Best place to learn scuba diving – Pro tips from around the globe

Searching for the best place to learn scuba diving? We have everything you need to know about starting your underwater journey!

During the COVID lockdown, we have found there is a renewed enthusiasm in people wanting to do more bucket list adventures and discover exciting places.

Are you thinking about learning to scuba dive? Now, are you wondering where do you begin?

There are so many options and we would like to give you an easy breakdown of everything you should consider when choosing for yourself where the best place to learn to scuba diving is.

Firstly, you will see there are many reputable dive centres offering courses from different training providers. PADI, SSI or BSAC are some of the most well known in the world. Cost varies and choosing who to go with can be dependant on your location. 

 

Maybe the best place to learn scuba diving is your local dive shop

We strongly advise firstly to look at your current location and even google local dive shops. You may be surprised that the best place to learn scuba diving is near you. The reason we suggest this is because local dive shops are a useful resource in helping you start your journey. Many of them do “introduction to diving” experiences where you can look at, feel and use the equipment in a safe environment such as a pool or bay area. They may also have a trip planned, which you can jump onto, or an instructor available so you can do a Referral Open Water course. 

A Referral course enables you to do all the theory whilst you’re still in lockdown and even participate in confined pool sessions which will give you all the skills and practice you need. Thus, you will be ready to travel abroad, enjoy your holiday and most importantly – dive. It really eliminates a drain on valuable holiday time. This means you can spend more days diving or exploring along once you are already familiar with the equipment and best practices.

So where do you go? Here is our in-depth guide and list of the best places to learn scuba diving.

 

Around the world – Reviewing all the best places to learn scuba diving

Photo of Koh Tao by Elisabeth Lauwerys

 

KOH TAO, Thailand

We know Koh Tao is on many lists for the beast place to learn scuba diving. And we definitely agree with this! It is especially great for backpackers on a budget. There is excellent diving and a great nightlife atmosphere. It has an abundance of reef life, you can even have a whale shark swim by on your dive if you are there in March-April.

Photo by Elisabeth Lauwerys

 

Average cost of your open water course 

11,000THB/ 350USD

Accommodation

Can usually be included in the price of your dive course or at a discount. There are mostly hostels but you can upgrade if you want a private room.

Photo by Elisabeth Lauwerys

 

Favourite dive sites

One of our personal beginner favourites is Twins which is just off the coast of Koh Nang Yuan. It is very shallow, starting at 5m going down to 20m. It is perfect for all levels of divers and if you’re lucky enough you may even encounter a turtle, but make sure to look in the anemones for the rare saddleback clownfish.

Japanese gardens – This site sits directly opposite the Twins, separated by a sand bar that joins the two peaks of Koh Nang Yuan. Unlike the Twins this site has hundreds of hard and soft coral formations making it the sanctuary for juvenile fish. Max depth is 15m.

Be sure to check out a few more of the top dive sites in Koh Tao, that you wouldn’t want to miss!

Photo by Elisabeth Lauwerys

 

How to get there

Koh Tao is located in the Gulf of Thailand. You can catch a flight from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani and take a ferry with Lomprayah or Seatran. Similarly, you can take the overnight bus to Sutat Thani pier from Bangkok which is not as daunting as you might think. Alternatively, you can fly to Koh Samui (a neighbouring island) and take a ferry from there.

  

UTILA, Honduras

Similar to Koh Tao it is great for backpackers on a budget. You will find that many people who travel here find it hard to leave. Its tropical beauty and chilled out vibes make you instantly feel at ease. It is an underwater paradise and the diving is some of the best in Central America. Again, like Koh Tao, it has resident whale sharks. In Utila, however, it is very likely you will see them nearly all year round!

Apart from the vibrant reefs, here you can see schooling Atlantic Spadefish, which are very friendly with divers.

Photo by Stephen J. Aynsley

 

Average cost of your open water course

350USD

Accommodation

Free for the first night, 6 dollars a night for a bed in a hostel.

Favourite dive sites

Black Coral Wall – a short 10 minute boat ride, it offers a shallow 5m level of reef then has a wall descend to 30 metres. It is one of the favourite sites as it offers an abundance of bushy black coral and deep water sea fans. It is very common to sight the resident turtle or have an eagle ray or two swim by. 

Photo by Anthony Caballero

 

Duppy Waters – Duppy means “ghost” in Patois. The dive site is situated on the north side of the island. It is a gem for diversity of marine life and huge giant barrel sponges. Most diving on Utila is a wall formation at 8m. Following a sand channel it drops to 12m-18m before the wall descends even further. It creates a great channel for schools of creole wrasse, barracudas, massive black groupers and you may even spot a nurse shark.

How to get there

Utila is one of the Bay Islands in the Caribbean and is situated off the coast of Honduras. It is easy to fly to San Pedro Sula, La Cieba or Roatan then get a connecting ferry with Utila Dream.

 

MARSA ALAM, Egypt

Offering some of the best diving in the Red Sea and in Egypt, Marsa Alam is definitely one of the best places to learn scuba diving. Most of the dive sites are unspoiled and pristine. As it is much quieter than Sharm El Sheik or Hurghada, it is a sanctuary for divers and holiday makers alike. So it might be time to go away from the crowds of tourists and bustling cities and head to Marsa Alam.

Photo by Nicolas Cesaroni

 

Average cost of your open water course

400USD

Accommodation

It is best to look at all inclusive resorts as this is a remote location. Package deals are around 40USD a night.

Favourite dive sites

Abu Dabbab – is one of the most famous sites offering a shallow dive from 4m-18m. It is where you can dive with the vary rare and endangered Dugong (sea cow). Giant green turtles and guitar sharks are also known to pass through. In addition to this, you can also spot more macro (small) species such as seahorses and pipe fish. Abu Dabbab is a very special spot and a must dive!

Photo by Marina Treyer 

 

Dolphin House / Sha’ab Samadai Reef – Again a very popular site amongst divers. It lies at a depth of around 10 meters so it is perfect for divers of all experience. With the name you have already guessed the highlight of this dive is that it is one of the best places to experience and observe spinner dolphins.

Photo by Joanna Czogala

 

How to get there

Fly to Hurghada, Luxor or Marsa Alam airports and arrange a transfer with the resort you are staying in.

 

MALAPASCUA ISLAND, Philippines

Malapascua is on the bucket list for many divers as it is famous for thresher shark encounters. It is a little island getaway with an abundance of vibrant and diverse sea life.

Photo by Kevin Gacad

 

Average cost of your open water course

18,800PHP/ 380USD

Accommodation

Ranges from 10USD – 140USD a night

Favourite dive sites

Monad Shoal – This is a protected site and is one of the few shallow sites where it is possible to see thresher sharks on a daily basis. Having said that, the threshers are more likely to be found around 20m so the best opportunities for close encounters are therefore available to Advanced Divers (Open Water Students are only certified to 18m). Depending on the season, you could also encounter manta rays and devil rays. 

Photo by Kevin Gacad

 

Lighthouse – This site is perfect for beginners at 10m. It offers an abundance of sea life including mandarin fish, blue ringed octopus and cuttlefish. It is best to dive here at night or dusk as the site comes to life. Lighthouse is full of hard coral and that is when smaller animals start appearing from their hiding. There is also a chance of seeing the mating ritual of mandarin fish just before sunset.

Photo by Kevin Gacad

 

How to get there

Malapascua is situated in the Visayen sea and it is just across the north coast of Cebu. The easiest way is to fly into Mactan-Cebu International Airport and travel to New Maya Port by bus or private vehicle.

 

NINGALOO, Western Australia

Ningaloo is on the Western Coast of Australia. The Great Barrier Reef off the East Coast is far more famous and, in our opinion, unjustifiably overshadows the spectacular biodiversity that Ningaloo has to offer.

Photo by Naomi Rose

 

But Ningaloo is very special for divers. The reef is 260km long. It is a fringing reef which means it is situated closer to land than barrier reefs. It is a world heritage site and is where you can see over 500 species of fish in a range of big to micro including an amazing 300 species of coral. Not only can you see whale sharks and manta rays but the humpback whales pass through twice a year! Ningaloo reef is without a doubt one of the best places to learn scuba diving and fall in love with the underwater world.

Photo by Naomi Rose

 

Average cost of your open water course

550USD

Accommodation

There are many options for B&B’s or hotels ranging from 50USD and up.

Favourite dive sites

Asho’s Gap / Coral Bay – This dive site is a great place to see grey reef sharks’ cleaning station as there is a shallow gap of hard coral ridge to 12m so it’s a nice beginner dive. Other marine life like turtles and groupers, even a manta rays, also visit this site. It is perfect for sitting in the sand and just watching the show.

Photo by Naomi Rose

 

The Labyrinth / Lighthouse Bay – Along the coast, this site is located on the northern tip of Exmouth’s North West Cape and ranges from 10m to 18m. It is a maze of craters and swim throughs, perfect to see pufferfish, porcupine fish and octopus seeking shelter. You have to stay close to your instructor or guide as it is a labyrinth of reef to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for nudibranchs and moray eels. 

How to get there

Fly from Perth to Learmonth airport or travel along the north west coastal highway if you fancy a secluded 13 hour drive.

 

UMKOMAAS, South Africa

Umkomass is a small coastal town in the subtropical south of KwaZulu-Natal. Here is the amazing Aliwal Shoal Reef, a short 4km away and the Mission Blue Hope Spot which is believed to be 80,000 years old. Aliwal Shoal was also named on Jacques Cousteau’s top ten dive sites.

The area is mostly rock and corals, giving plentiful protection. As the Mozambique Current brings rich nutrients, there is a plethora of marine life here. You are guaranteed to see oceanic black tip sharks as well as green and loggerhead sea turtles. 

Photo by Andrea Kozlovic

 

Average cost of your open water course

400USD

Accommodation

13USD – 50USD a night

Favourite dive sites

North Sands – The depth is between 12m and 15m, making it a perfect site for all levels – even a popular choice for free divers and snorkelers. There is a deep drop-off which brings in a lot of marine life to the shallows. Lots of rays that visit this site and occasionally in the right season you may even see a tiger shark swim by.

Photo by Andrea Kozlovic

 

The Pinnacles – The average depth is 10m-15m. This site offers great diversity for divers of all levels. There are many caves and overhangs to be explored on this reef. It creates a great playground for fish nurseries, rays and shoals of fish.  

Photo by Andrea Kozlovic

 

How to get there

Umkomass is an hours ride from King Shaka International Airport in Durban.

 

GOZO ISLAND, Malta

Gozo is one of 21 islands that make up the Maltese archipelago. It is known as a tranquil haven with a rich history and some of the best diving the Mediterranean has to offer. The rocky topography results in rapidly shelving seabeds giving many opportunities to scuba dive from the shore.

Photo by Miranda Bowman

 

Average cost of your open water course

500USD

Accommodation

5USD – 80USD a night

Favourite dive sites

The Blue Hole – This site has some of the island’s best underwater rock formations. It is a slightly deeper dive as it gradually descends from 10m to 18m. The formations lead you to the clear blue waters. You will discover fantastic marine life from moray eels, octopus, schools of sea bream and much more.

Photo by Miranda Bowman

 

Inland Sea – A shallow lagoon, connected to the sea by a magical tunnel. The vertical walls of the tunnel make for an amazing scuba experience. This protected bay is an excellent starting point for your first dives.

Photo by Miranda Bowman

 

How to get there

There is no road connection to Gozo. The best way is to travel by ferry from Malta’s Cirkewwa Harbour. 

 

ANDROS ISLAND, Bahamas

Although Andros is the biggest island in the Bahamas, it has a smaller population than the other islands and it is virtually untouched. This provides a great sanctuary to many animals and marine life. The place has an authentic charm and unspoiled beauty along with one of the largest barrier reefs in the world and most stunning ocean trenches. The warm, crystal clear waters make it perfect for beginners and the shallow dive sites of Andros are definitely the best place to learn scuba diving. 

Photo by Isidora Dekalo

 

Average cost of your open water course

590USD

Accommodation

30USD – 70USD a night.

Favourite dive sites

Amphitheatre – The coral structure around the dive site is formed quite literally like the name suggests from depths of 8m to 18m. There is a sandy centre perfect for spotting a southern stingray or a goat fish. Larger fish can be found in the gullies which provide great swim throughs. Remember to keep an eye out as there could be a chance to spot the resident turtle swimming by.  

Photo by Isidora Dekalo

 

The Garden – This site is perfect for beginner divers and macro photography as it’s super shallow. Lots of corals and underwater flora and fauna. It is a garden teaming with life. Observe the fish nurseries and find smaller marine life in the crevices of rocks and corals which have heads like butterflies.

Photo by Isidora Dekalo

 

How to get there

Fly to Nassau and take the ferry over to Andros. Alternatively, you can also take a domestic flight to Congo Town.

 

SIPADAN, Malaysia

Often mentioned as one of the best dive sites in the world. “It is an untouched piece of art” according to Jacques Cousteau. With spectacular reef walls going as far down as 600m, you will find dozens of turtles, patrolling reef sharks and thousands of jacks schooling through. 

Photo by David Guillemet

 

Average cost of your open water course

350USD

Accommodation

Stay in the huts on stilts out over the water – the sea is then on your doorstep (literally). It’s a little more pricey, but most would say it’s worth it – 50USD and above.

Favourite dive sites

Barracuda Point– A Sipadan treasure amongst the dive sites which varies from 10m to 25m and beyond. Here you will find yourself amongst the schooling barracuda as they create a vortex of swirling motions. This is rather mesmerising to watch.

Photo by David Guillemet

 

Hanging Gardens – On this dive you will find yourself submerging to a drop-off on the edge of the darkness – the depths beyond the wall continue out of sight, plunging to the abys. Hanging Gardens is an underwater photographer’s paradise as you will find gorgonian and alcyonaria fans hanging on the wall and among them microlife nesting on the branches and polyps.  Spend some time looking out to the blue as you may spot grey reef sharks and even a school of hammerheads passing through.

How to get there

It does require some effort to get to Sipadan. Most fly to Tawau and head to Semporna where you can catch a ferry over.

 

LITTLE CAYMAN, Cayman Islands

One of the three Cayman Islands located in the Western Caribbean, Little Cayman is an escape from the bustling tourists on Grand Cayman. It hosts a more relaxed and calm Caribbean vibe. Only being around 10 miles long and one mile wide, it offers several dive sites accessible from the shore. You can row out to the unofficial fourth island, Owes Island, offering pure untouched perfect serene seascapes.  

Average cost of your open water course

370USD

Accommodation

It is rather pricier in the Cayman Islands – you could be looking at 100USD a night or more.

Favourite dive sites

Bloody Bay Wall – This dive site is in the protected marine park and is named after a naval battle. Don’t let the name scare you though. This site boasts a spectacular combination of marine life and unmatched visibility. There is a sheer drop that goes deep down past 2000m. It is otherworldly with neon yellow sponges and giant fans. Bloody Bay Wall is a perfect site to see lobster, groupers, turtles and spotted eagle rays.

Photo by Reoneil Fuentes

 

Jackson’s Bight – Also located in the marine park and just as spectacular. It offers chutes, tunnels and crevices. There is plenty to see from sail fin blennies, peacock flounders, garden eels and even a sleek Caribbean reef shark swimming by.

How to get there

There are no ferries, but you could arrange a private transfer from Grand Cayman or fly to the island.

 

A few more options, which might be the best place for you to learn scuba diving

We’d like to add a few honourable mentions to the list. Here are some more stunning destinations, which definitely deserve a spot in the list of best places to learn scuba diving.

 

GILI TRAWANGAN, Indonesia

Gilli T has a great backpacking scene with a small range of clubs, bars and, of course, dive centres. The water is so clear and warm and its perfect tropical water feeds the abundance of marine life. If you love turtles this is the best place to learn scuba diving as on most dives you will be able to dive with them. Gili T is a very popular dive destination. You would be able to stay in decent accommodation at quite a cheap price and the average price for your Open Water is around 400USD.  

Photo by Jamie Schlotterer

 

GUAM, Micronesia

You can easily fly from the USA to Guam and its warm pleasant waters and calm conditions make it a great all year round destination. There are many shore dives to explore and a lot of sites are untouched, making it the perfect playground for lots of marine life. You are looking at spending around 350USD to do your Open Water course here and accommodation prices do range depending how luxury you are wanting to go.

Photo by Mark Passeri

 

PUETRO MORALES, Mexico

Puerto Morales is just a short journey from Cancun and hiding some of the better diving that Mexico has to offer. It is quieter than the better known tourist-filled resorts of Cancun and Playa del Carmen and it offers great shore diving. It is the gateway to the best-preserved section of the second largest barrier reef system – The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. There will be plenty to delight you on your first underwater experience. The average cost for the Open Water course is 400USD.

Photo by Nicolas Cesaroni

 

NORTH MALE ATOLL, Maldives

North Male is the best explored region of the Maldives with brilliant dive sites and corals that are healthy and colourful. It attracts most divers for the chance to see manta rays doing their rare cyclone feeding formation.

Photo by Isidora Dekalo

In addition, whale sharks, hammerheads and hawksbill turtles often circulate these waters. The cost of visiting and diving in the Maldives is a little higher due to the popularity and picturesque resorts. The average price for an Open Water course is around 550USD. But if you are ready to have your mind blown, then the Maldives are definitely the best place to learn scuba diving.

 

AQABA, Jordan

Although Jordan only occupies a small part of the Red Sea coastline, the diving here is mostly situated in a marine park. With gorgeous reefs from shallow to deep canyons there is something for every diver. There is a massive variety of fish and amongst other creatures, divers are able to interact with the feather tail stingray and pygmy slug nudibranchs. Aqaba is also home to 25 wrecks, most of which are suitable for beginners.

Photo by Omar Madain

Also, it is worth booking a trip from here to visit the archaeological site of the “Rose City” Petra as well as the Wadi Rum desert. Open Water course prices vary from as cheap as 400USD to 600USD.

 

LUNDY ISLAND, United Kingdom

You may be wondering why we mention the UK with all these amazing destinations? Well, we believe it deserves a mention. If you do your Open Water course in the UK, you are definitely in for a different experience. Your open water dives are likely to be split between Lundy Island and a UK inland dive site.

Photo by Megan Beer

It is a relatively shallow dive 7m-10m but there is a high chance you will be able to interact with and observe the resident Atlantic grey seals. This isn’t at all a reef dive. Rather, you will find yourself swimming through the kelp forests. It’s especially amazing to look up through the kelp whereby the light creates an ethereal scene. Best to dive in the summer months and it will cost you around 400GBP / 500USD 

 

About the author

Alex Rollitt, aka Underwater Blondie, has been lucky enough to travel, work as a Master Scuba Diver Trainer and dive at some of the best dive sites in the world (including some of our favourite sites above as well as Gili Trawangan, Nusa Penida in Bali Indonesia, The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Koh Tao and Phi Phi Island in Thailand, Utila in Honduras, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum in Mexico).

Alex now resides in the UK and is working on her new company Underwater Blondie, which specialises in offering diving course retreats where you can travel and learn to dive with ease. 

If you have questions about the best place to learn scuba diving, feel free to leave us a comment below!