6 Best Places to Go Scuba Diving

Under the surface of the ocean lies a vibrant space decked with coral reefs, illuminated caves, and long-lost shipwrecks- waiting to be explored. Although snorkeling offers a chance to catch glimpses of the underwater world, scuba diving provides an up-close and personal experience. So, pick up your fins and head to some of the best scuba diving locations across the world!

P.S: The list is for beginners and advanced divers!

1. Maldives

Maldives offers an array of scintillating marine species such as turtles, sharks, octopuses, eagle rays, alongside 400 species of fish. Besides, most resorts have PADI dive centres where you can sign up for courses and private diving trips, along with opportunities to go scuba diving with manta rays under the assistance of conservationists from Manta Trust and Deep Blue Divers.

Level: Beginner to advanced. Best time: December to April.

2. Tubbataha Reef, Philippines

Imagine diving into the water and discovering yourself gazing down the face of a mountain. The twin atolls of Tubbataha feature steep slopes and vertical walls, often accompanied by visibility exceeding 30 meters, creating the sensation of soaring alongside an underwater Everest. Tubbataha boasts a stunning array of colorful corals, ranging from its shallow areas to its deep waters. Divers can get up-close with whale sharks, manta rays and sharks and thousands of grey reef sharks. Its remote location in the center of the Sulu Sea serves as a sanctuary and feeding ground for numerous larger marine species that reside in this region. Although the currents create exhilarating drift diving opportunities, it is crucial to keep track of your depth and stay alert for possible down currents and rough waters.

Level: Advanced divers. Best time: mid-March to mid-June only, by liveaboard from Puerto Princesa.

3. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Raja Ampat in Indonesia is rapidly gaining recognition as a diver's paradise, hosting more than 1,500 species of fish and about 75% of the world's coral species. The biodiversity here is thriving due to committed patrolling efforts at Misool Marine Reserve, named a Hope Spot by Mission Blue. Regarded as one of the most diverse underwater ecosystems globally, it offers the broadest array of corals, fishes, and mollusks, almost unrivaled by any other site on the planet.

Level: Advanced divers. Best time: October to April.

4. Andaman Islands, India

Head to India's Andaman Islands for a daring diving escape. The secluded turquoise waters of this region remain untouched, adding to its natural beauty. The islands are home to vibrant colourful reefs and hundreds of species of fish. Diving here is done best from October to May; any other time, you'll find yourself battling the monsoon. Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil) have the most dive centres, with courses for complete beginners.

Level: Beginners

5. Red Sea, Egypt

Marsa Alam fishing Port on the Red Sea has developed into one of Egypt's trendiest dive destinations and offers almost every wildlife-sighting opportunity available: turtles, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, tuna, and mackerel. The Red Sea Diving Safaris in the area is recognized as a PADI Eco Center and offer environmental programs that benefit the community and coast including waste and water management, reef checks, and litter cleanups. Guests can choose from more than 60 onshore and offshore diving sites with day and night options.

Level: Beginner to advanced. Best time: all year, warmest from June to October.

6. Koh Tao, Thailand

The reefs surrounding Koh Tao are ideal for beginners as waters are typically warm and often remarkably clear. Furthermore, the region enjoys favorable weather, good visibility, and gentle currents for the majority of the year, enabling diving all-year round. This makes Koh Tao an excellent choice for novice divers looking to take their initial underwater breaths. The calmest, clearest months are usually March to September, and Thailand is visa-free for Indians for up to 30 days.

Besides, if you’re an intermediate or an advanced diver, you can also head to the Similan Islands, open from mid-October to mid-May.

Level: Beginners