The 10 Best Places to Go Scuba Diving in the USA

best places to go scuba diving
25 Jan 2021

The 10 Best Places to Go Scuba Diving in the USA

2020 has taught us a lot, but most important by far is that the great outdoors should never be taken for granted. After months inside, we could all use some fresh air.

Or… fresh breathing gas?

Perhaps your New Year’s resolution was to use your scuba license more. Maybe, you just want to actually get certified in the first place.

Either way, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to go scuba diving in the USA. From cold to warm water, fresh to salty, you’re sure to find your new favorite scuba diving destination.

Best Places To Go Scuba Diving in the US

Before exploring any of these cool dives, make sure you’re up to date on their COVID policies. You can also read through general safe diving travel procedures here!

1. Bonne Terre, Missouri 

Perfect for history buffs! Explore the remnants of an abandoned mine, complete with offices, a geology lab, and even a movie theater.

2. Baranof Island, Alaska

This scuba diving destination is perfect for divers wishing to swim with some jellyfish. Summer dives are ideal as the cold winter weather isn’t super appealing to the jellyfish (and we don’t blame them).

3. Puget Sound, Washington

If you can get over the shock of cold water, you will probably spot killer whales, swim with sea lions, and feed exotic wolf eels.

4. Key Largo, Florida  

The tropical waters boast deep shipwrecks, colorful reefs, and various locations suitable for every level of diving experience.

5. Channel Islands, California

Perfect for photographers, this is one of the best places to go scuba diving if you’re wanting to experience the crystal clear waters and impressive rock formations.

6. Morehead, North Carolina

Spice up your scuba diving career by adding a bit of thrill! Head to Morehead and dive among the sand-tiger sharks (some have spotted up to 20 while diving).

7. Lake Huron, Michigan

This location is home to the infamous Shipwreck Alley. The lake’s unpredictable weather and thick fog mixed with their rocky shoreline create the perfect conditions for shipwrecks. Read about the 200 vessels that were lost here.

8. Crystal River, Florida – An amazing freshwater US scuba diving destination complete with manatees!

9. Kona, Hawaii – Their manta ray night dive attracts divers from all over the world, for great reason. Read about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity here!

10. Outer Banks, North Carolina – Avoid the crowds by heading to the east coast. This historic destination was once considered the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”, so get ready to swim among the ruins.

Building Your Bucket List?

These magnificent destinations are staples for every experienced scuba diver.

One of the best places to go scuba diving might just be in your own backyard, so make time this year to go exploring!

If you’re not quite the scuba professional yet, we have a checklist of the top five things to remember before hopping in the water that you need to check out here! Otherwise, explore the rest of our blog for all of your scuba diving needs or we can teach you how to dive?