Articles

Discover diving in North Sulawesi with this guide to Bunaken’s dramatic walls, Bangka’s colorful coral reefs, and Lembeh Strait’s world-famous muck diving. Explore marine life, dive conditions, resort recommendations, and the three-destination Passport to Paradise package.

A practical guide for divers planning a Red Sea trip, covering Egypt’s distance from Iran, typical flight routes, current travel considerations, liveaboard safety checks and why the Red Sea remains one of the world’s top diving destinations.

Join Bluewater Travel's Summer Webinar Series and explore some of the world's most exciting dive destinations from the comfort of home. Each session will cover everything you need to know to plan your trip, including marine life highlights, the best dive sites, how to get there, ideal travel seasons, and insider travel tips from our destination experts.

Exploring the underwater world doesn't always require scuba certification or bulky gear as snorkeling provides a simple and equally stunning way to experience marine life in its natural environment. Snorkeling travel is booming in 2025, with high demand for liveaboard snorkel options in the Maldives and Raja Ampat. We've added more itinerary flexibility to help travellers access remote reefs with shallow, clear-water drop-offs.

Our travel advisors and trip leaders are always on the move, exploring the underwater world! Using their firsthand experience and feedback from our valued guests, we've curated a list that showcases the best diving in the world in 2026. Learn when to go, where to stay, top dive sites, and more. 

If you’ve been dreaming about diving North Sulawesi but can’t decide between Bunaken, Bangka, or Lembeh Strait, this trip lets you experience all three in one journey. Enjoy seamless dive boat transfers, comfortable oceanfront resorts, and some of Indonesia’s most memorable underwater encounters – without wasting time on long road trips or extra flights.

April 2026 delivered a standout Philippines dive itinerary blending Dumaguete and Apo Island’s famous macro life with a week aboard the MY Gypsy in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. The journey began with relaxed shore diving before heading offshore into one of Southeast Asia’s most remote marine parks, moving from small critters in the sand to pelagic action along dramatic reef walls.

Safely swimming with whales is only possible in a few places—and we’ve run trips to the best of them. Based on Bluewater Travel’s first-hand expeditions, learn exactly where and when to go for your best chances of ethical, in‑water whale encounters.

Looking for the best diving in Indonesia? We've dived around the country and picked our favorites. Here is our list of top 10 dive areas in Indonesia!

If you drew up a list of Caribbean islands where the diving is far better than their fame, St Eustatius would be right near the top. Statia is small, low‑key and largely unknown outside diving circles, yet underwater it punches far above its weight: healthy reefs, a surprising number of wrecks, and an almost eerie lack of other bubbles.

Beqa Lagoon’s shark dive is one of those experiences that gets talked about wherever divers gather. Dropping onto a reef ledge, watching the blue fill with sharks, and feeling that mix of awe and controlled adrenaline is something that tends to stay with you long after the trip is over.

On Fiji’s south coast, Waidroka Bay Resort is perfectly placed for divers who want to combine the famous Beqa Lagoon shark dives with colourful reef diving and a laid‑back, adventure‑style stay on Viti Levu. For many Bluewater guests, it has become the go‑to base for divers wanting sharks, but also want a proper holiday.

When divers talk about bucket list liveaboard routes, the same three regions keep coming up: Indonesia, the Maldives, and the Solomon Islands. They’re very different experiences, but they all have two things in common – serious diving and long memories.

We’re shining a spotlight on Emperor Liveaboards across the Indo-Pacific: Emperor Harmoni in Indonesia, Emperor Serenity in the Maldives, and Emperor Bilikiki in the Solomon Islands. Together they offer three very different ways to spend a week (or more) at sea – from classic Maldivian shark and manta channels, to Indonesian big fish and reefs, to remote tropical seascapes in the Solomons.

For many divers, the Maldives is a dream destination – mantas, sharks, channels and blue water as far as you can see. The catch is usually the cost. Private‑island resorts and high‑end liveaboards add up quickly, especially if you want to dive a lot. Himmafushi Scuba Adventure offers a different way to do it: Maldives diving at a realistic price, based on a friendly local island and run by a team whose focus is firmly on safety, marine life and value for money.

If you’re happy to swap over‑water villas for solid diving, straightforward logistics and a more authentic Maldivian feel, this operator sits right in the sweet spot.

Perched on a hillside above the Caribbean Sea on the tiny island of St Eustatius (Statia), Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort offers something rare in the region: a genuinely high‑end, nature‑focused dive resort, surrounded by a superb marine park, at a price point that’s very competitive for this quality of stay.

With 75 ocean-facing rooms set in lush gardens, awarded a Michelin Key for an outstanding overall hotel experience, and direct access to some of the Caribbean’s healthiest reefs and wrecks, this is a serious option for divers who want excellent underwater time without crowds — and without giving up comfort.

Tucked into the lush south coast of Viti Levu, Waidroka Bay Resort blends warm Fijian hospitality with easy access to some of the country’s most exciting diving – and a serious dose of topside adventure. Sitting within reach of Beqa Lagoon’s famous reefs and shark dives, as well as world‑class surf breaks, this is a great choice if you like your dive holidays a bit more active and off‑the‑beaten‑track.

Straddling the channel between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, Fiji’s Bligh Water is the stuff of diver daydreams: current‑swept pinnacles smothered in soft corals, walls draped in fans, and clouds of reef fish swirling in the blue. Long known as one of Fiji’s most colourful regions, it’s easily accessible from VoliVoli Beach Resort on the northern tip of Viti Levu, making it a prime target for anyone chasing “soft‑coral capital of the world” diving without complicated travel. 

 From relaxed coral gardens to full‑on current dives with schooling fish, Bligh Water delivers a huge amount of variety in a relatively compact area – ideal for a week or more of intensive, high‑impact diving.

On the southern coast of Negros Island, Dumaguete has quietly earned a reputation as one of the Philippines’ most rewarding dive hubs. Black‑sand muck, colourful coral reefs, and easy access to legendary Apo Island make this region a dream for underwater photographers and critter‑hunters, while the relaxed pace of life and leafy resort settings keep non‑divers very happy too.

Perched on a palm‑fringed peninsula on the northern tip of Viti Levu, VoliVoli Beach Resort blends laid‑back Fijian hospitality with easy access to some of the South Pacific’s most vibrant reefs. It’s the sort of place where you roll out of bed, grab a coffee with an ocean view, and find yourself heading out to world‑class soft corals and fish life within minutes.

Nestled on Roatán’s sheltered north-west coast within the vibrant Roatán Marine Park, Anthony’s Key Resort is an iconic Caribbean dive destination where world-class reef and wreck diving lie just beyond your dock. With dozens of marine park dive sites accessible by boat in minutes, relaxed waterfront bungalows, and experiences that stretch from sunrise dives to dolphin encounters and hammock naps, it’s perfect for divers, photographers, couples and families alike.

Bluewater's Bucket List line of trips and destinations. Special once-in-a-lifetime experiences that every world traveler should do at least once.

We've traveled the world and picked our top 7 locations with the best manta ray diving.

2025 report round-ups confirm classics like Komodo, Kona, and Maldives’ Hanifaru Bay still reign supreme for mesmerising manta encounters. Dive operators now weave in citizen-science photo-ID programs and updated season calendars , so you can chase gentle giants responsibly and add to vital conservation efforts

There are only a few places in the world where you can spot blue whales, the largest mammals on the planet. Learn where and when to go for guaranteed blue whale sightings!!

Discover the world’s best shark diving destinations, from schooling hammerheads in the Galapagos and Cocos Island to tiger sharks in the Bahamas and walls of reef sharks in French Polynesia. Our Bluewater Travel experts share the top places to dive with sharks, what species you can expect to see, and the best time to plan your trip.

Discover the weird and wonderful world of macro diving, where slowing down reveals an incredible variety of tiny marine life. From mimic octopuses to pygmy seahorses, see why searching for the ocean’s smallest creatures can make every dive an exciting treasure hunt.

Experience the best luxury dive travel with some of our best scuba liveaboard trips.

Exploring the underwater world doesn't always require scuba certification or bulky gear as snorkeling provides a simple and equally stunning way to experience marine life in its natural environment. Snorkeling travel is booming in 2025, with high demand for liveaboard snorkel options in the Maldives and Raja Ampat. We've added more itinerary flexibility to help travellers access remote reefs with shallow, clear-water drop-offs.

When is the best time to dive Raja Ampat? This Indonesian paradise offers world-class diving year-round, but conditions can vary depending on the season. From manta ray migrations to peak visibility and quiet off-season months, this guide breaks down what to expect month by month — so you can plan your perfect trip to Raja Ampat.

Our travel advisors and trip leaders are always on the move, exploring the underwater world! Using their firsthand experience and feedback from our valued guests, we've curated a list that showcases the best diving in the world in 2026. Learn when to go, where to stay, top dive sites, and more. 

Explore the best diving throughout Southeast Asia, including top areas in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Discover where to stay, how to get there, and diving information.

Safely swimming with whales is only possible in a few places—and we’ve run trips to the best of them. Based on Bluewater Travel’s first-hand expeditions, learn exactly where and when to go for your best chances of ethical, in‑water whale encounters.

Looking for the best diving in Indonesia? We've dived around the country and picked our favorites. Here is our list of top 10 dive areas in Indonesia!

The Caribbean is a big place, and “best” depends a lot on what you’re looking for. Some islands are all about easy, warm reef dives and shore‑based freedom; others are shark meccas, deep walls, or once‑in‑a‑lifetime animal encounters. Over the years I’ve dived most of the major islands on this list, and what follows are 12 places I’d happily return to – for very different reasons.

Our Bluewater Travel Experts have gone all around the world and picked the best places for shark cage diving. Learn what to see, where to stay and much more!

Most divers feel a certain way about night dives, but whether they love them or loathe them, our top 10 night dives in the world deserve a spot on every divers must-dive list.

If you drew up a list of Caribbean islands where the diving is far better than their fame, St Eustatius would be right near the top. Statia is small, low‑key and largely unknown outside diving circles, yet underwater it punches far above its weight: healthy reefs, a surprising number of wrecks, and an almost eerie lack of other bubbles.

Beqa Lagoon’s shark dive is one of those experiences that gets talked about wherever divers gather. Dropping onto a reef ledge, watching the blue fill with sharks, and feeling that mix of awe and controlled adrenaline is something that tends to stay with you long after the trip is over.

On Fiji’s south coast, Waidroka Bay Resort is perfectly placed for divers who want to combine the famous Beqa Lagoon shark dives with colourful reef diving and a laid‑back, adventure‑style stay on Viti Levu. For many Bluewater guests, it has become the go‑to base for divers wanting sharks, but also want a proper holiday.

Read about our five days swimming with humpback whales in Moorea, French Polynesia, from shy mothers and calves to a playful young calf, a surprise oceanic whitetip shark, and snorkeling with stingrays, turtles and eagle rays in between.

Read all about Mark Hatter's 2026 Lembeh Photo Workshop, featuring exceptional muck diving, rare critters, blackwater encounters, and hands-on underwater photography instruction at NAD Lembeh Dive Resort.

Join Mark Strickland on a six-day Sea of Cortez photo workshop featuring diverse marine life, macro subjects, whale shark encounters, and productive dives around Isla Ángel de la Guarda and Bahía de los Ángeles.

Explore the sharks divers dream of encountering, with key facts, identification tips, and the best destinations to see them in the wild.

Read all about Bluewater's week-longgroup adventure from Bali to Komodo, featuring incredible diving, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and a visit to Komodo National Park.

From schooling hammerheads in the Galápagos to unexpected whale sharks in Indonesia, the Bluewater Photo and Bluewater Travel team has experienced some remarkable moments with sharks.

Read about our Solomon Islands liveaboard diving trip aboard the Bilikiki, exploring healthy coral reefs, World War II wrecks, a sunken Japanese seaplane, and critter-filled night dives in one of the Pacific's most remote and uncrowded diving destinations

Join us on an unforgettable safari through Tanzania, from the elephant-filled plains of Tarangire and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater to the vast Serengeti.

Read all about Senior Travel Consultant Anne Rucquoi's journey through the Philippines, visiting Amun Ini, Manami, and Salaya — three very different resorts across Bohol, Sipalay, and Dumaguete offering exceptional macro diving.

Discover diving in North Sulawesi with this guide to Bunaken’s dramatic walls, Bangka’s colorful coral reefs, and Lembeh Strait’s world-famous muck diving. Explore marine life, dive conditions, resort recommendations, and the three-destination Passport to Paradise package.

Read all about Bluewater Travel's Truk Lagoon 2026 underwater photo workshop aboard the Odyssey Liveaboard, exploring the sunken WWII fleet of Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia.

Read about our Halmahera liveaboard diving trip aboard the White Manta, exploring remote seamounts, schooling barracuda and jacks, healthy coral reefs, and critter-filled night dives in one of Indonesia's most uncrowded corners of the Coral Triangle.

Discover what it's like to dive Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai while staying aboard Seaventures, the world's only dive rig, with sharks, turtles, wrecks, and vibrant coral reefs.

Take a first-hand look at Casalay Resort in Puerto Galera, read all about its peaceful hillside setting, excellent diving, and easy access to the vibrant reefs of Verde Island.

An honest review of Cairo, Luxor, Hurgadha, and Sharm El Sheikh.

There is SO much going on in Egypt. It’s chaotic and calm. Overwhelming and grounding. Ancient and completely alive - all at the same time. I didn’t go in with any huge expectations. 

But I left deeply grateful - for the history, the people, the water, and the chance to experience all of it together.

When is the best time to dive Raja Ampat? This Indonesian paradise offers world-class diving year-round, but conditions can vary depending on the season. From manta ray migrations to peak visibility and quiet off-season months, this guide breaks down what to expect month by month — so you can plan your perfect trip to Raja Ampat.

Read all about Bluewater Travel’s Galápagos 2026 group trip aboard the Galápagos Master, exploring the Darwin, Wolf, Fernandina, Isabela, and Santa Cruz Islands.

Bluewater Travel’s Cozumel 2026 trip at Iberostar Resort, operated by Dressel Divers, delivered a week of outstanding Caribbean diving conditions, consistent weather, and abundant marine life.

Read all about Bluewater’s Spring 2026 macro photography workshops in Anilao, featuring rare marine life encounters, blackwater dives, underwater photography training, and unforgettable moments at Crystal Blue Resort.

Read about our five days swimming with humpback whales in Moorea, French Polynesia, from shy mothers and calves to a playful young calf, a surprise oceanic whitetip shark, and snorkeling with stingrays, turtles and eagle rays in between.

Bluewater's Bucket List line of trips and destinations. Special once-in-a-lifetime experiences that every world traveler should do at least once.

We've traveled the world and picked our top 7 locations with the best manta ray diving.

2025 report round-ups confirm classics like Komodo, Kona, and Maldives’ Hanifaru Bay still reign supreme for mesmerising manta encounters. Dive operators now weave in citizen-science photo-ID programs and updated season calendars , so you can chase gentle giants responsibly and add to vital conservation efforts

Read all about Mark Hatter's 2026 Lembeh Photo Workshop, featuring exceptional muck diving, rare critters, blackwater encounters, and hands-on underwater photography instruction at NAD Lembeh Dive Resort.

There are only a few places in the world where you can spot blue whales, the largest mammals on the planet. Learn where and when to go for guaranteed blue whale sightings!!

Discover the world’s best shark diving destinations, from schooling hammerheads in the Galapagos and Cocos Island to tiger sharks in the Bahamas and walls of reef sharks in French Polynesia. Our Bluewater Travel experts share the top places to dive with sharks, what species you can expect to see, and the best time to plan your trip.

Join Mark Strickland on a six-day Sea of Cortez photo workshop featuring diverse marine life, macro subjects, whale shark encounters, and productive dives around Isla Ángel de la Guarda and Bahía de los Ángeles.

Read all about Bluewater's week-longgroup adventure from Bali to Komodo, featuring incredible diving, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and a visit to Komodo National Park.

Read about our Solomon Islands liveaboard diving trip aboard the Bilikiki, exploring healthy coral reefs, World War II wrecks, a sunken Japanese seaplane, and critter-filled night dives in one of the Pacific's most remote and uncrowded diving destinations

Join us on an unforgettable safari through Tanzania, from the elephant-filled plains of Tarangire and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater to the vast Serengeti.

Read all about Senior Travel Consultant Anne Rucquoi's journey through the Philippines, visiting Amun Ini, Manami, and Salaya — three very different resorts across Bohol, Sipalay, and Dumaguete offering exceptional macro diving.

Discover diving in North Sulawesi with this guide to Bunaken’s dramatic walls, Bangka’s colorful coral reefs, and Lembeh Strait’s world-famous muck diving. Explore marine life, dive conditions, resort recommendations, and the three-destination Passport to Paradise package.

Discover the weird and wonderful world of macro diving, where slowing down reveals an incredible variety of tiny marine life. From mimic octopuses to pygmy seahorses, see why searching for the ocean’s smallest creatures can make every dive an exciting treasure hunt.

Read all about Bluewater Travel's Truk Lagoon 2026 underwater photo workshop aboard the Odyssey Liveaboard, exploring the sunken WWII fleet of Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia.

Read about our Halmahera liveaboard diving trip aboard the White Manta, exploring remote seamounts, schooling barracuda and jacks, healthy coral reefs, and critter-filled night dives in one of Indonesia's most uncrowded corners of the Coral Triangle.

Discover what it's like to dive Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai while staying aboard Seaventures, the world's only dive rig, with sharks, turtles, wrecks, and vibrant coral reefs.

A practical guide for divers planning a Red Sea trip, covering Egypt’s distance from Iran, typical flight routes, current travel considerations, liveaboard safety checks and why the Red Sea remains one of the world’s top diving destinations.

Take a first-hand look at Casalay Resort in Puerto Galera, read all about its peaceful hillside setting, excellent diving, and easy access to the vibrant reefs of Verde Island.

Experience a week aboard the Bahamas Aggressor on a snorkel-only adventure through Nassau and the Exumas,

The Maldives is easy to picture: pale sand, clear water and reefs scattered across the Indian Ocean. Choosing a diving trip takes a little more thought. Beneath the familiar imagery lies a destination where currents, seasonal conditions and the geography of individual atolls can shape very different experiences.

Discover diving in North Sulawesi with this guide to Bunaken’s dramatic walls, Bangka’s colorful coral reefs, and Lembeh Strait’s world-famous muck diving. Explore marine life, dive conditions, resort recommendations, and the three-destination Passport to Paradise package.

A practical guide for divers planning a Red Sea trip, covering Egypt’s distance from Iran, typical flight routes, current travel considerations, liveaboard safety checks and why the Red Sea remains one of the world’s top diving destinations.

Join Bluewater Travel's Summer Webinar Series and explore some of the world's most exciting dive destinations from the comfort of home. Each session will cover everything you need to know to plan your trip, including marine life highlights, the best dive sites, how to get there, ideal travel seasons, and insider travel tips from our destination experts.

When is the best time to dive Raja Ampat? This Indonesian paradise offers world-class diving year-round, but conditions can vary depending on the season. From manta ray migrations to peak visibility and quiet off-season months, this guide breaks down what to expect month by month — so you can plan your perfect trip to Raja Ampat.

Planning a liveaboard dive trip? This ultimate 2026 packing list covers everything you’ll need – from must-have dive gear and personal items to handy extras that make life onboard smoother. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned diver, this checklist helps you dive in fully prepared.

An in‑depth, first‑hand look at liveaboard diving in the Maldives, covering sharky channels, manta hotspots like Hanifaru Bay, Emperor Liveaboards’ key itineraries and boats, seasonal tips, and the warm‑water kit that actually works for a week of dive‑eat‑sleep‑repeat.

Bluewater Travel’s partnership with the Manta Trust highlights responsible tourism, conservation funding, and research-driven guidelines work together to protect manta rays while enhancing the guest experience.

Bluewater Travel is committed to sustainable tourism, ensuring responsible whale and marine-life encounters.

Beqa Lagoon’s shark dive is one of those experiences that gets talked about wherever divers gather. Dropping onto a reef ledge, watching the blue fill with sharks, and feeling that mix of awe and controlled adrenaline is something that tends to stay with you long after the trip is over.

On Fiji’s south coast, Waidroka Bay Resort is perfectly placed for divers who want to combine the famous Beqa Lagoon shark dives with colourful reef diving and a laid‑back, adventure‑style stay on Viti Levu. For many Bluewater guests, it has become the go‑to base for divers wanting sharks, but also want a proper holiday.

When divers talk about bucket list liveaboard routes, the same three regions keep coming up: Indonesia, the Maldives, and the Solomon Islands. They’re very different experiences, but they all have two things in common – serious diving and long memories.

We’re shining a spotlight on Emperor Liveaboards across the Indo-Pacific: Emperor Harmoni in Indonesia, Emperor Serenity in the Maldives, and Emperor Bilikiki in the Solomon Islands. Together they offer three very different ways to spend a week (or more) at sea – from classic Maldivian shark and manta channels, to Indonesian big fish and reefs, to remote tropical seascapes in the Solomons.

For many divers, the Maldives is a dream destination – mantas, sharks, channels and blue water as far as you can see. The catch is usually the cost. Private‑island resorts and high‑end liveaboards add up quickly, especially if you want to dive a lot. Himmafushi Scuba Adventure offers a different way to do it: Maldives diving at a realistic price, based on a friendly local island and run by a team whose focus is firmly on safety, marine life and value for money.

If you’re happy to swap over‑water villas for solid diving, straightforward logistics and a more authentic Maldivian feel, this operator sits right in the sweet spot.

Perched on a hillside above the Caribbean Sea on the tiny island of St Eustatius (Statia), Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort offers something rare in the region: a genuinely high‑end, nature‑focused dive resort, surrounded by a superb marine park, at a price point that’s very competitive for this quality of stay.

With 75 ocean-facing rooms set in lush gardens, awarded a Michelin Key for an outstanding overall hotel experience, and direct access to some of the Caribbean’s healthiest reefs and wrecks, this is a serious option for divers who want excellent underwater time without crowds — and without giving up comfort.

Tucked into the lush south coast of Viti Levu, Waidroka Bay Resort blends warm Fijian hospitality with easy access to some of the country’s most exciting diving – and a serious dose of topside adventure. Sitting within reach of Beqa Lagoon’s famous reefs and shark dives, as well as world‑class surf breaks, this is a great choice if you like your dive holidays a bit more active and off‑the‑beaten‑track.

Straddling the channel between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, Fiji’s Bligh Water is the stuff of diver daydreams: current‑swept pinnacles smothered in soft corals, walls draped in fans, and clouds of reef fish swirling in the blue. Long known as one of Fiji’s most colourful regions, it’s easily accessible from VoliVoli Beach Resort on the northern tip of Viti Levu, making it a prime target for anyone chasing “soft‑coral capital of the world” diving without complicated travel. 

 From relaxed coral gardens to full‑on current dives with schooling fish, Bligh Water delivers a huge amount of variety in a relatively compact area – ideal for a week or more of intensive, high‑impact diving.

As divers seek more immersive and efficient experiences, liveaboard trips remain one of the most popular ways to explore world‑class destinations in 2026.

Scuba divers are among the few travellers who see firsthand how fragile marine ecosystems really are. From vibrant coral gardens to reefs damaged by warming seas, pollution, and overuse, the contrast is striking. As a result, eco‑conscious dive travel has shifted from a niche interest to a priority for divers planning trips in 2026 and beyond.

Embarking on a liveaboard dive trip offers unparalleled access to remote dive sites and extended underwater adventures. However, the motion of the boat can lead to seasickness for some divers. Understanding how to prevent and manage seasickness ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience. This guide provides practical tips and remedies to help you stay steady on your feet.