1. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

2. Belize Atolls

3. Exumas, Bahamas

4. Riviera Maya, Mexico

5. St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

1. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

2. Lembeh Strait, Indonesia

3. Galapagos Islands

4. Sulu Sea and Tubbataha, Philippines

5. Maldives

1. Channel Islands, California

2. Monterey Bay, California

3. British Columbia, Canada

4. Maui, Hawaii

5. Big Island, Hawaii

Akumal's shallow reefs are a haven for green turtles and healthy hard corals, ranged across sparkling white-sand bottoms.

Cenote Jardin del Eden hosts creatures like the saltfin molly, which inhabits fresh or brackish waters.

Manta trains in the open ocean.

The Pit has some of the loveliest — and most thrilling — freshwater diving you'll ever experience.

Sea lions rarely miss an opportunity to get better acquainted with divers, particularly the young pups.

A tranquil view of lovely Anacapa Island.

A clown angler guards its corner of the reef.

Stellar diving usually means great photo opportunities — here are 15 of the world's best places to take a camera.

Read more about the best scuba diving in the world: 2014 Reader's Choice Top 100 Awards