Bucket List Diving Destinations

Below we consider five bucket list diving destinations from around the world. We know there are many, many more and the Dive team are here to help you realise your dreams, brighten your future and get at least one of these ticked off as soon as possible. 

The Galapagos Islands

There’s nowhere else quite like these enchanting volcanic islands with their unique wildlife attractions and magical marine life residents. Whilst the main group of islands have plenty to offer, divers prefer to visit Wolf and Darwin, two remote islands exclusively reached by liveaboard, surrounded by iconic dive sites and exceptional marine life encounters throughout the year.

Underwater highlights include sightings of marine iguanas, silky sharks, mola mola, walls of scalloped hammerhead sharks and, depending on the season, squadrons of manta rays or huge whale sharks. Plus, there aren’t many other places in the world where you can dive with a penguin.

Best suited to experienced divers as conditions can be challenging, liveaboard itineraries are typically seven nights long and it’s possible to extend your stay on land or boat to experience topside activities and unique wildlife. Discover more about the Galapagos Islands…

Indonesia

Lying at the heart of the Coral Triangle there are several bucket list diving experiences across the archipelago which is just one reason that divers return again and again to wonderful Indonesia. The sheer diversity of marine life, the kaleidoscopic reefs and the hospitality, just three great reasons to visit. 

The region of Raja Ampat boasts huge marine protected areas and nutrient rich waters where marine life flourishes amongst the reefs and mangroves. Expect to see plenty of macro life, hundreds of reef fish and schools of larger pelagic species as well as mesmerising manta ray encounters. The Dampier Strait offers divers, well, almost everything from tiny critters to huge schools of sardines, and barracuda, darting reef fish, turtles, wobbegong shark and larger predators. Renowned as one of the final frontiers for divers it’s possible to visit year-round staying in resort or joining a liveaboard.

Diving the area of Komodo National Park is a spectacular affair with a variety of dive sites and the chance to walk amongst dragons. The park has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Dive highlights include searching for macro life on the shores of Sangeang volcano, the huge elephant sponges off Moyo Island and the manta cleaning station sites. Together with drift dives, pristine coral gardens, sightings of Napoleon wrasse, schools of barracuda, reef sharks and so much more, you’ll need a few clear pages in the logbook to recount the fascinating marine life here. Best explored by liveaboard (although can be visited from resort) there are several boats operating in the area between May and November when diving conditions are optimum. 

It is well documented that ‘muck diving’ has its roots in Lembeh Strait. Keen to identify and photograph the weird and wonderful tiny creatures of the underwater world, it’s right up there on any diver’s bucket list. In addition to the black sand sites, there is plenty to be found on the patch reef, rubble and wreck sites in the calm waters of the strait. The trained eyes of the dive guides ensure you will see numerous species of crab, shrimp and seahorse in addition to the frogfish, octopus and mandarin fish, just a few of the better known residents. It’s a must dive destination for all, with many choosing to also spend time diving in the Bunaken National Marine Park.

If you’re looking for a resort a little more off the beaten track with an equally tantilising diving experience, speak to the Dive team about our lesser known dive resorts throughout the region.

Papua New Guinea

It’s not only the vibrant reefs, unique dive sites and WWII wrecks that attract visitors to one of the least explored destinations of the world. It’s also the profusion of marine life, remote locations and incredible cultural experiences that keep Papua New Guinea right up there on the bucket list for adventurous travellers. It’s a fascinating country and offers divers world-class experiences including the muck sites of Milne Bay, the unique fjords of Tufi, the largest diversity of corals in the region in Kimbe Bay and amazing marine encounters around the islands off Kavieng in New Ireland.

Divers are well catered for throughout Papua New Guinea. A visit here is a special and memorable experience. There are purpose-built resorts in key diving locations and a choice of liveaboard options for those who prefer to explore further. 

Intrepid divers looking to discover Papua New Guinea and beyond, why not join our exclusive 12 night liveaboard trip from Rabaul to Munda (Solomon Islands).

Revillagigedo Islands (Socorro)

Image by Cath Bates

Located in the eastern Pacific ocean these remote volcanic outcrops are a magnet for a plethora of marine life species, offering experienced divers one of the best big fish diving experiences in the world. The four islands are collectively known as Socorro and have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016. There are several manta cleaning stations, the most prolific being at ‘the boiler’ around San Benedicto island. It’s here where giant Pacific manta rays are the stars of the show. The huge (wingspan of up to 8 metres) graceful creatures fly by keeping an eye on the divers like they’re saying hello; it’s a truly memorable and unique experience. In addition, there’s an abundance of silky sharks and bottlenose dolphin at Socorro, and a pelagic playground surrounds Roca Partida. Expect to see several shark species including hammerheads and Galapagos, schools of jacks and barracuda, gamefish, and more. Whale sharks are more likely seen early, and humpback whales towards the later end of the season. 

Reached only by liveaboard, trips to Socorro operate from November to May. Tick this amazing experience off your bucket list by joining one of our exclusive departures.

Mexico offers divers so much more for the bucket list, such as observing great white sharks at Isla Guadalupe, discovering the Cenotes and memorable whale shark encounters around Holbox and the Sea of Cortez. To create your own adventure speak to the Dive team.

Chuuk State, Micronesia (Truk Lagoon)

Image by Charlie Munns

How is your ‘lust for rust’?! Described by many as the world’s finest wreck diving destination, Truk Lagoon is home to an entire Japanese fleet, frozen in time since spring 1944. Diving here is a unique experience, a destination where countless wrecks lie near each other at recreational diving depths. Not only do the wrecks have their own history, they are emblazoned with hard and soft corals and home to tropical fish. Eagle rays are often seen in the lagoon and sharks patrol the outer reef. Discover many types of boat and plane, complete with ammunition, vehicles and artefacts. Most divers will explore the Fujikawa Maru, one of the largest and most intact wrecks with remnants of everyday life, fighter planes and guns to be seen. Meanwhile the Shinkoku Maru is famed for its engine room and lush coral growth and the hold of the Hoki Maru contains trucks, a bulldozer and a tractor. Impressive underwater sights. It’s one of the most intriguing museums you’ll ever visit.

Grab your dive buddies and plan your ‘wreckspedition’ to this diving mecca. Both resort based and liveaboard options are available. 

These are just five bucket list diving destinations from around the world. What’s on your list? Join the conversation on our social media pages and let’s work together to book your next bucket list diving holiday.

Here at Dive Worldwide we excel in creating tailor-made scuba diving adventures around the world. If you’re lucky enough to have ticked off this short list, get in touch to discuss other opportunities and experiences to help get you closer to the marine wildlife and realise your underwater dreams.