With so many variables to consider, looking for that perfect place to learn to dive can be a difficult experience. That is why the team at Planet Dive Holidays have scoured the world for the ideal place for beginners looking for a dedicated learn to dive holiday where you can hone you’re your skills in the perfect environment where warm water and amazing instructors combine with luxury hotels and an amazing all-round experience.

Keen to get going? Here are Planet’s recommendations for the top four places to learn to dive:

Mauritius

The sheltered northern and north-western coast offer the best diving in Mauritius and great conditions for those looking to learn to dive. With a number of luxury hotels dotted all along the coast with onsite dive centres you will get your introduction in the hotel pool before venturing out just off the shore where you can see a variety of fish species and even a turtle or two!

You are able to dive all year round and being the Indian Ocean the water is lovely and warm. A learn to dive holiday to Mauritius is perfect for honeymooners as well as families as the luxury accommodation options really offer an outstanding level of service and facilities, as well as activities that cater towards all ages.  

Maldives

The Maldives archipelago has such a great variety of dive sites that it appeals to advanced divers the world over, but it is also a great place to start your diving adventure. Here at Planet Dive we only work with the very best diving schools and hotels in the archipelago and have personally visited and handpicked the best options, to ensure a fantastic diving experience. 

We can suggest specific islands depending on the type of Maldives holiday you are after, be that hotels with excellent kids clubs and activities for families, with a good range of diving sites close to the resort so are never away for too long, or romantic holiday experiences for couples and honeymooners. For first-timers, a number of our favourite hotels offer great courses with lessons in the hotel pool and surrounding calm lagoon. If you also want to see some of the big hitters you can also enjoy snorkelling trips to swim with manta rays and whale sharks. 

Bonaire

Bonaire, part of the Dutch Antilles, in the Caribbean offers a relaxed, affordable alternative to the more touristy resorts of this region. It remains one of the Caribbean’s most striking islands and if you are looking for your first diving experience then Bonaire is the perfect fit.

The island is home to one of the Caribbean’s firsts marine parks and an introduction to diving here will you give you the opportunity to see a wide variety of fish species. With lots of shore diving spots it really is one of the best places in the world to learn to dive.

Cape Verde

The Cape Verde island of Sal offers an unspoiled and quiet destination for learning to dive. Diving here is generally from the shore, enabling beginners to enjoy great diving, once you have passed the initial stage in the pool.

During certain months of the year you even have the chance to spot whales (Feb-June), turtles (March/April) and whale sharks (July-November) and snorkel with these magnificent marine creatures. The undiscovered nature of this destination allows you the simple luxury of a dive site to yourself with fantastic visibility and an amazing relaxed atmosphere.