The best destinations for beginning divers
Just started diving or don’t have much experience yet? Then a destination with calm conditions is important. Calm sea, little to no currents, no deep drop-offs and good guidance ensure that you can dive comfortably and safely.
In this blog you will not find a list of places where you can learn to dive best, but rather destinations that are suitable for certified divers who have not yet completed many diving hours. Places where you can get used to marine life in a relaxed way and at the same time see many beautiful things.
Dahab, Egypt
This is one of our favorite destinations, by the way, even if you are an experienced diver. Dahab is a beach resort in Egypt, about 90 kilometers north of Sharm el-Sheikh. You will, of course, dive here in the Red Sea, a sea with beautiful coral reefs and rich marine life.
Diving in Dahab is generally very relaxed. The dive sites are easy to get to and many dives you just make from the shore. There is good visibility, the water is calm and there is a lot of different marine life. You can also make several dives by boat here, so there is a lot of variety in the types of dives.
Bali, Indonesia
In the east of Bali there are many dive sites right on the coast. These sites are characterized by calm conditions, little current and lots of tropical life. There are many different places on Bali where you can dive. For example, you can dive at Candidasa, Amed or Tulamben. There are several larger and smaller animals to spot underwater.
And who knows, you might even spot your first shark here! There are reef sharks at Candidasa, often resting about 18 meters deep.
Bonaire, Caribbean
Bonaire is a fine diving destination where you can do many shore dives. There is a lot of underwater life: more than 470 different species of fish. You also have a good chance of seeing turtles! There are many dive sites where you really don’t have to go deep and where you swim quietly around the reefs. There are also boat dives to Klein Bonaire, for example.
By the way, Bonaire is also a fine place for divers with a little more experience. Here you have the unique “drive & dive” concept, where you drive independently to the dive sites with a rental car and dive. Of course, always with a buddy. For novice divers, however, we recommend diving with a dive guide until you have enough experience.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is an island off the coast of the African country of Tanzania. The water is clear, there are colorful coral reefs and an abundance of tropical fish. Again, conditions are almost always perfect: warm water, calm sea and good visibility. For beginning divers, it is a relaxed place to gain experience, with shallow reefs that are easily accessible. In addition to schools of colorful reef fish, you will often see sea turtles, lionfish and, with a little luck, even dolphins here.
Abu Dabbab, Egypt
Abu Dabbab is a nature reserve, 35 km south of Marsa Alam airport on the Red Sea. With its attractive blue waters, white sand beaches and beautiful marine life, it is the perfect place for those seeking relaxation and easy diving. Besides diving and relaxing, there is a wide range of fun activities you can participate in. The destination is idyllically situated between the blue waters of the Red Sea and the chain of Sienna Mountains in the Red Sea.
Want to read more?
Where can you see manta rays in Indonesia?
Indonesia is one of the best destinations in the world for seeing manta rays. Komodo, Raja Ampat, and Nusa Penida each offer a unique manta ray experience.
Diving in the Komodo Islands in Indonesia
Komodo is a spectacular diving destination for those looking for manta rays, abundant marine life, and challenging currents. Discover the best time to visit, diving options, accommodations, and itineraries with EWDR.
Tips from Underwater Photographer Thomas Van Puymbroeck
Discover the best tips for underwater photography from photographer Thomas Van Puymbroeck and learn more about our annual photography trips.
Philippines trip report • Looking back on a diving trip in the Visayas
A special travelogue by Sebastiaan and Robbert, who went on an unforgettable diving trip together sixteen years ago. Old photos and memories bring those special underwater encounters back to life.
Diving in Sumatra: a complete guide
Diving in Sumatra combines colorful coral reefs with impressive natural scenery above water. Discover Pulau Weh, the Mentawai Islands, and the most beautiful spots for a complete diving trip.
10 Unique encounters every diver wants to experience at least once
The underwater world is full of extraordinary encounters. Discover which underwater encounters you shouldn’t miss and where you’re most likely to experience them for yourself.
Diving destinations where you’ll feel like you’re the only person in the world
At some diving destinations, you’ll practically have the reef all to yourself. Discover six remote destinations where peace and quiet are still the norm.
Diving in Morotai & Metita: a complete guide
Wondering what makes Morotai and Metita so special? In this blog, you’ll discover everything about this unspoiled diving destination in North Maluku.
Diving in Papua New Guinea: a complete guide
Diving in Papua New Guinea is a unique experience in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Discover colorful reefs, extraordinary marine life, historic shipwrecks, and pristine dive sites.
Diving with hammerhead sharks: What are the best destinations?
Discover the best destinations in the world for diving with hammerhead sharks. Find out where you’re most likely to encounter them, when the best time to travel is, and what diving certification is required.
Diving Trip to Raja Ampat: Resort or Liveaboard?
Are you trying to decide between a liveaboard and a dive resort in Raja Ampat? In this blog, we’ll explain the differences and help you determine which type of trip best suits your needs.
Diving in Mauritius: A Complete Guide
Mauritius offers colorful coral reefs, impressive shipwrecks, and a surprisingly diverse array of marine life. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know for a diving vacation in Mauritius.
Diving in Iceland: a complete guide
Diving in Iceland is all about the unique combination of the Silfra Gorge and rugged sea diving along volcanic shores. On a round-trip tour, you will not only discover the underwater world, but also one...
Read more
Whales, sharks, and manta rays: Key insights from the BCSS Impact Report 2025
The BCSS Impact Report 2025 highlights the rich marine life around the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique. From humpback whales and manta rays to endangered sharks, the study confirms why this area is one of Africa’s...
Read more
Diving vacation with a non-diving partner? These destinations are perfect for both of you
Not every diving vacation has to revolve entirely around diving. These destinations offer plenty of above-water activities so divers and non-divers alike can have a great trip.
Diving with wild dolphins: where do you have the best chance?
Encounters with wild dolphins are among the most beautiful experiences you can have as a diver. Find out where worldwide you have the greatest chance of encountering these intelligent marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Diving with (tiger) sharks: how to prepare?
Diving with tiger sharks is less scary than many people think, provided you enter the water well prepared. With the right experience, calm demeanor and respect for the animals, these encounters often become unforgettable dives.
Our favorite diving destinations in the Caribbean
Not every Caribbean destination is known as a true diving hotspot. In this blog you’ll discover which islands are best suited for diving, where exactly you should be for big animals, wrecks or macro, and...
Read more
Diving destinations in the Caribbean
The Caribbean offers much more variety than just tropical reefs and clear water. In this blog you will discover which destination best suits your needs: from pelagic life and unique dives to adventure above water...
Read more
Why some dive destinations fill up years in advance
Some dive destinations and liveaboards fill up quickly due to limited capacity, short peak seasons and high international demand. Especially popular itineraries and high-end liveaboards in destinations such as Raja Ampat, Galápagos, Socorro and Egypt...
Read more
Discounted admission to Socorro: this is what you need to know about the new park fees
As of Jan. 1, 2025, park fees for Socorro doubled, but thanks to new exceptions and discounts, many travelers can save big. And that’s good news, because Socorro, with its manta rays, sharks and spectacular...
Read more
Metric vs imperial system in diving: what are the differences?
In Europe we usually dive with the metric system (BAR, meters and liters), while many American and Caribbean dive destinations work with the imperial system (PSI, feet and cubic feet). Especially in Florida, Mexico and...
Read more
Diving with hammerhead sharks in Mikomoto, Japan
Mikomoto Island in Japan is known for spectacular encounters with large schools of hammerhead sharks. In this blog you will read what to expect underwater, when you have the best chance and why this dive...
Read more
Diving in Japan: the different regions
Japan is a surprisingly diverse diving destination with huge differences between its regions. From hammerhead sharks and manta rays to ice diving and unique underwater landscapes, each region has its own character.