What is the best time of year for scuba diving holidays?

It depends on the region — the Red Sea is great year-round, while Indonesia peaks between October and April.

Do I need to be certified to go on a scuba diving holiday?

Most destinations offer beginner courses, but certification (like PADI Open Water) allows you to dive freely.

What’s the difference between a resort-based trip and a liveaboard?

Liveaboards access remote sites and include multiple dives daily. Resorts offer comfort and flexibility.

How many dives can I expect per day?

Usually two to four dives, depending on location and conditions.

Should I bring my own dive gear?

Bring personal gear like mask and fins for comfort; larger items can be rented.

Are scuba diving holidays safe?

Yes, when booked with certified operators and proper precautions. Jamie Wake Travel ensures vetted partners.

Can non-divers come too?

Absolutely. Many resorts cater to snorkelers and offer spa or cultural experiences.

What are the most iconic marine animals to see?

Mantas, whale sharks, hammerheads, turtles, and colourful reef fish are common highlights.

Are there any cold-water diving destinations?

Yes! Iceland’s Silfra Fissure and British coastal sites offer unique temperate dives.

How far in advance should I book my scuba diving holiday?

At least 6–12 months ahead, especially for liveaboards and peak seasons.

Scuba Diving Holidays: The Best Places for Diving in the World

Few travel experiences compare to the magic of descending into an underwater world alive with colour, movement, and mystery. Whether you’re finning past a shipwreck covered in coral, hovering alongside a gentle manta ray, or exploring a drop-off that seems to go on forever, scuba diving holidays offer the chance to explore our planet from a completely new perspective.

For ocean lovers and adventure seekers alike, scuba diving holidays are more than just trips — they’re transformative experiences that connect us deeply with nature. But with so many dazzling destinations across the globe, where should you go for the ultimate dive adventure? Let’s dive in and explore the best places for scuba diving in the world.

What Makes a Great Scuba Diving Holiday

Before we descend into the top destinations, it’s worth knowing what separates a good dive trip from a truly unforgettable one. The best scuba diving holidays combine stunning underwater scenery with smooth logistics, safety, and a touch of local charm.

Clarity and Visibility

There’s nothing like floating through gin-clear waters where visibility stretches 30 metres or more. Regions like Indonesia and the Red Sea are world-famous for their exceptional clarity, allowing divers to take in every detail of coral gardens and schools of fish.

Biodiversity and Marine Life

A thriving reef teems with life — from tiny nudibranchs to enormous whale sharks. Top scuba diving holiday destinations tend to sit within the world’s great marine biodiversity zones, like the Coral Triangle in Southeast Asia.

Variety of Dive Types

The perfect diving holiday mixes things up — think coral walls one day, wrecks the next, and maybe a thrilling drift dive after that. Variety keeps the excitement alive.

Accessibility and Safety

The best dive centres combine professionalism with warmth. Choose regions with reputable operators offering high safety standards, clear briefings, and well-maintained equipment.

Seasonality and Conditions

Every dive destination has a “sweet spot” for weather, visibility, and marine life encounters. Part of the fun is timing your trip to coincide with the best conditions — whale shark season in the Maldives, or manta migration months in Indonesia.

Conservation and Sustainability

Modern divers are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint. Seek eco-friendly dive resorts and liveaboards committed to protecting the reefs and supporting local communities.

If the ocean had a heart, it would beat in Raja Ampat. This Indonesian archipelago, located off West Papua, is home to the highest marine biodiversity on the planet. Scientists have recorded more than 1,500 fish species and 600 types of coralhere — more than anywhere else on Earth.

What Makes It Special

Every dive is a masterpiece. Expect dense coral gardens bursting with colour, curious reef sharks cruising past, and graceful mantas gliding through blue water. The reefs here are untouched, vibrant, and endlessly varied.

Signature Dive Sites

Cape Kri: One of the most biodiverse dive sites in the world.
Manta Sandy: A cleaning station where mantas swoop overhead in formation.
Blue Magic: A pinnacle dive where you might see schools of barracuda, tuna, and giant trevally.

Best Time to Visit

October to April offers calm seas and clear water, though diving is possible year-round.

Where to Stay

Misool Eco Resort is a world leader in sustainable luxury diving, operating its own marine protected area. Alternatively, liveaboards such as Arenui and Dewi Nusantara offer multi-day expeditions across remote reefs.

Ready to experience the world’s richest reefs? Jamie Wake Travel can arrange bespoke scuba diving holidays to Raja Ampat, combining eco-conscious resorts with seamless travel planning.

Tubbataha is pure, unspoiled ocean wilderness. Situated 150 kilometres offshore, it’s accessible only by liveaboard — a floating dive resort that takes you deep into the Sulu Sea.

What Makes It Special

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tubbataha is one of the world’s most pristine marine environments. The reefs are protected, the waters are crystal-clear, and marine life flourishes undisturbed.

Signature Dive Sites

Amos Rock: Home to dense soft corals and schools of snappers.
Wreck Site: A coral-encrusted shipwreck that teems with life.
Delsan Wreck: A hotspot for sharks, turtles, and sometimes even whale sharks.

Best Time to Visit

Mid-March to mid-June is the only diving window, when conditions are calm and visibility peaks at 40 metres.

Where to Stay

Liveaboards like Philippine Siren and Atlantis Azores provide comfortable cabins, expert dive guides, and multi-day itineraries through both the North and South Atolls.

➡️ Jamie Wake Travel offers expertly curated scuba diving holidays in the Philippines, pairing Tubbataha liveaboards with island-hopping extensions in Palawan.

Few destinations blend accessibility, affordability, and adventure quite like the Red Sea. For UK travellers, Egypt is one of the easiest scuba diving holidays to reach — yet its underwater landscapes rival the best in the world.

What Makes It Special

With warm waters, excellent visibility, and a rich mix of coral walls and historic shipwrecks, the Red Sea is a diver’s paradise. Expect thriving reefs, curious dolphins, and the occasional oceanic whitetip shark.

Signature Dive Sites

SS Thistlegorm: A WWII cargo ship wreck, now an artificial reef and time capsule.
Ras Mohammed National Park: Sheer walls dropping into deep blue.
The Brothers Islands: Famous for encounters with hammerhead and thresher sharks.

Best Time to Visit

April to November offers warm water and the best marine life encounters, though diving is year-round.

Where to Stay

Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada offer a wide range of dive resorts such as The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh. For experienced divers, a Red Sea liveaboard explores remote sites like Daedalus and Elphinstone.

Thinking of combining sunshine, culture, and underwater thrills? Ask Jamie Wake Travel about tailor-made Red Sea scuba diving holidays with full ATOL protection.

Remote, wild, and dramatic — Cocos Island sits over 500 kilometres off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, reachable only by liveaboard. This is big animal diving at its finest.

What Makes It Special

Cocos is one of the few places on Earth where you can see hundreds of hammerhead sharks schooling together. Giant mantas, whale sharks, and even tiger sharks are also common visitors.

Signature Dive Sites

Alcyone: Hammerhead central.
Manuelita: A cleaning station buzzing with activity.
Dirty Rock: Schools of jacks and tuna shadow your every move.

Best Time to Visit

June to December brings nutrient-rich waters and the biggest shark action, though visibility is reduced. January to May offers clearer water and calmer seas.

Where to Stay

Only liveaboards such as Undersea Hunter and Sea Hunter operate here, offering week-long expeditions in luxury comfort.

For thrill-seekers and advanced divers, Jamie Wake Travel can arrange unforgettable liveaboard scuba diving holidays to Cocos Island — safely, smoothly, and sustainably.

Palau’s warm blue waters are a dream for divers who crave variety and adventure. Known for its dramatic underwater landscapes, Palau combines reefs, drop-offs, WWII wrecks, and marine megafauna.

What Makes It Special

Palau pioneered one of the world’s first shark sanctuaries and remains a leader in marine conservation. The currents bring nutrients that attract sharks, mantas, and vast schools of fish.

Signature Dive Sites

Blue Corner: Perhaps the most famous dive in the Pacific, known for thrilling drift dives and pelagic encounters.
German Channel: Manta cleaning stations in shallow water.
Ulong Channel: A gentle drift through a coral garden filled with life.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round diving, with the best visibility between November and April.

Where to Stay

Palau Pacific Resort and Palau Royal Resort combine comfort with easy access to top dive operators. Liveaboard options like Ocean Hunter III explore the archipelago’s hidden gems.

Jamie Wake Travel crafts custom scuba diving holidays to Palau, ensuring you experience the best sites with trusted, conservation-minded partners.

Closer to home for many Western travellers, Belize offers some of the Caribbean’s best diving — and the world’s second-largest barrier reef system.

What Makes It Special

It’s a tropical mix of vibrant coral gardens, playful nurse sharks, and calm conditions perfect for beginners. Advanced divers can explore the legendary Great Blue Hole, a massive underwater sinkhole made famous by Jacques Cousteau.

Signature Dive Sites

Turneffe Atoll: Macro paradise with eagle rays and turtles.
Lighthouse Reef: Healthy coral and plenty of colour.
Great Blue Hole: A surreal descent into the deep, surrounded by reef sharks.

Best Time to Visit

April to June offers calm seas and whale shark sightings.

Where to Stay

Turneffe Island Resort and Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort are ideal bases for luxury diving and eco-adventures.

From rainforest to reef, Jamie Wake Travel can build tailor-made scuba diving holidays to Belize — combining culture, comfort, and coral perfection.

Planning Your Scuba Diving Holiday

Liveaboard vs Resort-Based Diving

Liveaboards offer non-stop adventure, reaching remote dive sites far from the crowds. Resort-based diving suits those who prefer comfort and flexibility — ideal for mixed groups or couples where not everyone dives.

Certification and Experience

Most destinations cater to all levels, but advanced divers will enjoy more challenging sites. Make sure your certifications (PADI, SSI, BSAC) are up to date before you go.

Gear and Travel Logistics

Bringing your own mask, fins, and dive computer is worth it for comfort and familiarity. Most resorts provide tanks and weights; liveaboards usually include all gear.

Health and Safety

Always dive with reputable operators, follow safety limits, and take out comprehensive dive insurance. Jamie Wake Travel partners only with vetted, licensed providers.

Sustainable Diving

Choose eco-conscious resorts, avoid touching marine life, and support local conservation initiatives. Every responsible diver helps keep our oceans alive.

Booking Protections You Can Rely On

When booking scuba diving holidays through Jamie Wake Travel, your trip is fully ATOL-protected, ensuring financial security even in the rare event of supplier failure. Our Supplier Failure Insurance adds another layer of reassurance, so your holiday investment is always protected.

With Jamie Wake Travel, you’re not just booking a trip — you’re securing peace of mind, expert support, and a commitment to safety from start to finish.

Why Book Your Scuba Diving Holiday with Jamie Wake Travel

At Jamie Wake Travel, we believe your holiday should be as unique as you are. With decades of travel expertise and a passion for adventure, we handcraft scuba diving holidays that balance excitement, comfort, and safety.

Fully ATOL-protected and covered by Supplier Failure Insurance
Independent advice from UK travel experts
Partnerships with reputable, sustainable dive operators
Tailor-made itineraries designed around your goals and skill level
Continuous support before, during, and after your trip

Whether you’re dreaming of Indonesia’s coral gardens, Egypt’s wrecks, or the remote islands of Micronesia, Jamie Wake Travel can make it happen.

Call us today on 01495 400005 or complete our enquiry form to start planning your bespoke scuba diving holiday. You can also explore our online search tool to design your own trip — from reef to resort, made just for you.

Ready to Take the Plunge?

The ocean is calling. The only question is — where will your next dive take you?

What is the best time of year for scuba diving holidays?
It depends on the region — the Red Sea is great year-round, while Indonesia peaks between October and April.
Do I need to be certified to go on a scuba diving holiday?
Most destinations offer beginner courses, but certification (like PADI Open Water) allows you to dive freely.
What’s the difference between a resort-based trip and a liveaboard?
Liveaboards access remote sites and include multiple dives daily. Resorts offer comfort and flexibility.
How many dives can I expect per day?
Usually two to four dives, depending on location and conditions.
Should I bring my own dive gear?
Bring personal gear like mask and fins for comfort; larger items can be rented.
Are scuba diving holidays safe?
Yes, when booked with certified operators and proper precautions. Jamie Wake Travel ensures vetted partners.
Can non-divers come too?
Absolutely. Many resorts cater to snorkelers and offer spa or cultural experiences.
What are the most iconic marine animals to see?
Mantas, whale sharks, hammerheads, turtles, and colourful reef fish are common highlights.
Are there any cold-water diving destinations?
Yes! Iceland’s Silfra Fissure and British coastal sites offer unique temperate dives.
How far in advance should I book my scuba diving holiday?
At least 6–12 months ahead, especially for liveaboards and peak seasons.