Best Destination in the U.S. and Canada

Florida Keys

Famous for big wrecks in clear water and for shallow, sun-drenched reefs awash in schools of fish, divers here can expect sightings of big nurse, bull and reef sharks, along with green moray eels, eagle rays, and green and hawksbill turtles. These reefs also get their share of surprises. “We keep seeing bizarre stuff that blows my mind,” says Jeff Gneiser, owner of Amoray Dive Center on the island of Key Largo. This year, their divers witnessed a giant manta on French Reef, a young female great white on the Duane wreck and a whale shark in the bay. Last year saw orcas. The surprise drop-ins are rare—maybe just one per month—but speak to the richness of the reefs in the Florida Keys.

When to Go The busy tourism season is from November to April, but for divers, summer is the best. The waters are warm—so warm that wetsuits are optional—and often crystal clear. “My favorite time is late September,” says Gneiser. “People often don’t come because they’re worried about hurricanes, but the water is warm, the air temperatures start to cool and we get incredibly flat days.” To remove any downside, many operators offer free rebookings in the event of a storm.

Don’t Miss “Carysfort Reef is our undiscovered country,” says Gneiser. It starts with shallow areas and coral plantings, then leads to an extraordinary, 80-foot-deep drop-off. “That drop isn’t normal topography for the Keys.”

Creature Spotlight April to August brings eagle rays. “When it’s their season, it’s not unlikely to see six or eight in formation. When divers see those, it’s as if there’s nothing else on the dive.”

Gear If skipping a wetsuit, bring a rash guard to keep the sun off.

Requirements The abundance of wrecks makes Key Largo a choice spot to take the PADI Wreck Diver course.

Insider Tip Head to Key Largo Fisheries, where the fishing boats come in, for a quick bite at the Backyard Cafe while sitting outside at a picnic table. “There is no fresher fish on the planet,” says Gneiser.

How To Book Amoray Dive Center offers dive-and-stay packages with Amoray Dive Resort. Call to confirm dates with the resort, then book diving.

Contact amoray.com

Related Reading: Calling Divers: Sign the Petition to Save Sharks and Rays

Best Destination in the Caribbean and Atlantic

Mexico

This country’s Caribbean coast packs in a lot of adventure, including the cenotes found primarily between Cancun and Tulum, bull shark diving in Playa del Carmen and snorkeling with whale sharks at Isla Mujeres. Cancun’s satellite island of Cozumel is a haven for multilevel wall diving alongside sea turtles, eagle rays and morays. The wall here is riddled with unique formations, including caves and massive overhangs, and it also has more than a few centuries-old anchors.

When to Go January to March offers the best conditions and deals.

Don’t Miss “You have to have the right currents, swells and wind, but when you do, you can dive Barracuda [dive site],” says Martin King, owner of Dive With Martin. “We’re talking 80 to 90 feet deep and drift diving at its best. You’re going to fly.”

Creature Spotlight The splendid toadfish, also known as the Cozumel toadfish, is found almost exclusively around this island. “You can spot them in little crevices at the shallow reefs, typically looking into the current,” says King.

Gear A surface marker buoy provides added security. Most of the diving in Cozumel is drift diving. If you surface early for any reason, an SMB makes you more visible in the water.

Requirements An Advanced Open Water Diver certification opens up more of the playing field, allowing you to see more. “I require the advanced [certification] for Devil’s Throat as a precaution because the site is 140 feet deep,” he says. “If you want to experience dive sites like Santa Rosa Wall, San Francisco Wall or go deep inside the caves, you’ll come up short with Open Water Diver.”

Insider Tip Skip paying for beach clubs and instead, either ask a local where to go or explore to find free access to the shoreline. Just be sure to pack and carry out your trash.

How to Book Dive With Martin has a U.S.-based travel coordinator who books guests’ accommodation and diving. Divers can fly directly to Cozumel or save around $400 by flying to Cancun and doing the “bag drag,” as King calls the schlep to Cozumel via a taxi and ferry.

Contact divewithmartin.com

Related Reading: How Do I Dive Safely With Sharks?

Best Destination in the Pacific and Indian

Indonesia

No destination better allows you to “choose your own adventure” than Indonesia. Divers can target big animals, such as the whale sharks of Cenderawasih Bay, the giant oceanic mantas of Komodo or the hammerheads of the Banda Sea. Divers can also focus on critters, whether that’s while muck diving or amid the seemingly unending coral reefs. Wakatobi, a private island resort in Southeast Sulawesi, delivers an abundance of the latter.

When to Go Each island and region has a preferred season. Peak manta season at South Komodo is December through February, and August through October in North and Central Komodo. Some regions, Wakatobi among them, see little seasonal variance.

Don’t Miss Pelagian, Wakatobi’s liveaboard, visits the site Magic Pier. “You’ll see a couple dozen mating mandarinfish at any given time,” says Bailey Anderson, marketing manager for Wakatobi.

Creature Spotlight One of the most exciting finds is the pygmy seahorse, always found on sea fans. Wakatobi guides excel at finding this pinky-nail–size critter. What many divers may not know, says Anderson, is “they’re really sensitive to light, so with photographers, we try to limit each person to three photos.”

Gear Much of Indonesia, including Wakatobi, experiences strong currents. A reef stick or hook helps divers stay in a fixed position, which is especially helpful when shooting photos. “Of course, you have to use them sparingly and not prod around,” says Anderson.

Requirements To better appreciate the marine biodiversity, consider taking the PADI Fish Identification course while in Indonesia.

Insider Tip If flying to Wakatobi or Komodo, flights will be routed through Bali. Add a few days in Bali to explore the temples and sample the nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) and other dishes. Plus, says Anderson, “Staying a couple of days in Bali helps you adjust to the time zone and get into vacation mode.”

How To Book A stay at Wakatobi includes the flight from Bali. Guests choose a room category and the number of diving days desired in their package. Food is included; alcohol and specialty coffee drinks are extra.

Contact wakatobi.com

Related Reading: A Dream Stay Aboard the Arenui

Readers Choice Awards 2026

This year we surveyed 8,729 readers on their favorite destinations, resorts, operators and liveaboards, awarding their top picks across a variety of categories. Our Readers Choice travel feature highlights the first-place destinations in each global region and offers a taste of what makes each a reader favorite.

➜Click here to see all Readers Choice award-winning resorts, operators and liveaboards.