No list of the world’s best dive destinations would be complete without the Great Barrier Reef. Stretching over 2,300 kilometres along Queensland’s coast, it’s the largest living structure on Earth. Divers drift through coral gardens brimming with clownfish, turtles, and reef sharks. Sites like Osprey Reef and Ribbon Reefs offer advanced dives with steep walls and pelagic visitors. Access is easy via Cairns, Townsville, or liveaboard trips from Port Douglas.

Best time to dive: June to November for clear visibility and calm seas.

Known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World,” Fiji delivers an explosion of colour and life. Dive the Great White Wall in the Somosomo Strait, where lavender and snow-white corals cover the reef like a living tapestry. Mantas glide through channels, and reef sharks patrol the outer walls. The Fijian people’s warmth extends underwater too, with dive resorts catering to every level of experience.

Best time: May to October during the dry season.

Few places blend luxury and wilderness like French Polynesia. The passes of Fakarava and Rangiroa are legendary for drift diving with hundreds of reef sharks. Schools of tuna, dolphins, and mantas move through water so clear it feels unreal. Bora Bora’s calm lagoons offer gentle dives for beginners — and world-class sunsets to match.

Best time: April to October for warm water and good visibility.