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With the tides of 2024 receding, now is the perfect moment to reflect on a year that took divers to some of the most breathtaking underwater destinations around the world. This year proved that liveaboard diving remains the ultimate means of exploring the wonders of the ocean-from teeming coral reefs with bright-colored fish to hidden dive sites waiting to be discovered. Let’s take a deep plunge into the highs, places that became more popular, and what factors made 2024 such an unforgettable year for scuba diving enthusiasts.
Top Destination of the Year
Maldives diving topped this year, taking up 24% of the divers into its warm waters and current-swept channels. It is known to feature coral-clad reefs where unforgettable dives with whale sharks and mantas take place. Liveaboards are undoubtedly the best way to explore Maldives dive sites. Unlike resorts, which are often distant from prime dive sites, liveaboards allow divers to visit the most captivating spots effortlessly. Moreover, liveaboards often prove more budget-friendly than resort stays, offering up to four dives daily, along with meals and drinks.
Egypt came in second, receiving 19% of the divers. It is an eternal favorite, offering dive sites for all levels of divers, from beginners to advanced. The Red Sea is considered a diver’s dream with its vibrant corals, thrilling wrecks, and shark encounters.
Indonesia liveaboard diving destinations were third, with itineraries of world-class, including Komodo, Raja Ampat, Lembeh, Alor, and the Banda Sea. With its incredible macro diving and pelagic encounters, Indonesia’s underwater diversity is second to none. It is a country where even a lifetime of diving would not be enough to see everything.
Top Dive Routes Explored
This year’s most popular dive routes included liveaboard diving in Raja Ampat, the Central Atolls of the Maldives, and the Thailand Similan Islands.
Raja Ampat enjoyed more popularity this year than it has previously, with increasing media attention and post-pandemic travel trends that favored remote, unspoiled destinations. No other place boasts such biodiversity as this location, and divers simply flock to see it in all its unsullied glory. The images and videos posted by travel bloggers just increase the region’s appeal.
Improved logistics played a part in the Maldives: Maldivian Airlines increased its domestic flight network in 2024, giving better access to the various dive spots. With the opening of new airports, divers were able to plan and book trips more easily.
Thailand’s Similan Islands saw a surge in interest as well. Thailand diving destinations remain one of the most cost-effective for international travel, a major advantage during a year marked by economic challenges. The reopening of marine parks and the lifting of restrictions added to its appeal, leading to a wave of pent-up demand from divers eager to return.
Hidden Gems
This year saw new destinations pop up as hidden treasures. Saudi Arabia inclusion in the liveaboard diving routes of the Red Sea picked up pace due to massive investments in developing tourism infrastructure. Saudi Arabian reefs, coral gardens, and underwater pinnacles offer several dive experiences with turtles, rays, and sharks. These relatively unexplored underwater kingdoms promise new excitement for divers on the lookout for newer destinations.
Egypt’s Elba Reef also made it to the liveaboard diving destinations, with a growth in the number of liveaboards offering trips here in 2024. Situated on the northern border of Sudan, Elba Reef is home to giant coral fans, pelagic species such as grey reef sharks, and even hammerheads. For divers, the start of their dives from the back of the boat in the mild north currents was quite special.
Creature of the Year
Whale sharks stole the limelight for being the most sought-after marine creature in 2024. These gentle giants are among the largest in size, besides being very gentle and a favorite among divers. Hammerhead sharks were another highlight of the year. These sharks have a peculiar appearance, and their relatively harmless nature makes them popular with shark diving enthusiasts. Their prey usually consists of small fish and stingrays, but they make for a thrilling addition on dives.
The Year Ahead: Dive Predictions for 2025
Looking ahead, the Philippines diving is going to attract more and more divers, with highlights such as the thresher sharks of Malapascua, the wrecks of Coron, and the vibrant Apo Reef. Tubbataha‘s short but highly sought-after season will continue to be a major draw, while other regions of the Philippines deserve increased attention for their diverse underwater offerings.
Indonesia’s Raja Ampat will continue to remain popular, with divers still coming in droves to its biodiverse waters. The Socorro Islands of Mexico and the Galapagos will probably suffer a little in terms of bookings because of increased taxes in addition to already costly trips. However, they still appeal to specific sections of dedicated divers because of their unique marine life, including large pelagics and endemic species
As we wrap up 2024, this year has surely been a testimony to the endless wonders of the underwater world: from whale sharks in the Maldives to uncharted reefs in Saudi Arabia and timeless beauties in Indonesia’s dive sites, this year’s highlights remind us of the diversity and magic of our oceans. As we approach the 2025 year, there are quite a number of destinations and adventures to try out as a diver. That call of the ocean is continuous, and there’s nothing better to answer with than through these experiences liveaboards offer