Scuba diving not only gives you the opportunity to explore an entirely new world but also allows you to connect deeply with nature in a calm, immersive way. If you are a beginner dreaming of taking the plunge but don’t know where to start, then we have compiled a list of the top 7 destinations where you can join a beginner diving course and enjoy safe, guided dives in beginner-friendly conditions.
- Koh Tao, Thailand
Koh Tao, also known as “Turtle Island,” is the most popular destination for beginners learning to dive. It is also one of the most affordable diving destinations in the world. You get the relaxed environment and ideal learning conditions needed to build confidence, master basic skills, and enjoy your first underwater experiences safely.
Koh Tao has shallow, sheltered bays, such as Mango Bay. Minimal current and excellent visibility at the Japanese Gardens create a perfect confined-space training environment.
You can see vibrant reef fish, barracuda, and even sea turtles if you are lucky. There are many diving centres with certified and highly experienced instructors, offering courses that include:
- Diving equipment rental
- Theory lessons
- Guided dives
- Comprehensive diving insurance
Make sure you join a course with a small group size.
- Utila, Honduras
Part of the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras, Utila is another budget-friendly destination to become a certified diver. The sea is calm, and the water is warm. You can also spot the gentle giants, whale sharks, from March to April and again from August to September.
This place is also home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, where you can see a stunning variety of corals and fish life.
- Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
Bonaire is the shore-diving capital of the Caribbean, offering many incredible dive sites. You don’t even need boat trips to reach some of the diving sites.
The water is incredibly clear with virtually no currents. You can practice at your own pace from the shore. The entire coastline is a protected marine park.
Once you have become a certified diver, all you have to do is rent a pick-up truck, load your gear, and explore the conveniently marked sites yourself.
- Red Sea (Sharm El Sheikh/Hurghada), Egypt
The Red Sea is best known for clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, and spectacular visibility. Locations like Sharm El Sheikh provide a safe environment for learning with warm waters and easily accessible shore dive sites.
There is a sheer abundance of marine life that can be a powerful motivator for new divers. You can experience a kaleidoscope of endemic fish species and stunning, healthy coral reefs. Diving courses are pretty inexpensive here. Just ensure a small group size before you join a beginner diving course.
- Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is a famous destination located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is known for spectacular walls and healthy reefs. There are some deeper sites for advanced divers and shallow reefs for beginners.
The beginner-friendly diving sites have gentle, continuous currents, which allow for easy ‘drift diving’. You can simply float along the reef. Shallow sites like Paradise Reef are perfect for beginners. Visibility is consistently high, often exceeding 100 feet (30 metres).
- The Florida Keys, USA
The calm, shallow waters around the Florida Keys offer an easily accessible, world-class dive experience. There are numerous shallow wreck and reef sites in the warm waters. Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a fantastic starting point.
You can see coral gardens, tropical fish, and even an accessible wreck, the USS Spiegel Grove.
- Bali (Tulamben), Indonesia
While Indonesia offers many diving sites for advanced divers, Bali’s Tulamben Bay offers a truly unique experience perfect for beginners: wreck diving. Tulamben is home to the wreck of the USAT Liberty, a massive shipwreck that lies close to shore in shallow water.
Beginner divers can explore a vibrant, life-filled wreck just a few meters deep, making it an unforgettable first diving experience. Many local schools offer affordable beginner diving courses.