Start Diving – 5 Great Places to Learn to Scuba Dive

May 31, 2022

Are you thinking of planning a diving trip any time soon? Then of course you want to make sure that you are choosing the right destination for the best diving trip possible. If you are an experienced diver, then you probably know the best places already. If you are just starting, then check out our handy guide about where you can easily learn to scuba dive and have a great adventure at the same time!

Travel tips before departure.

Before you get close to your departure date, make sure you have the necessities sorted. A diving trip requires a bit more work than your regular beach holiday.

Documents:

It is easier than you think to learn to scuba dive and your diving instructor will guide you through the entire process – whether you learn at home or during your trip. Before you go on vacation, talk to your instructor to ensure you have everything you need for your diving trip, including any documents you need to go scuba diving.

Check with the dive center at your destination if you need to complete a dive medical statement before you depart. Make sure you also have any personal medicines or vaccinations you need, plus your dive travel and medical insurance documents.

Clothing and equipment:

Most diving locations offer a great array of diving clothing and equipment. You can also bring your own dive gear if you prefer. In this case, you need to make sure that your gear is compatible with the local equipment and will meet your needs as a new diver.

The staff at your nearest SSI Training Center will be happy to help you choose the right gear for you.

READ MORE: SCUBA GEAR ESSENTIALS FOR NEW DIVERS.

Airport parking:

When discussing a scuba diving trip, most of the attention is on organizing the diving. Getting to the airport of departure is a part of the trip which often is forgotten!

If you will need airport parking, it is highly recommended to book this well in advance. Not only will you save money, but you will also know that you have your parking spot sorted.

At Parkfellows, you can compare and book airport parking at the airport of your choice in multiple languages. For example, if you are departing from Düsseldorf Airport, then simply select Parkeren Dusseldorf Airportand your travel dates to book your preferred spot.

So, where are the top places to learn to scuba dive?

1. Mexico.

We start our list with the beautiful country of Mexico. When you are searching for the best places to learn to scuba dive, you will always find Mexico on these lists, and for good reason!

Diving in Baja California includes some of the best diving in Mexico, especially within the Cabo Pulmo National Park. There you will find warm, clear waters full of schooling fish and ancient corals. Baja California Sur also hosts playful sea lions at La Paz and friendly gray whales at San Ignacio Lagoon.

If you are looking for bigger animals, such as giant manta rays and even great white sharks, then the Pacific side of Mexico will be your place to go. You can swim with great white sharks at Guadalupe Island without needing to be a certified diver.

The remote Socorro Islands offer the chance to swim with numerous sharks and manta rays. Although it is best visited when you have at least 50 dives under your belt and are comfortable with currents, some liveaboards offer itineraries for new divers.

READ MORE: MEXICO’S BEST DIVING PART 1 - THE SOCORRO ISLANDS

2. The Canary Islands.

If you are looking for somewhere to learn to scuba dive closer to home, then the Canary Islands are a very good option. These popular islands are well known for having long sunny days and warm, clear waters.

They are perfect for an easy diving trip combined with a beach holiday. You can expect warm, calm waters and up to 30 meters of visibility.

There are countless dive sites among the islands, home to lots of beautiful fish and a whopping seven species of rays! Common and roughtail stingrays, plus bull rays and butterfly rays are commonly seen. Torpedo rays, mantas and even mobulas also make an appearance from time to time.

All in all, the Canary Islands offer some of the best diving in Europe!

3. Indonesia.

To experience biodiversity unlike any other place on earth, go diving in Indonesia.

Indonesia is in the heart of the Coral Triangle and is home to over 2000 fish species and hundreds of shark and ray species. In Indonesian waters, you can also see mimic octopi, pygmy seahorses, frogfish, mantis shrimps and ribbon eels, just to name a few!

This exceptional destination is suitable for all kinds of scuba divers, from beginners to the most experienced ones. Since we are focusing on the best locations to learn to scuba dive, we must mention diving in Bali.

Here you will find excellent shore diving and the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck. Sitting at 4 to 29 meters deep, this stunning wreck is suitable for all divers and is inhabited by more than 100 reef fish species plus an array of other marine life.

READ MORE: START THE ADVENTURE - 6 WAYS TO LEARN TO DIVE

4. Australia.

When people talk about where to learn to scuba dive, Great Barrier Reef diving always comes to mind.

This vast coral reef system is 2300 kilometers long and it is the most famous diving destination on earth, made up of 3000 coral reefs and 600 islands.

It is a perfect destination to begin your diving adventures. You will experience miles and miles of colorful coral reefs, home to numerous reef and pelagic fish, plus sea turtles, sharks and visiting manta rays.

To swim with something bigger, such as friendly whale sharks, Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is the perfect spot. If you want to experience Australia’s city sights and learn to scuba dive, take a trip to Sydney, Perth or Melbourne. These vibrant cities all have a variety of easy shore dives and excellent dive centers.

5. Bonaire.

Bonaire is famous as the shore diving capital of the world. This idyllic island has dozens of shore diving sites around the coast, that can be accessed simply by walking off the beach or down some steps.

This beautiful destination hosts one of the oldest marine reserves in the world, the Bonaire National Marine Park. It was established in 1979 and has allowed Bonaire’s marine life to flourish. You can find more than 470 species of fish in these rich, inviting waters.

The biodiversity and the amazing coral reefs will make you want to be diving in Bonaire as much as possible. The dive spots are also protected from currents, which makes it the perfect spot to get your Open Water Diver certification and start exploring!

Once you are done with scuba diving, the beaches have more than enough to offer. From relaxing beach cafes and luxurious resorts to lively parties, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Learning to scuba dive is one of the best things you will ever do! You will discover a vibrant underwater world and begin a lifelong journey with endless highlights. There are many ways to learn to scuba dive, tailored to meet your needs. So, what are you waiting for? Start the adventure by browsing SSI’s beginner dive courses and enroll online today:

START THE ADVENTURE – BECOME A CERTIFIED DIVER WITH SSI.