Best diving destinations in Oceania
Best diving destinations in Oceania
Vast barrier reefs and tropical marine trenches in Oceania
A major reef system remains the defining diving destination in this region, though changing reef health has made site selection more important than it once was. Remote Pacific islands add their own celebrated soft coral and wall diving, often in clearer, less-visited water.
The destinations on this list range from well-established reef sites to remote Pacific island dive destinations reachable mainly by liveaboard. Some require a flight and boat transfer of several hours. Others are accessible directly from shore.
Choosing operators that monitor reef health closely is increasingly worth doing here, since conditions can vary significantly between sites even within the same reef system. Local operators increasingly publish their own reef health updates. Checking recent reef health reports before booking also tends to help set realistic expectations for a given site.
Lists by region
Region in Australia
Ningaloo Coast
Australia's Accessible Underwater Wonderland
Unlike most reefs, this long fringing reef begins just meters from the beach in places. Boat tours from Exmouth and Coral Bay go out to swim with whale sharks from about March to July. Manta rays are seen year round and humpback whales pass from July to October. Shore snorkelling at Turquoise Bay is popular.
Country
Federated States of Micronesia
Scattered paradise with tropical diversity
In 1944 a US air attack sank dozens of Japanese ships in Chuuk Lagoon. Today the wrecks are covered in coral and lie in water that is warm and clear. Tanks, trucks and aircraft can still be seen inside some holds. This country also includes Yap, which is known for manta rays.
Overseas Territory in France
French Polynesia
Paradise of Crystal Clear Lagoons
Made up of 118 islands in five archipelagos, this territory has lagoons, passes and open ocean dives. Rangiroa and Fakarava in the Tuamotus are known for drift dives through channels with many sharks. Fakarava is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Moorea and Tahiti have easier lagoon dives with rays and reef fish.
Country
Vanuatu
Tropical paradise with cultural diversity
May to October is the cooler dry season, with calm seas and clear water for diving. The SS President Coolidge, a huge WWII troopship, lies off Espiritu Santo. Divers can reach the ship from the shore and explore its large holds. Million Dollar Point has sunken US military equipment.
Country
Solomon Islands
Tropical paradise with pristine waters
Remote and quiet, this island nation has few dive resorts and little boat traffic. Iron Bottom Sound near Guadalcanal has wartime ships and aircraft from 1942. Marovo Lagoon is one of the largest saltwater lagoons in the world. Dive trips are often on liveaboards or from small island lodges.
Country
Papua New Guinea
Last paradise of South Pacific
Pacific war fighting left ships and aircraft on the seabed around Rabaul and Milne Bay. Many wrecks are now covered in coral and filled with fish. Kimbe Bay has hundreds of coral species and steep walls. Tufi and Milne Bay are known for muck diving, the search for small, odd creatures.
Country
Palau
Pristine paradise with underwater wonders
East of the Philippines in the western Pacific, this island nation has limestone islands and deep walls. Blue Corner is a drift dive with strong currents, sharks and large schools of fish. German Channel has manta rays and Peleliu has wartime wrecks and caves. Ngemelis Wall drops far beneath the surface.
City in Australia
Cairns
Gateway to Reef and Rainforest Wonders
On the tropical coast of northern Queensland, this city is the main gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Day boats take about two hours to reach outer reef sites such as Norman Reef and Saxon Reef. Liveaboards sail north to the Ribbon Reefs and the Cod Hole. Most operators offer introductory dives for beginners.
Country
Marshall Islands
Remote atolls with pristine waters
Traditional stick charts, once used by navigators, are part of Marshallese culture. Bikini Atoll has wrecks of warships sunk during nuclear tests in 1946, including the USS Saratoga. Diving there is limited to small organised trips. Majuro, the capital, has lagoon dives with reef fish and sharks.
Island in Australia
Whitsunday Islands
Paradise within Great Barrier Reef
Boat trips are the usual way to reach the outer reefs from these islands. Dive boats leave from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island for sites such as Hardy Reef. Hardy Reef has a pontoon, coral gardens and a famous heart shaped reef. Fringing reefs around Hayman and Hook islands suit beginners.
Country
Tonga
Tropical paradise with volcanic islands
With 169 islands in four main groups, this kingdom has few crowds underwater. From July to October humpback whales breed in the waters around Vava'u. Licensed operators run swim with whale trips. Reefs near Vava'u and Ha'apai have coral gardens and small caves. Mariner's Cave in Vava'u is entered from under the water.
Overseas Territory in France
New Caledonia
Tropical Paradise with French Flair
Compared with many Pacific islands, this territory has a very large lagoon surrounded by a long barrier reef. The lagoons are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dive sites near Nouméa include coral gardens and wrecks. Amédée Islet has a lighthouse and calm water for snorkelling. The Isle of Pines has clear bays and rock formations.
Country
Fiji
Tropical paradise with diverse landscapes
Friendly and colourful, this South Pacific country is known for its soft corals and reef walls. Beqa Lagoon has shark dives with bull sharks and tiger sharks. Taveuni and Rainbow Reef have strong currents and bright soft coral gardens. Fijian resorts often include dive shops and friendly local guides.
Reef in Australia
Great Barrier Reef
World's largest living coral wonder
Water is warm, between about 23 and 29 degrees Celsius, so diving is possible all year on this reef. June to October is the drier season, with calmer seas and clear water. From November to May, stinger suits are advised against jellyfish. Dwarf minke whales visit in June and July.
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