SCUBA10, Blue Life, Elite Divers
• Cenotes: The Cenote Guy, Cenotexperience
• Best sites (beginners): Palancar Gardens, La Francesa, Dalila, Columbia Shallows, Chankanaab Reef, Paradise Reef, Santa Rosa Shallows
• Best sites (experienced): Columbia Deep, Santa Rosa Wall, Punta Sur Cathedral, Palancar Caves, Palancar Bricks, Cedral Pass, Punta Tunich
• Detailed information: ScubaBoard

Essential Info

• Open: any time of year. September is best (hot/dry weather and less tourists). Chance of storms in October. Dec-March is great too (but very busy)
• Visibility: 25-35 metres (80-100 feet)
• Water temp: 25°C (77°F) winter to 30°C (86°F) summer
• Getting there: fly to Juan Manuel Gálvez (RTB)
• Where to stay: Splash Inn, Bay Side Hotel, Hotel Posada Arco Iris (budget), The Beach House Roatán (fancy)
• Price per dive: approx. 40 USD + 5-10 USD for gear rental. Currency: HNL (USD widely accepted)

Dive Briefing

• Some of the most affordable diving in the Caribbean. Very little current - great place to improve skills!
• Roatan or Utila? Utila for rock-bottom pricing, partying, backpacker culture. Roatan more for families, grown-ups.
• Stay in West End (more of a backpacker / local experience) or West Bay (all inclusive resorts, best for shore diving)
• Best dive shops: Sun Divers, Clearwater Adventures, Reef Gliders, Coconut Tree Divers
• What to see: turtles, rays, moray eels, schools of fish
• Best dives: Blue Channel (B), Mary’s Place (E), El Aguila (E), Hole in the Wall (E), West End Wall (E)

B = Beginner, E = Experienced

Essential Info

• Open: mid-December to mid-February (high summer)
• Visibility: varies. 15-25 meters (40-80 feet) is normal.
• Water temp: -2 to 2 C (28-36 F). Drysuits only!
• Getting there: make your way to Ushuaia (Argentina), the departure point for liveaboards.
• Cost: $9,000 per person (11 days) or $16,000 (16 days) on a liveaboard (e.g. M/V Plancius) + extras (rentals, tips)

Dive Briefing

• Highlights: shimmering icebergs, seals, sealions, penguins, jellyfish, starfish, soft coral, kelp, sea snails, crabs. If you're lucky: humpbacks. As a bonus, the wildlife here isn't afraid of humans and close encounters are possible.
• Up to 2 dives per day (one morning, one afternoon). Conditions are highly unpredictable (weather and wildlife) - everything will be up to the captain and crew.
• Requirements: (a) signed logbook with 30+ dives at 4°C or below and (b) signed Doctor's note stating you're healthy enough for scuba diving in Antarctica.
• What to bring: drysuit (with hood and dry gloves), 2 freeze-protected regulators, thermals & undergarments, along with standard scuba gear
• Most dives are off a zodiac (10-15 min ride to dive site). Maximum 20 meters (66 feet) depth. Each dive "expedition" is 1-2 hours.