Have you ever tried exploring a completely different ocean with scuba diving? Then let Living Nomads tell you about these 15 scuba diving spots that never cool down!

If you are a member of the underwater activities lover club, loves to immerse yourself in the deep ocean to explore the mysterious world below, then scuba diving is definitely for you. And having “landed” here, we also want to share with you the hottest scuba diving spots that never “cool down” so you can freely splash around in the blue ocean!

What is Scuba Diving?

Scuba diving, or SCUBA, stands for “Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus”, allowing divers to breathe underwater and explore the magical ocean world. To participate, you need basic knowledge of scuba diving and must undergo professional training, including learning hand signals, how to use equipment and necessary safety skills.

In the mid-1940s, Jacques-Yves Cousteau (with support from Emile Gagnan) invented the modern self-contained scuba tank, which was used by the French Navy during World War II. After the war, scuba diving quickly developed into a popular recreational activity, attracting millions of people around the world.

Vietnam – Hon Mun Island, Nha Trang

Nha Trang is the leading scuba diving center in Vietnam, where you can explore the fascinating underwater world. In particular, Hon Mun Marine Reserve is famous for its incredible biodiversity, from colorful coral reefs to countless tropical fish of all shapes and colors. Here, you will be fully equipped, receive guidance from a professional team and have the opportunity to admire the vibrant beauty of the ocean.

Best diving spots in South East Asia: Vietnam – An Thoi Islands, Phu Quoc

With a diverse marine ecosystem, diving in Phu Quoc offers an unforgettable experience for all diving levels. You can admire the colorful coral reefs in An Thoi or Ganh Dau archipelago, home to countless species of small fish and marine life. From snorkeling for beginners to deeper scuba diving, Phu Quoc promises an enchanting underwater adventure, opening the door to a magical world just below the sea surface.

Thailand – Similan Islands, Phang Nga

Named one of the 10 most beautiful diving spots in the world, Thailand’s Similan Islands are truly a gem under the ocean. This is a strictly protected marine national park, famous for its extremely impressive underwater visibility (often exceeding 30 meters) and extremely rich marine ecosystem. When diving, you will have the opportunity to admire the pristine and colorful coral reefs, along with the appearance of giant marine creatures.

Philippines – Tubbataha Reefs, Palawan

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines is a large, strictly protected marine park, boasting pristine coral reefs and impressive vertical cliffs. This is a dream destination for divers, because of the incredible marine biodiversity, where you can encounter everything from reef sharks, sea turtles to colorful coral reefs… creating a vibrant and original underwater world.

Malaysia – Sipadan Island, Sabah

Sipadan Island in Malaysia is a famous diving destination with spectacular underwater experiences. The unique terrain of an extinct volcano creates steep cliffs, where abundant ocean currents provide an incredibly rich marine ecosystem. To preserve this beauty, Sipadan limits the number of divers per day, so booking a dive from neighboring islands like Mabul or Kapalai should be planned well in advance.

Indonesia – Raja Ampat Islands, Papua

The Raja Ampat Islands in Indonesia are an underwater paradise with some of the world’s most diverse biodiversity. When diving here, you will be overwhelmed by the large coral reefs, home to a record number of fish and marine life. From large schools of fish moving like clouds to countless species of microscopic creatures, every dive in Raja Ampat is a non-stop visual feast, making any underwater adventure a unique experience.

Philippines – Malapascua Island, Cebu

Malapascua Island, Philippines is famous for being the only place in the world where you can almost guarantee to see thresher sharks at recreational diving depths. Diving experiences here usually start early in the morning at Monad Shoal or Kimud Shoal, where the sharks with their distinctive long tails come to the cleaning stations. In addition to this rare opportunity, Malapascua also has coral reefs and shipwrecks to explore.

Thailand – Koh Larn Island, Pattaya

Koh Larn, just a short ferry ride from Pattaya, is a great place to try scuba diving without having to travel too far. While it doesn’t have the pristine coral reefs of more remote areas of Thailand, Koh Larn still offers a colorful and accessible underwater world. Koh Larn is especially suitable for both beginner divers and divers looking for an easy dive, with good underwater visibility and gentle currents.

Malaysia – Mantanani Islands, Sabah

The Mantanani Islands, located off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia, are home to excellent underwater visibility. Diving at Mantanani, you’ll see corals and a diverse marine life, from large green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles to rare black tip reef sharks and a myriad of colorful fish. In addition, Mantanani also has a shipwreck, attracting many marine creatures to reside, providing unique diving experiences for both experienced divers and beginners.

Thailand – Koh Phi Phi Islands, Phuket

Koh Phi Phi Islands offer scuba diving experiences with vibrant coral reefs, impressive cliffs and a myriad of tropical marine life. When diving here, you can easily encounter black tip reef sharks, leopard sharks, sea turtles, and vibrant soft and hard corals. Famous dive sites such as Koh Bida Nok, Koh Bida Nai or Shark Point (nearby) all promise underwater adventures in the Andaman Ocean.

Thailand – Koh Lipe Island, Hat Yai

Koh Lipe Island, Thailand is a gem in the Andaman Sea, often referred to as the “Maldives of Thailand” thanks to its crystal clear waters and fine white sand. The scuba diving experience here is extremely attractive with the hard and soft coral reefs growing strongly, creating a colorful underwater picture. Highlights such as Stonehenge with stone blocks covered with purple and pink soft coral, or 8 Mile Rock where you have the opportunity to meet whale sharks or manta rays…

Japan – Kerama Islands, Okinawa

The Kerama Islands in Okinawa, Japan, is a marine national park famous for “Kerama Blue” – a characteristic jade green color. When scuba diving here, you will be overwhelmed by the great visibility (often 30 meters), admire more than 200 species of colorful coral and countless tropical fish. This is also where you can easily encounter sea turtles and explore underwater caves and cliffs.

Taiwan – Green Island, Taitung

Green Island, off the coast of Taitung, Taiwan, is a volcanic island famous for its clear blue water and rich marine ecosystem. Scuba diving here offers great visibility, allowing you to admire healthy coral reefs and a variety of tropical fish. In particular, you can meet sea turtles and experience the unique “Underwater Post Office”. Whether you are an experienced diver or a novice, Green Island promises a fascinating and memorable underwater adventure.

South Korea – Scuba Diving in Jeju Island

Although not the usual tropical beauty, Jeju Island in South Korea – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is still an attractive diving destination. It offers a different experience with majestic underwater volcanic terrain, creating impressive basalt columns, and mysterious caves. Under the clear blue water, you will encounter some typical temperate marine species, creating a separate ecosystem, quite different from tropical waters.

Singapore – Sisters’ Islands

The Sisters’ Islands Marine Reserve is a testament to the lion city’s extraordinary efforts to preserve its remaining coral reefs and maintain its unique marine biodiversity right in the heart of the city. The reserve offers controlled dive sites for certified divers, allowing them to explore the reef, encounter tiny reef fish and other fascinating creatures, and provide an unexpected diving experience in the heart of the city.

Scuba Diving Equipment

Scuba diving equipment includes:

Scuba Tank and Regulator

The tank holds compressed air that allows you to breathe underwater. It is attached to the Regulator, which reduces the air pressure and provides safe air for you to breathe. This system helps the pressure in your lungs to equalize with the water pressure, usually attached to your back.

Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)

The BCD helps divers control their ability to float or sink underwater. By pumping or deflating air into the vest, you can easily float, dive or hover in a

Wetsuit/Drysuit, Mask and Fins

• Wetsuit: Depending on the water temperature, you will wear a wetsuit or a drysuit. Wetsuits keep you warm with a thin layer of water warmed by your body, while drysuits completely isolate the water, used in very cold areas.
• Diving Mask: Helps divers see clearly underwater by creating an air space between the eyes and the water.
• Finks: Help create more powerful thrust, allowing divers to move easily and effectively underwater without using too much effort.

Weight Belt/Integrated Weights

Lead weights help the diver sink and maintain the desired depth, as the body and diving suit tend to float. The weight of the weight is not fixed, but depends on weight, diving suit type and water salinity. You will be instructed on how to calculate the appropriate weight in the diving course.

Notes When Scuba Diving

Here are some important notes when doing scuba diving:

• Have a diving certificate: Always make sure you have been trained and have a valid diving certificate before entering the water.
• Check the conditions: Assess the weather and sea conditions (currents, visibility) to avoid diving in dangerous conditions.
• Breathe properly: Always breathe normally, slowly and deeply. Absolutely do not hold your breath.
• Keep your distance: Maintain a safe distance from your diving partner and marine life, do not touch them.
• Monitor your air tank and depth: Continuously check the remaining air pressure and always dive within the depth limits for which you are trained.
• Surface Safety: Follow proper safety procedures when entering and exiting the water.

Scuba Diving FAQs

What is scuba diving?

Scuba diving (SCUBA) is a form of diving that uses an independent underwater breathing apparatus, allowing you to explore the ocean world.

Do you need a certificate to scuba dive?

Yes, you must have a valid diving certificate from a reputable organization such as PADI or SSI.

What is basic scuba equipment?

Basic equipment includes an air tank, regulator, life jacket (BCD), diving suit, mask, fins and lead weights.

What are some of the top diving spots in Asia?

Asia has many top diving spots such as Similan (Thailand), Sipadan (Malaysia), Raja Ampat (Indonesia), Tubbataha (Philippines) and spots in Vietnam such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc.

When is the best diving season in Asia?

The ideal time varies by region, but most of the popular dive sites in Southeast Asia are best from November to May.

What marine life can you see when diving in Asia?

You can expect to see whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, thresher sharks and a rich coral ecosystem.

Is Phu Quoc suitable for beginners?

Yes, Phu Quoc has many shallow, calm dive sites that are great for beginners and snorkelers.

What safety precautions should you take when scuba diving?

Always check your equipment, breathe properly, monitor your tank pressure and depth, and avoid touching marine life.

Are there any age or health restrictions for scuba diving?

Yes, you usually need to be of age (10 years or older) and in good health. You will need a medical examination before the course.

How to choose a reputable diving center in Asia?

Choose centers with international certification (PADI, SSI), professional instructors, and well-maintained equipment.

Scuba diving is not just about swimming underwater, but also an opportunity to connect strongly with nature and feel completely integrated into the marine environment. This is also a great way to learn about marine ecosystems, protect the environment, and carry out conservation activities. You also don’t forget to remember the above safe diving experiences!