Our annual Top 100 Readers Choice Awards are based on your real-world dives, and they let us take that journey right along with you.

Since 1994, we’ve been presenting our ­readers’ picks for the best diving in the world in our annual Top 100 Readers Choice Awards. It’s a feature that we love to put together, because we consider the results of our annual Top 100 survey a way for magazine readers, fans and online followers to share their most ­remarkable moments ­underwater. Below you'll find the winning destinations in the Best Overall Scuba Diving in the Caribbean and Atlantic oceans, and offer you a magical glimpse at your next dive vacation.

How the Winners are Chosen:

Thousands of Scuba ­Diving subscribers and online users rated their experiences at dive destinations in a ­variety of categories on a scale from 1 to 5. Final scores are an average of the numerical scores awarded. A minimum number of ­responses was required for a destination to be included in these ratings.

1. Florida

Best Overall Diving in North America

Between the Sunshine State’s 8,436 miles of coastline — jumping-off points to wrecks, reefs and pier dives — and the rivers and caves of its interior, you can pretty much just throw a dart at a map to decide where to put in next. Moreover, thanks to the Gulf Stream heating up the Atlantic coast and the shallow, easily warmed Gulf of Mexico, the salt water is as warm as that of the Caribbean — and yet, it can be reached by car for those willing to road-trip south.

Dive Conditions
Conditions vary across the state but you can about guarantee warm waters in the summertime, unless you are diving one of the many freshwater springs of Florida. In that case, it depends on your definition of warmth, but most Florida springs maintain a consistent temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of some of the more popular diving destinations in Florida:

Pensacola, Florida
Surface water temps range from the mid-50s in winter to the mid-70s and mid-80s from May to September. Visibility at inshore sites is generally 25 to 50 feet and from 50 to 100 at the Oriskany. Use minimal thermal protection in summer and a 5 or 7mm wetsuit or drysuit in winter.

Palm Beach, Florida Water temps vary from the upper 60s in winter to the low 80s in summer, when visibility ranges from 40 to 100 feet. Many divers find a 3mm suit good for all seasons, but you’ll commonly find divers attired in nothing but swim trunks and those in 5 mm fullsuits in chillier seasons.

Florida Keys
Temps are mild year-round with hot, humid summers and mid-winter lows in the 50s to 60s. The average water temps range from high 70s to low 80s in summer; low 70s in winter. Vis can be anywhere from 40 to 75 feet, with 100 feet on calm days, but wind and waves can reduce vis dramatically.

2. North Carolina

Best Overall Diving in North America

Dive Conditions
Air and water temps are highest from May through October. During this time period, the visibility can be greater than 100 feet. North Carolina weather can be difficult to predict, but when the weather is good, the diving is fantastic.

3. California

Best Overall Diving in North America

Dive Conditions
California is relatively warm and sunny year-round, with air temps generally between the 60s to 80s in Southern California. In winter, Northern California temps drop into the 40s, but can reach the 80s in the summer. The average water temps in Southern California can range from the high 40s to the mid 70s depending on the season. The central and northern coast usually see temps between 45 and 58.

4. British Columbia

Best Overall Diving in North America

Dive Conditions
The summer surface temps can hit 60F, but temperatures in the 40Fs persist at depths below 30 feet. Winter temps average in the mid-40Fs. A neoprene or shell-style dry suit is recommended. The water clarity is best in autumn and winter when visibility can reach 40 feet with local highs of 80.

5. Great Lakes

Best Overall Diving in North America

Dive Conditions
The diving season typically runs from May through October. In early summer months, the visibility can reach 100feet but the water is still cold during this time of year. Water temperatures are generally 4050 degrees Fahrenheit so it is recommended that you wear a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit.

Looking for more?

• 5 Best Places to Dive in the Caribbean & Atlantic
• 5 Best places to Dive in the Pacific and Indian Oceans