As travel rebounds and divers worldwide plan their next underwater adventures, 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for scuba exploration. From the biodiversity champions of Southeast Asia to the big animal encounters of the Eastern Pacific, this year's must-dive destinations combine pristine marine environments, improved accessibility, and a growing commitment to ocean conservation.
We've analyzed travel trends, consulted dive industry experts, and reviewed recommendations from sources including BBC Travel to bring you the definitive guide to where you should be diving in 2026.
What Makes a Destination "Best" in 2026?
Our selection criteria go beyond pretty fish and clear water. The best dive destinations for 2026 excel in:
- Marine biodiversity and ecosystem health: Thriving reefs and abundant marine life
- Conservation commitment: Active protection of marine environments
- Accessibility: Improved flight routes and infrastructure
- Unique experiences: Something you can't get anywhere else
- Value: Quality diving at reasonable costs
With these criteria in mind, here are the destinations that should be on every diver's radar for 2026.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia: The Crown Jewel of Marine Biodiversity
If there's one destination that appears on every "best diving" list, it's Raja Ampat—and for good reason. This remote archipelago in Indonesia's West Papua province holds the highest recorded marine biodiversity on the planet.
Within these waters, scientists have documented over 1,500 fish species and 600 coral species—more than anywhere else on Earth. For underwater photographers, it's a paradise of color and life at every depth.
What's New for 2026
- Improved infrastructure: New eco-resorts and upgraded liveaboard operations
- Extended protected areas: Additional marine reserves reduce fishing pressure
- Better accessibility: More frequent flights to Sorong
Don't Miss
- Manta ray cleaning stations at Manta Sandy
- Walking sharks at night in Dampier Strait
- The famous "sea mount" at Cape Kri
Best time to visit: October through April (dry season)
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced (currents can be strong)
Palau: Where Conservation Meets World-Class Diving
This tiny Pacific nation punches far above its weight in ocean conservation. Palau created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009 and has since designated 80% of its waters as a marine protected area. The result? Some of the healthiest reefs and largest shark populations in the Pacific.
The Blue Corner Experience
Ask any experienced diver about their favorite dive, and Blue Corner frequently tops the list. This legendary site offers drift diving alongside grey reef sharks, eagle rays, Napoleon wrasse, and massive schools of barracuda. Divers use reef hooks to anchor themselves and watch the show.
Jellyfish Lake Update
After years of recovery following an El Niño-related decline, Jellyfish Lake has seen its golden jellyfish population rebound. Koror State Government carefully manages visitor numbers to protect this unique ecosystem.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but November to May offers the calmest conditions
Skill level: Intermediate (currents require experience)
Socorro Islands, Mexico: Giant Manta Heaven
Located 400 kilometers off Mexico's Pacific coast, the Socorro Islands (Revillagigedo Archipelago) offer something you'll find almost nowhere else: reliable encounters with giant oceanic manta rays.
These mantas, with wingspans exceeding 6 meters, are notably curious and often approach divers for extended interactions. Combined with schooling hammerheads, dolphins, and seasonal humpback whales, Socorro delivers big animal encounters unlike anywhere else.
2026 Access
Socorro remains a liveaboard-only destination, departing from Cabo San Lucas. This exclusivity limits diver numbers and helps maintain the pristine environment. Book early—popular liveaboards fill months in advance.
Best time to visit: November to May
Skill level: Advanced (open ocean conditions, currents)
The Red Sea, Egypt: Europe's Tropical Diving Paradise
For European divers, the Red Sea offers an unbeatable combination: world-class diving just a few hours' flight away, at a fraction of the cost of far-flung destinations.
But don't mistake accessibility for mediocrity. The Red Sea's coral reefs remain vibrant and healthy, its visibility regularly exceeds 30 meters, and the wreck diving is legendary.
Must-Dive Sites
- SS Thistlegorm: The world's most famous wreck, a WWII cargo ship complete with motorcycles, trucks, and locomotives
- Ras Mohammed National Park: Egypt's premier reef system with dramatic walls and shark encounters
- Brothers Islands: Remote seamounts with hammerheads and thresher sharks
What's New for 2026
- Expanded conservation programs in Ras Mohammed
- New direct flights from European cities
- Upgraded resort facilities in Marsa Alam
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
Skill level: All levels (many sheltered sites for beginners)
Tubbataha Reefs, Philippines: UNESCO Perfection
Some dive destinations are special precisely because you can't visit them most of the year. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the middle of the Sulu Sea, is accessible only from March through June when weather permits safe passage.
This limited window, combined with strict permit requirements, means the reefs remain virtually pristine. Divers report shark sightings on nearly every dive—whitetips, grey reef sharks, and hammerheads are common.
Planning Your 2026 Tubbataha Trip
- Book liveaboard trips 6-12 months in advance
- Permits are limited—operators handle the paperwork
- Most trips depart from Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Best time to visit: March to June only
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: Evolution Underwater
The Galapagos needs no introduction on land—but the underwater world is equally extraordinary. This is one of the few places on Earth where you can dive with marine iguanas, massive schools of hammerhead sharks, and whale sharks in the same week.
Strict visitor limits preserve both the terrestrial and marine environments. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's worth it.
Marine Life Highlights
- Darwin and Wolf Islands: Legendary hammerhead schooling sites
- Marine iguanas: Found nowhere else, these reptiles graze on algae underwater
- Whale sharks: Regular sightings June through November
- Galapagos penguins: The world's most northerly penguin species
According to the Charles Darwin Foundation, the marine protected area around the Galapagos is one of the most effective conservation zones in the world.
Best time to visit: June to November for whale sharks, year-round for other marine life
Skill level: Advanced (cold water, strong currents)
Emerging Destinations to Watch in 2026
Looking beyond the established classics? These emerging destinations are generating buzz among adventurous divers:
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Project
The kingdom is developing luxury dive tourism along its pristine Red Sea coastline. Early reports suggest untouched coral reefs and minimal diver traffic. Watch this space.
Oman
Oman's Arabian Sea coast offers a different Red Sea experience—more dramatic topography, seasonal upwellings that attract pelagics, and virtually no crowds.
Colombia's Caribbean Coast
Improved security and infrastructure are opening Colombia's Caribbean to divers. The Rosario Islands and San Andres offer unexplored reefs and excellent value.
Bangladesh
Recent surveys have discovered extensive reef systems in the Bay of Bengal. While tourism infrastructure is minimal, pioneering divers are reporting exceptional biodiversity.
Planning Your 2026 Dive Adventure
Ready to turn inspiration into action? Here's how to plan effectively:
Booking Timeline
- 6-12 months out: Book liveaboards to remote destinations (Socorro, Tubbataha, Galapagos)
- 3-6 months out: Book flights and resort diving at popular destinations
- 1-3 months out: Last-minute deals possible for flexible travelers
Budget Considerations
- Budget-friendly: Red Sea (Egypt), Philippines (outside Tubbataha)
- Mid-range: Raja Ampat, Palau
- Premium: Galapagos, Socorro
Don't Forget
- Dive insurance: Always carry coverage from DAN or similar
- Gear decisions: What to bring versus rent locally
- Documentation: Verify passport validity and visa requirements
Capture Your 2026 Dive Adventures
These destinations deserve to be documented. Whether you're capturing content for conservation, personal memories, or sharing with the diving community, quality underwater photography gear makes a difference.
For travel divers, a compact smartphone housing system offers excellent image quality without the bulk of traditional camera systems. Pair it with a travel-friendly video light to ensure your photos capture the colors that make these destinations special.
Make 2026 Your Best Diving Year Yet
From the biodiversity capital of Raja Ampat to the big animal encounters at Socorro, from the conservation success story of Palau to the accessible wonders of the Red Sea, 2026 offers diving experiences for every taste and budget.
The ocean's best destinations reward those who plan ahead. Start researching, start booking, and start dreaming about the underwater adventures that await.
Where will you dive in 2026? The world's best underwater destinations are waiting.
