The world's best dive sites, our rankings

These are the dive spots everyone talks about. Editorial rankings instead of an A–Z list: the best wrecks, caves, shark and whale shark spots, picks for beginners and experts, every entry links straight to the full dive site profile.

The dives that stay with you forever

Some dives fade with the surface interval. Others replay in your mind for years, a whale shark drifting past in slow motion, a wall that drops into the blue, a wreck where history still breathes. These rankings are built for divers chasing those unforgettable moments.

World ranking

The top 30 dive sites in the world, the ones worth the flight

Thistlegorm, Barracuda Point, Blue Corner, Darwin's Arch, the 30 dive sites that define world-class diving. Every site with depth, current, access and the season that makes it worth the flight.

SS Thistlegorm

Egypt

The SS Thistlegorm is one of the world's most renowned shipwrecks, a British cargo vessel sunk during World War II. It lies in the Strait of Gubal, a narrow passage connecting the…

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 18–30 m
Theme: Wreck

Barracuda Point

Papua New Guinea

Barracuda Point in Papua New Guinea earns its name from the impressive schools of barracuda that aggregate at this specific reef headland, where converging currents create an exceptionally nutrient-rich environment.

Suitable for: Intermediate
Current: Moderate
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 5–30 m
Theme: Wall / Reef

Blue Corner

Micronesia

Blue Corner, located off the southwest reefs of Palau's Ngemelis Island, stands as one of the world's premier dive destinations, frequently listed among the best globally.

Suitable for: Intermediate
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 15–30 m
Theme: Drift / Wall

Darwin's Arch

Galápagos

Darwin's Arch, now marked by two columns after the arch's natural collapse in 2021, remains a legendary dive site in the northern Galápagos archipelago, about 1000km offshore.

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 13–28 m
Theme: Pinnacle / Wall

Cape Kri

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Cape Kri, situated off the northern tip of Kri Island in Raja Ampat's Dampier Strait, is a legendary dive site renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity.

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Ripping
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 5–40 m
Theme: Drift / Reef

SS Yongala

Australia

The SS Yongala, resting off the Queensland coast in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, is renowned globally as a top wreck dive destination.

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 14–30 m
Theme: Wreck

Richelieu Rock

Thailand

Richelieu Rock, often celebrated as Thailand's premier dive site, is a majestic, isolated pinnacle located within Surin National Park in the northern Andaman Sea.

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Strong
Access: Shore / dayboat
Depth: 5–35 m
Theme: Cave & cavern / Pinnacle

Hanifaru Bay

Maldives

Hanifaru Bay, located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, northwest of Malé, Maldives, is a shallow, keyhole-shaped lagoon known globally for its spectacular aggregations of manta rays and whale sharks.

Suitable for: Intermediate
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 3–5 m
Theme: Reef

South Pass - Fakarava

French Polynesia

Fakarava's South Pass, known locally as Tumakohua Pass, is a renowned drift dive located in the Tuamotu archipelago of French Polynesia, a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 22–24 m
Theme: Channel / Drift

Great Blue Hole

Belize

The Great Blue Hole, a globally renowned marine sinkhole, lies approximately 70 km offshore from Ambergris Caye, situated within the Lighthouse Reef Atoll in Belize.

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 10–40 m
Theme: Cave & cavern / Wall

Wreck diving

The 10 best wreck dives in the world, pure goosebumps

WWII freighters in Truk Lagoon, the Red Sea's Thistlegorm and Bali's Liberty, the wrecks divers plan a whole trip around. Sorted by fame, condition and how much of the ship you actually get to see.

SS Thistlegorm

Egypt

The SS Thistlegorm is one of the world's most renowned shipwrecks, a British cargo vessel sunk during World War II. It lies in the Strait of Gubal, a narrow passage connecting the…

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 18–30 m
Theme: Wreck

SS Yongala

Australia

The SS Yongala, resting off the Queensland coast in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, is renowned globally as a top wreck dive destination.

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 14–30 m
Theme: Wreck

Fujikawa Maru

Micronesia

The Fujikawa Maru, a 133-meter Japanese cargo and passenger vessel, rests upright in Chuuk Lagoon, offering one of the most celebrated wreck dives globally.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Moderate
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 5–37 m
Theme: Wreck

USAT Liberty Wreck

Indonesia

The USAT Liberty, a 120-meter American cargo ship, is arguably Bali's most famous dive site, offering an unparalleled underwater experience from beginner to experienced divers.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Moderate
Access: Shore / dayboat
Depth: 5–30 m
Theme: Wreck

Shinkoku Maru

Micronesia

The Shinkoku Maru is one of the iconic dive sites within Truk Lagoon, renowned as the world's premier wreck diving destination.

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Mild
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 12–40 m
Theme: Wreck

San Francisco Maru

Micronesia

The San Francisco Maru, often dubbed the "Million Dollar Wreck," is among the most celebrated dive sites in Micronesia's Chuuk Lagoon, a renowned graveyard of World War II vessels.

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Mild
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 40–64 m
Theme: Wreck

Nippo Maru

Micronesia

The Nippo Maru offers a unique and eerie dive experience within the world-renowned Truk Lagoon, a significant historical site from World War II. This Japanese army cargo ship…

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 20–45 m
Theme: Wreck

Heian Maru

Micronesia

The Heian Maru, a former Japanese passenger-cargo vessel, rests upright in Chuuk Lagoon, making it a pivotal dive site for those exploring the rich history of Operation Hailstone.

Suitable for: Intermediate
Current: Mild
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 10–34 m
Theme: Wreck

Salem Express

Egypt

The Salem Express is a deeply significant dive site in the Red Sea, a former passenger and car ferry that tragically sank in December 1991 en route from Jeddah to Safaga.

Suitable for: Intermediate
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 12–32 m
Theme: Wreck

USS Kittiwake

Cayman Islands

The USS Kittiwake is a renowned wreck dive located just off Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, attracting divers of all experience levels.

Suitable for: Intermediate
Current: Moderate
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 5–20 m
Theme: Wreck

Easy diving

The 20 best beginner dive sites, easy, safe and huge fun

Shallow reefs, calm water and easy entries, the best dive sites for newly certified divers. Big marine life without depth, current or overhead environments.

Koh Phi Phi, Bida Nok

Thailand

Koh Phi Phi, Bida Nok is a small, dramatic limestone island approximately two kilometres south of the main Phi Phi island group, offering some of the most visually stunning diving in Southern Thailand.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Moderate
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 5–24 m
Theme: Wall

Ningaloo Reef - Turquoise Bay

Australia

Turquoise Bay, part of the expansive Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, is renowned for its crystalline waters and vibrant coral gardens, easily accessible directly from the shore.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Strong
Access: Shore / dayboat
Depth: 1–12 m
Theme: Drift / Reef

Gunung Api Lava Flow

Banda Sea

Gunung Api Lava Flow is a truly unique dive site found in the Banda Sea, specifically located around the volcanic island of Gunung Api.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 3–25 m
Theme: Reef

Lembeh Strait

Indonesia

The Lembeh Strait, situated in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, is celebrated as the world's foremost destination for muck diving and macro photography.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Strong
Access: Shore / dayboat
Depth: 5–25 m
Theme: Drift / Muck diving

Chicken Reef

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Chicken Reef, located in the Dampier Straits of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, stands as a captivating dive site renowned for its vibrant marine biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 5–20 m
Theme: Reef / Wall

Ningaloo Reef - Lighthouse Bay

Australia

Lighthouse Bay is an exceptional dive destination located at the northern end of the Ningaloo Reef peninsula, proudly designated as a sanctuary zone where fishing and anchoring are prohibited.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 12–14 m
Theme: Reef

Abu Nuhas

Egypt

Abu Nuhas, often called the "ship's graveyard" of the Red Sea, is a triangular coral reef situated at the northern edge of the Strait of Gubal.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 4–24 m
Theme: Wreck

USAT Liberty Wreck

Indonesia

The USAT Liberty, a 120-meter American cargo ship, is arguably Bali's most famous dive site, offering an unparalleled underwater experience from beginner to experienced divers.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Moderate
Access: Shore / dayboat
Depth: 5–30 m
Theme: Wreck

Stingray City Sandbar

Cayman Islands

Stingray City Sandbar, located in the North Sound of Grand Cayman, is a world-renowned marine attraction.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Mild
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 1–4 m
Theme: Reef

Rangiroa - The Aquarium

French Polynesia

The Aquarium at Rangiroa stands out as one of French Polynesia's most accessible dive sites, making it an ideal choice for both novice divers and families.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Strong
Access: Shore / dayboat
Depth: 3–15 m
Theme: Reef

Advanced diving

The 20 best expert dive sites, for divers who want it wild

Ripping currents, deep pinnacles, blue-water walls and demanding wrecks, the dive sites that need experience, good gas planning and a boat that knows the tides.

Huvadhoo Kandu South (Gaafu Dhaalu)

Maldives

Huvadhoo Kandu South, part of the vast Huvadhoo Atoll (also known as Suvadiva), offers some of the most thrilling and untouched diving experiences in the Maldives.

Suitable for: Expert
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 15–40 m
Theme: Drift

Iceberg Graveyard - Pleneau Island

Antarctica

The Iceberg Graveyard near Pleneau Island in Antarctica is a unique dive site renowned for its congregation of grounded icebergs.

Suitable for: Expert
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 5–20 m
Theme: Ice / Wall

South Georgia - Grytviken

Antarctica

Grytviken, located on South Georgia Island, offers a unique sub-Antarctic diving experience steeped in history and abundant wildlife.

Suitable for: Expert
Current: Moderate
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 5–20 m
Theme: Ice / Reef

Petermann Island

Antarctica

Petermann Island lies just south of the Lemaire Channel in Graham Land, Antarctica, making it a critical site for wildlife and an extreme diving destination.

Suitable for: Expert
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 3–18 m
Theme: Ice / Wall

Nameless Rock

Galápagos

Nameless Rock is a notable dive site located in the central Galápagos archipelago, nestled among islands like Santiago and Santa Cruz.

Suitable for: Expert
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 10–35 m
Theme: Pinnacle / Wall

Komba Volcano

Alor

Komba Volcano presents a rare and dramatic dive experience in the remote Banda Sea, northeast of Flores.

Suitable for: Expert
Current: Moderate
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 15–50 m
Theme: Pinnacle / Wall

Roca Redonda

Galápagos

Roca Redonda offers a distinctive dive experience, distinguishing itself as an exposed submarine volcano approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Isabela Island.

Suitable for: Expert
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 10–35 m
Theme: Pinnacle / Seamount

The Step

French Polynesia

The Step is an advanced to expert-level dive site located in the middle of Rangiroa's Tiputa Pass, specifically on the ocean side.

Suitable for: Expert
Current: Ripping
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 45–55 m
Theme: Reef

Rennell Island - Lake Tegano

Solomon Islands

Lake Tegano, located on Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands, stands out as the world's largest raised coral atoll lake and holds prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status.

Suitable for: Expert
Current: No current
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 5–25 m
Theme: Cave & cavern

Lord Howe Island - Ball's Pyramid

Australia

Ball's Pyramid, located approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Lord Howe Island, is a spectacular remnant of a shield volcano and stands as the world's tallest sea stack.

Suitable for: Expert
Current: Ripping
Access: Shore / dayboat
Depth: 15–40 m
Theme: Cave & cavern / Pinnacle

Best value

The cheapest dive countries in the world, big fun, small budget

Live per-day prices from the liveaboard departures we currently sell, cheapest country first. Every figure is the lowest bookable price per day in that destination, not an average.

Egypt
from $94 / day
Liveaboards
Egypt
from $94 / day
Liveaboards
Thailand
from $108 / day
Liveaboards
Indonesia
from $160 / day
Liveaboards
Maldives
from $161 / day
Liveaboards
Solomon Islands
from $243 / day
Liveaboards

Whale encounters

Share the water with whales: the 10 best places to dive with them

Feel humpback song vibrate through your chest, float eye-to-eye with a sperm whale or watch minkes streak past, these are the destinations where whales and divers actually meet.

01
Dominican Republic
Silver Bank is one of very few sanctuaries worldwide with permitted in-water encounters with humpback whales on their breeding grounds.
Season: January – AprilSpecies: Humpback whale
02
Portugal (Azores)
Deep water right off Pico and Faial brings sperm whales, blue whales and fin whales within reach of day boats.
Season: April – OctoberSpecies: Sperm whale, blue whale
03
Mexico
Humpbacks sing through every dive at Socorro between January and April, while Baja's lagoons host grey whales.
Season: January – AprilSpecies: Humpback whale, grey whale
04
Australia
Ningaloo Reef runs licensed in-water programmes with whale sharks first, then humpback whales later in the season.
Season: June – OctoberSpecies: Humpback whale, whale shark
05
Antarctica
Humpback and minke whales feed on krill along the Peninsula, often surfacing metres from the zodiac and dive site.
Season: January – MarchSpecies: Humpback, minke whale
06
Galápagos
Darwin and Wolf deliver the highest whale shark encounter rate on the planet, mostly large pregnant females.
Season: June – NovemberSpecies: Whale shark
07
Maldives
The South Ari Marine Protected Area holds a resident whale shark population that can be found all year.
Season: Year-roundSpecies: Whale shark
08
Philippines
Donsol and Southern Leyte offer wild, boat-based whale shark encounters without feeding.
Season: November – MaySpecies: Whale shark
09
Indonesia
In Cenderawasih Bay and Triton Bay whale sharks gather under fishing platforms, the calmest encounters anywhere.
Season: Year-roundSpecies: Whale shark
10
Costa Rica
Two humpback populations migrate past the Pacific coast and Coco Island, giving the world's longest whale season.
Season: July – October, December – MarchSpecies: Humpback whale

Specialty dives for every kind of underwater soul

Whether you crave the vertical drop of a blue hole, the slow treasure hunt of muck diving, the silence under ice or the easy comfort of a shallow reef, these curated lists lead straight to the experience you are after.

Frequently asked questions

How are these rankings created?

Our team of experienced divers curates every list by hand. We combine our own dive logs and guidebooks with the major published rankings and cross-check every entry against season, level and current conditions, no entry is generated automatically.

How often are the rankings updated?

We review and update every ranking regularly, whenever new dive sites open, conditions change or our team discovers a spot that deserves a place on the list.

What is the best dive site in the world?

There is no official number one, but a few names appear in almost every expert ranking: the SS Thistlegorm wreck in Egypt, the SS Yongala in Australia, the Great Blue Hole in Belize and the currents of Raja Ampat. Which one is “best” depends on what you want to see, wrecks, sharks, coral gardens or big animals. That is exactly why we split this page into categories instead of a single list.

Which of these dive sites are suitable for beginners?

Several entries are beginner-friendly, calm, shallow reefs with little current and easy entries. Our beginner ranking collects exactly those spots. Sites with strong current, great depth or overhead environments (deep wrecks, caves, ice) are marked as advanced and require the appropriate certification and experience.

When is the best time to dive the world's best sites?

It depends on the destination: every region has its own season for visibility, water temperature and marine life. As a rule of thumb, many top sites are at their best in the local dry season, while big-animal encounters follow migrations, whale sharks, mantas and hammerheads each have their own months. Check the season information on each dive site page before you book.

Do I need a liveaboard to reach these dive sites?

Not always. Many top sites are reachable by day boat or even from the shore. For remote regions, for example the outer reefs of the Red Sea, Raja Ampat or the Galápagos, a liveaboard is often the only or the best way, because you dive at the best times and cover several areas in one trip. On Blue Rides you can compare liveaboards and routes for every destination.

How much does it cost to dive the best dive sites in the world?

The range is wide: local day trips with two or three dives are the budget option, while liveaboard trips cost more but include diving, accommodation and meals. Remote destinations also add flights and marine-park fees. The fastest way to compare is our search: it shows liveaboard prices, available cabins and current deals for your dates.

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