7 of the world's most incredible scuba diving experiences

A realm where time slows and gravity seems to loosen its grip, the underwater world is one all travellers should explore in their lifetime. And where snorkelling skims the surface, diving pulls you into the deep. Scuba diving is a passport to an otherworldly dimension, where times slows a gravity seems to loosen its grip; where you can glide through schools of shimmering fish, trace the contours of coral cathedrals, or hover weightlessly above a sunken ship frozen in time.

You don’t need to be a seasoned adventurer to dive in — earning a PADI Open Water Certification is simpler than you might think, and you can start anywhere in the world, including the UK. With this gateway qualification, some of the planet’s most incredible dive sites are within reach. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, historic wrecks or geographical wonders, these seven diving spots offer a fantastic glimpse of the underwater world. The only question is which to visit first.

1. Explore the North Island of New Zealand’s majestic underwater peaks

With it's towering pinnacles and thriving marine life, New Zealand's waters are a must for divers, with options for every skill level. East of the North Islands' tip, you can swim through the iconic Blue Maomao Arch at Poor Knights Islands, accompanied by vibrant schools of the arches' namesake fish. For adrenaline junkies, the Alderman Islands’ Stingray Rock offers invigorating currents alive with mackerel and red moki. The cathedral spire pinnacles of White Island call divers to witness a seabed shaped by the geothermic forces of an active marine volcano.

Underwater alternatives: Africa’s São Tomé and Príncipe, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa all also boast world-class pinnacle diving that’s worth the plunge.

2. Conquer caves and caverns in Cyprus

With visibility stretching beyond 100 foot, Cyprus lures divers into a rocky landscape of rugged beauty. At Cape Greco, a series of tunnels dazzle with shafts of light cutting through crystal-clear waters, revealing moray eels and octopus. Near Paphos, 2,000-year-old ancient amphorae encrust the ceilings of Amphorae Cave, which reach a maximum depth of 40ft below the surface and are an ideal option for newer divers looking for their first cave experience. In the country’s east, Cyclops Cave is a stunning wall dive — alive with moray eels and darting squid — near the semi-submerged cavern said to have been the home of The Odyssey’s mythological Cyclops.

Underwater alternatives: Those who enjoy exploring the subterranean world can also head to Sweden, Denmark, Poland, the UK and Mexico for world-class cave diving. To ensure safe diving, consider a PADI Cavern Diver Course for further exploration.

(New Life-Forms Found at Bottom of Dead Sea)

3. Immerse yourself in the Maldives’ seagrass meadows

Beneath the postcard-perfect surface of the Maldives lies a hidden world of seagrass meadows — lush, swaying sanctuaries alive with life. With their calm, shallow waters accessible to all skill levels, seagrass diving blends tranquillity and biodiversity. These fields shelter juvenile fish, gliding rays and endangered green sea turtles, showcasing the Maldives’ less dramatic, yet arguably more mesmerising side. They also serve an impressive ecological purpose, storing carbon and shielding islands from erosion. Thanks to initiatives like Protect Maldives Seagrass, launched by Six Senses Laamu and the Blue Marine Foundation, over 37 resorts in the country now safeguard more than 225 acres of this vital habitat.

Underwater alternatives: For those eyeing a shorter fight, Spanish dive sites like Cabo de Palos are also home to vast seagrass meadows.

4. Experience hidden wonders in southern England’s lakes

While the lakes of England might not be obvious diving hotspots, their natural beauty and an array of hidden curiosities make for a unique underwater experience. At Vobster Quay in Somerset, explore the fuselage of an ex-Royal Navy Commando Sea King helicopter, a 50-ft-long shipwreck and aquatic life — including large schools of perch and roach — at depths from 20 to 120 feet. Beginners can hone their skills at Southampton’s purpose-built Andark Lake, with its jet-ski wreck, sturgeon and the bow of a 17th-century barge. And at Mercers Country Park Inland Diving Lake in Surrey, a submerged forest and thriving pike and perch await just below the surface. All these sites offer PADI courses, too, covering everything from open water to advanced technical courses.

Underwater alternatives: The Netherlands, Austria and Malawi promise equally captivating lake adventures for those who can’t get their fill of freshwater.

5. Uncover ancient history beneath Greece’s waters

Greece’s waters are a time capsule, offering divers a rare chance to explore ancient sites. These dives blend adventure and education, plunging you into millennia of human history. At Cape Glaros, in the Pagasetic Gulf, pottery shards and weathered anchors tell stories of long-lost maritime trade. Nearby, at Kikynthos islet, just off the coast of Amaliapolis, a mound of amphora fragments whispers of commerce from the early Christian era. With crystal-clear waters and carefully managed access, Greece transforms the sea into a living museum, perfect for explorers and history-lovers ready to dive into the past.

Underwater alternatives: Ancient history is embedded across the Mediterranean Sea, but a standout spot is the Submerged Archaeological Park of Baia, near Naples, Italy.

6. Encounter dugongs in Egypt’s thriving coral reefs

In Egypt’s Red Sea, dugongs — gentle ‘sea cows’ — graze on vibrant seagrass beds in tranquil shallows. These peaceful mammals offer rare, unforgettable encounters, surrounded by coral reefs alive with technicolour fish. Egypt’s reefs, which cover almost 100,000 acres, are among the most resilient in the world and the $14 million Egyptian Red Sea Initiative aims to ensure they stay in good shape by protecting almost 247,000 acres of reefs and aiding local restoration projects. From spending serene moments observing dugongs to exploring the kaleidoscope of reef biodiversity and learning about coral reef conservation, Egypt offers a diving experience rich in wonder and purpose.

Underwater alternatives: The Calauit and Dimipac Islands near Coron, in the Philippines are home to dugongs, as well as coral gardens and seagrass beds.

7. Dive into Malta’s underwater time capsules

With impressive visibility and easy shore access, Malta is home to year-round wreck diving, a thrill for divers of every level. The islands' waters have gained a reputation among European divers as a gateway to fascinating historic sites beneath the surface. Descend upon the HMS Maori, a Second World War destroyer, at 52 feet, or dive to the Um El Faroud, a colossal oil tanker that sits at 118 feet. Meanwhile, the former passenger ferry Karwela, just south-east of Gozo, captivates with its photogenic staircase and well-preserved Cold War-era engine room.

Underwater alternatives: The Bahamas, Greece and the UK also promise plenty of shipwreck dive sites for those ready to explore submerged decks.