As 2026 rolls in, many travellers are setting their sights on the ocean for their next big adventure. If scuba diving is on your New Year's bucket list, you’re in luck. From vibrant coral reefs to dramatic wrecks and encounters with large animals, the world offers unforgettable dive destinations suited for every level of diver.
Whether you’re planning your first dive trip of the year or mapping out multiple underwater escapes, these are the best dive spots to hit up in 2026 for world-class scuba diving experiences.
1. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Often ranked as the top destination for scuba diving worldwide, Raja Ampat remains unmatched in marine biodiversity. Located in the Coral Triangle, this remote Indonesian paradise is home to over 1,500 fish species and some of the healthiest coral reefs on Earth.
Expect manta rays, reef sharks, massive schools of fish, and jaw-dropping soft corals. While it’s best suited for intermediate to advanced divers due to currents, liveaboards and eco-resorts make access smoother than ever in 2026.
2. The Great Blue Hole, Belize
Few scuba diving sites are as iconic as the Great Blue Hole. This massive underwater sinkhole offers a unique deep-dive experience with dramatic stalactites and crystal-clear visibility.
While the Blue Hole itself is a short dive, the surrounding Belize Barrier Reef—one of the largest reef systems in the world—adds colorful shallow dives perfect for all levels.
3. Palau, Micronesia
Palau is legendary among scuba diving enthusiasts for its thrilling drift dives and shark encounters. Sites like Blue Corner and German Channel deliver adrenaline-packed dives with reef sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and huge schools of fish.
This destination is best for experienced divers but rewards skill with some of the most dynamic underwater action on the planet.
4. Silfra Fissure, Iceland
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For something completely different, Silfra offers one of the most surreal scuba diving experiences in the world. Divers can swim between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in glacier-filtered water with visibility exceeding 100 meters.
Though cold-water diving requires dry-suit certification, the clarity and geology make this a once-in-a-lifetime dive.
5. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
If your idea of scuba diving includes hammerhead sharks, marine iguanas, whale sharks, and sea lions, the Galápagos should be high on your list. This remote archipelago offers raw, powerful diving best suited for advanced divers.
Strong currents and cooler waters are balanced by encounters you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.
Conclusion
From tropical reefs to icy fissures, 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year for scuba diving. As marine conservation continues to grow and dive travel becomes more sustainable, there’s never been a better time to explore the underwater world responsibly.