There's no thrill like swimming alongside manta rays, exploring vibrant coral gardens, or uncovering hidden gems off the beaten path.

With a treasure trove of stunning dive sites that cater to both seasoned divers and beginners, Asia has become a favourite among divers all over the world.

All thanks to it's warm tropical waters and the diverse marine life thriving in its reefs. So pack your gear, and get ready to explore these best diving spots in Asia.

Bunaken National Park, Indonesia

Renowned for its stunning biodiversity, Bunaken National Park is a diver's paradise. Located in North Sulawesi, this marine reserve boasts clear waters teeming with life. The underwater haven is home to around 13 coral reef species and famous for its steep vertical walls that plunge 25-50 meters.

Divers can also spot 91 types of fish species, including the rare Gusimi Horse Fish, Yellow-Tailed Lolosi, and Napoleon wrasses, as well as unique mollusks like the Giant Kima and the rare Nautilus.

With around 20 dive spots around Bunaken and nearby Manado Tua, and the option to explore beautiful beaches and coastal trails, Bunaken is set to provide an unforgettable backdrop for underwater exploration.

Kerama Island, Okinawa, Japan

The Kerama Islands, with their distinct "Kerama blue" waters, form a stunning archipelago just west of Okinawa, ideal for beach lovers, hikers, and underwater adventurers.

With over 20 islands in the chain, only four — Tokashiki, Zamami, Aka, and Geruma — are inhabited, while the rest remain beautifully untouched. The islands are part of the Keramashoto National Park, known for its vibrant reefs, pristine beaches, and diverse marine life, including colourful coral gardens and abundant sea turtles.

The island's gentle currents make it suitable for divers of all levels, and with many dive sites around the island, there's plenty to explore. Moreover, Tokashiki, the largest island, offers top snorkelling spots at Aharen and Tokashiku beaches, where snorkellers often spot sea turtles up close.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao, known as "Turtle Island," is a small paradise nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, 45 kilometres north of Koh Phangan. This island, a popular haven for scuba divers and beach lovers.

With its shallow bays and calm waters, it's an excellent place for beginners to learn the ropes of diving. The island has numerous dive schools and offers a range of courses, making it accessible to all.

Beyond diving, visitors can take boat trips to explore the island's stunning beaches and bays, hike to scenic viewpoints, enjoy the island's vibrant nightlife, or unwind in hammocks with views of nearby Koh Nang Yuan — a breathtaking attraction of its own.

Tioman Island, Malaysia

A tropical gem off Malaysia's east coast, Tioman Island is a haven for divers and nature lovers, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and rich coral reefs within a protected marine park.

Home to diverse marine species, including sea turtles, colourful reef fish, and blacktip reef sharks, dive spots like Coral Island and Renggis Island offer some of the most vibrant underwater experiences in Southeast Asia.

On the other hand, Tioman's dense rainforests, scenic trails, and waterfalls make it ideal for trekking, while its soft sandy beaches and peaceful vibe offer plenty of space to relax, making this island a perfect blend of adventure and tropical tranquillity.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, Komodo National Park spans 29 volcanic islands, including the major islands of Rinca, Padar, and Komodo. Home to approximately 2,500 Komodo dragons, this Unesco World Heritage site is equally impressive underwater.

The park's marine environment is one of the world's richest, housing over 1,000 species of fish, 70 types of sponges, and a variety of large marine fauna including manta rays, dugongs, green turtles, sharks, and even migrating whales.

With its nutrient-rich currents, this site supports around 100 dive spots that range from thrilling open-water current dives with manta ray and shark sightings to muck dives near shorelines where divers encounter rare invertebrates.

That being said, this one is for more experienced diving operators as the strong currents here can pull divers into the Indian Ocean.

Anilao, Philippines

Located just a three-hour drive south of Manila, Anilao in Batangas province is a diver's dream, particularly for underwater photographers. Known for its world-class muck diving, this area is famous for rare critters, vibrant reefs, and unexpected marine species that make each dive an adventure.

Anilao's unique blackwater diving allows night-time explorers to witness nocturnal creatures in action, while its healthy coral gardens offer ample opportunities for wide-angle shots of reefscapes.

Skilled local dive guides, known for their uncanny ability to spot tiny and elusive critters, enhance the experience. Not to mention the eachfront resorts nestled against lush jungle backdrops offer an exotic setting combined with unbeatable Filipino hospitality.

Ambon Bay, Indonesia

Ambon Island may be small, but it offers a wealth of experiences for adventurous travellers, from diving to cultural exploration. Known as "Ambon Manise" or "sweet Ambon" for its beauty and friendly locals, the island is celebrated for its rich history.

Ambon's underwater scene is a paradise for muck diving enthusiasts, where rare species like frogfish thrive. The island's lush mountains, tropical vegetation, and unspoiled beaches add even more to its charm, while the warmth of the local Ambonese people, many of whom have mixed European heritage, enhances the cultural experience.

This article was first published in City Nomads.