There’s nothing more exciting than swimming alongside manta rays, exploring vibrant coral gardens or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path.

With a treasure trove of superb dive sites that cater to seasoned divers and beginners alike, Asia has become a favorite among divers around the world.

All thanks to its warm tropical waters and the diversity of marine life that thrives in its reefs. So pack your gear and get ready to explore these best diving spots in Asia.

Bunaken National Park, Indonesia

Renowned for its breathtaking biodiversity, Bunaken National Park is a diver’s paradise. Located in North Sulawesi, this marine reserve has clear waters full of life. This underwater refuge is home to around 13 species of coral reefs and is famous for its sheer vertical walls that plunge 25 to 50 meters.

Divers can also spot 91 types of fish species, including the rare Gusimi Horsefish, Yellowtail Lolosi and Napoleon Wrasse, as well as unique mollusks like the Giant Kima and the rare Nautilus.

With around 20 dive sites around Bunaken and nearby Manado Tua, and the opportunity to explore beautiful beaches and coastal paths, Bunaken is set to provide an unforgettable backdrop for underwater exploration.

Kerama Island, Okinawa, Japan

The Kerama Islands, with their distinct “Kerama blue” waters, form a beautiful archipelago just west of Okinawa, ideal for beach lovers, hikers and underwater adventurers.

With more than 20 islands in the chain, only four – Tokashiki, Zamami, Aka and Geruma – are inhabited, while the others remain beautifully untouched. The islands are part of Keramashoto National Park, known for its vibrant reefs, pristine beaches and diverse marine life, including colorful coral gardens and numerous sea turtles.

The island’s gentle currents make it suitable for divers of all levels, and with numerous dive sites around the island, there is plenty to explore. Additionally, Tokashiki, the largest island, offers excellent snorkelling spots at Aharen and Tokashiku beaches, where snorkelers often spot sea turtles up close.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao, nicknamed “Turtle Island”, is a little paradise nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, 45 kilometers north of Koh Phangan. This island, a popular paradise for divers and beach lovers.

With its shallow bays and calm waters, it’s a great place for beginners to learn the ropes of diving. The island has many diving schools and offers a range of courses making it accessible to everyone.

Beyond diving, visitors can take boat trips to explore the island’s stunning beaches and bays, hike to scenic viewpoints, enjoy the island’s vibrant nightlife or relax in hammocks overlooking nearby Koh Nang Yuan – a breathtaking attraction in itself.

Tioman Island, Malaysia

A tropical gem off Malaysia’s east coast, Tioman Island is a paradise for divers and nature lovers, renowned for its crystal clear waters and rich coral reefs within a protected marine park.

Home to diverse marine species including sea turtles, colorful reef fish and black tip sharks, dive sites like Coral Island and Renggis Island offer some of the most vibrant underwater experiences in Southeast Asia .

On the other hand, Tioman’s dense rainforests, scenic trails and waterfalls make it ideal for trekking, while its sandy beaches and peaceful ambiance provide plenty of space to relax, making this island a perfect blend of adventure and tropical tranquility.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, Komodo National Park spans 29 volcanic islands, including the main islands of Rinca, Padar and Komodo. Home to around 2,500 Komodo dragons, this UNESCO World Heritage site is just as impressive underwater.

The park’s marine environment is one of the richest in the world, home to more than 1,000 species of fish, 70 types of sponges and a wide variety of marine wildlife, including manta rays, dugongs, green turtles, sharks and even migratory whales.

With its nutrient-rich currents, this site is home to around 100 dive sites ranging from thrilling open-water dives with sightings of manta rays and sharks to near-shore muck dives where divers encounter rare invertebrates.

That being said, this one is aimed at more experienced dive operators, as the strong currents here can sweep divers into the Indian Ocean.

Anilao, Philippines

Located just a three-hour drive south of Manila, Anilao in Batangas province is a diver’s dream, especially underwater photographers. Known for its world-class muck diving, this region is famous for its rare creatures, vibrant reefs and unexpected marine species that make every dive an adventure.

Anilao’s unique blackwater diving allows nocturnal explorers to observe nocturnal creatures in action, while its healthy coral gardens provide ample opportunities for wide-angle shots of reef landscapes.

Qualified local dive guides, known for their uncanny ability to spot tiny, elusive creatures, enhance the experience. Not to mention, the beachfront resorts, nestled in lush jungle, offer an exotic setting combined with unbeatable Filipino hospitality.

Ambon Bay, Indonesia

Ambon Island may be small, but it offers a wealth of experiences for adventurous travelers, from diving to cultural exploration. Known as “Ambon Manise” or “sweet Ambon” for its beauty and friendly people, the island is famous for its rich history.

Ambon’s underwater scene is a paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts, where rare species like frogfish thrive. The island’s lush mountains, tropical vegetation, and unspoiled beaches add even more to its charm, while the warmth of the local Ambonese, many of whom have mixed European heritage, enhances the cultural experience.

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This article was first published in City nomads.