Beautiful reef and orange fish in Okinawa sea.

Scuba Diving 🤿

Collection of scuba destinations I’ve been to or heard of over the years

One of Indonesia’s last frontiers, featuring near-pristine reefs, strong currents bringing pelagics, and excellent muck diving in Kalabahi and Beangabang Bay. Diverse diving ranges from colorful walls to current-swept pinnacles. Possible encounters with hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, and even mola mola.

Location: East Nusa Tenggara, 1,000 km east of Bali Key sites: Great Wall of Pantar, Kal’s Dream, Sharks Galore, Clown Valley Best season: September to November (cold water upwellings increase shark sightings) Access: Fly to Kupang, then to Alor (Kalabahi)

needs research diving

Learned to dive in Amed in 2018. Great place to learn: nice protected beach, the reef is only ~20-30m from the shore and shallow. Also great for snorkeling. Easy to find accommodations steps from the beach.

Tulamben is nearby (slightly quieter apparently) & home to a famous shipwreck (which I snorkeled but didn’t get to dive).

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The Philippines’ largest atoll and second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world (34 km²). Remote reef system 30km off Occidental Mindoro, protected as Apo Reef Natural Park since 1996. Often called “Mini-Tubbataha”—one of the last remaining true dive frontiers in the Philippines.

Marine life: Grey reef sharks, whitetip/blacktip sharks, thresher sharks (rare), hammerheads (rare), manta rays (Nov-May at Manta Bowl), Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, dolphins, sea kraits (thousands at Hunter’s Rock during mating season Jun-Jul)

Key sites: Shark Ridge, Manta Bowl, Apo Island (south side), Barracuda Hill/Apo 29 (seamount), The Cathedral, Hunter’s Rock

Best season: January-April (dry season). Year-round diving possible.

Access: Best by liveaboard from Batangas or Puerto Princesa (often combined with Coron). Also day trips from Sablayan, Mindoro. No DIY—must coordinate with accredited operators.

needs research diving

A coral reef system in the Gulf of Mexico, north of the Yucatán Peninsula. Spotted it from the plane & found it later.

Access seems difficult, probably need to enquire locally in Merida

UNESCO site

needs research diving

Remote and relatively unexplored diving destination in Southeast Asia. Ataúro Island, north of Dili, offers pristine reefs with excellent biodiversity. The area sits within the Coral Triangle and features healthy coral systems with minimal tourist traffic.

Access: Via Kupang (West Timor, Indonesia) Can be combined with Alor diving from Indonesia before crossing to Timor-Leste (Alor Rock route)

needs research diving

Mexico’s largest coral atoll, located off the southern coast of Quintana Roo. Known for pristine reefs. Some crocodile sightings

Seems hard to get to, possible operator: https://xtcdivecenter.com/chinchorro/

needs research diving

One of Indonesia’s most remote and pristine dive destinations, accessible only by liveaboard. Features dramatic walls, seamounts, pinnacles, and beautiful coral gardens. The main attraction is schooling hammerhead sharks at sites like Suanggi, Hatta, and Manuk Island (also famous for sea snakes).

Key sites: Suanggi, Manuk Island, Hatta, Nil Desperandum, Banda Neira, Nusa Laut

Best season: September to November (hammerhead season; cooler water brings sharks)

Access: Liveaboard, usually booked way in advance (1y+), yearly move from Komodo to Raja Ampat via Banda over ~2 week trip (2 1-week leg usually)

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A stunning combination of soft coral reefs and macro life, with passing pelagics. Known as one of the best places in North Sulawesi to spot dugongs. Part of the classic North Sulawesi diving trio with Bunaken and Lembeh.

Location: North Sulawesi Highlights: Mix of macro and pelagics, dugong sightings, pristine reefs, soft corals

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Hidden gem on the southern tip of Sulawesi, still off the beaten tourist trail. Features vertical walls, strong currents bringing pelagics, and sheltered areas with excellent macro life. Pulau Kambing (Goat Island) offers wall diving to 60m+ with sharks constantly patrolling.

Location: Tanjung Bira, South Sulawesi (5-6 hours from Makassar)

Marine life: Whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, nurse sharks, grey reef sharks, eagle rays, stingrays, bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, turtles, tuna, trevallies, nudibranchs, seahorses. July-October “sharky season” can bring hammerheads, thresher sharks, manta rays, and mola mola.

Key sites: Cape Bira, Great Wall of Kambing, Pulau Kambing, Eagle’s Rock, Mola-Mola Point, Fish Market

Best season: July to October (big fish season, cooler water 24-27°C). December to mid-March can have strong west winds limiting site access.

Note: Strong currents at some sites—heed local guides’ advice. Also famous for traditional Phinisi boat building on the beach.

needs research diving

Spectacular wall dives with 90+ coral types, 390+ fish species, and abundant sea turtles. Walls drop from 15m to thousands of feet. Part of the North Sulawesi diving trio with Lembeh and Bangka.

Location: North Sulawesi, Bunaken National Marine Park

Best season: March to October (dry season)

Access: Fly to Manado (Sam Ratulangi International Airport) + short boat (arrange with hotel, public ferry is unreliable)

Also possible to go dolphin spotting as a day trip. Tons of shells can be harvested on the beach.

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“Island Born of Fire” — volcanic island in Northern Mindanao with more volcanoes per square km than anywhere else on earth (7 volcanoes, 5 villages!). Unique diving with volcanic formations, black sand beaches, and nearby white sand islets.

Marine life: Turtles, blue ribbon eels, frogfish, nudibranchs, basket stars, sea snakes, eagle rays, electric clams, mantis shrimp. Black coral gardens at White Island.

Key sites:

White Island: Uninhabited sandbar with black coral garden (6-25m)
Sunken Cemetery: 1871 volcanic eruption sank the old town—now marked by giant cross, cooled lava formations colonized by reef
Mantigue Island: Marine sanctuary, pristine snorkeling/diving
Old Volcano Wall, Tango Bay (macro), Jigdup (underwater hotspring!)

Best season: Year-round. October for Lanzones Festival. Access: Fly to Camiguin or ferry from Cagayan de Oro.

Dive center: Camiguin Souldivers (Recommended by Jorge ⭐)

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Magical cavern and cave diving in ancient Mayan sinkholes with crystal-clear freshwater (visibility up to 200m). The cenotes are entrances to the world’s largest underwater cave systems, including Sac Actun-Dos Ojos (215+ miles connected). Stunning light effects, stalactites, stalagmites, and haloclines where fresh and salt water meet.

Key cenotes: Dos Ojos (Barbie Line, Batcave), The Pit (deep dive, 30m+ light beams), Angelita (hydrogen sulfide cloud “island”), Gran Cenote, Chac Mool, Kukulkan, Tajma Ha, Casa Cenote, El Eden, Carwash

Requirements: Most serious operators will not take you without AOW & a check dive to protect the fragile formations in the Cenotes

Best season: Year-round (sheltered from weather). Occasional tannin changes after heavy rain (looks very cool if you’re lucky to catch that)

Access: Cenotes located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Most dive shops offer transport.

BONUS - Bull Shark Diving (Playa del Carmen): November to March, pregnant female bull sharks congregate in shallow waters (~24m) off Playa del Carmen, attracted by freshwater outflow from cenotes. Thrilling observation dives—no cage, no feeding by ethical operators. Advanced certification with 20-25+ dives recommended.

Operators: I’ve done a bunch of cenotes with Cyril from https://www.tritondiving.mx/en/. Also heard good things about https://thecenoteguy.com/

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World-famous WWII wreck diving destination in northern Palawan. On September 24, 1944, US Navy aircraft attacked a Japanese supply fleet hiding in Coron Bay, sinking 12 ships. Now some of the best-preserved WWII wrecks in the world at recreational depths (10-40m).

Wrecks: Irako (125m supply ship, the “jewel” of Coron), Akitsushima (seaplane carrier with visible AA guns), Okikawa Maru (170m, largest wreck), Kogyo Maru (freighter with glassfish swarms), Olympia/Morazan Maru (4 cargo holds), Lusong Gunboat (shallow, great for beginners), plus more Marine life: Coral growth on wrecks, glassfish, groupers, lionfish, barracuda, turtles

Best season: Year-round, but Mar-Jun has best visibility. Can be variable (5-15m common). Access: Fly Manila to Busuanga, then road transfer to Coron Town (~1 hour). Wrecks 30-90 min by banca boat. Can combine with Apo Reef liveaboard.

Note: I’d recommend diving with a team you know & picking your operator carefully. Getting silted out inside a wreck with all kinds of rusty sharp edges is not fun.

Also fun to rent a scooter and ride around the island. Ocam Ocam beach is pretty. The Maquinit hot springs are a cool spot at sunset. Siete Pecados is really nice snorkeling.

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World-renowned drift diving destination and part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (second largest in the world). Named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 dive spots in the world. Famous for effortless drift dives along spectacular walls, swim-throughs, and coral formations with visibility often exceeding 30m (100ft).

Marine life: Sea turtles (including 100+ year old resident loggerhead “Charlie”), eagle rays (winter months), nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, splendid toadfish (endemic), barracuda, large groupers, moray eels Key sites: Santa Rosa Wall, Palancar Reef & Caves, Columbia Deep, Punta Sur (Devil’s Throat for advanced), C-53 Wreck, Yucab

Best season: Year-round diving. Visibility typically 30-50m. Access: Ferry from Playa del Carmen (~45 min) or fly direct to Cozumel (CZM) Note: Drift diving is standard here—stay close to guide, carry SMB. Part of Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park.

Recommended: Jeff from Luska Diving

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The muck diving capital of the Philippines, rivaling Lembeh Strait in Indonesia. Black volcanic sand shores hide an incredible array of bizarre critters. A macro photographer’s paradise with hairy frogfish, blue-ringed octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, and countless nudibranchs.

Location: Negros Oriental, 15km south of Dumaguete City Marine life: Frogfish (hairy, clown, warty), blue-ringed octopus, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, seahorses, ghost pipefish, mantis shrimp, ribbon eels, nudibranchs galore, mandarin fish Key sites: Masaplod North & South, Secret Corner, El Dorado, San Miguel, Dauin Sanctuary, House reefs

Best season: October to June (October is octopus mating season). Year-round diving possible.

Access: Fly to Dumaguete, then 30-minute drive south Nearby: Apo Island (7km offshore) for pristine coral reefs, 400+ coral species, and sea turtles, underwater hot springs

Operator: I dove with La Tortue & that was great. They also offer lodging but were full when I showed up

Notes: rent a scooter & ride around the mountains, quite scenic

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Known as the “Whale Shark Capital of the World,” Donsol offers responsible, non-feeding whale shark interactions. Unlike Oslob, whale sharks here are wild and not baited, making encounters more natural (though not guaranteed). The nearby Manta Bowl at Ticao Pass offers diving with oceanic manta rays, whale sharks, and occasionally thresher sharks.

Location: Sorsogon province, southern Luzon Season: November to June (peak: February to May) Note: Snorkeling only in Donsol Bay; diving available at Manta Bowl (Advanced certification recommended due to strong currents)

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Premier shark diving destination in the Tuamotu Archipelago with no feeding or baiting (banned in French Polynesia). UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Garuae Pass (North): Widest pass in French Polynesia (1.6 km). Strong currents, schools of tropical fish, large Napoleon wrasse. Tumakohua Pass (South): Famous “wall of sharks” with 200–700 grey reef sharks congregating. Stunning coral gardens at shallow depths.

Best time: April to November (sunnier, drier). Grouper spawning in June–July attracts even more sharks. Water temperature: 26–28°C year-round

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World-renowned for big animal encounters including massive schools of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, Galápagos sharks, sea lions, marine iguanas, and mola mola. Darwin and Wolf islands are considered among the best shark diving sites on Earth.

Best season: June to November for hammerheads and whale sharks Access: Liveaboard recommended

Level: Advanced (strong currents, cold water)

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The world’s largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers off the coast of Queensland. Home to over 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, and numerous marine mammals. Popular dive sites include the Ribbon Reefs, Osprey Reef, and Cod Hole.

Needs more research, I’ve heard that the most accessible spots are no longer that good, liveaboard may be the only way to do this properly

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Part of the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park, declared a marine national park in 1977. Over 28 dive sites featuring hard and soft coral reefs, mangrove forests, and coastal lagoons.

Location: 46 km southwest of Cartagena

Notable sites: El Faro, El Farito, El Pargo, La Pared (impressive coral wall)

Marine life: Seahorses, sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays, occasionally hammerhead sharks

Best season: December to April (dry season, calmer seas, better visibility)

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Gateway to diving in the Andaman Sea with access to sites like Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, and the King Cruiser wreck.

Did a 2 dives with Apex Divers, but the conditions weren’t great. Wasn’t able to do Hin Daeng / Hin Muang which appear to be the premium sites in the area

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Less-developed islands in the Gulf of Thailand offering relaxed diving with good macro life and occasional whale shark sightings.

Location: Eastern Thailand, near Cambodian border

Needs more research

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Coastal town in Oaxaca with access to Huatulco’s bays and Pacific diving.

Location: Huatulco, Oaxaca, Pacific coast

needs research needs research diving

The main departure point for diving Komodo National Park, famous for manta rays, strong currents, and diverse marine life. Komodo dragons on land add a unique topside experience.

Land based ding: Blue Marlin, nice speed boats, $185 for 3 dives in 2025, 6AM start Liveaboard: had a great time on KLM Eliya from Scuba Junkie, booked last minute in Oct 2025

Location: Western Flores Highlights: Gateway to Komodo National Park

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The “Critter Capital of the World” for muck diving. Black volcanic sand harbors bizarre creatures: hairy frogfish, blue-ring octopus, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, rhinopias, and more. Part of the North Sulawesi diving trio with Bunaken and Bangka.

Stayed at Diver’s Lodge Lembeh, that was very nice

Location: Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi Best season: March to October (dry season) Access: Fly to Manado (Sam Ratulangi International Airport)

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Did a cool day trip from Cabo: 2 dives at the sea lion nursery with the sea lion pups + on the way back snorkel with the whale sharks. The additional driving from Cabo was a bit of an ass-beating, I’d probably stay in La Paz for a few days if I were to do it again.

dive mexico baja

Didn’t write good notes about who recommended this or why

needs research diving

The only place in the world where pelagic thresher sharks can be seen on a near-daily basis. These shy, deep-water sharks with distinctive long tails (half their body length) visit cleaning stations at Kimud Shoal and Monad Shoal in the early morning. Recent years have seen excellent sightings with sharks appearing shallower and closer than before.

Location: Small island off the northern tip of Cebu Marine life: Pelagic thresher sharks, tiger sharks (increasingly common at Monad Shoal), whitetip reef sharks, manta rays, devil rays, mandarin fish, nudibranchs, frogfish, seahorses, banded sea snakes Key sites: Kimud Shoal (current thresher spot), Monad Shoal, Gato Island (sea snake sanctuary), Japanese WWII wreck

Best time: Thresher sightings year-round, best visibility January to April. Early morning dives (6-9am) for sharks. Access: Fly to Cebu, then bus/van to Maya port (~4 hours), then boat to Malapascua (~30 min) Note: Advanced Open Water recommended for thresher shark dives (22-26m depth)

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Home to the world’s second-largest sardine run (after South Africa), available year-round just off Panagsama Beach. Millions of sardines form massive bait balls just 20-30 meters offshore, creating mesmerizing underwater tornadoes. Unlike South Africa’s seasonal migration, Moalboal’s sardines are present daily.

Location: West coast of Cebu Island, ~3 hours from Cebu City Marine life: Millions of sardines, sea turtles on nearly every dive, occasional thresher sharks and whale sharks hunting the bait ball, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks at Pescador Island Key sites: Sardine Run (Panagsama Beach), Pescador Island, House Reef

Best season: Year-round, but November to May (dry season) offers best visibility Access: Bus or taxi from Cebu City to Moalboal (~3 hours)

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Schools of eagle rays at “The Rays Corridor Drift” dive site. Best season for larger eagle ray formations: December-February (wet season but peak eagle ray aggregation). Also notable: humpback whales Aug-Nov, manta rays Apr-Jun, lemon sharks (now unpredictable since feeding ban in 2017). Diveable year-round, 26-29°C water temp. Access via ferry or short flight from Tahiti (PPT).

diving french polynesia eagle rays

World-class diving island 17km southeast of Bali, famous for year-round manta rays and seasonal mola mola (oceanic sunfish). Part of the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area since 2010 with over 800 resident manta rays.

Marine life: Reef mantas at cleaning stations (85%+ sighting rate), Mola Alexandrini (Bali sunfish) July-October, bamboo sharks, turtles, wobbegong sharks, blue-spotted rays, eagle rays, occasional whale sharks Key sites: Manta Point, Manta Bay, Crystal Bay (mola mola hotspot), Toyapakeh, Blue Corner, SD Point

Best season: Year-round for mantas. July-October for mola mola season (colder water brings them up). November-May calmest conditions. Access: 45 min speedboat from Sanur, Bali. Can stay on island or day trip from Bali.

Note: Strong currents and cold upwellings (water can drop to 22°C). Bring 5mm wetsuit. Advanced level recommended for some sites. Drift diving common.

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Recommended by Mark & Andrea

needs research dive philippines

Recommended by Mark & Andrea

needs research dive philippines

Hidden gem volcanic island off northern Sumbawa in the Flores Sea. Part of the Moyo-Satonda National Park (designated Marine Nature Park in 1999). Unique for its saltwater crater lake believed to have been created by the 1815 Mount Tambora eruption when a tsunami filled the caldera.

Marine life: Clown frogfish, lionfish, pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, sea moths, reef sharks, turtles Key features: Dramatic drop-offs, coral gardens, swim-throughs, volcanic underwater landscapes with bubbles escaping from volcanic vents

Best season: April to November (dry season, best visibility) Access: Typically visited via liveaboard from Bali-Komodo cruises, or charter boat from Sumbawa (Calabai harbor near Mt. Tambora). Often combined with Moyo Island, Saleh Bay (whale sharks), and Sangeang volcanic island.

Bonus: Spectacular sunset flying fox (fruit bat) colony departures, sacred crater lake for topside exploration.

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Often called the crown jewel of Indonesian diving, Raja Ampat (“Four Kings”) comprises four main islands—Misool, Batanta, Waigeo, and Salawati—plus over 1,500 smaller islands. Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, it holds the world record for fish species counted on a single dive (374 species at Cape Kri).

Marine life: Manta rays, reef sharks, wobbegong sharks, walking sharks (epaulette sharks), pygmy seahorses, whale sharks at Cenderawasih Bay Key sites: Cape Kri, Manta Sandy, Blue Magic, Sardine’s Reef, Mike’s Point, The Passage

Best season: October to April (calmer seas, best visibility) Access: Fly to Sorong, then boat transfer. Liveaboard recommended.

Muck diving: https://maps.app.goo.gl/m32KaXLL4HXfThm19

Recommended: Kri Eco Resort. Contact Oscar (dive guide): +680 770 7422

needs research diving

Thailand’s premier diving destination in the Andaman Sea—protected as Similan Marine National Park since 1982. Nine main islands plus offshore sites including the legendary Richelieu Rock and Koh Tachai. World-class visibility (15-50m), granite boulder formations, and exceptional pelagic action.

Marine life: Manta rays (Jan-Apr at Koh Bon), whale sharks (especially at Richelieu), leopard sharks, reef sharks, massive schools of jacks/barracuda/fusiliers, harlequin shrimp, seahorses, ghost pipefish

⭐ Favorite sites: Richelieu Rock (horseshoe pinnacle smothered in soft corals, Thailand’s #1 dive site), Koh Tachai (pyramid rocks, giant gorgonians, schooling fish)

Best season: Mid-October to mid-May (park closed during monsoon Jun-Oct)

Access: Liveaboard from Khao Lak (recommended for 4+ day trips) or day trips by speedboat from Khao Lak/Phuket. Richelieu Rock is ~100km from Similans. Accidentally ended up on a 95% Chinese liveaboard, would not recommend that.

Note: Koh Bon for manta cleaning stations, Elephant Head Rock for swim-throughs. Advanced sites have strong currents & possibly strong surge

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Off-the-beaten-track diving destination on the southwest coast of Negros Occidental, facing the Sulu Sea. Rustic charm, white sand beaches at Punta Ballo, and 30+ dive sites that see very few divers. Great for macro photography and relaxed diving.

Marine life: Hawksbill turtles (common), reef sharks, whale sharks (seasonal), nudibranchs, frogfish, ghost pipefish, barracuda, tuna, stingrays Key sites: Campomanes Bay Marine Protected Area, Punta Ballo reef, Danjugan Island (marine biodiversity + topside wildlife), Da West (deep dive with sharks/big fish), plus shipwrecks Features: Wrecks, caves, canyons, coral reefs. Good for beginners and experienced alike.

Best season: Year-round. Water 27-31°C. Access: Fly Manila to Bacolod (1.5 hrs), then van to Sipalay (~3.5 hrs). Can also reach from Dumaguete (4 hrs). Often combined with Dauin/Dumaguete muck diving.

Recommended by Jorge ⭐

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The “Mystical Island” offers some of the best and healthiest coral reefs in the Philippines. Escaped major typhoon damage in 2021 due to its sheltered location, leaving pristine hard and soft corals intact. With 22-23 Marine Protected Areas, this is an excellent destination for reef diving, wall diving, and macro critters.

Location: Central Visayas, south of Cebu and Bohol Marine life: Sea turtles (green and hawksbill), banded sea kraits, frogfish, nudibranchs, cuttlefish, ghost pipefish, barracuda schools, occasional whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays

Key sites: Paliton Wall (best sanctuary), Paliton Sanctuary, Tubod Sanctuary, The Cave, Coral Garden, Maite

Best season: Year-round, best conditions November to June

Access: Ferry from Dumaguete (~45 min) or Bohol/Cebu. Most dive operations in San Juan on west coast.

Operators: I dove with https://maps.app.goo.gl/EfWaJYj3qCQ8gsV39, which was very good but far from everything.

Note: Also known for mysticism, waterfalls, and healers—great topside activities. There’s a cool observation tower at the center of the island that is amazing for sunset.

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Often called “Mexico’s Galápagos,” Socorro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for incredibly friendly giant oceanic manta rays that actively seek interaction with divers. The archipelago includes four volcanic islands: Socorro, San Benedicto, Roca Partida, and Clarion.

Location: 400 km southwest of Baja California (Pacific Ocean) Marine life: Giant mantas (up to 7m wingspan), up to 12 shark species (hammerheads, silky, silvertip, Galápagos, tiger), bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales (Jan–Apr), whale sharks Key sites: The Boiler (San Benedicto), Roca Partida, Cabo Pearce, Punta Tosca

Best season: November to May (calmest seas). Jan–Apr for humpback whales. Access: Liveaboard only from Cabo San Lucas (24–28 hour crossing)

needs research diving

Current diving and reef exploration in northeastern Mindanao. Surigao sits at the junction of the Philippine Sea and Pacific Ocean, with nutrient-rich waters from deep ocean basins supporting dynamic marine life. Known for strong, thrilling currents.

Marine life: Diverse reef fish, soft and hard corals, pelagics attracted by nutrient-rich currents

Key features: Strong tidal currents (challenging but rewarding), volcanic underwater formations

Best season: Year-round, but check current conditions carefully

Dive center: JR Current Dive Center (Recommended by Jorge ⭐)

Note: Currents can be very strong—experienced divers only for some sites. Work with local guides who know the timing and conditions.

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Tropical paradise in the South China Sea, protected as a Marine Park since 1985. Some of Malaysia’s most beautiful and resilient coral reefs (6,000+ years old), with hundreds of fish species and thousands of invertebrates. Once ranked among the world’s most beautiful islands.

Marine life: Sea turtles (very common), blacktip reef sharks, nurse sharks, eagle rays, barracuda, bumphead parrotfish, cuttlefish (mating season Feb-Mar), nudibranchs, lionfish Key sites: Tiger Reef (famous pinnacle, schools of jacks/barracuda), Coral Island (Pulau Tulai), Renggis Island, Labas Island (swim-throughs), Chebeh, plus several wrecks

Best season: March-November (closed during Dec-Feb monsoon). Best visibility Mar-May and Sep-Nov. Feb-Mar for cuttlefish mating. Access: 35km off Malaysia’s east coast. Ferry from Mersing (2-4 hours) or Tanjung Gemok. Also accessible from Singapore.

Suitable for all levels. Shallow beginner sites to deeper walls and current-prone offshore pinnacles.

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One of the world’s premier dive destinations, Tubbataha is a remote marine sanctuary consisting of two large atolls and Jessie Beazley Reef (97,030 hectares total). UNESCO World Heritage Site. Features 100-meter perpendicular walls, 360 coral species (90% of Philippine corals), and abundant sharks including grey reef, whitetip, blacktip, hammerheads, and tiger sharks.

Location: Sulu Sea, 150 km southeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan Marine life: 700+ fish species, manta rays, sea turtles (nesting site), Napoleon wrasse, whale sharks Season: March to June only (calm seas; park closed rest of year) Access: Liveaboard only from Puerto Princesa Level: All levels, but currents can be strong

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Located 550 miles southeast of Miami, sits on an underwater plateau rising 7,000 feet from the ocean floor. Features dramatic wall diving with spur and groove coral formations. Grace Bay and Columbus Passage are standout sites with excellent visibility year-round.

Highlights: Wall diving, humpback whales (Jan–Mar), historic wrecks Marine life: Reef sharks, lemon sharks, hammerheads, sea turtles, seasonal humpback whales Notable wreck: HMS Endymion, an 18th-century British warship at 40 feet depth off Salt Cay

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Indonesia’s third-largest marine protected area and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (2012), located in the Banda Sea off Southeast Sulawesi. Name is an acronym for the four main islands: Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko. Home to Indonesia’s largest barrier reef system with extraordinary biodiversity—over 900 fish species and 750+ coral species.

Marine life: Pristine hard/soft corals, pygmy seahorses, mandarin fish, ribbon eels, frogfish, nudibranchs, cuttlefish, banded sea snakes, humphead parrotfish, barracuda, pilot whales (Dec-Apr). Famous for macro and coral photography.

Key sites: House Reef (world-class shore diving), Roma (coral garden with “Colosseum” potato coral formation), Fan Garden, Coral Garden, Magnifica, Lorenz’s Delight

Best season: March-December (peak Apr-May, Sep-Nov). Year-round diving possible. One of Indonesia’s driest regions—visibility rarely affected by rain (avg 30m).

Access: Private charter flight from Bali to Wakatobi Resort’s airstrip (2.5 hrs), or fly Bali→Makassar/Kendari→Wangi-Wangi then ferry to Tomia. Pelagian liveaboard operates exclusively here.

Note: Remote, uncrowded, pristine. Wakatobi Dive Resort is legendary for luxury + conservation. Local Bajo sea nomad communities. UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.

needs research diving