Updated by Sarah Morlock on May 6, 2021

According to the Smithsonian, there are over 2,000 species of endangered marine life. Each of these species plays a vital role in its habitat, yet because of pressures on the environment like fishing, pollution and more, these animals are all threatened with extinction.

Divers have a unique opportunity to see and support these animals. By traveling to destinations which feature endangered marine life, you put a monetary value on animals that are alive. In many cases, you also support marine reserves and citizen science programs working to protect vulnerable species.

dive with mantas in Socorro, a hotspot for endangered marine life

1. Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico

The Revillagigedo Islands (a.k.a. Socorro) in Mexico are famous for big marine life. From dolphins and whale sharks to hammerheads, these far flung islands are a scuba diving dream. One animal in particular is quite easy to spot here but is actually rare in the wild. That is the giant manta ray (Mobula birostris). Listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, this amazing creature has a “wingspan” of up to 23 feet (7 meters) and is one of the largest fish on Earth. Jump on a liveaboard to the Revillagigedo Islands if you want to see these beauties while diving.

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diving with whale sharks in the maldives, a hotspot for endangered marine life

2. Maldives

A paradise like few others, the Maldives, with its islands ringed in white sand and clear, aquamarine waters, is an oasis for both humans and marine life alike. This country is one of the best in the world for swimming and diving with whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), the largest fish in the sea. Since 2016, whale sharks have been listed as endangered by the IUCN due to shark finning, fishing and bycatch. Of course, if a liveaboard or a dive resort stay in the Maldives isn’t in your plans, you can also gape at these huge sharks at Isla Mujeres in Mexico, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and Cenderawasih Bay in Indonesia.

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diving with penguins in the galapagos, a hotspot for endangered marine life

3. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

If you’ve ever looked at the log of a diver who has been to the Galapagos Islands, you’ll most likely find a who’s who of endangered species. On any given liveaboard, you might spot whale sharks, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, green sea turtles, leatherback sea turtles and scalloped hammerhead sharks. Each one of these marine species is endangered, and that’s only a list of animals that spend at least part of the day in the water. Topside on the islands, you may also see endangered giant tortoises among a wide range of other fauna.

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monk seals in hawaii scuba diving, a hotspot for endangered marine species

4. Hawaii, USA

Hawaii is home to nine marine species currently protected by America’s Endangered Species Act, namely green sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, olive ridley sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, humpback whales, sperm whales, fin whales, blue whales and sei whales. While you can’t dive with all of these species, you can spot sea turtles under the water from time to time. In addition, you might be lucky enough to see humpback whales on your way to dive sites during the months of January, February and March. And Hawaiian monk seals can be spotted on land, although human interaction with the endemic seals is discouraged. Finally, although this marine species is only listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, Hawaii is one of the best destinations for night diving with manta rays.

  • Endangered Marine Life: Hawaiian Monk Seal, Sea Turtles & More
  • When to Go: January to March
  • Recommended Liveaboard: Kona Aggressor II
  • Recommended Dive Resort: Kamaole Sands
  • Recommended Dive Course: Night Diver
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diving with hammerhead sharks in cocos island, a hotspot for endangered marine species

5. Cocos Island, Costa Rica

Have you heard of the Hammerhead Triangle? Encompassing Malpelo in Colombia, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and Cocos Island in Costa Rica, this is the best area in the world for spotting endangered scalloped hammerhead sharks. In particular, lonely Cocos Island dons many bucket lists written by shark lovers. Here, hammerheads have a peculiar habit of hunting solitarily at night and swimming in large schools during the day, creating a spectacle for lucky scuba divers who travel to this far flung destination.

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diving with napoleonfish in pohnpei, a hotspot for endangered marine species

6. Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Slightly off the beaten track, Pohnpei is every bit a South Pacific paradise. This island in the Federated States of Micronesia boasts a lush, green appearance and seemingly untouched reefs in crystal clear waters. Sharks and manta rays, including those of the rare black morph, make common appearances. In addition, endangered humphead wrasse can be seen on the reef swimming alongside endangered green sea turtles and groups of vulnerable bumphead parrotfish.

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diving with dugong in egypt, a hotspot for large endangered marine animals

7. Marsa Alam, Egypt

Although not endangered, the dugong and its cousin, the manatee, remain vulnerable to extinction according to the IUCN. Coastal development and water pollution are big reasons behind their population decline. Yet, dugongs are still spotted regularly by divers thanks to their shallow habitat. In particular, Marsa Alam is home to several individuals, and divers who want to see this walrus-like creature should head to the shores of the Red Sea for their next diving adventure.

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diving with turtles in sipadan malaysia, a hotspot for endangered sea life animals

8. Sipadan, Malaysia

Sipadan off the coast of Malaysian Borneo is one of the best places in the world for diving with endangered sea turtles. On any given dive, you might see 20 to 30 endangered green and critically endangered hawksbill turtles. There’s also a natural turtle graveyard in a cave at advanced depths. Just be sure to observe these graceful animals from a distance, allowing them to go about their turtle business in peace.

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endangered marine life angel shark in the sand canary islands

9. Canary Islands, Spain

As one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe, many people may not be aware that the waters off the coast of the Canary Islands are home to one of the most endangered species of sharks, namely the angel shark. In fact, three species of angel sharks, including the critically endangered Squatina squatina, have are protected by Spanish law in the area. In addition to having a chance to spotting these magnificent creatures, divers in the Canary Islands can also look forward to five common species of rays (common, round, marbled electric, eagle and butterfly ray) and occasional visits from bull rays, manta rays and skate.

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south africa home to endangered marine life

10. South Africa

The Sardine Run in South Africa should be on every diver’s bucket list, but there’s plenty more to explore in the seas off the southern tip of Africa. Did you know there are more than 12,000 marine species that live in South Africa? And, among those are several endangered species, like the African penguin, the Kysna seahorse, the green sea turtle and white steenbras. Beyond these endangered sea life animals, the dive experience here is as varied as the people, running the gamut from big sharks to throngs of tiny sardines. So get ready to explore these wild and woolly waters.

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best places to dive with endangered marine life thresher sharks philippines

11. Philippines

As a part of the Coral Triangle, the Philippines is one of the best diving destinations in the world for people who love warm and colorful seas. It’s also one of the best destinations for diving with endangered marine species. Here you’ll find whale sharks, manta rays and a variety of endangered coral species. In particular, Malapascua in the Philippines is known habitat for the pelagic thresher shark, an endangered species according to the IUCN. Whether you explore the Philippines by liveaboard or dive resort, you’re nearly guaranteed to run into at least one endangered species. It’s like diving your way through an endangered sea life list!

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diving with endangered species in Antarctica, a hotspot for large endangered marine animal

12. Antarctica

Diving in Antarctica certainly isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is the adventure of a lifetime. Heading under the waves means experiencing a section of the ocean few others have seen. Icebergs loom overhead, while crabs, squat lobsters, jellyfish, anemones and soft corals populate the waters below. Lucky divers might also get to see penguins, fur seals and even leopard seals in the water. In addition, while on the boat, you’ll want to keep an eye out for blue whales, one large endangered marine animal. If this sounds like a magical liveaboard destination to you, do note that Antarctica is becoming easier and easier to visit thanks to an increased number of liveaboards traveling to the continent.

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If you want to dive in with endangered marine species, be sure to do your research using our Dive Guides for destinations around the world, then get started on any PADI courses you need to take for your adventure from the comfort of your home using PADI eLearning. That way, you’ll be able to experience Nature Unfiltered while learning to #LiveUnfiltered.

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And then, when you’re ready to book your trip to dive with endangered marine life, visit PADI Travel and start a conversation with the 24/7 sales team to find the best scuba adventure for you, whether that’s a dive course abroad or a full liveaboard diving trip.

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