Best Scuba Diving in Asia: Top Destinations, Tips, And Places to Learn Diving

Asia is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving. Its warm waters, colourful coral reefs, friendly marine life, and wide range of diving courses make it perfect for both beginners and experienced divers. If you are searching for the best scuba diving in Asia, this guide will help you understand where to go, what to expect, and how to plan your next underwater adventure.

From Indonesia to the Maldives, from Thailand to India, Asia has hundreds of world-class dive sites. Many travellers also look for reliable information online, and platforms like Scooba Dive Guide offer helpful travel tips, location guides, and more. If you want expert-based diving advice, you can explore more destination guides.

In this article, we will explore the top diving destinations in Asia, the best countries for scuba diving, and the best places to learn diving. We will also answer the most searched questions like “Where is the best place to dive in Asia?” and “Which country is best for scuba diving?”

Let’s dive in.

Where is the best place to dive in Asia?

Asia has many amazing places to dive, but some locations stand out because of their coral reefs, visibility, marine life variety, and diving conditions. Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and the Maldives are often listed as the best places to dive in Asia. These places offer crystal-clear water, healthy reefs, and stunning underwater habitats.

Indonesia’s Raja Ampat is known as one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth. It has more than 1,400 species of fish and over 500 types of corals. If you want a life-changing diving experience, Raja Ampat is the perfect destination.

Thailand’s Similan Islands are another excellent location. Divers love the clear blue water, soft coral gardens, and gentle currents that make it ideal for beginners.

The Maldives is famous for manta rays, whale sharks, and luxury dive resorts. It is one of Asia’s leading dive destinations and attracts thousands of divers every year.

Which country is best for scuba diving?

Indonesia is often ranked as the best scuba diving country in Asia. It has thousands of islands, and each island offers something special for divers. Bali, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Bunaken, and Lombok are some of the popular diving regions.

The Philippines is another top contender. With over 7,000 islands, it offers incredible diving spots like Tubbataha Reef and Coron’s shipwrecks.

The Maldives is perfect for those who want a combination of marine life, comfort, and stunning ocean views.

Thailand remains one of the most beginner-friendly countries for diving certification courses.

India, especially the Andaman Islands and Lakshadweep, is now becoming a rising star in the Asian diving map.

Overall, the best country for scuba diving depends on your interests. If you love large marine species, choose the Maldives. If you want rich coral variety, choose Indonesia. If you want budget-friendly diving, choose Thailand or the Philippines.

What is Asia’s leading dive destination?

Asia’s leading dive destination is Raja Ampat in Indonesia. It is considered the crown jewel of diving due to its unmatched biodiversity. Many professional divers call it the best dive site in the world.

However, destinations like the Maldives, Sipadan (Malaysia), Tubbataha (Philippines), and Komodo (Indonesia) also rank among Asia’s top diving hotspots.

Top 10 best scuba diving places in Asia

Here are the top 10 diving locations that travellers frequently search for when looking for the best scuba diving in Asia. These destinations are suitable for both beginners and advanced divers.

1. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

This is the most biodiverse marine ecosystem on the planet. Colourful reefs, big fish, tiny creatures, and amazing walls make it No. 1.

2. Similan Islands, Thailand

Known for calm waters, colourful soft corals, and easy diving conditions.

3. Maldives Atolls

Offers encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, and large pelagic fish.

4. Tubbataha Reef, Philippines

A UNESCO Natural Heritage Site with deep walls and untouched reefs.

5. Sipadan, Malaysia

Famous for giant turtles, barracudas, and shark sightings.

6. Andaman Islands, India

Gives a mix of beautiful corals, good visibility, and peaceful beaches.

7. Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Home to strong currents, sharks, rays, and beautiful coral gardens.

8. Bali, Indonesia

Nusa Penida, Tulamben, and Menjangan offer great diving for all skill levels.

9. Coron, Philippines

Popular for World War II shipwrecks and clear lagoons.

10. Okinawa, Japan

A mix of caves, reef walls, and unique marine life in warm waters.

These destinations often appear in searches like “Top 10 best scuba diving in Asia,” “Best scuba diving in Asia Reddit,” and “Best scuba diving in Asia map.”

Best scuba diving in India

India is becoming one of the top diving destinations in Asia. The Andaman Islands are the most popular place for scuba diving in India. Sites around Havelock Island and Neil Island are especially famous for soft corals and clear visibility.

Lakshadweep is another great choice. Its lagoons and reef systems are still untouched and perfect for peaceful diving.

If you are travelling within India and want to explore more diving locations, you can find detailed destination guides on Scooba Dive Guide.

Best places to learn scuba diving in Asia

Asia is also one of the best places to learn scuba diving because training here is affordable, safe, and widely available. Countries like Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India have many certified dive schools.

Thailand is often considered the easiest place to get scuba certified in Asia due to its low cost and shallow training sites. Koh Tao alone certifies thousands of divers every year.

The Philippines, especially Cebu and Palawan, is popular among beginners because of the friendly instructors and comfortable training sites.

Indonesia, especially Bali, offers high-quality certification centres with professional instructors.

India’s Andaman Islands are great if you want to learn diving in calm, beginner-friendly waters.

Best diving in Asia in February

February is one of the best months for scuba diving in Asia. Many regions have clear skies, warm weather, and excellent visibility under water.

The Maldives has its peak diving season in February. Divers will see whale sharks, manta rays, and large schools of fish.

Thailand and the Andaman Sea are also perfect in February, with calm seas and sunny weather.

Indonesia’s Bali and Komodo have good diving conditions, making February a great travel month.

Best scuba diving in North America (Short Comparison)

Since many travellers also compare Asia with North America, it is useful to know that North America has great diving spots like Cozumel (Mexico), Hawaii (USA), Florida Keys, and British Columbia. However, Asia offers warmer waters, more marine diversity, and more budget-friendly options, which is why many divers still prefer Asia.

If you want expert travel guides, destination ideas, diving tips, certification help, or best dive site recommendations, visit Scooba Dive Guide. You can explore more useful articles and plan your next underwater adventure with confidence.

FAQs about Best Scuba Diving in Asia

Where is the best place to get scuba certified in Asia?

Thailand (especially Koh Tao), Bali in Indonesia, and the Philippines are commonly chosen because they offer affordable PADI and SSI courses with great training sites.

Which country is the cheapest for scuba diving in Asia?

Thailand and the Philippines usually offer the most budget-friendly diving.

Can beginners dive at Raja Ampat?

Raja Ampat is more suitable for intermediate and experienced divers because of its strong currents.

Is scuba diving safe in Asia?

Yes, as long as you choose certified instructors, follow safety rules, and check weather conditions.

When is the best time for scuba diving in Asia?

November to May is the best season for most Asian destinations.