Photo by Hendrik Scholz aka. Hscholz. There is a fascinating world, deeply distant but at the same time very close to us: the abysses. In the depths of the sea, sunlight filters through the water and allows us to glimpse a colourful, almost ethereal life that populates an existence of caves and sea gardens. A muffled world, at times magical, that strikes the soul of many people. It is easy to guess why. Discover with us the 20 best places in the world to go scuba diving: which one are you missing?
20 - Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
Photo by Tim Parkinson. The Ras Mohammed National Park stretches across the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula and is Egypt's only national park. On the side facing the Red Sea you will find more than 20 beautiful sites perfect for diving. Just a stone's throw from Sharm el Sheikh you will be swimming next to colourful fish!
SEE ALSO: What to see in Sharm el Sheikh: top attractions, beaches and excursions
19 - Turcs and Caicos, Caribbean Sea
A coral archipelago, known since the 1970s as an excellent destination for scuba diving. Many of the islands are uninhabited, making them perfect for an escape from hectic city life. It has one of the largest coral reefs in the world. It is also an ideal location for snorkellers as the reef is close to the shore and shallow.
SEE ALSO: Turks and Caicos, Caribbean: where to find them, when to go and what to see
18 - Little Cayman, Cayman Islands
Photo by Twilight Zone Expedition Team 2007, NOAA-OE.. It is the smallest of the islands in the archipelago of the same name and is a real gem! It is trying hard to resist the environmental threats caused by the, unfortunately, increasing level of pollution in the area. A place of great charm, albeit very contained. At the northern end you will find Jackson Point, where the reef drops into the deepest abyss after a drop of almost 2000 metres!
SEE ALSO: Cayman Islands, Caribbean: where they are, when to go and what to see
17 - Silfra Lake, Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
The waters of this lake are a curious but interesting stop. Visibility is excellent in these crystal-clear waters, so much so that from the surface one can see the rifts caused by the meeting of the two continental plates. The proximity to the geysers means that the waters are not so cold and some fish swim in them. The lagoon offers a breathtaking spectacle: an incredible place!
SEE ALSO: Visit the Silfra Fault, Iceland: how to get there, prices and tips
16 - Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands
Photo by Hendrik Scholz aka. Hscholz. Yes, yes: you got that right! We mean the theatre of the famous atomic tests. Despite what you might think, the underwater flora and fauna are respectable. It is a location suitable for the more courageous who provide special and unique dives. The wrecks of numerous warships rest on the seabed.
15 - Mauritius Island, Republic of Mauritius
The coral reef surrounds the island for three quarters. The east coast is lapped by cooler currents, but has beautiful spots. You will also find fantastic desert islets where you will have the impression of diving in unexplored waters. The aquatic fauna here is rich and colourful. If you are experienced enough, venture into the intricate architecture of the reefs on the south coast.
SEE ALSO: Mauritius: where it is, when to go and what to see
14 - Zanzibar, Tanzania
A heavenly sea with a wonderful coral reef awaits you. In Zanzibar, many of the best dive sites are ideal for beginners. Chole Wall and Coral Gardens, only 15 metres deep, will amaze you. The other most spectacular spots are at 30 metres. Warning: don't be fooled! Despite the minimal difficulty of the dives, the islands of Tanzania offer spectacular experiences for even the most experienced divers.
SEE ALSO: Zanzibar, Tanzania: where to find it, when to go and what to see
13 - Sulawesi, between Borneo and the Moluccas Islands
The area is well known for the beauty of its seabed. The value of these waters does not stop there: it is of great scientific importance. In fact, one finds a marine environment with a high concentration of biodiversity. Absolutely not to be missed is the Bunaken Marine Park, one of the best sites of its kind in the world.
SEE ALSO: Sulawesi Island: where it is, when to go and what to see
12 - Maldives
More than a thousand islands surrounded by fine sand with atolls full of colourful underwater reef life. From May to September you may encounter manta rays, while near the North Male and South Ari atolls you may come across sharks and sea turtles. In the Maldives, you will also find the best tour and diving centres in the Indian Ocean.
SEE ALSO: Maldives Islands: where to find them, when to go and what to see
11 - Hurghada, Egypt
Photo by Rob. A favourite destination for several reasons: the seabed is one of the most beautiful and lush in the world, the clarity of its waters is legendary, and getting there is easy and cheap.
What more could you ask for?
SEE ALSO: Hurghada, Egypt: where it is, when to go and what to see
10 - Perth, Australia
This is the realm of unspoilt nature and pure water. Just over 20 km from Perth is the beautiful Rottnest Island: a magical place surrounded by coral reefs and rich vegetation. A fantastic site for diving! Remember to also immerse yourself in the green natural surroundings on the mainland. You might also come across quokkas, the curious marsupials similar to kangaroos with their ever-happy faces.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Australia: recommended cities, attractions and itineraries
9 - Rangiroa, Polynesia
Photo by Frenchytahiti. It is anatoll in the Tuamotu archipelago, in Polynesia. The extensive and very beautiful island has a coral reef and extraordinary underwater fauna. Here you can experience the thrill of swimming side by side with dolphins. There is also a special phenomenon here that you can also use for your own enjoyment: the currents created by two channels allow water to flow only twice a day.
8 - Raja Ampat, Indonesia
It is a vast archipelago, elected in 2007 as one of the richest coral reefs in the world. Underwater photography enthusiasts come from all over the planet to observe this unique biodiversity.
SEE ALSO: Raja Ampat, Indonesia: where to find them, when to go and what to see
7 - Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea
Photo by Kimbe. Difficult to get to, but absolutely worth it! Here you will find the greatest biodiversity on the planet. Mangroves, coral reefs, fish of all kinds and colours, dolphins and volcanoes. Need we say more?
SEE ALSO: Papua New Guinea: where it is, when to go and what to see
6 - Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
If you fancy a long but unforgettable trip, the Galapagos Islands are perfect! A Unesco World Heritage Site with more than 400 endemic species, including the famous giant tortoises. Immerse yourself in a fascinating spectacle, with thousands of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and colourful fish.
SEE ALSO: Galapagos: where to find them, when to go and what to see
5 - Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Photo by PalawanOz. A completely wild island, the northern tip of the Golden Triangle (formed by Colombia's Malpelo and Ecuador's Galapagos). Three wild islands frequented only by divers and coastguards. Cocos Island is a marine reserve, with endemic species and rich biodiversity.
SEE ALSO: Costa Rica, Central America: where is it, when to go and what to see
4 - Richelieu Rock, Thailand
Photo by Mr.CMBurns. From Phuket to Koh Samui, the sea is among the most beautiful on the planet. It is also among the most interesting for diving enthusiasts. In the Adamanne Sea there is a strip of islands, which is well known among enthusiasts, but not very frequented. Here you will find a great variety of colourful fish, corals and whale and leopard sharks.
3 - Kona, Hawaii
On the Kona coast the best diving is done at night. Powerful rays of light attract the plankton and with it the manta rays. An incredible spectacle: these majestic animals literally fly through the water, moving gently with an almost unreal rhythm. Apparently, the best time to make these particular encounters is on crescent moon nights.
SEE ALSO: Hawaiian Islands: where they are, when to go and what to see
2 - Great Blue Hole, Belize
One of the most striking underwater places in the world! At the centre of the Lighthouse Reef atoll, the Great Blue Hole awaits you. It is an almost perfectly circular underwater karst sinkhole, more than 120 metres deep. The almost vertical walls are decorated with beautiful stalactites of more than 15 m!
SEE ALSO: Belize, Central America: where is it, when to go and what to see
1 - Palau, Republic of Palau
Voted one of the'Seven Underwater Wonders of the World', Palau is home to so many legendary underwater sites (including Blue Corner, Jellyfish Lake, Chandelier Cave, Peleliu Express) that it is obviously at the top of this top 20. Moreover, several World War II wrecks can be found here. You can't wish for anything better!