Scuba diving opens up a mesmerizing world beneath the waves, where vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and surreal underwater landscapes await.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or dreaming of becoming a certified diver, choosing the right location can make all the difference.
PADI, the world’s leading scuba diving authority, recommends several top global destinations perfect for first-time divers and underwater explorers alike.
From tropical island paradises to unique coastal ecosystems, these countries offer clear waters, beginner-friendly dive sites, and unforgettable adventures.
Here are 11 of the best countries around the world to try scuba diving for the first time:
1. Bonaire
Located just north of Venezuela, Bonaire is known as one of the best places to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean. It offers plenty to explore, with more than 470 fish species, stunning coral reefs, and even shipwrecks.
The island’s dive sites are beginner-friendly because they are protected from currents. New divers can choose to dive from a boat or stick to the shore.
- Kralendijk’s approximate distance from the US: 4 hours 45 minutes from New York City; 11 hours from Los Angeles.
2. The Maldives
Consisting of more than 1,100 small coral islands, The Maldives are described as a once-in-a-lifetime place to learn how to dive.
Known for soft white sand beaches and clear, tropical waters, they are highlighted as a great place to explore the sea.
Swimming below the surface here makes it easy to forget the hustle and bustle of the world above.
- Male Velana’s approximate distance from the US: 18.5 hours from New York City; 24 hours from Los Angeles.
3. Belize
Home to Blue Hole, one of the best-known dive sites in the world, Belize is considered one of the best places to get dive certified. It features over 400 islands and the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
Belize’s clear, warm waters provide excellent conditions for new scuba divers, although plenty of sites also cater to seasoned divers. Many dive sites in Belize also have relatively few crowds.
- Belize City’s approximate distance from the US: 4 hours 45 minutes from New York City; 4 hours 40 minutes from Los Angeles.
4. Canary Islands
For travelers based in Europe, the warm, clear water of the Canary Islands is conveniently close. It’s open to travelers from all over the globe, offering beginner divers a chance to get their feet wet with high visibility and ideal water temperatures year-round.
While exploring, your chances of finding intriguing wildlife like angel sharks and five different species of rays are high.
- Gran Canaria’s approximate distance from the US: 11 hours 20 minutes from New York City; 15 hours 20 minutes from Los Angeles.
5. Mexico
Mexico is noted as an easy scuba diving destination choice for Americans wanting to learn due to its proximity to the US.
It offers two distinct coastal experiences: the Caribbean and the Pacific. The Caribbean side boasts schools of colorful fish and lively beach activities.
In contrast, the Pacific side offers the opportunity to view sea lions and vast kelp forests, and you may even spot a great white shark.
- Cancun’s approximate distance from the US: 4 hours 15 minutes from New York City; 4.5 hours from Los Angeles.
6. Greece
Greece may not be the first country that comes to mind for learning scuba diving, but it’s a good one to consider. It is home to nearly 230 inhabited islands and a vast coastline with walls, wrecks, caverns, and reefs to swim through.
You can even explore a 1930s shipwreck, considered one of the most iconic dives of the islands. For the extra daring and experienced, there are underwater caves to swim through.
- Athens’ Approximate distance from the US: 9 hours 15 minutes from New York City; 15.5 hours from Los Angeles.
7. Australia
Why not begin your scuba diving journey at one of the most famous dive destinations on the planet?
Home to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia provides an excellent learning environment for beginner divers with several sites suitable for learning new skills and seeing unique creatures.
You’ll find wildlife such as turtles, triggerfish, and dolphins. You can even dive from the gorgeous Sydney shore before heading into the city.
- Brisbane’s approximate distance from the US: 22 hours from New York City; 14.5 hours from Los Angeles.
8. Indonesia
Boasting approximately 17,500 islands, Indonesia is described as a spectacular place to start diving. Bali specifically caters to beginner divers who can comfortably try diving from the shore in the heart of the coral triangle.
Exotic animals like mimic octopuses, pygmy seahorses, and ribbon eels are among the creatures you might see. After certification, opportunities like underwater photography and night diving are available.
- Bali’s approximate distance from the US: 22 hours 40 minutes from New York City; 21.5 hours from Los Angeles.
9. Thailand
Thailand’s laid-back vibes make it a top travel destination, and it’s also an ideal spot to learn how to dive. Known as the “Land of Smiles,” Thailand’s sheltered beaches and shallow reefs are well-suited for beginner divers.
Some areas on the east coast are known for turtle and whale shark sightings. In Phuket and Krabi, you can find hundreds of tropical flora and fauna.
- Phuket’s approximate distance from the US: 21 hours from New York City and Los Angeles.
10. Philippines
Regardless of skill level and the type of diving desired, the Philippines has something for most people. Its diverse marine life and warm hospitality make it a wonderful place to begin a diving journey.
The country’s approximately 7,640 islands offer many experiences, species, and breathtaking underwater landscapes. Its clear water is ideal for underwater photography.
- Manila’s approximate distance from the US: 19.5 hours from New York City; 18 hours 10 minutes from Los Angeles.
11. Costa Rica
Like Mexico, Costa Rica offers two unique coastal diving experiences that beginner divers can enjoy. Some scuba divers regard Costa Rica as one of the best locations in the world for the activity.
Sharks, manta rays, barracudas, and more are drawn to Costa Rica’s vibrant coral reefs and underwater volcanic formations. Its warm waters make diving comfortable year-round.
- Liberia’s approximate distance from the US: 5.5 hours from New York City and Los Angeles.
Alicia Richards