You’ve decided that 2026 is going to be the year you learn the life-changing skill of scuba diving. Congratulations! But where will you choose to take the Open Water Diver course? Many divers will choose to take the course at their local dive shop, but some will decide to combine the course with a vacation. If you fall into the latter category, we’ve rounded up the world’s best places to learn to dive in 2026 to help you choose your destination. These areas deliver outstanding training, beginner-friendly conditions and unforgettable underwater experiences.
Beyond a milestone year for those learning to dive in the next 12 months (your first breath underwater is something you’ll never forget!), 2026 also marks 60 years of PADI. To recognize and celebrate PADI’s anniversary, divers who earn their certification this year will receive a unique certification card featuring an exclusive, commemorative design.
Whether you’re looking for a long-established powerhouse that has trained thousands of divers or a rising destination on the learn-to-dive scene, keep scrolling to discover some of the best places to learn to dive in 2026.
Want more learn-to-dive destination options? Check out our list of:
1. Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Egypt is full of dive spots worthy of ranking among the best places to learn to dive. Among them, Sharm El-Sheikh boasts ease of access, beginner-friendly dive sites and an abundance of dive schools. Sharm has its own international airport and offers plenty of non-diving activities for travel companions.
Below the surface, the Sinai Peninsula’s crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and abundant marine life deliver one of the best introductions to scuba diving. During your course, you can explore shallow reefs and historic wrecks as well as encounter turtles, rays and tropical fish. What more could you want?
As an added bonus, 2026 is an excellent year to visit Egypt. The long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum opened in 2025, giving visitors a dose of history and culture in addition to gorgeous diving.
2. Queensland, Australia
If you’re going to learn to dive, why not do it in one of the world’s best diving destinations? The Great Barrier Reef offers new divers numerous sites on which to learn skills and build confidence while surrounded by schools of fish, turtles and the planet’s largest barrier reef.
Queensland, however, is more than just the Great Barrier Reef. In the state’s southern region, divers can explore rugged underwater landscapes teeming with marine life, including manta rays, eagle rays, reef sharks and octopus. If lucky, divers can also spot migrating whales.
Beyond the diving, this easy-to-reach destination offers endless adventure on land. Activities range from rainforest hikes and island escapes to world-class beaches and unique wildlife encounters.
Make 2026 the year you check off some serious bucket list goals and learn to dive on the Great Barrier Reef!
3. Koh Tao, Thailand
Koh Tao is a true powerhouse for teaching people how to dive. This idyllic island in the Gulf of Thailand has built a global reputation as one of the best places to learn to dive, whether it’s 2026 or any other year. Despite measuring just 21 km², the island boasts numerous PADI Five Star Dive Centers, offering divers plenty of choice. Plus, Koh Tao boasts year-round tropical weather, a relaxed island vibe and some of the world’s most delicious food.
The crystal-clear waters surrounding Koh Tao are ideal for divers finding their fins. Beginners will appreciate the coral reefs and marine life-filled dive sites. And while never guaranteed, divers encountering a whale shark during their Open Water Diver course isn’t unheard of.
4. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is quickly emerging as one of the top new dive destinations in 2026. It’s also a great place to learn to dive. Saudi Arabia boasts vibrant, untouched reefs that rival the world’s best, especially around Farasan Banks (but maybe save those dives for post-certification course). Beginners also benefit from modern PADI Dive Centers, training pools and well-equipped boats, all without the heavy crowds you may find in other parts of the Red Sea.
For anyone wanting to learn to dive in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah and Yanbu on the west coast provide easy access to the Red Sea and its beginner-friendly waters. Divers can expect warm water temperatures (averaging around 28°C/82°F), great visibility and calm surface conditions.
5. California, USA
The USA is home to more scuba diving than you might realize — including in some of its National Parks. When it comes to taking your first breaths underwater, the Californian coast is an ideal choice. Cooler waters and mild currents give new divers the chance to build a strong foundation in real-world ocean conditions, with diveable sites available year-round.
In addition to training at amazing PADI Dive Shops, beginners get to explore some unique underwater environments. One highlight is the state’s kelp forests filled with playful sea lions and colorful fish, including California’s state fish, the garibaldi.
In 2026, the USA will also host the FIFA World Cup, making this a great year to combine sports tourism with an amazing underwater adventure in California.
Ready To Do Something Life-Changing?
Taking your first breath underwater is something you never forget. It’s not just a moment that can change your day; it’s a moment that can change the course of your life. Learning to dive literally opens up an entirely new world. If you’re ready to start your diving journey, find your nearest dive center or get started online today with the Open Water Diver eLearning.
