World's Best Budget Dive Destinations

Depending on where in the world you call home, some of these sites can be expensive to get to. But our top 10 budget-friendly locations all have one thing in common: once you‘re there, the cost of diving — and of travel in general — is exceptionally low.

Cozumel, Mexico

On this Caribbean paradise, you can easily get five days’ worth of two-tank dives for under $500, with shops offering prices as low as $350. Experience the exhilaration of Cozumel’s signature drift dives, and end your diving days at tiny, authentic taco stands (called taquerias) or street vendors that serve $1 tacos and ice-cold cervezas.

Florida Springs

You won’t pay more than $45 for a day’s entry to one of north-central Florida’s many gin-clear springs. In fact, some of the best springs are located in state parks that charge only a small fee ($5-$10) or on public property and are free to dive. Many of the springs are in close proximity to one another, so consider a spring-hopping road trip to get the most out of the area in a short time.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Thailand is well-known for being budget-friendly for travelers, and Koh Tao is a hot spot for those who want to leave the Southeast Asian nation with a scuba certification. On the island, an Open Water certification costs around $300, and here’s the best part: at many shops, that price includes your course as well as accommodations.

Sri Lanka

See elephants topside and even bigger animals — blue whale-size, to be exact — underwater in Sri Lanka. Here, whale season is perennial. You just have to figure out which side of the island to go to when. A 2-tank dive will run you $60, and favorable exchange rates help keep the cost of room and board low, making this one of the cheapest destinations around for marine megafauna lovers.

Utila, Honduras

If staying in backpacker hostels and partying on beaches until the sun rises are up your alley, book a trip to Utila. One of Honduras’ famous Bay Islands, Utila has been a haven for thrifty, thrill-seeking divers for decades. With accommodations as low as $2 per night, it’s a popular destination for budding divemasters to take a month-long internship and work off the price of their certifications.

Croatia

A long, picturesque Adriatic Sea coastline and dozens of small offshore islands makes Croatia one of Europe’s most stunning destinations for divers. And because of its low profile with tourists, you’re able to experience all the charms of the Mediterranean without paying hefty prices seen in the country’s Southeastern European neighbors. Plus, you can explore the sea in five days of two-tank dives for about $350.

Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia should be on the top of every diver’s bucket list, but some islands in this biodiverse marine wonderland can put a dent in your finances. For Indo on a budget, head to Bali, where shops offer two-tank dive trips starting at around $60. For cheap eats, stop at warungs, small roadside shops that serve traditional Balinese cuisine.

Puerto Galera, Philippines

Warm waters, mighty wrecks and a stunning reef system draw divers to this corner of the world, and at as little as $22 per dive — including equipment rental — you’ll see a whole lot while spending only a little. Plus, because the currency conversion rate is favorable, you can stay at beachfront hotels for under $40 per night, and even in the most expensive restaurants, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a meal over $10 per person.

Bonaire

Diving is as thrifty as it is convenient on Bonaire, the shore-diving capital of the world. A $25 Bonaire Marine Park tag grants you unlimited access to all shore entries for an entire year. The desert island is surrounded by beautiful dive sites, and the best way to get to all of them is by renting a vehicle. If your accommodations are centrally located, you can choose a cheaper option, like a golf cart, for most of the trip, and rent a truck (about $45 per day, including fees) only when you want to explore more.

Red Sea, Egypt

Looking for luxury? Some of the most affordable liveaboards in the world sail through the Red Sea, with many operators offering all-inclusive, weeklong trips for under $1,000. With northern and southern itineraries to choose from — wrecks impress in the north; reefs rule in the south — you can tailor your trip to suit your favorite style of diving.