Best scuba diving locations 
& scuba diving trips 
 

BEST SCUBA DIVING LOCATIONS IN AUSTRALIA

 GREAT BARRIER REEF
The world’s largest marine park and most extensive reef system, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is an incredible network of islands and coral covered fringing reefs, mangroves and sand cays and one of the most visited and best scuba diving locations in Australia... Explore the submerged mountain tops of the Coral Sea reefs, witness humpback and minke whale migrations, see car-size cod and dive into history as you investigate the Yongala’s watery grave. Excellent visibility shallow waters and a thriving dive industry operating specialised liveaboard dive boats means world-class and accessible scuba diving and snorkelling for any level of expertise.

 REEFS OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The Ningaloo Reef... is Western Australia’s largest and most accessible coral reef and one of the best diving locations along the West Australia coast. It extends for approximately 260 kilometres from Point Murat on the tip of the North West Cape to Amherst Point, just south of Coral Bay... Unlike the Great Barrier Reef and other reefs off the north coast of Australia, Ningaloo Reef is not separated from the coast by a wide expanse of coastal water, and this makes its accessibility one of it’s great attractions and one of Western Australia's most popular scuba diving destinations. The reef offers some superb opportunities for scuba diving trips and photography. Plans for the Park include the development of ‘dive trails’ which will guide scuba divers to some of the more fascinating parts of the reef. Several historic shipwrecks have been found in this area, and at least four others are known to exist... to read more about the Ningaloo Reef visit Ningaloo Reef dive destinations

The Rowley Shoals... are a chain of coral atolls on the edge of one of the widest continental shelves in the world. The three pear-shaped atolls have shallow lagoons inhabited by corals and abundant marine life. Each atoll covers an area of around 80 to 90 square kilometres. The three shoals are strikingly similar in dimension, shape, orientation and distance apart. Each atoll is north-south orientated, pear-shaped, with the narrow end towards the north…the shoals rise with nearly vertical sides from very deep water. Mermaid Reef, the most northerly, rises from about 440 metres, Clerke from 390 metres and Imperieuse from about 230 metres... read more about the Rowley Shoals National Park for scuba diving holidays

Houtman Abrolhos Islands... Generally speaking, on the liveaboard diving boats that visit the Abrolhos, scuba divers would be required to provide all their own scuba diving gear, although there is a dive shop in Geraldton which will hire equipment with advanced notice. The Abrolhos Islands aren’t for novice scuba divers... but any scuba divers who have completed an Advanced Open Water course, logged 20 or more dives, and have a moderate level of fitness should be able to cope with the diving conditions... it’s important to remember that the Houtman Abrolhos Islands are a remote area with no decompression facilities and large sharks frequent the region... Sensible scuba diving practices are essential... read more about liveaboard diving on the Houtman Abrolhos Islands

SOUTH AUSTRALIA - Great White Shark Diving
Experience the world’s most famous, most feared and most spectacular of sharks, the Great White. To see a Great White shark in the wild is a very special and rare experience but to come 'face to face' with one underwater is the most exciting experience available to divers today... Great White scuba diving trips take place around the scenic offshore islands of South Australia and have been described as the 'ultimate dive adventure'. Expeditions depart from Port Lincoln, and head out into the clear blue waters of the Southern Ocean... some of the best scuba diving locations for the Great White are centred around the Neptune Islands where you will find a mixture of wildlife, including many bird species, dolphins, thousands of fur seals, and the beautiful and rare Australian sea lion... this is the natural feeding ground of the Great White shark. This ultimate diving adventure can be booked on liveaboard dive boats and is generally regarded by those who go on these expeditions as the pinnacle of their scuba diving experiences... read more about Great White shark cage diving

QUEENSLAND ISLAND RESORTS
The biggest problem with scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef is not the time and expense involved in getting to Queensland scuba diving locations, as much as deciding which part to take your diving holidays... In Queensland you will find a number of scuba diving resorts providing scuba diving packages... designed to give you a great scuba diving trips. But remember when you’re poring over Great Barrier Reef maps, that coral cays... your real coral island providing spectacular off-beach scuba diving... only occur in the southern and northern section of the reef... there are no vegetated cays in the 600 kilometres (370 miles) of the central section around the Whitsundays... check out scuba diving resorts on the Great Barrier Reef


PACFIC ISLANDS SCUBA DIVING LOCATIONS

PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Papua New Guinea or 'PNG' as it is called by the locals has some of the best scuba diving in the world. To many it’s the last scuba diving frontier – when all else has been explored you return to PNG... and its all because the oceans of the Indonesian archipelago and PNG are recognised as having the richest marine biodiversity in the world.

There’s something for everyone... Milne Bay is recognised for its unusual creatures, Kimbe Bay has unique seamounts rising to the surface and Kavieng is the pelagic capital of the country... This region possesses some of the best scuba diving locations in the world, and many divers return time and again... crystal clear waters, paradise islands and mountain ridges covered with thick rainforest or spectacular volcanoes provide an exclusive setting for the best scuba diving imaginable.

FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA
The tropical climate and remoteness of these islands make Micronesia one of the world’s most exciting scuba diving locations. Micronesia is the collective name given to two thousand tropical islands spread out over three million square miles of the Pacific Ocean…each island group also has it’s own culture and character where their traditional lifestyles still prosper to varying degrees.

Throughout Micronesia scuba divers can encounter an abundance of marine life in just about every imaginable colour and shape. The seas are inhabited by hundreds of types of hard and soft corals, anemones, colourful sponges, countless varieties of shellfish, manta rays and pelagics.

Scuba divers worldwide are drawn to Palau’s terrific drop offs... the beauty of the Rock Islands... the underwater wreck museums of Chuuk... and to Yap, the home of the giant Manta rays.

Palau, Guam, Yap and Chuuk are the better known scuba diving locations within Micronesia, each with long established scuba dive operations offering totally unique scuba diving opportunities... Other islands such as Kosrae and Pohnpei are following suit and offer great diving amongst lush tropical island settings.

SOUTH PACFIC ISLANDS SCUBA DIVING LOCATIONS...

SOLOMON ISLANDS
Those lured to the Solomons by the promise of extraordinary natural features will not be disappointed, the islands have a well deserved reputation as possibly one of the world’s best scuba diving locations for scuba divers, snorkellers and fishing freaks.

One of the last areas of the world to fall under European religious and political control, the Solomon Islands remain today the best kept secret in the South Pacific. It’s all there – shark callers, war wreckage and gold... Every Pacific race is present from blue-black Papuans to chocolate coloured, blond Melanesians, bronze skinned Micronesians, and fair complexioned Polynesians. The variety of cultures and customs is striking, and the traditional ways are remarkably alive.

The Solomon Islands offers some of the finest scuba diving in the South Pacific. In Western Province, the Uepi Island Resort on the Marovo Lagoon caters almost exclusively to scuba divers. The Solomon’s top scuba diving facilities, however, are the live aboard dive boats.

FIJI
The Fiji group of islands... ideally located in the tropics of the southern hemisphere comprises over 300 islands with only 100 or so inhabited and has a total land area of 18,272 square kilometres…the two major islands in the group are known as Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

Labelled as the soft coral capital of the world by Jean Michel Cousteau, Fiji offers some of the world’s best scuba diving locations with a comprehensive range of excellent dive sites... Fiji scuba diving highlights include a fantastic variety of colourful soft corals, over 1200 species of fish, 12 species of whales and dolphins, lots of specialist scuba diving resorts and live aboard dive charters as well as excellent snorkelling off the beach. Fiji dive sites offer good variety and easy access.

The Fiji archipelago is encircled by a huge reef. Within its protected waters are shallow lagoons, steep drop offs, and thousands of scuba dive sites. Most areas are easy to get to with plenty of resorts offering scuba diving scattered around the islands. Sea temperatures are incredibly warm – typically 25C in winter (May to November) and up to 30C in summer at depths of 5 metres. Visibility is also excellent with depths of 40 metres not unusual. The best diving conditions are early morning before the winds pick up... For the underwater explorer and photographer, the crystal waters of Fiji’s virgin reefs and magnificent lagoons very often offer unmatched visibility.

To experience the very best diving that Fiji has to offer, we recommend that you take one of the excellent live aboard cruises or visit those dive regions where you can also enjoy the delights of the traditional and “real” Fiji.

SAMOA
Samoa scuba diving locations and facilities are slowly being opened up, but the experience here is geared towards general holiday divers and beginners and not for the serious scuba diving enthusiasts... There are of course some very good reefs for scuba diving but these are limited to the south coast of Upolu and the north east coast of Savai’i. The main attractions are pinnacles and marine life – with spinner dolphins and large turtles common on the south coast of Upolu... and remember that when scuba diving there is no decompression chamber in Samoa – the closest is in Fiji.

TAHITI
Tahiti scuba diving offers a good variety of soft corals and large marine life. Visibility is excellent and the sea temperature warm year round (26-29C)... There is a number of certified scuba diving companies scattered throughout the islands…and also several liveaboard scuba diving charters available for those with a real passion for diving.

Rangiroa Atoll in the Tuamotu Group is the major attraction for divers with favourable tidal flows attracting many marine species and several excellent drift dives including the famous Tiputa Pass... Other good dive sites include the north west coast of Moorea where there is an abundance of sharks, sting rays and lots of marine species.

The main island of Tahiti offers lots of scuba diving locations and opportunities, with some fantastic deep holes and caves for experienced divers off Tahiti-Iti with the more tranquil lagoons off the West Coast abounding in small marine life... this diving is excellent for beginners (and conveniently close to the hotel chains). For those interested in pelagics, head to the remote Marquesas where the islands are devoid of coral reefs but drop off dramatically into the ocean to great depths... Melon-headed whales are very common off the islands.

COOK ISLANDS
Cook Islands scuba diving is available on the main island of Rarotonga and to a lesser extent on Aitutaki... However, scuba diving on both islands is limited to the surrounding reefs beyond these reefs the sea drops off dramatically. At present there are no specialist scuba diving resorts or liveaboard diving charters operating... That’s not to say the scuba diving is not good – there is excellent marine life on Rarotonga, from colourful tropical fish to sharks, manta rays and barracudas and some inspiring 40 feet drop offs around both Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

There are a few wrecks around Rarotonga dating from the 1950’s to explore but these have been badly damaged by recent cyclones. The best drop offs on Rarotonga are on the south coast whilst the north coast has a more gentle descent and therefore better corals... A Crown of Thorn starfish invasion has unfortunately destroyed some of these corals and the government has now belately begun a culling project.

Visibility is usually 30-40 metres with most dive sites being within the 25 metres range... the water is always warm, 25C in July to 30C in December. Experienced divers will not find challenging scuba diving locations in the Cook Islands but will find enjoyable the all weather diving conditions. For casual scuba diving, the Cook Islands is great due to the close proximity of scuba diving sites. The small circumference of Rarotonga also means that whichever way the wind blows, access to the protected side of the island is quick and easy.

VANUATU
The waters surrounding the islands of Vanuatu provide some of the most spectacular and varied diving in the South Pacific... Swim in warm, crystal clear water, watch schools of multi-coloured fish, explore huge sunken plane and ship wrecks or paddle among shallow coral reefs brimming with marine life.

Experienced divers come to Vanuatu from all over the world so that they can dive on the World War II wrecks that scatter its surrounding sea bed – the Star of Russia, the President Coolidge, the USS Tucker and Million Dollar Point.

Whether you are visiting for a few days or several weeks, there is always something to see on the surface or beneath it... It is a new dimension to a whole new world.

Whether you snorkel, scuba or are hoping to learn either, Vanuatu is the ultimate scuba diving location. For the avid snorkeller, there are boats to take you out or beaches to wade from and if the underwater scenery whets your appetite to go deeper and there is a host of scuba diving operators to teach you how to do it and where to go. In less than a week, you could be a certified diver – and you couldn’t ask for a better training ground.

TONGA
Tonga scuba diving is good in places but there is not a great variety of scuba diving locations as with neighbouring Fiji and there are only a few scuba diving operators around the islands. Tonga is most renowned for its caves, drop offs and pinnacles, as well as the opportunity to dive near whales.

The main island of Tongatapu has some nice corals and coral heads in the Tongatapu lagoon including some excellent walls around the offshore islands with an abundance of marine life... For those after caves, the island of ‘Eua to the south offers some good diving.

Vava’u offers some excellent drift dives along walls and drop offs where you’ll encounter lots of large marine life including humpback whales (July to October), as well as the interesting wreck of a copra steamer right off Neiafu... There are also some good coral reefs with lots of fire coral and several areas with large gorgonian fan grottos. Visibility is usually excellent, often exceeding 40m. A couple of dive operators are based at the main town of Neiafu and offer full scuba dive courses... There is no decompression chamber in Tonga – the closest is in Fiji.

NEW CALEDONIA
The French claimed New Caledonia in 1853 and their influence led to the country’s unique identity today. Travellers to New Caledonia find themselves in a climate and location that is definitely South Pacific, yet the main language is French and the shopping, restaurants and nightlife feel distinctly European.

New Caledonia is made up of the main island, La Grande Terre, and several offshore islands, including the unspoiled Loyalty Islands to the north east (Lifou, Mare, Ouvea and Tiga) and the Isle of Pines to the south. The cosmopolitan capital, Noumea, is located in the southern province, on the south east of La Grande Terre, and famous for its French ambience and fine cuisine.

Marine reserves have been created by the New Caledonian Authorities on several islets to protect marine fauna and flora. There are also sunken shipwrecks, which act as artificial reefs and make for some great diving locations... Discover the Amedee Lighthouse Reserve, the Prony Needle in the south, the famous Tenia Horn near Boulouparis, the “Fault” near Poe, the underwater slopes on the ocean side of the reef, the Gorgonia Valley and the freshwater caves of the Isle of Pines, the Gazelle Pass to the north, the Hienghene Reef to the east, with many other sites off Lifou Island.

INDO - PACIFIC SCUBA DIVING LOCATIONS

INDONESIA'S BALI AND LOMBOK ISLANDS
are the epitome of a tropical getaway. Beautiful beaches, fascinating culture and reliable transportation and accommodations make this an ideal scuba diving location. Underwater, Bali's reefs, wrecks and walls are home to colourful and diverse marine life. Many of the islands' best diving and snorkelling sites are close to shore, so diving here is not only enjoyable, but convenient.

Indonesia has such a superb array of liveaboard scuba diving locations, that any one of its lesser known attractions would be major drawcards elsewhere in the world. The Komodo Island National Marine Park continues to be one of the more popular Indonesia liveaboards destinations... Strong currents sweep rich plankton harvests into the shallow water channels around these islands, attracting large, feeding pelagics such as whale sharks and manta rays. The walls field an incredible amount of colourful filter feeders, such as sea apples, sea squirts, tunicates and crinoids. Numerous protected bays are havens for macro life with frogfish and pygmy seahorses quite common

Komodo scuba diving cruises typically depart from Bali via Sumbawa and include land visits to see the legendary Komodo dragons... Extended charters continue on to Maumere Bay in Flores and Alor.

Irian Jaya liveaboards to Raja Ampat attract more than their fair share of praise from experienced divers... the beautiful and remote mushroom shaped islands of Irian Jaya harbour dense schools of fish and countless World War II wrecks.

If encounters with the unusual and bizarre is your interest, then don't go past the liveaboards in Lembeh Strait and Bangka. The world renowned Lembeh waters are home to some of the worlds most amazing creatures. Mimic octopus, hairy frogfish, snake eels, spiny devilfish, pegasus, stargazers and mandarinfish are just some of the animals that attract many underwater documentary camera crews.

Luxury charters also visit the renowned Wakatobi Archipelago for week long cruises. These scuba dive safaris focus on the outer atolls of the region which are virtually untouched by man, and the diving and reefs are exquisite.