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?

Bahamas Tiger Sharks Sharks Liveaboard

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.

Read more
Caribbean

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
Caribbean

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
Liveaboard Resort Unique Encounters

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
Socorro Liveaboard Unique Encounters

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
Europe North and South-America

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
Bahamas Tiger Sharks Sharks Liveaboard

Bahamas trip report – Diving with sharks with the Bahamas Aggressor II

The Bahamas is one of the best destinations in the world for shark diving. Read what her trip to Tiger Beach was like in Margriet’s travelogue.

Read more
Caribbean Dominica Whales Macro Diving

Diving in Dominica: a complete guide

Dominica offers a unique diving experience with volcanic landscapes, pristine reefs and impressive marine life. In addition, the combination of nature above and below the water and the presence of sperm whales makes this destination...

Read more
Egypt Sharks Sea Turtles Liveaboard

Trip report – Bram’s liveaboard trip in Egypt: Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone

Bram takes you along the iconic NDE route in Egypt, with strong currents, deep blue dives and encounters with large pelagic species. An honest and inspiring account that gives you a good idea of what...

Read more

Best dive destinations by month (July to December)

Discover the best diving destinations from July to August. Per month 4 top dive sites and why you should go there during that period.

Read more

Best dive destinations by month (January to June)

Discover the best diving destinations from January to June. Per month 4 top dive sites with ideal conditions and unique underwater experiences.

Read more
Bonaire Shore diving Coral Reefs Drive & Dive

Trip report Bonaire: a day of diving in Slagbaai

Wondering what a diving day on Bonaire looks like? In this trip report, we drive to Washington Slagbaai National Park for a reef dive at Slagbaai and end the day with a special night dive...

Read more
Oceania Wreck diving Liveaboard

The best wreck diving destinations

Want to explore multiple impressive wrecks during one dive trip? These six destinations offer historic ships, clear waters and unforgettable wreck experiences for any diving enthusiast.

Read more
Oceania Wreck diving

Japanese wrecks in the Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is full of Japanese World War II shipwrecks, perfect for adventurous wreck divers. This blog takes you through the top destinations where history, tropical reef life and unforgettable diving come together.

Read more
Tri-mix diving Rebreather diving Technical Diving

All about technical diving

Find out all about technical diving: destinations, courses and the equipment needed for deeper and more challenging dives.

Read more
Dive Clubs Group Travel

Diving vacations for diving associations

Looking for a destination for a diving trip with a group or diving association? We’ve listed our favorite destinations for groups here.

Read more
Asia North and South-America Oceania Unique Encounters

Diving in UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the world’s most extraordinary underwater areas

Diving in UNESCO World Heritage Sites takes you to the world’s most extraordinary underwater worlds. Each destination shows that nature is at its best when we respect and preserve it.

Read more
Philippines Indonesia

What is black water diving?

What is black water diving and where can you do it? Discover this special night dive over open sea, with Romblon in the Philippines as the top destination.

Read more
Egypt Dahab Shore diving

Dive report Dahab: diving in the Blue Hole

One of the most famous dive sites in the world, and perhaps also one of the most talked about. This is Margaret’s underwater experience in Dahab’s Blue Hole.

Read more
Philippines

Our 10 favorite diving destinations of the Philippines

Discover our favorite diving destinations in the Philippines. From Malapascua and Dauin to Tubbataha and Romblon. Inspiration for your next diving trip.

Read more
Philippines

Diving in the Philippines: all about the different regions

Read all about the different regions in the Philippines here and find the place that best suits your needs.

Read more
Belize

The best activities in the rainforest of Belize

Did you know that Belize also has a rainforest? It is a perfect ending to a diving trip. Read our favorite rainforest activities here.

Read more
Egypt Dahab

Day trip from Dahab: the Coloured Canyon

A day trip from Dahab: the Coloured Canyon! Read all about this unique place in the middle of the desert here.

Read more
Boatdiving Shore diving

Traveling with scuba gear: our tips

Traveling with your own dive gear? Read all our tips for packing and transporting here.

Read more