Forgive us for fantasising about where to dive next as we enter the height of the dive season. After all, paying a visit to a new dive site is one of the very best experiences you can have, and this time of year is undoubtedly the perfect time to do it.
Whether you’ve recently obtained your open water certification or have spent hours and hours beneath the surface and want to keep exploring, we’re lucky enough to live on a planet that’s almost overflowing with top diving destinations. To give you some inspiration and a flavour of the best, we’ve pulled together our picks of the top 10 diving destinations to visit this year and beyond. Let’s get into it…
1. Puerto Galera, Philippines
First up on our top 10 diving destinations list is a total tropical gem. Puerto Galera, Philippines, is often billed as the ‘diving capital of the Philippines’, and it’s not hard to see why. This chilled-out coastal town is home to an impressive range of dive sites and has something for everyone. Diving here is a truly colourful experience, with diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs in abundance.
2. Staniel Cay, Bahamas
The warm waters and diverse marine life of the Exuma Cays make Staniel Cay an excellent diving destination. This part of the world is incredibly unique, with utterly pristine waters that feel like they were made for diving! What we particularly love about Staniel Cay is that it is the perfect destination for those who want a central base with a variety of dive sites in easy reach. You can swim through the cinematic Thunderball Grotto (as seen in James Bond) and the eerie Drug Smugglers’ Plane Wreck, all just a short boat ride away.
3. Mafia Island, Tanzania
This hidden gem off the coast of East Africa is as relaxed as it is remarkable. Mafia Island, Tanzania, offers shallow dive sites, great visibility, and a low-current environment, making it another great diving destination for beginners. Here, you’ll find thriving coral reefs and may even spot whale sharks in season. Most diving here is done from the hub of Chole Bay, where you’ll find a strong network of local diving experts ready to guide you through one of the most unique diving destinations in the region.
4. Palau, Micronesia
Palau is often thought of for its snorkelling appeal (which we cannot dispute!), but don’t overlook its incredible diving opportunities. This remote archipelago is more than deserving of a place on our top 10 diving destinations list, thanks to its offering of some of the most untouched diving experiences in the whole world. From vibrant coral reefs to steep drop-offs, Palau has it all, though if we were to pick out just two must-sees on your visit it's Blue Corner and Jellyfish Lake.
5. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands have long been one of the most popular diving destinations in the world and feature on almost every diver’s bucket list. This archipelago is known for offering encounters with hammerhead and whale sharks, so there’s certainly no shortage of once-in-a-lifetime moments to be grasped here. It’s remote, rugged, and really quite inspiring - you need to pay a visit here to know what all the fuss is about.
6. Vava’u, Tonga
Diving in the South Pacific is an experience like no other and Vava’u encapsulates this charm perfectly. Vava’u feels worlds away from everyday life, with coral gardens, dramatic caves, and shipwrecks like the Clan McWilliam to be explored. If you visit this scuba diving destination between July and October, you might even share the water with migrating humpback whales, enjoying a rare and emotional encounter that makes diving here simply incredible.
7. Gozo, Malta
The Mediterranean island of Gozo is a firm favourite with the Aquanauts team. Gozo is an ideal location for divers of all experience levels, with crystal clear waters and some unforgettable dive sites. In particular, the Blue Hole offers stunning marine biodiversity, including octopus and scorpion fish, while the Inland Sea provides a cave-like dive experience that’s both beautiful and accessible.
8. Gili Islands, Indonesia
Tropical island life meets turtle-filled waters in the next location on our top 10 diving destinations list: the Gili Islands. With a laid-back vibe, sandy beaches, and top diving infrastructure, it’s no surprise that these islands are among the best scuba diving destinations in Southeast Asia. Diving here is both relaxing and rewarding, with the opportunity to see turtles almost all year round.
9. Florida Keys, USA
Stretching over 100 miles, the Florida Keys are home to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US - a fact that alone earns them a place among our top diving destinations! With hotspots like Key Largo and Key West boasting picture-perfect colourful reefs and iconic wreck dives, the Keys undoubtedly offer something for everyone. If you choose to go on a scuba diving holiday here, don’t miss the chance to explore the USS Spiegel Grove.
10. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Of course, our top 10 diving destinations for 2025 could not be complete without mentioning the Great Barrier Reef. As the largest coral reef system on the planet, it offers an unmatched experience. Think vibrant reef walls to wreck dives like the SS Yongala; it’s one of those rare places where every dive feels bigger than life, with biodiversity unlike anything you’ll have seen before.
Prepare For Your Scuba Diving Holiday With Aquanauts
Choosing just ten from so many outstanding diving destinations across the world wasn’t easy, but we hope these suggestions have given you some inspiration for your next adventure. Wherever you choose to go, don’t forget that we can help you gear up and get the most out of your trip! With years of diving experience and an extensive range of travel-friendly scuba diving equipment available, Aquanauts can help you plan and pack in style.
Whether you want some more diving destination recommendations or want to talk about the best kit to take with you, simply get in touch with us.