Top 10 diving destinations

The Maldives Archipelago is an expansive cluster of islands surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean - arguably the ultimate island paradise. The Maldives is home to 200 species of coral with over 300 species of tropical fish darting among them, making this sunny spot the perfect diving location.

Surrounded by the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is the ideal place to view marine life and bright coral reefs. Aside from vibrant tropical fish, you can swim alongside sea turtles and if you go during October-November you might even get to glide side-by-side with a massive whale shark. This is sure to be an unforgettable experience for any diver.

Famed for its clear waters, the west coast of Thailand is a haven for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts; a place where dive sites are a rainbow of colors and teeming with marine life. Thailand's coast boasts a staggering 153km² of coral reef, serving as a home to 2125 different species of fish as well a Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. And the best bit: you can dive in Thailand all year round!

Some of the world’s best diving is in Indonesia and there are some fabulous ways to experience the impressive dive sites, while staying in luxury. Raja Ampat encompasses over 1,000 islands so it is the perfect base for exploring the beauty of sub-marine life. This expansive archipelago is a must for both dive enthusiasts and beginners alike, with crystal waters such as these you don’t need a mask to appreciate the vibrancy and variety of marine life beneath the waves.

Fly down to Belize and board a speedboat to take you to the Belizean barrier reef for unparalleled diving. Belize is renowned for its world-class diving, fishing and snorkeling, with miles of coral reef to be found in its Caribbean waters, as well as the iconic Blue Hole. This is a paradise for lovers of marine life and the great blue ocean, and the powdery beaches add another dimension.

The narrow peninsula of Baja California extends southward from the Californian border to the town of Cabo San Lucas, stretching some 800 miles, flanked by the Sea of Cortez on the east and the surfy Pacific on the west. It's renowned for surfing, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and whale watching.

Dive in the majestic Musandam and witness one of the world's most bio-diverse marine spots. Omans' spectacular fjord-riven coastline is an excellent palce to spy mesmerizing marine life such as the elusive Whale Shark. The time to dive is October - May when the seas are calm and the water is warmer.

Diving here is thought to be some of the best in the world, but even just by snorkeling or kayaking you will encounter an abundance of endemic wildlife species and come face to face with harmless white-tipped sharks, sea turtles and giant manta rays.

Ningaloo Reef is the site of some of the world’s most pristine coral and a colorful cacophony of over 500 species of fish. From March to July the waters are also home to whale sharks, providing an unrivaled opportunity to swim with these magnificent creatures. Ningaloo is also a major breeding area for hawksbill, green and loggerhead turtles.

Diving at Vamizi is a very special experience. Not only do Vamizi guests have the dive sites all to themselves - the diving itself is absolutely world class. With carpets of stunning fish, turtles, dramatic wall dives, unbleached coral and 15 dive sites, there is plenty of choice for all divers from novice to experienced and some lovely snorkeling spots too. The best time of year for diving at Vamizi is between September and November.