10 of the Best Dive Destinations Away from the Crowds

The classic dive destinations are all renowned for good reason, but the world is full of wonderful hidden spots and lesser-known diving delights. These special locations and destinations have always been at the core of our ethos.  

As travel restrictions are lifted the world over, we have seen a surge in interest for a more diverse range of scuba diving destinations, spurred on by a newfound confidence to explore the world. Find out more about our top selections for diving off the beaten track below.

1. Gangga Island Resort, Indonesia

Most divers have heard about Bunaken National Park and the Lembeh Strait. These remarkable dive destinations are both found in north-east Sulawesi. Bunaken offers wonderful coral reefs and wall diving, while Lembeh is famous for astounding critters of every shape and hue.  

These are not the only exceptional dive destinations in the region, however. Little Gangga Island sits at the confluence of currents from both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The area is blessed with 30 outstanding dive sites and magical biodiversity, particularly for smaller marine life. What’s more, the location means visits to both Bunaken and Lembeh are also possible. 

2. South Halmahera, Indonesia 

‘Halma-what?’ we hear you say? Draw a line between Lembeh Strait and Raja Ampat on a map, and you run right into the little-known island of Halmahera. Once key to the spice trade, this remote Indonesian outpost has long since drifted from the world’s attention, however divers should take note.  

A brief survey by renowned marine biologist Gerry Allen found comparable marine biodiversity to Raja Ampat, and with a little more attention is thought could even steal the crown for the greatest biodiversity on earth. 

Jump on board the excellent Maluku Explorer liveaboard - benefitting from some of her new itineraries starting or finishing in Sulawesi – to explore this magical area. Divers can also extend their time in this region with a stay at a dive resort either in south-west Halmahera or in Sulawesi. 

3. Anda, Philippines

With its beautiful beaches, chocolate hills and endearing endemic tarsiers, the island of Bohol in the Philippines is no stranger to tourism. However, a journey to the south-eastern region of the island, called Anda, brings a very different experience.  

A handful of dive resorts showcase the splendid diving on offer here, with vibrant coral reefs, exceptional smaller marine life and a distinctly quieter, more refined ambience. A newly found whale shark hotspot also adds to the appeal. 

4. Solomon Islands

Forming the eastern edge of the famed Coral Triangle, the Solomon Islands offer truly world-class diving, far away from any crowds. Explore the delights of this Pacific island nation from resort or by joining the Bilikiki liveaboard. 

In addition to exceptionally varied and biodiverse coral reefs, you will have the opportunity to meet local peoples whose way of life has changed little for centuries, and where a multitude of languages and cultures abound. Dive Sales Consultant Philippa Anderson knows the islands well and shares why you should choose the Solomon Islands for your next dive holiday:

"Solomon Islands is every diver’s dream. There really is something for everyone, the most pristine reefs in the world abundant in marine life; schooling fish, pelagics and critters, with caves, walls, mangroves as well as a deep history of wrecks from WWII. The only thing you will not find is other divers!"

5. Southern Maldives

You might ask what such a famous diving destination as the Maldives is doing on this list? While large numbers of divers focus on the central atolls of the Maldives, this chain of atolls and islands in the Indian Ocean spans 539 miles from north to south and hides plenty of surprises. 

Between January and March each year, certain liveaboards head to the far south of the Maldives to explore little visited dive sites, rejoice in magical coral reefs and enjoy excellent shark encounters. This trip is for more advanced divers only and comes highly recommended for those that have already visited the Maldives. 

6. Alphonse Island, Seychelles

Image by Cath Bates

Far beyond the main islands of the Seychelles and surrounded by the turquoise seas of the Indian Ocean is a hidden gem with few equals, Alphonse Island. The island can only be reached by private charter flight courtesy of the island’s only resort, the luxurious Alphonse Island Resort. Those fortunate enough to visit will be rewarded with undisturbed solitude, extraordinary beauty, and superb coral reefs all to yourself. An experience like no other. 

7. Carriacou, the Caribbean

Many divers are familiar with the reefs, wrecks and all-round charm of Grenada in the southern Caribbean, but how many have heard of Carriacou?  

Carriacou is Grenada’s smaller sister to the north, and the name translates as the ‘land of reefs’. The island rewards those who make the extra effort to visit her shores with a step back in time and some wonderfully vibrant diving. 

The island can be combined with Grenada for a colourful twin centre adventure, or visited as a standalone dive destination.

8. Northern Mozambique

Northern Mozambique is one of the world’s last wildernesses and an excellent choice for those seeking remote luxury allied to some great diving. Pristine reefs abound, with exceptional biodiversity, beautiful coral bommies, pinnacles, drop-offs and more to enjoy.  

Humpback whales cruise the coast between August and October, adding further sparkle to an extraordinary destination. We recommend a stay at the wonderful Nuarro Lodge to appreciate the best of this region. 

9. Nosy Be, Madagascar

Madagascar is unlike any other country; a bizarre and intoxicating mix of extraordinary landscapes and unique wildlife. Its attractions do not lie only above the waves, however.  

The tropical island of Nosy Be in the north of the country is a base from which to explore the beautiful islands of this region by resort or by jumping on board a trip on the Oceane Dream catamaran. Highlights include seldom visited reefs and islands (particularly from the Oceane Dream), humpback whales and whale sharks from late September to early December. 

10. St Helena

St Helena is farther from a major landmass than any other island on earth. Dubbed the ‘Galapagos of the Atlantic’ the wonders of this rugged outcrop in the southern Atlantic Ocean have come to the attention of divers and marine life lovers in recent years. 

The major draw is the whale sharks that gather in these waters from December to March each year. These huge, often curious whale sharks are thought to come here to breed, promising outstanding snorkelling encounters. 

Embark on a tailor-made adventure or find out about our expert led adventures with marine conservationist Danny Copeland, who admits this destination holds a special place in his heart:

"St Helena is a beautiful, unique and seldom visited location, and it's one of my favourite places in the world to see whale sharks."

If you are interested to discuss a diving adventure to one of the destinations featured or wish to learn more about one of our other diving destinations, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team today.