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?
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 moreTrip 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 moreBest 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.
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.
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 moreThe 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.
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.
All about technical diving
Find out all about technical diving: destinations, courses and the equipment needed for deeper and more challenging dives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Traveling with scuba gear: our tips
Traveling with your own dive gear? Read all our tips for packing and transporting here.
Trip report – Group trip in Dahab, Egypt
Sebastiaan was diving with a nice group in Dahab, a fantastic diving destination in Egypt. They dived in the Blue Hole, camped in Ras Mohamed and most of all did a lot of diving, laughed...
Read more5 blue holes that belong on the bucket list of every diver
Read all about the most beautiful blue holes worldwide, from the Great Blue Hole in Belize to the Blue Hole of Gozo. Discover depths, diving opportunities, underwater landscapes and which locations are suitable for beginners...
Read moreWhat sharks are there in Egypt?
You can encounter different kinds of sharks in Egypt. Read all about where, when and most importantly, which sharks!
Trip report – Group trip in the Maldives
In mid-October the group trip with Robbert to the Maldives was planned: ten nights on the Nautilus II for the central itinerary. Read here how the dives were and what tips Rob has for trips...
Read moreMexico’s sardine run | Magdalena Bay
Did you know you can also experience a sardine run in Baja California? This impressive natural spectacle lets you watch thousands of sardines huddle together in shimmering schools, pursued by hungry predators. Discover the unique...
Read moreDiving in Alor: a complete guide
Indonesia’s Alor is a relatively unknown destination that not many people go to. However, it is more than worth it: the island offers world-class diving and you may just come face to face with mola...
Read moreThe giants of Alor: all about the whales
Alor is a special region in Indonesia where you have the chance to spot 2 enormous whales. Read more about this phenomenon here.