If you’re ready to explore the other two-thirds of our ocean planet, the first step is to sign up for a scuba certification course. You can begin your dive training online, but eventually you’ll need to take the plunge. This article highlights some of the best places to learn to scuba dive in North America and the Caribbean.
We chose these destinations based on:
- Calm conditions
- Warm water
- Lots of beginner-friendly dive sites
There are also many fantastic places to learn to dive in North America where the water is cooler, and if you live here, there are plenty of benefits to learning locally, too.
No matter where you call home, you can always start your scuba training with a local dive shop and finish your open water dives somewhere warm (known as an open water referral). Scroll down to check out some of the best places to learn to dive in North America and the Caribbean.
1. Barbados
Barbados may be best known as the birthplace of rum (and Rihanna), but it’s also a great place to learn to dive. Beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and a warm, welcoming culture are just a few reasons to choose Barbados for your first diving experience. All the dive centers in Barbados are also “Bajan,” locally owned.
You can learn to dive in Barbados any time of year, but if you want an especially memorable trip, visit during Dive Fest. The six-day event includes scuba and freediving activities, conservation activities, a recyclable boat race and a lot more.
2. Curaçao
Curaçao is one of the “ABC islands” in the southern Caribbean, which include Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. All three islands sit outside the hurricane belt, so you can book with confidence and look forward to a relaxed, sunny holiday with calm water, easy diving and temperatures in the upper 20s-low 30s(°C)/ mid-80s(°F).
Bonaire consistently ranks as a top dive destination for certified divers, but if you’re interested in shopping, nightlife and plenty of things to do besides diving Curaçao is the best all-around option. Also, there are currently more flights to/from Curaçao than Bonaire.
3. Hawai’i
No matter what form your scuba diving dreams take, Hawai’i can make them come true. There are beginner-friendly reefs, wreck dives, shore dives and tons of turtles. Plus, about one-third of the marine life you’ll see in Hawai’i can’t be seen anywhere else on Earth.
After your certification is complete, you can do a night dive with manta rays or jump out of a helicopter to start your dive. On Maui, you can hear humpback whales singing underwater (seasonally). Visit Kauai for more laid-back vibes and the chance to see a rare monk seal.
4. Florida
Divers are spoiled for choice in Florida. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday, a romantic getaway, a friends trip or a solo adventure, Florida has a lot to offer. Start your diving journey in warm, clear water and enjoy any number of bucket list diving experiences. The Florida Keys are the most well-known diving area, but some say Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach is the best dive site in the state.
On the Gulf Coast, you can dive in the ocean or in freshwater springs. If a fear of sharks is keeping you from learning to scuba dive, you could learn to dive in a river or freshwater spring.
5. Mexico
With a coastline that measures 9,330 kilometers/5,800 miles long, Mexico has endless diving opportunities. Below are two destinations we recommend, but there are several great places to learn to scuba dive in Mexico.
Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez “The Aquarium of the World.” The water is generally calm, warm and full of marine life, such as playful sea lions, colorful fish and (seasonally) pelagics, such as manta rays, whale sharks and mobula rays.
On the Caribbean side, Riviera Maya on the Yucatán Peninsula is equally great for first-time divers. Expect to see colorful tropical fish, sea turtles and plenty of coral. Once certified, you can experience the ethereal beauty of diving in a cenote.
Start Your Scuba Diving Certification Online – FREE
If you’re curious about getting scuba certified but not ready to commit, no worries. You can start your PADI certification online for free. You don’t even need a credit card. Just sign in or create a new account to get started!
