10 of the best luxury destinations for scuba diving and snorkelling

The Maldives, with its jewel-like atolls and sparkling waters, often tops the list for a luxury diving holiday. But it’s not the only place where world-class diving and indulgent escapes come hand-in-hand. From our favourite idyllic Indian Ocean resorts to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, these top spots deliver the wow factor both above and below the waterline.

1. Kuramathi Maldives

Kuramathi Maldives strikes a winning balance between underwater adventures and luxury on land. The house reef that circles the island is alive with tropical fish and reef sharks, while the dive centre offers everything from sunrise dives at Shark Point to after-dark thrills with the ocean’s nocturnal wonders.

You can also join a manta ray quest or master your buoyancy with a PADI dive course. Once you peel off your wetsuit, unwind on the sundeck of a plush Water Villa, relax with a massage in the spa or feast your way through the nine à la carte restaurants.

2. Kagi Maldives Spa Island, Maldives

For divers looking to combine wellness with underwater exploration, boutique Kagi Maldives Spa Island hits all the right notes. The house reef is a haven for snorkellers, home to kaleidoscopic marine life from tropical fish to turtles, while at the PADI five-star certified dive centre, you can try everything from channel dives to peaceful turtle encounters.

For an extraordinary view of the deep blue, join a fluo night dive, where the reefs glow like a scene from Avatar. In between dives, pad over to Kagi's overwater spa for a meditative massage or refuel with mouth-watering dishes in the good-for-you restaurants.

3. Niyama Private Islands, Maldives

Niyama Private Islands, set in the Dhaalu Atoll, sets the stage for divers of all stripes. The PADI dive centre hosts guided reef tours for both novices and pros, and the whale shark excursion is a must-do, where you’ll come face to face with the Indian Ocean’s megafauna. Snorkellers can explore the lagoon’s clear waters, while the dual-island setup means plenty of ‘Play’ and ‘Chill’ on land. After your adventures, unwind in an overwater villa or enjoy dining across the resort’s chic restaurants.

When to visit the Maldives: The ideal time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is dry and underwater visibility is clear, offering optimal conditions for diving.

4. Florida Keys, USA

In the Florida Keys, diving is all about easy-going vibes and big underwater discoveries. Float above the coral gardens of John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo or become a ‘Wreck Trekker’ – there are a string of sunken vessels to explore, including the Duane and Joe’s Tug in Key West. After a day in the water, kick back at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, where diving by day and sunset cocktails by the sea make for the perfect mix. 

When to visit: The Florida Keys enjoy warm waters year-round, but if you’re visiting between June and November, be mindful that tropical storms can sometimes pass through.

5. Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is a diver’s playground, surrounded by gin-clear waters and home to the spectacular Palancar Reef, famous for its towering corals and thriving marine life. Many upscale all-inclusive resorts provide bespoke diving packages – Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa even has its own scuba diving training pool, ideal for a quick refresher before hitting into the open water.

Drift diving is the real star here – just let the current do the work as you cruise along the reef walls. Don’t miss a trip to Devil’s Throat, a breathtaking tunnel dive that takes you deep through narrow passages before and opening up into the blue abyss.

When to visit:  Bull sharks and eagle rays show up between November and March, while May to September means fewer crowds and warm waters.

6. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, so is naturally a bucket list tick for divers. Explore vibrant coral gardens, swim alongside manta rays and turtles or head to more remote dive sites with a private charter from luxury resorts like Lizard Island.

With over 2,900 individual reefs, no two dives are ever the same – you could encounter anything from rainbow corals and schools of clownfish to larger creatures like dugongs and leopard sharks.

When to visit: Visit during the dry season from May to October for the best visibility. It’s also whale-watching season, with humpbacks migrating from Antarctica to warmer waters.

7. Similan Islands, Thailand

Cast adrift in the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands are often dubbed Thailand’s last true paradise. While the beaches look straight out of a postcard, the real magic happens below the surface. Massive granite boulders shape the underwater landscape, creating dramatic swim-throughs and rugged topography. Whether you're navigating the currents at Elephant Head Rock or calmly snorkelling over coral reefs in sheltered bays, the Similans have something for every diver.

For a hassle-free experience, stay in Phuket or Khao Lak and explore the islands on a full-day speedboat trip.

When to visit: November to April is the sweet spot, with great visibility and the best chances of seeing manta rays and whale sharks from February onwards.

8. Grenada, Caribbean

Grenada has earned its title as the ‘wreck diving capital of the Caribbean’ for good reason. Dive into the famous Bianca C, known as the ‘Titanic of the Caribbean’ or explore the hauntingly beautiful Underwater Sculpture Park, where submerged art installations have become home to fish and corals. After your explorations at sea, return to the stylish Silversands Grenada for a little post-dive luxury.

When to visit: You can dive year-round in Grenada, but to avoid hurricanes or tropical storms, come during the dry season from January to May.

9. Dominica, Caribbean

Dominica, known as the ‘Nature Island of the Caribbean’, offers exceptional diving experiences. At Champagne Reef, volcanic vents release streams of bubbles through the coral, creating a surreal underwater scene. Stay at the eco-luxe Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, where you’ll enjoy sustainable luxury while being steps away from your next dive.

The island’s volcanic landscape doesn’t just shape the land, it extends underwater too. Beyond Champagne Reef, you’ll find dramatic drop-offs, pinnacles, and craters, all formed by volcanic activity, making each dive a new discovery.

When to visit: The driest time of the year is between December and April, meaning it’s also the best time to dive. If you’re hoping to swim with sperm whales, come between November and March.

10. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a diver’s hotspot, with standout sites like the famous USS Liberty wreck in Tulamben, where a sunken WWII ship has become a flourishing habitat for fish and corals. Nusa Penida brings the chance to dive alongside manta rays, and if you're lucky, you might spot the elusive mola mola (sunfish).

Consider pairing your Bali trip with a visit to the sleepy Gili Islands. Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno are known for frequent turtle sightings, while tiny Gili Air is full of island charm and surrounded by colourful coral reefs. 

When to visit: The best time for diving in Bali is from May to October, with August to October giving you the best chance to see the mola mola.

How to plan your luxury scuba diving and snorkelling holiday

Ready to plan the ultimate luxury dive trip? Start by picking a destination that aligns with your skill level and has the marine life you’re eager to see. Think about the type of underwater experiences you’d like – relaxed, shallow reef dives or more advanced outings like exploring submerged caves and cenotes. Look for a resort where land-based relaxation rivals the excitement of diving, with rejuvenating spa treatments, exquisite dining and activities like sunset yoga or cruises. And don’t forget to time your trip with the best conditions.

What to expect from a luxury scuba diving and snorkelling holiday

A luxury diving holiday means you’ll get the best of both worlds: adventure and indulgence. Enjoy top-tier dive facilities and ocean expeditions tailored to your skill level, led by world-leading PADI-certified instructors, who’ll make every dive a safe and exciting experience. You could take your diving adventures to the next level with private lessons or an exclusive charter to secret dive spots. Back on land, sit back, relax and soak in the beauty of a posterchild tropical outpost.  

This feature was created on 15th October 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.