Many island destinations are popular with scuba divers but these 5 unique dive locations should rank at the top of your list. If you are looking for a truly unforgettable underwater experience then these are the spots you want to go to for the best scuba diving in the world. None of these dive spots are the easiest place to reach but being so remote is part of the reason why you will find great biodiversity, unspoiled terrains and uncrowded dives. Unfortunately, mass tourism has not been kind to our oceans so these tranquil islands are a wonderful relief. I recommend getting a full face scuba mask for the best experience.
Top 5 Best Dive Locations
1. Wreck-Diving in Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia
This spot is a dream for technical divers since it boasts over 60 different sunken wrecks, from ships to aircrafts and even a submarine. These artifacts are the result of Operation Hailstone, a US offense capturing Pacific Islands to get closer to the Japanese forces during World War II.
Dive conditions are excellent in Chuuk Lagoon with minimal currents or even no current at all around certain wrecks. Aquatic life is slowly taking over the wrecks where you will also spot dolphins, eagle rays, blacktip reef sharks and large schools of fish.
| Depth | 100 – 130 ft |
| Visibility | 40 – 100 ft |
| Temperature | 81°F – 86°F |
| Best Diving Season | Year-round but best in December – April |
2. Amazing Coral at Great White Wall, Taveuni, Fiji
Known as a world-class dive site, the Great White Wall in Fiji is famous for its amazing variety of soft coral in different colors but in particular the vertical drop full of white dendronepthya. This rock wall is home to reef fish so coral is not the only thing you will be seeing.
This is a deeper dive starting in a tubular cave around 50 feet deep and reaching the Great White Wall at about 82 feet depth. Stay with your buddy because it is easy to wander further down than you expect.
| Depth | 50 – 130 ft |
| Visibility | 70 – 130 ft |
| Temperature | 75°F – 86°F |
| Best Diving Season | November – April |
3. Drift Dive at TheTiputa Pass, Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Let the current take you past this amazing oceanscape where the lucky ones spot a gray reef shark or manta ray. It is approximately a 45 minute drift dive that gently sweeps you past bottlenose dolphins, hammerhead sharks, blacktip sharks, Napoleon fish, surgeon and turtles.
The dive entrance starts at one end of the lagoon and goes with the current to the other end of the pass where the dive boat will pick you up. This is a generally uninhabited island so do some careful planning because facilities are limited.
| Depth | 0 – 150 ft |
| Visibility | 30 – 100 ft |
| Temperature | 77°F – 79°F |
| Best Diving Season | July – November |
4. Expert Dive at Darwin & Wolf, Galapagos Islands
Advanced divers get their dose of adrenaline when diving the waters around Darwin island and Wolf island because the currents are so strong you have to grab onto rocks to stay in position. However, this challenging dive is awarded with the most amazing marine diversity.
Shark lovers are greeted by over 28 species of sharks but there are also eagle rays, barracuda and species indigenous to the Galapagos Islands like the red-lipped batfish and Galapagos clingfish. Seeing so many different species in one place is definitely worth the trip and physical effort.
| Depth | 50 – 70 ft |
| Visibility | 30 – 100 ft |
| Temperature | 75°F – 82°F |
| Best Diving Season | January – May |
5. Rich Biodiversity at CapeKri, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
The Raja Ampat Islands are world famous for their incredible dive spots and Cape Kri is one of the prime locations. It holds unmatched biodiversity with Dr. Gerry Allen setting a record of number of species spotted on a single tank dive.
The most common water creatures are barracuda, giant trevally, tuna, Napoleon wrasse, seahorses, scorpion fish, lion fish, batfish, blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles and banded sweetlips.
However, the list of possible spottings when diving in Raja Ampat is nearly endless so expect to be amazed.
| Depth | 100 – 130 ft |
| Visibility | 100 ft |
| Temperature | 82°F – 86°F |
| Best Diving Season | October – April |
Most of these diving hotspots are meant for more experienced divers but even the advanced diver should take the necessary precautions and come equipped, like for instance getting themselves the best dive bag for travelling to protect their equipment.
The guide is aware of the currents and the best underwater route which you will come to appreciate, especially on the more difficult dives like by Darwin and Wolf or Cape Kri.
This scuba diving bucket list serves as great inspiration for your next dive vacation. There is always more to discover when underwater.
