scuba diving trips

Awesome scuba diving trips on live-aboards that cruise Indonesia, Australia, Maldives and Galapagos

Fly to the Bay Islands and you’ll likely trade dive tales with a seatmate before take-off. Here, scuba is affordable — and tourism’s biggest draw. Most dive shops have perfected the art of keeping groups on schedule in the morning, then letting individuals choose their own adventures come afternoon. If you’re looking to fill a logbook, check to see if your resort has a house reef (many do). Topography ranges from sheer walls to gradually sloping drop-offs, but no matter what, inclines are noticeable enough to simplify navigation.

Want to dive without emptying your bank account? Follow our tips. 

The Sunshine State’s 8,436 miles of shoreline (second only to Alaska) mean almost limitless underwater exploration. Much of the marine life is big: dolphins, sharks, sea turtles and goliath grouper are as common as orange groves, palm trees and roller coasters. What’s attracting them? Besides the wrecks scattered along both coasts, currents serve an endless nutrient buffet — and make diving as swift-moving as a theme-park ride.