BEST OF · TOURS
The 15 best diving day trips you can book right now, with the price per head, how long you are actually in the water and who each one suits. Number one is first for a reason.
Cruise from San Vito along Polignano a Mare’s rocky coast with a small group of up to 10 people. Expect sea caves, swim and snorkel stops, music, local commentary from captains such as Christian, Nicholas, or Valerio, and a simple Prosecco aperitivo.
“Parking may be difficult. The driver is great. Swimming great if you want to snorkel bring your own.”
Spend about eight hours traveling from Cairns to Reef Magic’s outer reef platform. Snorkel with supplied gear, join marine biologist talks, and use the glass-bottom boat, semi-submersible, and observatory. Optional scuba, helmet walks, and helicopter flights cost extra.
“Good trip. Husband got to dive and I got to have my feet in the ocean off 5he pontoon. Glass bottom boat and semi submersible were also included. We got a helicopter ride too (extra, but worth it).”
From Cairns Marlin Marina, spend five hours in the water at two outer reef sites with English-speaking guides, marine life talks, and Indigenous storytelling. Snorkel, add an introductory or certified scuba session, and enjoy tea plus a buffet lunch aboard Reef Magic’s comfortable boat.
“the trip was full of information, very well organised, and helpful, food was really nice and the people looking after you was really great”
At Cydive in Paphos, you learn scuba basics in a pool before a guided shore session at the Roman Wall, usually in water from 1 to 5 meters deep. No prior experience is needed. Expect about three hours, patient instructors such as Emma, Kris, Sophie, or George, and optional underwater photos.
“What a fantastic experience. The instructors were amazing and took their time with everyone making you feel very confident. My son (11) enjoyed it so much he wants to continue diving back in the UK”
From Haleiwa Harbor, marine scientists take you about 3 miles offshore for a carefully managed shark encounter. You’ll receive a safety briefing, use provided snorkeling gear, and may help collect data. Guides such as Gina, Tyler, Ethan, Drew, and Haley have been praised for calm support and clear instruction.
“We were so scared but it was an amazing experience, we saw different sharks. The people were really professional all the time.”
Spend four hours aboard a large Oahu dive boat with instructors such as Josh, Chad, Olga, or Red. Beginners receive hands-on training before two shallow open-ocean scuba sessions, where you may see turtles, octopus, rays, eels, reef fish, and sometimes sharks.
“Great experience for my 3 older kids. Complete beginners, but felt very safe. All want to become certified now!”
Set out from American Pro Diving Center in Crystal River for a three-and-a-half-hour manatee tour. You’ll receive a wetsuit, mask, fins, and snorkel, then follow an in-water guide to Three Sisters Springs and other King’s Bay spots. Manatees are wild, so sightings and visibility vary.
“Great tour company, everyone was helpful. We learned a lot about manatees and all facts about the area. Melissa was awesome! We saw the most manatee that day.”
Join AMI for a four-hour speedboat trip from Zadar, stopping at Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko. Swim and snorkel at three clear-water spots, enjoy an hour on the islands, and return with water aboard. Guides such as Dino, David, Davide, and Stella have led recent trips.
“The trip was well planned and executed. Davide is a nice guy. He was quite helpful during the trip. Offered drinks several times.”
From Haleiwa, you’ll ride three miles offshore to 250-foot waters for a cage-free shark swim with trained guides. Galapagos sharks are common, tiger sharks may appear, and the 12-person limit keeps the outing personal. Snorkel gear is included, but bring water and seasickness medicine.
“DONT BOOK THIS TOUR! You will waste your money! The company changed the time on me three times, I tried to work around the first time change however I got lost on the bus. I then booked a car TWICE to try and make it. The first time I made it but no one was there, I was not sent a reconfirmation so I showed up at the wrong time and the last time I was 15min late due to being stuck in waikiki trying my hardest to get the car because the company had changed times one me again so I tried to make it however they said they…”
Join a PADI-certified instructor for two boat-based scuba outings from Bucutiweg 20. Expect calm water, reef life, possible wreck sites, snacks, drinks, and pickup from Aruba’s cruise terminal and hotel zones. Guides such as Paula, Albert, Perry, and Lucas are part of the experienced local team.
“S E Aruba Fly N Dive has excellent staff, dive masters and great boat. I will recommend this Dive Shop to everyone. Took us to the Sea Jane Shipwreck and Valley Coral Reef. Thank You I had a great time.”
Meet Island View Hawaii’s small boat in Haleiwa for a 90-minute to two-hour North Shore shark swim. A local guide, safety diver, snorkel gear, live commentary, and free photos and videos are included. Watch for dolphins and winter humpback whales.
“One of the most exhilarating experiences imaginable. The crew took such great care and at no time was I ever nervous or afraid. Enjoyed it so much we booked the excursion again the following day. Lots of sharks mostly Galapagos sharks. The crew took pics and videos and gave them to everyone at no cost. I would highly recommend this excursion to one and all.”
Meet Andrea and his team at Etna & Sea Excursions for a beginner-friendly underwater tour in the Gulf of Catania. After a boat ride to the Cyclopean Isles, you’ll learn the basics, swim past basalt columns and volcanic faults, and look for octopus, bream, sponges, starfish, and gorgonians.
“First time diving and it was amazing. Great for beginners. Instructor spoke fluent English. He made everything easy. Also, he helped my wife the entire time because she was terrified. He helped her to feel more comfortable.”
Spend eight hours with an English-speaking skipper from Zadar Speedboat Markos, visiting Sakarun Beach, the St. Michaele shipwreck, Veli Rat Lighthouse, Božava, a military tunnel, and a pine-fringed cove. Lunch is described as included, but booking details conflict, so confirm before paying.
“It was an amazing experience – I had a fantastic time! The skipper was incredibly engaging, friendly, and accommodating. I would absolutely recommend this tour 100%- a must-do!”
Meet your PADI guide at Thingvellir, carry your gear to Silfra, and swim between two continental plates in remarkably clear water. The four-hour tour is limited to three people and requires recent drysuit experience, strong fitness, and the ability to carry equipment 400 meters.
“We had an amazing experience scuba diving in the Silfra Fissure with Arctic Adventures Iceland, and a huge part of that was thanks to our guide, Franceska—she was absolutely amazing.”
Spend seven hours on a Hurghada boat, learning with an English-speaking instructor before visiting two Red Sea sites at depths of up to 10 meters. Beginners and non-swimmers can join, while certified guests have a separate option. Lunch, drinks, equipment, and hotel pickup are included.
“een good and safe diving with excellent video registration”
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