If learning to dive is on your bucket list and you dream of turquoise seas and tropical beaches, head to Asia! With warm waters, vibrant marine life and world-class dive resorts, the Asian continent is full of great spots to make your first underwater adventure unforgettable. Here are some of the best places to learn to dive in Asia, and fall in love with the ocean in the process.
Koh Tao, Thailand
This tiny island is a classic for PADI Open Water Diver students, and for good reason. For many years, Koh Tao has been world-famous as one of the most affordable and beginner-friendly dive destinations in the world. It offers calm, clear waters, shallow reef sites and laid-back island vibes, attracting vacationers and backpackers alike for decades. The island is packed with long-standing, reputable dive schools that cater to all languages, levels and tastes, offering unbeatable value. After diving, you’ll find plenty of post-dive spots to soak up the sunset with your new dive buddies. Be warned, though, many Open Water Diver students end up staying for months and working their way up to PADI Divemaster!
After You’re Certified: Head to Phuket for some of the best diving in Thailand.
Amed, Bali, Indonesia
Set on Bali‘s quiet, northeastern coast, away from the crowds, Amed is a hidden gem for beginner divers. This laid-back fishing village has sleepy vibes, as well as some of the best shore diving in Southeast Asia, making it ideal for your first dives. You’ll find calm conditions and easy access to lively reefs from the black sand shores; all you have to do is walk straight in. And if you’re lucky, you might get to visit some world-famous wrecks, like the USAT Liberty. Beyond diving, Amed is the perfect place to experience friendly Balinese hospitality. What’s more, you can easily combine your dive course with some surfing on the south coast or some temple hopping around the island.
After You’re Certified: Head to the Gilis for some small island charm, or Nusa Penida, Lembongan or Ceningan to dive with manta rays.
The Maldives
If you’re dreaming of a postcard-perfect paradise, with turquoise waters and blindingly white sand, the Maldives is the place for you. In the past, it was treasured as a luxury destination, ideal for honeymooners. However, there are now plenty of accommodation options available for all budgets. With its warm waters and incredible visibility all year round, it’s excellent for beginners. However, there’s one drawback to learning to dive here: you’ll set a very high bar. When you see the dazzling corals and abundant marine life, you might not want to dive anywhere else!
After You’re Certified: Head out to see the many whale sharks or mantas in Maldivian waters. You can also hop on a liveaboard, but be sure to check if the route is beginner-friendly.
Panglao, Philippines
With over 7,000 islands, astonishing biodiversity and sensational food, the Philippines is a dream destination for any traveler. There are plenty of islands that are great for taking the Open Water Diver course in this massive archipelago, but Panglao ticks all the boxes. On this small island, close to Cebu International Airport, you’ll find calm conditions, stunning reefs and laid-back island dives. Plus, seeing the massive schools of jacks at the Balicasag dive site is the ultimate reward for a course well done.
After You’re Certified: Head to Malapascua to dive Gato Island, or if you follow your Open Water Diver certification with your Advanced Open Water Diver course, so you can see the thresher sharks at the Monad Shoal cleaning station.
Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Although they’re only just off the northeast coast of the Malaysian peninsula, the Perhentian Islands have an unmatched, remote island feel. The calm, crystal-clear waters attract many new divers, as does the easygoing atmosphere. The two islands, Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar, have sandy bottoms perfect for learning as well as coral reefs perfect for exploring once your buoyancy is solid. If you’re looking for beachfront accommodations, jungle hikes, palm trees on white sand and ideal ocean conditions for beginners, look no further.
After You’re Certified: Check out the nearby islands of Redang or Tioman to rack up some more dives, or head to Borneo to dive in Sabah.
Note: For the best conditions, plan your visit to the Perhentian Islands, Tioman or Redang between March and October, when the weather is ideal for diving and visibility is at its peak.
Tips For Learning To Dive In Asia
- Do your PADI Open Water Diver eLearning before you travel. By getting the theory out of the way on your own time, you won’t be studying on your trip. Maximize the time you spend in the water by completing your eLearning before you fly.
- Remember the no-fly time after you dive. The current DAN guidelines are to wait 18 hours after multi-day, repetitive diving before you fly. Plan to stay a day longer to explore after your course, or travel to your next destination by road.
- Plan around the monsoon season. Asia’s tropical climate means that many countries have clearly marked wet and dry seasons. Therefore, a little bit of research will guarantee you have the best visibility and can enjoy surface intervals in the sun.
- Give yourself time to do more dives. The learning doesn’t stop with your course. The more you dive, the better you get, and at the beginning, your learning curve is exponential. If you have time in your schedule, make the most of the warm waters and book yourself in for some fun dives, or your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course.
Ready To Take the Plunge?
When you take your first breath underwater, you’ll discover a lifelong love for the ocean and a whole new world of adventures. With clear waters, great climate and unforgettable destinations, Asia is one of the best places to learn to dive.
