One of the most exciting and relaxing activities to do on a gap year (or on a holiday anytime of the year) is to do a little scuba diving.
We’ve put together a list of ten of the best destinations to dive around the world.
These destinations are ideal for anyone who loves the sea – whether you’re new to diving or an old pro, you’re sure to love these ideas!
1. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
You can’t be a true-lover of scuba diving without visiting the Great Barrier Reef at least once! Located off the coast of Australia, it is the world’s longest reef filled with a seemingly endless variety of coral and tropical sea life. Be sure to bring your underwater camera.
2. Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are ringed with both wildlife and plenty of reefs which makes it the perfect location for scuba diving. In fact, the area just north of the islands is the largest marine reserve in the United States which means there is plenty to see!
3. Thailand
Thailand is known for its famous dive sites in Ko Tao, Similan Islands, Phuket, and the Surin Islands but scuba lovers can find diving opportunities in most locations throughout the coast. The seas there are filled with shark whales, manta rays, and other large sea creatures. The beautiful islands of Thailand are also incredible.
4. Belize
Belize has some of the most famous and beautiful dive sites in the world but you can’t miss the Blue Hole, made famous by Jacques Cousteau. The crystal clear water, coral, and various sharks ranging from reef sharks to bull sharks to hammerheads is like no other spot on earth. This is one of the highlights of the Caribbean.
5. Micronesia
Micronesia is located in the South Pacific and comprised of tropical islands, is surrounded by vibrant reefs. Don’t miss the Blue Wall, which is the number one diving spot in the region. Although Micronesia is a long way from anywhere, a dive trip to Micronesia won’t break the bank and will be unforgettable.
6. Egypt
The clear turquoise water of the Egyptian Red Sea is simply stunning. You can see a real diversity of life from the wrecks of Sha’ab Abu Nuhas to Sharm El Sheikh to Hurghda. Egypt is also one of the best value for money diving destinations in the world and lots of courses and trips can be booked in places like Sharm el Sheikh.
7. Galapagos
There are so many reasons to visit the Galapagos, and diving is one of the highlights. The Galapagos is actually an archipelago of 80 islands with some of the most diverse species on the planet. The waters here are protected, so divers get a chance to see the way nature was meant to be.
8. Brazil
We love Brazil, this is one of the most beautiful countries not the planet. Brazil’s Fernando de Noronha is off the beaten path and among one of the best dive sites in South America. The blue waters are filled to the brim with dolphins, turtles, and so much more. Be sure to also visit Rio de Janeiro – one of the most stunning cities you’ll ever see.
9. Malta
Malta offers an underwater maze of arches, tunnels, caves, and reefs. Well-preserved and colorful marine life along the coast makes for a dive like no other. See dolphins, tuna, hippo campus, and anemones as well.
10. Seychelles
The Seychelles is an exotic destination and a really beautiful country. Don’t miss out on Seychelles’ rich sea life. When diving here you’ll get to see beautiful corals, gigantic underwater canyons and reefs filled with clown fish, manta rays, and turtles prove this to be an underwater paradise.
Keen to give diving a try? View our gap year scuba courses.