1. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

2. Cozumel, Mexico

3. Belize Atolls

4. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

5. New Providence, Bahamas

1. British Columbia, Canada

2. Maui, Hawaii (Molokini)

3. Puget Sound, Washington

4. Monterey Bay, California

5. Catalina Island, California

1. Palau

2. Fiji

3. Brothers Islands, Egypt, Red Sea

4. Sipadan, Malaysia

5. Papua New Guinea

Saltwater State Park grunt sculpin

Artificial Reef

Lion's mane jelly

Get vertical in the reefs off these islands, and explore the joys of flying alongside a plunging drop-off.

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