Dive into Adventure: Discover the World’s Best Scuba Diving Holidays

Scuba diving holidays offer more than just an escape to paradise – they open the door to an entirely different world. From coral-covered reefs to haunting shipwrecks, the oceans hold some of the most mesmerising travel experiences on the planet. Whether you're new to diving or you’re already advanced with your PADI certificate, finding the right destination makes all the difference.

Here at Jamie Wake Travel, we know that every diver dreams of somewhere special. That’s why we tailor every scuba diving holiday to suit your skill level, preferences, and sense of adventure. Let’s explore the best spots across the globe where your diving dreams can come true.

What Makes a Great Scuba Diving Holiday?

Choosing the right diving destination depends on your goals. Do you want calm, shallow reefs ideal for beginners? Or are you seeking thrilling drift dives or deep wrecks? It also depends on water clarity, marine life, and local dive schools.

Here are some key things that define a top scuba diving location:

• Warm water temperatures and great visibility
• Rich biodiversity with colourful reefs and pelagic species
• Reputable dive centres offering certified instructors
• Marine conservation efforts and protected waters

To learn more about diving certification and safety, you can visit the official PADI website, which offers resources for divers of all levels.

From the South Pacific to the Red Sea, there are options for every type of diver.

Why Book Your Scuba Diving Holiday with Jamie Wake Travel?

When you book with Jamie Wake Travel, you're not just buying a holiday. You're securing a personal service from a team that cares. Our tailor-made scuba diving holidays come with exclusive protections and peace of mind.

Every trip includes:

• Supplier Failure Insurance (SFI) and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI)
• ATOL protection, so your money is safe
• Access to 200+ trusted travel suppliers and tour operators
• Fully personalised service to build your dream itinerary

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a solo diving expedition, we’ll handle the details.

Top Destinations for Scuba Diving Holidays

Some places just stand out when it comes to underwater adventures. Here are some of the best destinations around the world where scuba diving holidays deliver unforgettable moments.

Maldives: Coral Gardens and Whale Sharks

The Maldives is a top choice for scuba diving holidays, known for its clear water, coral atolls, and encounters with gentle giants like manta rays and whale sharks. Currents range from mild to strong, making it ideal for all levels.

Highlights:

• Manta Point and Banana Reef
• Year-round visibility up to 40 metres
• Dive resorts with house reefs

Hotel Suggestion: LUX South Ari Atoll This barefoot luxury resort has a fantastic house reef and on-site dive centre. Villas over the water add a touch of indulgence.

Ask us about special offers on Maldives diving escapes from the UK. We have incredible packages with trusted suppliers ready to explore.

Egypt: Red Sea Adventures in Sharm El-Sheikh and Marsa Alam

Egypt offers some of the best scuba diving holidays for UK travellers. It’s close, affordable, and bursting with marine life. The Red Sea is famous for wrecks like the SS Thistlegorm and vibrant coral reefs.

Top Sites:

• Ras Mohammed National Park
• Elphinstone Reef (for shark sightings)
• SS Thistlegorm Wreck (advanced divers)

Hotel Suggestion: Sunrise Montemare Resort Adults-only with direct beach access and a professional dive centre. Perfect for couples and groups.

Let us tailor a Red Sea diving holiday just for you, including flights, transfers, and hand-picked accommodation options.

Indonesia: Biodiversity in Raja Ampat

For sheer marine biodiversity, nothing compares to Raja Ampat. It’s a remote but rewarding destination for experienced divers. Expect over 1,300 species of fish, vibrant coral gardens, and rare critters.

Highlights:

• Misool Marine Reserve
• Manta Sandy and Cape Kri dive sites
• Incredible macro and wide-angle photo opportunities

Hotel Suggestion: Papua Paradise Eco Resort Set on its own island, this eco resort offers overwater bungalows and daily guided dives.

Ready to explore Raja Ampat? Ask us about combining it with a cultural stop in Bali or Java.

Mexico: Cenotes and Caribbean Reefs

Mexico is ideal for a mix of reef, wreck, and cavern diving. The cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula offer unique freshwater experiences unlike anywhere else. Cozumel and the Riviera Maya are packed with vibrant marine life.

Where to dive:

• Dos Ojos and The Pit (cenotes)
• Palancar Reef in Cozumel
• Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA)

Hotel Suggestion: Secrets Aura Cozumel An adults-only all-inclusive resort with direct beach access and excellent diving services.

We can help you build a twin-centre Mexico diving holiday, combining relaxation and discovery.

Thailand: Accessible and Affordable Diving

Thailand offers excellent value for scuba diving holidays. It’s beginner-friendly but has thrilling options for advanced divers too. From the Similan Islands to Koh Tao, the waters are warm and full of surprises.

Diving Highlights:



• Richelieu Rock (whale shark sightings)
• Chumphon Pinnacle (Koh Tao)
• King Cruiser Wreck (Phuket)

Hotel Suggestion: The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani Spacious rooms, beachfront location, and on-site dive partners make this ideal for families and couples alike.

Let Jamie Wake Travel design your perfect Thai island escape. We have excellent rates with resorts and diving schools.

Australia: Great Barrier Reef Wonders

No list of scuba diving holidays is complete without Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This UNESCO World Heritage site is enormous, with hundreds of dive sites and year-round opportunities.

Must-Dive Locations:

• Cod Hole (for giant potato cod)
• Osprey Reef (advanced divers)
• Lady Elliot Island (beginner friendly)

Hotel Suggestion: Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island Right in the heart of the Whitsundays with reef access and luxury comforts. Great for combining land and sea adventures.

Ask us about reef cruises and liveaboard diving holidays in Australia – they’re perfect for serious underwater explorers.

Philippines: Wrecks, Reefs, and Rare Creatures

The Philippines is a treasure trove for scuba diving holidays, offering a wide range of dive experiences across over 7,000 islands. From vibrant coral gardens to eerie WWII wrecks, the waters are warm, the visibility is good, and the marine life is spectacular.

Top Sites:

• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (UNESCO site)
• Apo Island (turtle haven)
• Coron Bay (sunken Japanese warships)

This destination caters to beginners and experts alike. Many dive spots are reachable by day boat, while others are best explored via liveaboard trips. You’ll find schools of barracuda, pygmy seahorses, and even thresher sharks if you’re lucky.

Hotel Suggestion: Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa

Set on a private peninsula with access to Coron Bay’s famous wreck diving. The resort offers luxury cabanas and a dive centre equipped for exploration.

Looking to uncover forgotten shipwrecks in the South Pacific? Our packages to the Philippines can include multi-stop itineraries and internal flights – just ask us to help build your dream trip.

Bonaire: The Caribbean’s Best Shore Diving

Bonaire might be one of the Caribbean’s lesser-known islands, but it’s a serious contender for the title of the world’s easiest diving destination. The island is surrounded by protected reef, and most dive sites are accessible directly from the shore.

Why it stands out:

• 80+ dive sites, many with coral just metres offshore
• Marine park protection keeps reefs in top condition
• Excellent visibility and calm waters year-round

It’s a great place for new divers or those who want to dive independently without needing a boat every time. The local dive operators are knowledgeable, and the island has a peaceful, friendly vibe.

Hotel Suggestion: Buddy Dive Resort

A diver’s dream. Unlimited tanks, shore diving from the house reef, and trucks to reach remote sites – all included. Spacious apartments offer comfort after long days underwater.

Ask about our full-service Bonaire diving holidays. We’ll package your flights, transfers, diving, and accommodation in one neat bundle.

Galápagos Islands: Dive with Evolution’s Icons



The Galápagos Islands offer a truly unique diving experience, with marine life that exists nowhere else. This is a destination for confident, experienced divers who want encounters with big species and surreal underwater landscapes.

Expect to see:

• Schools of hammerhead sharks
• Galápagos sea lions and penguins
• Marine iguanas and giant moray eels

The diving here is wild. Currents can be strong and conditions unpredictable, but the reward is an ecosystem like no other. Many trips are liveaboard-based, with expert guides and itineraries designed to access the best sites at the right times.

Hotel Suggestion: Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel (for land-based divers)

A chic eco-lodge with access to nearby dive centres. Great if you prefer comfort between diving day trips without committing to a boat stay.

Ready to tick off one of the most unforgettable scuba diving holidays on Earth? We’ll guide you through permits, logistics, and the best time to go.

Fiji: Soft Coral Capital of the World



Fiji is famous for its vibrant soft corals, friendly locals, and relaxed vibe. It’s a great option if you want world-class diving with the comforts of tropical luxury. Visibility is consistently excellent, and the waters are full of life.

Dive highlights:

• Rainbow Reef (colourful coral gardens)
• The Great White Wall
• Shark Reef Marine Reserve (bull and tiger sharks)

Many resorts in Fiji have on-site dive centres and offer unlimited diving packages. Whether you want daily boat dives or a few leisurely excursions, you can set the pace.

Hotel Suggestion: Volivoli Beach Resort
Specialist dive resort with reef access, gourmet dining, and rooms overlooking the ocean. Excellent value for both serious divers and casual snorkellers.

We can tailor your Fiji experience with island-hopping, romantic extras, or even weddings. Just let us know what you’re dreaming of.

Turks and Caicos: Wall Diving and White Sands

For pristine waters, laid-back island vibes, and dramatic underwater drop-offs, Turks and Caicos is hard to beat. The islands are ringed by walls that drop off into the blue, attracting big pelagics and endless marine activity.

Why divers love it:

• Grace Bay Wall and The Crack
• Excellent visibility year-round
• Humpback whale sightings (January to March)

It’s beginner-friendly, but with exciting sites for more experienced divers too. The white sand beaches are perfect for relaxing between dives.

Hotel Suggestion: The Palms Turks and Caicos
Upscale beachfront resort with a spa and gourmet dining. Dive trips depart right from the nearby marina, so convenience is key.

Talk to us about Turks and Caicos holiday options. We work with top tour operators to secure the best rates on this premium diving destination.

Jamie Says:

"I’ve sent so many customers on scuba diving holidays and the stories they share when they return are always unforgettable. The ocean has a way of changing you. Whether you're just starting out or ready to tick off your next big dive site, we’re here to make it happen."

French Polynesia: Dive into Pacific Paradise

French Polynesia offers some of the most remote and rewarding scuba diving holidays on Earth. With over 100 islands scattered across the South Pacific, it’s home to pristine coral reefs, pelagic species, and some of the clearest water you’ll ever see.

What makes it stand out is the diversity. In Rangiroa, divers often encounter dolphins, manta rays, and even hammerheads. In Fakarava, the currents attract grey reef sharks by the hundreds. It’s not unusual to dive in a channel flanked by walls of sharks while a swirling bait ball passes overhead.

Best dive spots include:

• Tiputa Pass (Rangiroa)
• Garuae Pass (Fakarava)
• Tikehau Atoll coral gardens

While these dives are often drift dives with moderate to strong currents, some are accessible to newly qualified divers with the right guide. And when you’re not diving, the islands themselves are like a postcard brought to life – white sands, lagoons, and overwater bungalows that redefine paradise.

Hotel Suggestion: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

This five-star resort blends luxury with sustainability. Overwater villas, panoramic views, and direct access to Bora Bora’s famous lagoon make it ideal for couples and honeymooners who want luxury both above and below the waterline.

We can help you design a once-in-a-lifetime diving escape to French Polynesia. Whether it’s part of a longer trip through the South Pacific or a dedicated diving adventure, we’ll handle every detail.

Belize: Barrier Reefs and the Famous Blue Hole

Belize might be small, but it packs a serious punch when it comes to diving. It’s home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world and the iconic Great Blue Hole – a sinkhole that’s become one of the most photographed dive spots on the planet.

Most diving takes place from Ambergris Caye or the quieter island of Caye Caulker. You can reach dozens of dive sites within 30 minutes, many teeming with nurse sharks, turtles, and spotted eagle rays. The reef system is colourful, healthy, and protected by marine park laws.

Top Sites:

• The Great Blue Hole (advanced divers only)
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve
• Turneffe Atoll

The beauty of Belize is that you can pair diving with rich inland adventures. After your underwater excursions, you might explore Mayan ruins, cave systems, or rainforest reserves.

Hotel Suggestion: Ramon’s Village Resort, Ambergris Caye

Styled like a Polynesian village, this resort is set in tropical gardens on a private beach. The on-site dive centre is one of the most experienced in Belize, with packages to suit all skill levels.

Want to mix reef dives with jungle treks and ancient ruins? We’ve got the perfect itinerary for you – let’s create it together.

Mozambique: Africa’s Hidden Dive Gem



For those who’ve already explored the usual diving destinations, Mozambique offers a refreshing alternative. The country’s long coastline along the Indian Ocean hides an abundance of marine treasures, from whale sharks to reef systems that are still largely untouched.

In Tofo and Vilanculos, you’ll find wide sandy beaches and easy access to spectacular diving. The waters are known for seasonal megafauna like manta rays and humpback whales. Reefs like Manta Reef and Giants Castle are favourites for experienced divers, but there are also gentle sites for beginners.

You won’t find crowded dive boats here. Most dives are small-group or even private. The remoteness is part of the charm – it feels like you’re discovering something truly special.

Top highlights:

• Whale shark sightings (Oct–Feb)
• Year-round diving with warm waters
• Easy pairings with South African safaris

Hotel Suggestion: Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel, Vilanculos

This oceanfront hotel offers sweeping views, lush gardens, and easy access to the Bazaruto Archipelago’s best dive sites. It’s also known for exceptional service and wellness amenities.

If you’re ready to try something a little different, Mozambique could be your next diving frontier. We’ll take care of everything from flights to guides.

Planning Tips for Your Scuba Diving Holiday

Here are a few practical steps to make the most of your scuba diving holiday:

• Check your certification level. Some sites require advanced open water.
• Pack your own mask and fins. It ensures comfort and fit.
• Take out diving-specific travel insurance. It’s a smart safety net.
• Choose destinations based on season. Marine life varies month to month.

You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy diving. But being prepared makes it safer and more fun.

Our Personal Service and Protections

When you book with Jamie Wake Travel, you're covered from the start. Every scuba diving holiday includes:



• ATOL-protected flights and packages
• Supplier Failure Insurance for peace of mind
• Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance included as standard
• Bespoke itinerary planning, so everything fits around you

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. That’s why every trip we build is created with care and attention to what you want.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Next Scuba Adventure

Whether you want to swim with manta rays, explore coral gardens, or dive a shipwreck, there’s a scuba diving holiday out there waiting for you. Our role is to bring it to life.

You can start planning your trip right now using the Jamie Wake Travel website. The search bar appears on every page, making it easy to build a trip that’s as unique as you are. But if you’d prefer to leave the planning to someone else, we’re only a call or a message away.

Phone us on 01495 400005 or fill in the holiday enquiry form to get started today.

Frequently Asked Questions