It’s easy to assume that the best places to dive would be the best to learn but that’s not really the case. I’ve seen similar lists on the internet that include amazing destinations that I wouldn’t recommend for someone’s first foray into scuba diving.

Travelling to hugely remote or expensive destinations to do something for the first time just seems foolish. There are a number of non-diving aspects to consider when picking a destination: budget, travel time, accommodation options and non-diving activities. So here are my recommendations.

UK

Possibly (or not) the most obvious answer – don’t go anywhere and learn to dive here in the UK. The UK offers some excellent diving even for the beginner to enjoy. It’s ideal for the more adventurous as the conditions can be challenging compared to others on this list but the advantage is that if you’ve learnt in the UK you’ll have the skills to dive almost anywhere.

Another benefit is that you could choose to train with the BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club) rather than the more familiar PADI. This collection of clubs provides training through a standard monthly membership with the training being delivered by volunteer instructors. It can be the cheapest option to get qualified. 

Best for: Cash strapped, adventurous

Recommended: BSAC, London School of Diving , Andark

Egypt 

The Egyptian Red Sea provides a host of resorts all with world class diving. Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Dahab, El Gouna – there’s a long list. All have superb diving with clear blue water, healthy coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. Many of the sites are considered among the best in the world.

It’s also well suited to the beginner with a variety of shallow dives and good quality dive centres. There is an excellent range of hotels to suit different budgets so it’s also a good choice for those travelling with a family who might not be diving. All of this is within 5 hours flight of the UK, what’s not to like?

Best for: Overall diving quality

Recommended: Red Sea Diving College, Camel Dive Club

Malta

Diving in the Mediterranean can be hit or miss depending on the location. Too cold for coral and heavily overfished for decades there are many areas I wouldn’t recommend. However, Malta has a number of advantages that make it an excellent choice. The abundance of shipwrecks and the dramatic underwater scenery.

Think elegant undersea arches, caverns and overhangs all in a warm blue water setting. The diving is easy too, as it’s normally done from the shore so there’s no need for long boat rides. This helps to make it a good value destination along with a short flight from the UK. 

Best for: Wrecks

Recommended: Maltaqua, Dive Wise

Maldives

The archetypal tropical paradise: turquoise waters with palm lined white sand beaches. This idyll is mirrored underwater. The islands are renowned for their big animal encounters with regular encounters with manta rays and whale sharks.

Many people have gone on holiday with no intention of diving and after a casual snorkel off the hotel later flown home with a diving qualification. This marine life is drawn by strong currents which can make for exciting diving but dive centres will work around this to deliver safe and accessible training. Together with the resorts themselves the diving isn’t cheap but I’ve previously covered a more affordable Maldivian diving resort as well as one at the top end. 

Best for: Couples

Recommended: ProDivers. (Most hotels will have an onsite dive centre and due to the island nature of the resorts you won’t normally have a choice who you dive with) 

Thailand

I would head straight to Ko Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. The small island is only a couple of kilometres across and has been a well established destination on the gap year trail for decades. There are other areas of Thailand that are worth considering but Ko Tao is the only ‘divers’ island.

The island offers a variety of sheltered dive sites around the island that make it ideal for training. If you choose to continue your training there are some excellent dive sites for the more advanced in Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock. You’ll see many heavy heads arriving on the ferry after Ko Pha-ngan’s famous Full Moon Party for some R&R and an opportunity ‘to do their PADI’.

There are so many dive centres to choose, some better than others, so it’s worth doing some research before signing up for a course. The diving is affordable and there’s accommodation for any budget with many dive centres offering discounted rates for those signing up for courses.  

Recommended: Davy Jones’ Locker 

Best for: Gap year