The 20 most beautiful scuba diving spots in the world

Looking for the most beautiful scuba diving spots to feast your eyes on, encounter multicolored fish, dive among shipwrecks, or swim with sharks? You've come to the right place. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, this article gives you the 20 most incredible dive sites to try at least once in your life. Ready to go?

But before you pack your bag and dream about your next trip, here's a helpful reminder: scuba diving is much more than a hobby. It's a unique sensory experience, a lesson in respecting life, and sometimes even a good adrenaline rush. Interested? Let's go!

1. Blue Hole, Belize

A classic. This perfectly circular underwater sinkhole is absolutely breathtaking, especially from the air. Underwater, it's a completely different experience: spectacular stalactites, reef sharks, and otherworldly light as you descend. A deep dive, reserved for experienced divers.

Best season: December to May
Type of dive: deep, exploration
Tip: Take a day trip by boat and combine it with other spots around Lighthouse Reef.

2. Sipadan, Malaysia

A small, protected paradise where marine biodiversity is simply incredible. It's one of Malaysia's only oceanic islands, which explains the richness of its underwater world. Expect to encounter turtles, spiraling schools of barracuda, hammerhead sharks, and hundreds of species of coral.

Best season: April to December
Type: wall, drift
Useful information: the number of divers is limited to 120 per day. Book your permit in advance!

3. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The world's largest coral reef. Not just one spot, but hundreds! Breathtakingly beautiful corals, clownfish, Napoleon wrasse, turtles, rays… in short, a dazzling spectacle. Some areas are unfortunately affected by bleaching, so choose your operator carefully.

Best season: June to November (clearer water)
Type: varied (boat dives, liveaboard dives, snorkeling)
Tip: if you can, opt for a diving safari on board a boat.

4. Thistlegorm, Red Sea (Egypt)

A veritable underwater museum. The British cargo ship has rested at a depth of 30 meters since 1941. You'll see BSA motorcycles, boots, rifles, and all the typical marine life of the Red Sea. The atmosphere is almost cinematic. We suggest you discover more on the PADI website.

Best season: March to June, September to November
Type: wreck
Tip: Deep dive with a current. Ideal from a liveaboard.

5. Silfra, Iceland

Here, you literally float between two continents. The icy water, from glaciers filtered for decades through volcanic rock, offers visibility of over 100m! You dive into uniquely beautiful blue geological fissures.

Best season: all year round (but more comfortable in summer)
Type: freshwater, tectonic fault
Tip: A dry suit is mandatory, but it's worth every thrill!

6. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Indonesia's hidden gem. Pristine reefs, incredibly diverse marine life, untouched corals, and often solo dives. Paradise, we tell you.

Best season: October to April
Type: reefs, macro, pelagic
Tip: Opt for a liveaboard to explore remote areas. Don't forget your camera gear!

7. Galapagos, Ecuador

A legendary spot, especially for encounters with XXL marine life: hammerhead sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions, rays, turtles, and sometimes even whale sharks. The currents are strong, but the adventure is incredible.

Best season: June to December
Type: pelagic, strong current
Tip: plan a diving cruise to access Wolf & Darwin Islands, the best spots.

8. Palau, Micronesia

An archipelago lost in the Pacific, where you can dive in lakes teeming with harmless jellyfish, on wartime shipwrecks or along vertiginous drop-offs. It's both spectacular and varied.

Best season: November to May
Type: drift dive, wrecks, pelagic
Tip: definitely check out Blue Corner, a legendary spot with strong currents and lots of life.

9. Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles

A very popular spot for shore dives. The water is warm, visibility is excellent, and the seabed is magnificent. Ideal for independent divers and underwater photographers.

Best season: all year round
Type: shore dive, macro, coral
Tip: Rent a car, take your blocks, and go explore more than 80 sites accessible directly from the beach.

10. Cocos Island, Costa Rica

A shark haven. Hammerheads, whitetips, silky sharks… they're everywhere. A protected marine reserve, accessible only by liveaboard. It's a favorite spot for professionals.

Best season: June to November (for hammerhead sharks)
Type: pelagic, strong current, deep
Tip: demanding but rewarding destination: plan for a minimum 10-day cruise.

11. Tubbataha Reef, Philippines

A remote atoll in the middle of the Sulu Sea. It takes time to get there, but the diving is fabulous. Sharks, turtles, barracudas, vibrant corals… all without too many people around.

Best season: March to June only
Type: reef, drift, pelagic
Tip: only accessible by liveaboard cruise. Book well in advance.

12. Maldives

The Maldives need no introduction. But what's less well known is that the diving spots there are fantastic. Manta rays, sharks, corals, and a zen atmosphere. Special mention goes to the thilas (underwater mountains).

Best season: January to April (clear water)
Type: reef, thilas, drift
Tip: to maximize encounters, choose a diving cruise in the center of the archipelago.

13. Gili Islands, Indonesia

A relaxed atmosphere and dives accessible to all. Perfect for learning, reviewing the basics or enjoying yourself peacefully with turtles, clownfish and seahorses.

Best season: May to October
Type: reef, macro, easy
Tip: Get your Open Water certification here, it's safe, cheap, and beautiful.

14. Rangiroa, French Polynesia

A vast lagoon and passes teeming with marine life: dolphins, grey sharks, schools of trevally... Sporty but unforgettable dives.

Best season: April to October
Type: pass, drift, pelagic
Tip: Don't miss the Tiputa pass for maximum thrills.

15. Fiji

Known as "the land of soft coral," Fiji is a dazzling display of underwater color. Here, gorgonians and soft corals dance in the currents, offering a vibrant spectacle. And as a bonus? Sharks, turtles, and schools of tropical fish.

Best season: April to October
Type: reef, macro and pelagic
Tip: The sites around Taveuni and Beqa Lagoon are must-sees. Ideal for a first immersion in the Pacific Ocean.

16. Reunion Island

Often overlooked in favor of Mauritius or Madagascar, the island of Reunion has much to offer: underwater volcanic reliefs, arches, faults, canyons... all with rich biodiversity.

Best season: May to November
Type: reef, volcanic topography
Tip: Try a night dive on the west coast to observe sleeping parrotfish and nocturnal wildlife.

17. Cozumel, Mexico

One of the legendary spots in the Caribbean. The current is often present, making the dives all the more dynamic. Colorful corals, gorgonians, turtles, nurse sharks and sometimes eagle rays.

Best season: November to May
Type: drift dive, reef, wall
Tip: Don't miss the Palancar Caves site, accessible even to intermediate levels.

18. Red Sea Blue Hole, Dahab (Egypt)

Unlike its counterpart in Belize, this one is as beautiful as it is dangerous. It's a legendary spot for freedivers, but one that scuba divers should approach with caution.

Best season: March to May, September to November
Type: blue hole, technical
Tip: Dive only under strict supervision; never attempt the arch if you're not very experienced. Watch the freedivers, it's amazing!

19. Sudan, Red Sea

Still largely undiscovered, Sudan offers a Red Sea like you've never seen before: wild, pristine, and teeming with life. Shipwrecks like the Umbria are well worth the trip, as are the spectacular drop-offs.

Best season: February to June
Type: wrecks, walls, pelagic
Tip: Destination for experienced divers. Take a liveaboard cruise departing from Port Sudan.

20. Komodo, Indonesia

Yes, that's where the dragons live, but underwater it's just as amazing. The currents are powerful, so the sites are teeming with life. You'll see all sorts of things: sharks, manta rays, turtles, nudibranchs, and corals galore.

Best season: April to November
Type: drift, macro, pelagic
Tip: Choose a cruise ship to explore the national park and maximize your chances of seeing manta rays.

And now ?

As you've probably gathered, the world is full of incredible dive sites , each with its own characteristics, atmosphere, fauna, flora, and challenges. Some are perfect for beginners, while others reserve their magic for experienced divers. We've found an article on the best spots to learn to dive here , and you can find even more options in this list.

Before you go, make sure you choose your equipment carefully (comfortable mask, ergonomic snorkel, suitable wetsuit, reliable dive computer) and get trained with a reputable club. Always respect marine life: don't touch the coral, don't feed the fish, and keep your distance from large animals.

If you want to combine travel, adrenaline, contemplation, and connection with nature, diving is THE ideal sport. And frankly, what could be better than swimming among a school of manta rays or following a turtle in a turquoise lagoon?

Have you ever tried one of these spots? Do you know of any others that deserve a place in the top list? Tell us all about it in the comments!

And above all, enjoy your bubbles!