Every diver wants to preserve the marine worlds they explore. It’s the natural result of seeing so much threatened beauty underwater. This collective passion for conservation has paved the way for ecotourism to take root in the diving community. In fact, a 2022 Reef-World survey revealed that divers want more environmental education and are willing to pay more for sustainable dive adventures that give back to the ocean. 

Many scuba divers start out with a passion for thrills – thrills that come from breathing underwater, exploring the ocean’s depths and meeting fascinating marine life. This initial passion for thrills often grows into a love for and dedication to the marine environment, which today, more than ever, goes hand-in-hand with ocean conservation. As divers witness the degradation of ocean habitats and learn about methods to save them, they become more aware of their responsibility to make sustainable travel choices.

Above the surface, Australia and New Zealand offer the chance for some truly memorable encounters with wildlife, from koalas to kangaroos – and it’s just the same in the water. For starters, arguably the most dreamed about dive destination worldwide is in Australia – the Great Barrier Reef. However, beyond this, both Australia and New Zealand are home to numerous additional dive destinations worthy of your vacation time.

Whether you’re learning to dive or a scuba aficionado, there’s no shortage of the best diving destinations in Southeast Asia to discover on your next vacation.

PADI has recently been spotlighted on Fast Company’s 2024 Most Innovative Companies list. This accolade is no small feat; it places PADI alongside giants and pioneers across various industries, all recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to business, culture, the environment, and innovation strategy.