Top 10 Scuba Diving Destinations

Picking the top ten scuba diving destinations is largely a matter of opinion. I've picked a wide selection, some close to the U.S. and other more exotic, distant locations. Where ever you scuba dive, check the PADI website to find reputable dive shops. I'll give you an overview of each scuba diving location and then provide a link that provides information on where to stay, how to get there and other details.

Scuba Dive Cozumel

Cozumel has long been a favorite dive site. With its many reefs and clear water, Cozumel has long been a favorite of divers. It is drift diving, meaning the currents carry you along the reefs. If the current is gentle you'll have a very relaxing dive; however, if the currents are strong, then you may have a more intense dive experience than you had planned. Inexpensive flights to Mexico add to the popularity of Cozumel as a scuba diving site.

For more information: http://travel.latimes.com/interests/outdoor-adventure/clm/water-sports-ideas/scuba-diving-in-cozumel

Scuba Dive Fiji Islands

Fiji offers some of the best scuba diving conditions in the world year round. If you are an underwater photographer, Fiji is a place you will want to go. The Great White Wall and Yellow Tunnel are must-sees on your dive trip.

For more information: http://www.fijidive.com/wheretodive.html

Scuba Dive Grand Cayman

With clear visibility and a location in the beautiful Cayman Islands, scuba diving is a diver's paradise. You'll have longer bottom time because the reefs are relatively shallow along with the exhilaration of diving next to a 12,000-foot abyss. After your dive, you'll have many opportunities to explore the many shops and grab a bite or a drink at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.

For more information: http://www.cayman.org/scuba.htm

Scuba Dive Florida

If you are in North America and want to dive a little closer to home, try Florida. You'll see lots of marine life including rays, dolphins, and tropical fish. If you want better visibility dive the Gulf coast, if you want reefs and wrecks, dive the Atlantic coast.

For information on Florida's best diving spots, click here.

Scuba Dive Belize

Belize has not yet succumbed to excessive tourism so its marine ecosystems remain unsullied. The Blue Hole is one of the most famous scuba diving sites in the world.

For more information: http://www.scubadivingbelize.com/

Scuba Dive Great Barrier Reef

If you want to see the Great Barrier Reef in Australia head to Heron Island. You can walk in from shore on this casual and relaxed island and see all the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on your dive. Getting there is not easy, you'll need a short commuter flight and then a boat ride or helicopter ride, but for a very relaxing dive where you can see a lot at shallower depths for a longer bottom time, Heron Island is a once in a lifetime experience.

Click here for more information about Heron Island.

Scuba Dive Grand Turk

The Bahamas are gorgeous and Grand Turk offers wonderful year round scuba diving since it is sheltered from the strong currents. You'll enjoy manta rays and wall covered with brilliant corals and sponges at just 25 feet.

For more information: http://www.grandturkscuba.com/diving.htm

Scuba Dive Hawaii

When you scuba dive in Hawaii you'll see giant sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and whales. The visibility is not as ideal as on a sheltered island and the water is a bit chilly (you'll want a wetsuit), but the diving is grand and after your dive, you're in Hawaii so you can enjoy a luau.

Scuba diving is Hawaii is so big, they have a huge web site devoted to it - see it here.

Scuba DiveBonaire

If you truly want to get away from it all, dive Bonaire. It's mostly shore diving and you can enjoy the many reefs or one of the finest marine parks in the world. With the waters protected by the marine park, it doesn't get much more pristine than this. My diving instructor dives here regularly.

For more information: http://www.infobonaire.com/scubadiving.html

Scuba Dive Red Sea

For an exotic dive with 30 percent of the marine life only seen only in this area, the Red Sea offers a stunning scuba diving experience. You'll have a long plane flight, but you'll be amply rewarded and you'll be very close to Europe if you want to extend your trip.

For more information: http://www.gooddive.com/scuba_diving_directory_red_sea.htm