The world’s best reef diving destinations

Reefs are what scuba diving is all about. These otherworldly formations – tangles of knobbly nodes and fanning fronds – are home to all manner of sea life, from manta rays to snappers. We’ve put together a list of planet earth’s top destinations to explore the best that the oceans have to offer.

Maragogi, Brazil

Maragogi is renowned for its swathes of coral reef – known as galés – that form little turquoise pools at low tide. Clear, shallow and packed with sea life, the galés are ideal for snorkellers and first-time scuba divers. Hop on a catamaran and you’ll be whisked out to sea, where you can pop on some fins and glide around with the Maragogi fish. Come nighttime, a beachfront property with gardens and fruit trees does the job nicely. Step forward, Pousada Barra Velha.

Cairns, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is the ruler of reefs. To reach the most remote – and rewarding – spots, take a live-aboard boat for a few nights out at sea. Aside from access to spots like the legendary Cod Hole, you can wake up with the sunrise, nibble breakfast on deck, and be diving with turtles by 9. Back on land, a stay with the friendly hosts of Lilybank Bed & Breakfast is a heartwarming bit of R&R.

Cozumel, Mexico

White-sand beaches, outrageously clear waters, abundant sea life – Cozumel is about as close to an island paradise as you can get. The pinnacle of Cozumel diving is Barracuda Reef. This advanced-divers-only spot is known for strong currents and incredible sea life, including rays, hammerhead sharks and its most famous resident, the barracuda. As far as bases go, Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa is hard to beat, with its private beach, spa, and on-site dive shop.

Eilat, Israel

The Red Sea is synonymous with scuba diving. But while most divers flock to the Egyptian coast, there are plenty of spectacular scuba experiences to be had on the Israeli side. Eilat leads the way, especially for reef diving. Head to the Japanese Gardens for a kilometre of colourful coral, home to morays, giant clams, and sea slugs. After a day under the sea, a stay at Guest House Custo Dive Resort’s quiet location, pool, and dive shop will recharge your scuba batteries.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

When it comes to sheer number of reef dive sites, Sharm El Sheikh takes some beating. From the island of Tiran to The Gardens, this strip of the Egyptian coast is jam-packed with coral – which means plenty of fish. Add in Sharm El Sheikh’s warm waters with telescope-like visibility, and you’ve got something close to reef-diving perfection. For a convenient place to stay, look no further than Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort, which has many rooms overlooking Tiran Island itself.

San Andres, Colombia

Located around 500 miles off the coast of Colombia, this Caribbean island is rightly regarded as one of the top dive sites in the world. Surrounded by reefs, it’s known within scuba circles for its incredible visibility and diverse wildlife, including crazy anemones, nudibranches, and sharks. On these chilled-out shores, you’re never far away from smiling locals – and at Mahalo House, you can stay with some of the nicest around.

Ko Tao, Thailand

Southeast Asia’s dive capital, Ko Tao is an island that pulsates with scuba fever all year round. With warm waters, abundant shallow reefs, and no end of dive schools, it’s easy to see why it’s the region’s go-to spot for diving qualifications. Paradise wouldn’t be paradise without a wooden cabin to sleep in, and the cabins of Sensi Paradise Beach Resort have even got pools.

Hurghada, Egypt

Sharm El Sheikh may hog the Red Sea headlines, but Hurghada holds its own when it comes to dreamy reef diving. The town caught the first wave of Red Sea tourism, so its quietest, cleanest dive spots are located further out to sea. Dolphin lovers should head to El Fanus, a favourite haunt of bottlenoses. Hurghada’s a resort kind of place, and with lavish halls and an amazing beachfront location, Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh is one of the best.