Scuba diving remains a popular activity, with an estimated 2.59 million enthusiasts in 2020 in the U.S. alone. From the Sunken Forest of Lake Ialndy in Kazakhstan, the most inland diving spot, to the most searched of all diving destinations, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, there’s a dive spot perfect for almost every diver’s preferences and skill level.
Specialist Sports Insurance provider SportsCoverDirect analyzed a variety of search data to reveal the world’s top diving destinations. Visitors to their website can use SportsCoverDirect’s interactive map to learn more about the locations in their analysis, as well as download and view the hard data for all the sites.
Of course, you don’t need to travel halfway around the world to experience some of the best diving locations. There are plenty of incredible underwater landmarks in the Americas, like the Ocean Atlas (left) and Dean’s Blue Hole (right).
We’ve curated a few of the more spectacular and accessible diving spots here in our own backyard. Keep scrolling to see if we’ve featured one of your favorites.
Neptune Memorial Reef – Florida, USA
Designed to resemble a legendary lost city like Atlantis, the Neptune Memorial Reef a manmade underwater columbarium where the departed can spend eternity.
Photo by @neptunememorialreef
MUSA Underwater Museum – Cancun, Mexico
This popular diving spot is a living museum with over 500 sculptures.
Photo by Shutterstock
At more than 984 feet across and an estimated 410 feet deep, the Great Blue Hole is one of the biggest underwater sinkholes or caves in the world.
Photo by Shutterstock
Cenotes Dos Ojos – Tulum, Mexico
Dos Ojos is the world’s longest network of sinkholes. Spanish for “two eyes,” the popular tourist destination takes its name from its eye-like double entrance.
Photo by Shutterstock
Cenote Angelita – Tulum, Mexico
A layer of hydrogen sulfate separates this popular diving destination into freshwater above and saltwater below, often with eerie results.
Photo by Shutterstock
Ocean Atlas – Nassau, Bahamas
Ocean Atlas is the world’s single largest deployed underwater statue.
Photo by @j.kowitz@_laurenlanders@bahamas
Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail – Florida USA
Located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, this 120-mile-long trail from Key Largo to Key West includes nine diveable and historic shipwrecks from the 16th century Spanish San Pedro to the more recent USS Duane (pictured).
Photo by Stephen Frink/Getty Images
Jules’ Undersea Lodge – Florida, USA
Jules’ Undersea Lodge is the only underwater hotel in the country. Sorry, only scuba-qualified guests can check in!
Photo by @jules_undersea_lodge
Jacob’s Well – Texas, USA
There are four known chambers to explore at Jacob’s Well. Be sure to make a reservation before hiking into the popular diving destination just outside El Paso, Texas.
Photo by Shutterstock
Dean’s Blue Hole – Long Island, Bahamas
Located in a bay west of Clarence Town, Dean’s Blue Hole is the world’s second deepest blue hole.
Photo by Enrico Pescantini/Getty Images
