The world is full of dive sites so trying to determine the “best” scuba diving locations is hard. We conducted in-depth research to identify some of the preferred sites by beginner, intermediate, and advanced divers to share with you. All of these locations offer something unique and exciting. Therefore, whether looking to dive from shore or from a boat, or with a friend or family, you will find all of these choices to be exceptional.

Mexico (Baja California Sur and Cabo San Lucas) – Swimming with scalloped hammerhead, moray, and balloon fish is just one of the exciting aspects of this dive site. These adjoining waters offer an ecological crossroads where mammals and big fish come together in the shallow Cabo waters. For divers, there are areas around the Anegada Rock where there is beautiful black coral. Although magnificent all year round, the best time to dive in these waters for visibility is from late summer to early fall.

British Virgin Islands – With incredible shipwrecks and the opportunity to swim around sharks and barracudas, you do not want to pass up a chance to visit the British Virgin Islands. With famous wrecks such as the RMS Rhone, which was featured in the movie “The Deep” and the Chikuzen, among others, you will find diving there an amazing experience.

Bonaire Netherlands Antilles – Known as a diver’s paradise, the underwater exploration there is like none other. The sites are prime for colorful invertebrates, unspoiled coral systems, soft coral, and all types of tropical fish. With water temperatures hovering around 80 degrees all year round, you will have a fabulous time diving no matter when you go.

Turks and Caicos – There, be prepared to see humpback whales, sea turtles, eagle rays, and more while diving. Because the traffic to these islands is low, you will find the diving exceptional on unspoiled beaches. The environment is pure and clean and feeding is discouraged so marine life is preserved. The overall experience for diving is different from other areas in that it is all so natural and untouched, leaving you with a special diving memory.

Belize – The horse-eye jacks, manta rays, sea turtles, and coral are the favorite things for divers in these waters. However, the biggest draw is the barrier reef, the second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. This reef stretches 185 miles long, providing divers a chance to venture through tunnels through connecting pieces of large coral formations. The Hot Chan Marine Preserve is one of the greatest dive spots for all skill levels, whether diving in the day or at night.

The Bahamas – With more than 700 islands and 2,500 small cays, divers come from around the world to experience the Bahamas. There, you can dive and penetrate shipwrecks or swim around sharks and dolphins. In Andros, you will discover over 400 blue holes, which is the home to sea turtles, sharks, and rays or you can hit the prime season from December to May where water temperatures average 74 degrees.