There is an infinity of charms and amazing species in the oceans. To have the opportunity to explore them is an extraordinary pleasure. But you won’t find ideal conditions to practice scuba diving anywhere. For us, the best place in the world for diving is Raja Ampat. Still, we’d like to let you know about other options for scuba diving trips around the world. You will experience underwater treasures, coral reefs, tropical animals and so on. It doesn’t matter If you are passionate about scuba diving or want to give it a try. These are the most recommended scuba diving trips anywhere in the world:

1.Indonesia: Raja Ampat

With more than 54,000 miles of coastline spread out over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers a great opportunity for scuba diving trips. But if we were to single out a dream site for lovers of the ocean depths, it is Raja Ampat (in the province of West Papua). The island is in the heart of the Coral Triangle. It brings together 75% of all coral species on the planet; gardens of more than 600 species of coral.

The ocean floor of Raja Ampat will transport you to a surreal sphere. There are manta rays, sharks, dolphins, and exclusive species, like the phantom pipefish and the dugong. More than 1,000 different species of fish and 700 species of mollusks live in Raja Ampat. Many experts assure us that this island is the richest reserve of marine life on the planet.

The diving conditions in Raja Ampat are excellent. It has a depth of between 5 and 40 meters and a visibility of up to 30 meters. The island boasts more than 200 scuba diving spots. Furthermore, the water temperature varies from 26 to 30 degrees.

Diving into these waters will help you connect with nature and the ocean. You will feel like a part of an unexplored natural environment. If you’re looking for a scuba diving trip to a place that few people have seen, you should visit the island of Raja Ampat!

2. Costa Rica: La Isla del Coco

La Isla del Coco, better known as Cocos, is one of the most unique and spectacular scuba diving places. It is an island situated in the Pacific Ocean, 300 miles from Costa Rica, the country it belongs to.

Both the island and its waters have been declared a National Park. Moreover, it is one of the largest uninhabited islands. Its only residents are park rangers, biologists, researchers, and sailors. That’s why there are no resorts, and the only way to reach it is by boat or cruise ship.

Its great biodiversity makes this island so spectacular. One of the species is, for example, the red-lipped flying batfish. Diving on this island is a true spectacle. You can find hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, silvertip sharks, or even startling whale sharks. Also, there are tortoises, manta rays, dolphins and enormous whales.

Cocos is a real treat for divers. Mainly because of its biodiversity. But also, because they only allow 12 divers on each dive. Another great attraction is night dives. During them, you can see hundreds of white spotted bamboo sharks trawling the reef.

Diving on the Isla del Coco is for advanced divers since most of the dives take place in currents. Still, the water temperature makes it a good diving spot. Still, the water temperature makes it a good diving spot. In the months of July, August, September, and October it has 22 degrees. In January, February, March, and April up to 29 degrees.

3. Australia: The Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s Great Coral Reef is along the coast of Queensland. It has 2,900 reefs over 2,000 kilometers. So, it is the largest ecosystem of reefs and living organisms on the planet. You can even see it from space! In it, you will find every kind of coral and underwater species. For example, whales, white sharks, tortoises, tropical groupers and Napoleon fish.

There are only a few divers who haven’t heard about the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. If you haven’t visited it yet, don’t hesitate another second. Its popularity is totally justified!

The grandeur of its coral gardens reflects the robust ecological health. You will find diving spots of varying depth for different levels of divers. Some of the most famous diving spots are Cairns and Port Douglas, Heron Island, Ribbon and Osprey Reef, and the Marine Park at South West Rocks.

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is a kingdom of colorful reefs and rare species. You can dive into its warm waters with varying currents. A general visibility of between 15 and 30 meters makes this place even more of a paradise.

Scientists say that the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is damaging the underwater reserves. This results in a bleaching and disintegration of the coral. Due to this, some people fear that the Great Barrier Reef could become extinct due to climate change.

4. Colombia: The Island of Malpelo

Malpelo is for those who want to see many sharks and an immense variety of fishes. Malpelo is an island belonging to Colombia, situated in the Pacific Ocean. The only people residing there are a small military detachment of the Colombian Army. It is a sanctuary for flora and fauna and has been declared a Natural World Heritage by UNESCO in 2006.

As a rock situated in the midst of the Pacific Ocean, the only way to reach it is through a liveaboard dive trip.

Malpelo is the scuba diving spot for you If you are want to see many sharks of different species. It is famous for its concentration of hammerhead sharks and silky sharks. You can also see other types, like bull sharks, Galapagos sharks, and whale sharks. And the biggest thrill for everyone is running across the so-called “Monster,” a shark that can grow up to 600 cm long. You will find not only sharks but also barracudas, tunas, morays or snappers.

The air temperatures range from 14 to 28 degrees. Inside the water, the temperature can change in the course of a dive. Because of that, diving conditions can be difficult due to strong currents, sudden drops in water temperature, or a choppy sea.

Because of that, divers that there are a series of requirements they must meet. For example, being at least 18 years old. Or having an advanced diving certificate with at least 30 dives noted and signed in ships’ logs. The island is monitored more and more in this regard. So, it will continue to be a safe place for scuba diving. You can only dive there during the daytime and only if the conditions are favorable.

5. Scuba Diving Trips to the Red Sea

The Red Sea is a gulf of the Indian Ocean between Asia and Africa. It was named for the proliferation of algae giving its waters a reddish tone. It is most associated with scuba diving. Also, it is the destination for many scuba diving trips. It has a length of 2,200 km and reaches depths of more than 2,000 meters. Thus, it has the title as one of the 7 marvels of the underwater world.

Its waters are rich in nutrients. These feed more than 1,100 species of fish and more than 250 species of soft and hard coral. Besides that, its waters are crystal clear. There is a visibility of up to 40 meters. All these characteristics make the Red Sea a popular destination for scuba diving trips.

It is good for beginners and more advanced levels. You can undertake dives year-round. But keep in mind that the temperatures vary from one season to another.

Scuba diving trips can be undertaken by cruise ship or boat, or by staying in a hotel. There are two routes: north and south. One of the nerve centers of the diving routes to the north is Sharm el-Sheikh. It is in Egypt, near the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. That place is especially known for its intense colors, coral gardens, sunken ships and marine species.

In the Red Sea, you can find triggerfish, barracudas, lionfish, dolphins, gray sharks, spotted eagle rays, tortoises and butterfly fish. Needless to say, that this is another great scuba diving option that you shouldn’t miss.

6. Ecuador: Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are one of the most rewarding scuba diving trips you can experience. Their charm lies not in the ocean beds full of corals and exotic species. What’s special about the Galápagos is their beautiful and varied range of marine life. It allows you to observe species like penguins, sea lions, dolphins and hammerhead sharks. You can also find mammals and other species on these islands. 20% of their marine species are nowhere else on this earth. This is what makes it one of the most unique diving spots.

The Galápagos Islands are a series of volcanic islands (13 of which are well known). They are a World Heritage by UNESCO since 1978. The Galapagos Islands cover over 45,000 square kilometers. Almost all their territory is a National Park. It is a destination celebrated by divers from the world over. Still, there are some areas appropriate for snorkeling and for beginners. For example, the Islands of San Cristóbal and Isabela.

The most exciting diving spots are on the Wolf and Darwin Islands. Most of the islands in the Galápagos archipelago are for diving in currents, deep-water diving or nocturnal diving.

The ideal time of the year to dive in the Galápagos Islands is from July through November. The crystal-clear waters allow you to capture every treasure in their marine beds. There is a visibility of up to 20 meters and a variable depth of up to 40 meters. In that case, it’s wise not to enter strong currents, especially if you haven’t had enough training.

7. Indonesia: Bali

There are several islands of Indonesia with an ocean full of exotic species and coral reefs. Bali, in particular, is one of the most visited sites by expert and professional divers. The beaches of Bali are famous all over the world. It is the richness of its underwater landscape that makes Bali a legendary diving spot.

You can find common marine species. Moreover, you can spot moonfish or opah, whale sharks, octopuses and manta rays. Their colorful ocean beds of coral mingle with the deep underwater caves. Also, you can find treasures like the freighter sunk during the First World War, the USAT Liberty.

Among its more than 50 dive sites, there are areas with strong currents and others that are calmer. The areas for professional divers in Bali are on the southern part of the island. Especially noteworthy is the area of Tulamben in eastern Bali.

To dive in Bali is to submerge yourself in a tropical paradise. Its warm waters reach a depth of between 5 and 40 meters. This allows snorkeling and simpler dives a few meters from the beach. It also offers an extraordinary degree of visibility in the water, of up to 45 meters.

The only disadvantage of Bali may be that it is one of the islands most visited by tourists. Diving in its waters, you will run across many lovers of the sport. This could add to the fun, but also might prevent connecting with the marine environment.

8. Scuba Diving Trips to the Maldives

The Maldives Islands are a complex of 26 islets, with more than 1,100 islands, located at the southwest tip of India. They are far from civilization, contamination and overpopulated countries. Their geographical location lends them a pure natural biodiversity. Few people have been here.

The Maldives Islands are home to over 1,000 different species of fish and invertebrates. There you can find morays, manta rays, sharks, barracudas, shrimp, clownfish and so on. Hundreds of kilometers of coral reefs surround the ocean floor of the Islands. This creates a spectacular diving landscape. For instance, the canals that cross the interior of the reef and reach the lagoon that flows into the ocean. It is known as Kandu.

In the Maldives, you can dive from the coast. You can also reach the best hidden marine dens, thanks to ships running between the main islands. It all depends on your diving level and your sense of adventure. Currently, there are more than 75 islands with access to different scuba diving sites. In some of them, depth can be around 4,000 meters. The water is at any time of the year warm. In addition, the great clarity of the ocean allows you to peer into every hidden corner of the marine bed. Furthermore, there is a marine visibility of 15 to 30 meters.

The Maldive Islands are composed of several areas:

• Thila: Coral beds 10 meters under the water, surrounded by strong currents.
• Giri: Reefs near the ocean surface.
• Kandu: Canals running through the interior of the reef, up to the lagoon.

This makes the islands an ideal spot for every type of diver. If you can visit the Maldive Islands, you will for sure fall in love with this beautiful place.

• Thila: reef areas 10 meters below the surface surrounded by strong currents.
• Giri: reefs near the surface of the sea.
• Kandu: channels that run through the interior of the reef to the lagoon.

This makes the islands the ideal place for all types of divers. If you have the opportunity to visit the Maldives and make one of the best scuba diving trips in the world, you will surely love the charm of this beautiful place.

Here are some more diving destinations which are worthy of mention:

• Mayan Riviera in Mexiko
• Pascua Island in Chile
• Canary Islands in Spain

In fact, there are several scuba diving trips around the world that you should not miss. We have selected five of the best destinations for you. But if you’re passionate about diving, you can find countless corners to fulfill your passion.

If you want to discover new diving sites, check UnderwaterPhotography.com

Also, don’t hesitate to contact us, if you want to know more about scuba diving trips.