Overall Rating of the Destination

CARIBBEAN & ATLANTIC 1. Cayman Islands With nearly 300 moored dive sites surrounding three easily accessible tropical islands, the Cayman Islands consistently rank as one of the top destinations in the Caribbean. But even with a long dive history, the operators are still finding ways to innovate and expand their underwater offerings. Over the next few years the Dive 365 Program, which aims to offer a moored site for every day of the year, and the sinking of the Kittiwake — a decommissioned U.S. Navy submarine rescue ship that operated during World War II — will bolster their position as one of the world’s best dive locales. Go Now » 2. Bonaire » 3. Belize » PACIFIC 1. Galapagos With the top spot in nearly one-third of the 15 categories in Scuba Diving’s Top 100 –– including “Best Overall Diving” and “Healthiest Marine Environment” –– is it any wonder the Galapagos was selected as the top overall destination. While its reefs might not be as biodiverse as others in the Pacific, the Galapagos is bursting at the seams with sharks and other curious critters like marine iguanas and playful sea lions. Ironically, it’s when you surface from a dive in which you faced down massive whale sharks and hundreds of hammerheads that this destination really shines: Walk among colorful herons, penguins, Darwin’s finches, bright-red Sally Lightfoot crabs, blue-footed boobies and the famed gargantuan tortoises as they sun themselves at your feet. Go Now » 2. Philippines » 3. Micronesia » NORTH AMERICA 1. Canada/British Columbia Vibrant, life-encrusted wrecks, exhilarating pass diving and odd undersea creatures all give Canada high marks as a favorite dive destination. Add in the affordability and interesting topside activities in every season, and it’s easy to understand why our readers would vote it in as the top overall dive destination in North America. Go Now » 2. North Carolina » 3. Florida & the Florida Keys »