Our Top 10 Diving Holidays for 2027

On: 3 September 2026   By: Phil North
In: Diving news

Head to the Beautiful Lhaviyani Atoll

Tucked away in the quieter northern regions of the Maldives, yet still easily reached, the Lhaviyani Atoll is a delight for scuba divers with a superb array of dive sites to explore.

We recommend a stay at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, a recent addition to our portfolio and one of the most diver-focused properties in the country. The resort opened in 2021 with 141 villas spread across nine hectares of natural island, reached by a 30-minute seaplane transfer from Malé.

Diving is run by Sub Oceanic Maldives, a PADI operation with access to more than 30 dive sites across Lhaviyani Atoll. Turtles, rays, reef sharks, nurse sharks, dolphins, fusiliers, and schooling fish can be seen year-round, with manta rays a possibility too. The house reef alone accounts for daily sightings of ornate eagle rays, green turtles and blacktip reef sharks. Guided night snorkelling on the reef edge is a further draw, with nurse sharks a regular feature after dark. Diving groups are kept to just four divers per guide, while an in-house marine biologist adds to the appeal.

Enjoy the Extraordinary in Palau

Palau’s diving is extraordinary on any visit. The world’s first shark sanctuary, the waters around Palau burst with life and colour. Sites such as Blue Corner and the German Channel are considered some of the finest dive sites in the world, offering a heady mix of thrilling diving experiences.

Timing your visit to Palau around certain key moments brings even more excitement and drama. Led by the superbly knowledgeable Richard Barnden, these special departures on the Palau Siren are timed to coincide with Palau’s jaw-dropping spawning events. Late April 2027 is the turn of the sea bream and bumphead parrotfish to spawn, while late May brings rare camouflage grouper and more bumphead parrotfish to the party. For each spawning event, thousands of individuals gather at dusk looking to spawn. This event in itself is spectacular, but it isn't just scuba divers drawn to the show. Apex predators also gather from far and wide looking for an easy meal.

Cruise Indonesia by Liveaboard

Stretching from the Indian to the Pacific Oceans, Indonesia boasts over 17,000 tropical islands and innumerable gorgeous dive sites tumbling from her shores. This complex tropical tapestry creates the perfect canvas for divers to explore by liveaboard, weaving and winding from one world-class dive site to the next.

From world-famous routes in Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park to itineraries that take in lesser explored regions, the options are almost endless. Known for exceptional biodiversity, divers may encounter everything from manta rays and hammerhead sharks to rare and elusive marine life, with dazzling reefs as the backdrop.

If you’ve not yet dipped your toe into the waters of Indonesia, now may be the moment. If you have, you’ll surely want to return.

Island-hop in the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are known amongst seasoned scuba divers as a big fish liveaboard destination. This is not the only way to experience these storied islands, however.

Join this small group tour in May 2027 to dive and island hop through the Galapagos Islands, taking in dive sites around San Cristobal Island, Santa Cruz and magical Isabela. In addition to some superb diving, you’ll have more time to enjoy the captivating islands themselves and take in some of the topside wildlife encounters, including iguanas and giant tortoise.

Dive the Southern Red Sea with Sonia from Emperor

Egypt’s southern Red Sea region is well known amongst divers for its beautiful corals and superb array of dive sites. From a resort-based experience around Marsa Alam to a liveaboard exploring St John’s and beyond, there’s something for every diver, and snorkellers too.

For those looking for something a little different, however, why not head to the charming Wadi Sabarah Resort during select dates in Autumn? Book a trip from 1 October to the end of November and benefit from the expertise of Sonia Goggel. A marine biologist, and one of Egypt’s most renowned dive guides, Sonia will be based at the resort, adding extra colour to your diving with informative presentations on the area’s dive sites and ecology.

Sonia will also be at the resort from 10-16 September, and will be on board the Emperor Elite from 23-30 September 2027.

Find out more about Sonia Goggel's special Red Sea trips.

Must-do Malapascua

This tiny island in the Philippines packs a punch within diving circles. Offering great value, a laid-back charm and varied diving, these are all great reasons to visit. However, the real star turn are the thresher sharks. At dawn each morning, thresher sharks rise from the depths at the Kimud Shoal, a submerged plateau a short boat ride from Malapascua, providing the world’s most consistent sightings of this elusive predator; possibly the most beautiful and elegant of all sharks.

If you’ve not experienced Malapascua yet, we highly recommend adding it to your shortlist. Located in the Visayas region of the Philippines, a visit to Malapascua can be combined with other excellent diving spots in the region, including Moalboal and Bohol as part of an island hopping itinerary.

Dive & Explore Thailand

Staying in South-east Asia, Thailand is a destination with so much to offer both above and below the waterline. From kaleidoscopic reefs to culinary delights, gorgeous islands to topside wildlife, Thailand has a little of everything.

Aimed at those looking to embrace Thailand’s spirit of adventure, this fun-filled small group tour in November 2027 combines a 4-day liveaboard to the Similan Islands with a varied land-based itinerary. Learn to cook Thai food, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, canoe in Khao Sok and more besides.

This itinerary can also be offered on a tailor-made basis for a family or small group of friends - just contact us to start planning!

Marvel at Cocos Island’s Hammerhead Soirée

If you're looking to share the water with hammerhead sharks in 2027, there’s no better place than Cocos Island. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the western coast of Costa Rica, this remote oceanic outcrop attracts hammerheads in numbers between April and October each year, with peak sightings typically from July through September.

Jump on board the Okeanos Aggressor II, the Sea Hunter or the stylish Cocos Island Aggressor to witness this spectacle for yourself. Suitable for experienced divers only.

2027 marks 30 years since Cocos Island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a particularly special year to discover this world-renowned diving destination.

Decompress in Dahab

Sitting at the foot of the Sinai Mountains around 100 kilometres north of Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab offers diving at a laid-back pace, along with bucket loads of charm. Dahab’s defining feature is its exceptional shore diving, with some sites - such as the beautiful Lighthouse - accessed from directly in front of the town’s lively promenade of restaurants. Dahab’s versatility means it can be a great destination for beginners, families and experienced divers, with plenty of options for those right up to technical divers. It often represents superb value too for those keen to keep a close eye on the budget.

Dive a Secret Gem in the Caribbean

Rounding up our perfect ten, little St Eustatius Island in the Caribbean is well worthy of diver’s attentions. One of the Caribbean’s diving secrets, the island, known locally as ‘Statia is now easier to reach than ever thanks to the introduction of twice daily hopper flights from St Kitts, tying in beautifully with direct flights from the UK.

The excellent Statia Divers are based at the Golden Rock Resort and offer daily dive excursions to explore the marine park. Formed in 1996, this is one of the best managed marine parks in the Caribbean, offering relaxing reef dives and 18th century wrecks. Divers can expect both green and hawksbill turtles, reef sharks, and plenty of smaller marine life.

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And, as an honourable mention for eclipse chasers, 2027 presents a unique opportunity to witness what's expected to be the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century from Luxor. If you enjoyed watching the partial solar eclipse visible from the UK in 2026, why not make the trip to Egypt and tag on a bit of diving?

Browse all our diving holidays using our search tool, or for help planning your perfect trip away, contact our expert team of divers.