Beach Insider’s Diving Guide

Putting on scuba gear and sinking below the waves is like trespassing on an alien world. There are strange creatures, neon colors, and bizarre rock formations. And the best thing is that the world’s most fascinating marine landscapes are usually off the coast of the world’s most beautiful, sunkissed beaches. Whether you’re a fresh-faced beginner or a grizzled sea-dog, use this guide to get to grips with the best dive sites around.

Every new diver should get their hands on a PADI certification. These internationally recognized certificates are offered at dive schools all over the world. With a higher-level qualification, you’ll be able to make deeper and more complex dives. If you’re a complete beginner, expect diving instructors in big resorts to give you your first lessons in a swimming pool – but if you head to the smaller dive schools around Ko Tao or Kota Kinabalu in Thailand, you’ll be splashing in the tropical shallows from the word go.

Guide to the Best Dive Sites

For anyone on the North American continent, Florida is the most accessible diving destination. With warm waters and some beautiful marine flora and fauna, Florida is an excellent place to learn. For the more adventurous divers, the seas around Florida are filled with fascinating, eerie shipwrecks to explore. Hawaii is the other great diving center in the US. There are some beautiful reefs around the island and no shortage of diving schools and rental shops. Cozumel Island, in Mexico, is surrounded by some of the clearest waters in the world, along with inexpensive accommodations and a vibrant backpacker scene.

The best place to check out Australia’s legendary Great Barrier Reef is definitely Heron Island, a landmass made entirely of coral, rising spectacularly out of the sea. Ko Tao, Thailand, is a great chilled-out spot, good for casual divers and experts alike. Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos islands offers a relaxed Caribbean vibe along with some beautiful dives. And for all real conoissuers, nothing can compare to Sipadan, off the coast of Malaysian Borneo. With beautiful reefs, countless wild turtles, and some challenging cave-dives, Sipadan is pricey, but well worth it if you appreciate a truly amazing dive.