Top Spots for SCUBA Diving Around the World

Imagine flipping over backwards off of a boat and into crystal clear waters down below. You're all geared up with your BCD, regulator, oxygen tank, wetsuit and fins. Together with your divemaster, you're ready to explore the world below the sea's surface!

Becoming certified as an open water SCUBA diver is something that perhaps you've never considered before. Many people are afraid of the underwater world (mainly due to movies like Jaws!), but in reality, most, if not all, of the places you'll be finding yourself diving will be completely shark-free and totally safe.

Here are three of the most incredible spots for SCUBA diving around the world:

The Red Sea, Dahab, Egypt

This is world-class diving at its finest. People come from all over the world to descend into the famous blue hole, which isn't for the faint of heart. The sinkhole is 130 m (462.5 feet) deep and you must be an advanced diver able to explore depths up to 40m deep. However, there are other easier dives to be had, and great spots to catch a glimpse of the marine life and healthy, brightly colored coral.

Many of the dives here can be done right off the shoreline, which is a very unique feature of diving in Dahab. Eels, rays, turtles and a wide variety of fish can all be spotted, and if you're into history, this is the place for you. The SS Thistlegorm sunk near Ras Muhammad in 1941, and is not a popular dive site. If you have the chance to dive in the Red Sea, take it.

Sipadan, Borneo, Malaysia

Off the coast of peninsular Malaysia is the huge island of Borneo, which is owned by the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The island is also known for having some of the best SCUBA diving in the world! Only 120 divers are allowed at the Sipadan site each day, which not only makes this a prestigious dive site, but also helps to keep the coral very healthy.

A 20m-wide reef leads to a huge drop-off and coral shelf, which falls to a depth of 2,000m. The wall is filled with brightly colored coral, turtles, reef sharks, jack fish, barracuda, and if you're lucky, hammerhead sharks. Borneo is an easy flight from Southeast Asia and if you're in the area, definitely make the effort to get to Sipadan.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

This island is located just a 20-minute boat ride from the mainland city of Cancun in the Yucatan Peninsula. Apart from crystal-clear Caribbean waters and pure white sand, Isla Mujeres is also home to some fantastic diving. The visibility is very good, the sea life is abundant and the coral is healthy as well. There are many dive companies on the island, but check out Squalo Adventures; they're professional, the equipment is in good condition and they are eco-minded. On your next holiday to Mexico, consider leaving the beach and heading out on some dives!

For more information on these diving countries, check out:

Diving Isla Mujeres with Squalo Adventures (with video)

Sipadan: The Best SCUBA Dive of My Life

Diving in Dahab, a Colourful World

Follow @GoatsOnTheRoad