Top Scuba Diving Destinations In Asia

Under the sea…

Thinking about getting away for some blissful sun, sea and sand? How about upping the ante and pulling yourself away from the beach and into the depths unknown? If you’re looking for a dreamy getaway, perhaps with teenagers in tow, then we have you covered with the best scuba diving spots at some of the most beautiful destinations in Asia. Once kids get past the point of finding sand castles and their parents cool (not gonna lie – that one stings) then holiday planning can get a little harder. But we think these destinations are truly awe-inspiring and will excite even the moodiest of teenagers.

Plus, what better way is there to get out there and experience the amazing biodiversity and beauty of our spectacular oceans, which are sadly currently facing great threats of pollution and over-fishing. Understanding and witnessing first-hand the wonders of our oceans is the first step in taking steps to protect it.

If you’re new to scuba there are plenty of places you can learn in HK before you head out on your hols. Check out Splash HK for all your diving lessons and certification needs – get more info on their certification programs here.

Read more: Water Sports To Try In Hong Kong This Summer

First on the list – Malaysia! We recommend visiting Sipadan and Mabul Island for some amazing underwater action. Diving season is all year round, but it’s best to head there in July and August as the surface conditions will be calm and much more manageable.

These convenient islands offer a great array of liveaboards (a liveaboard is a purposely-built scuba diving boat) and resort accommodation making these dive spots easily accessible. Sipadan is one of the big fish capitals of the world featuring attractions such as barracudas, reef sharks, large schools of jacks, and bump head parrot fish. When diving these spots, you will encounter the famous hawksbill sea turtles, white tip sharks, schooling fish, plenty of macro life and incredible marine diversity.

Best time to go: Year-round, but divers often say that April to December is best – particularly in July and August.

Level of diving experience needed: Sipadan – intermediate to advanced, Mabul Island – Beginner to advanced.

Thailand is by far one of the most popular travel destinations on the planet, the Similan Islands are known to be one of the top 10 best dive sites on earth. Liveaboards are essential when visiting the Similan Islands because they make it very convenient to visit the wide array of diving locations at your leisure. Fret not, you can also visit the islands by taking a day trip from either Khao Lak or Phuket.

The Similan Islands are famous for their rocky drop-offs, stunning coral reefs, swim throughs and incredible marine life. Some of the most famous dive spots include Christmas Point, Elephant Head, East of Eden, Shark Fin Reef to name a few, see more here.

Best time to go: November to May, stable conditions are best in Feb and April.

Level of diving experience needed: Beginner to advanced

Next stop, Indonesia. There are a few spots in Indonesia that are well worth visiting for scuba diving. Our favourites are the Lesser Sunda Islands, Derawan Islands, and Raja Ampat Islands.

When visiting the Lesser Sunda Islands be sure to check out the famous Komodo National park, home to some of the most incredible marine life in the world, you will be delighted to find a variety of fish species, reef-building coral species, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, dugongs, Komodo dragons, and various species of sharks and rays.

Best time to go: April – however liveaboards are available year-round. Visibility is best November to January but the water is a bit cooler at this time.

Level of diving experience needed: Intermediate to advanced

Derawan Islands, East Kalimantan is one of the only diving spots in the world that has a variety of attractions to see all in one place. This island has access to mantas, turtles and a jellyfish lake, as well as some excellent cave, wall, and pier dives. Be sure to visit sites like the Lighthouse, Snapper Point and the Old Pier. This spot is also home to a famous shipwreck which is very popular among divers, it also happens to be quite a simple dive, the shipwreck is a stunning sight to see but the dense marine life occupying the space will also not disappoint.

Best time to go: Diving and weather conditions are good all year round.

Level of diving experience needed: Beginner to advanced

Raja Ampat Island is one of the most highly recommended dive spots for more advanced divers; this island boasts the biggest congregation of marine life compared to any other area in the Coral Triangle of Indonesia. It is said to lie at the world’s heart of marine biodiversity, with breath-taking coral reefs. There is also plenty of opportunity for wall diving, drift diving, and plenty of caverns to explore.

Best time to go: October to end of April.

Level of diving experience needed: Advanced, not recommended for beginners.

The Kerama Islands are a hop, skip and a ferry ride away from Naha Okinawa; we highly recommend checking out Zamami and Aka Islands specifically. These islands not only have the most stunning clear blue waters, but they are very exclusive and mostly uninhabited. Both of these islands are great for snorkelling and diving for all levels. These waters are home to exceptional sea life such as sea turtles and humpback whales. The whales are known to migrate to the Kerama Island’s warm waters to give birth and raise their calves, making Kerama a prime location for whale spotting. These waters are also acclaimed for its diverse ecosystem  and coral reefs.

Best time to go: November to May.

Level of diving experience needed: All levels.

Last but not least is Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, Philippines. This protected marine area is rated to be one of the most awesome dive sites in the world and highly recommended by CNN Travel, which lists it among the top eight sites on the globe. It is home to some of the most remarkable coral reefs know on earth, nearly half of the coral species in the world can be found here. Because this site is very exclusive and the site is only open to diving for three months out of the year (March to June) you will need to book a liveaboard to visit. You will be sure to experience incredible marine life, the best drop offs into open waters, and undoubtedly encounter large marine animals like sharks, turtles, and manta rays.

As a visiting diver you play a key role in Tubbataha’s future; Tubbataha has been a protected site for over 28 years and by visiting you play an important role in the conservation of this beautiful and unique location. Check out more information here on how you can contribute to its preservation.

Best time to go: Mid-March to Mid-June.

Level of diving experience needed: Beginner to advanced