For many first-time travelers, scuba diving is at the top of the bucket list. Imagine gliding through crystal-clear waters, swimming with colorful fish, and discovering vibrant coral reefs—it’s like entering another world.
If you’re new to diving, Asia is the perfect place to start. With affordable training, warm waters, and some of the best dive spots on the planet, it’s a beginner’s paradise. Here’s your Scuba Diving 101 guide to get started in Asia.
Why Scuba Diving in Asia?
- Budget-Friendly – Training and dives are much cheaper here than in Europe or Australia.
- Warm Tropical Waters – Comfortable for first-time divers (no freezing wetsuits!).
- Biodiversity – Coral reefs, manta rays, whale sharks, and countless tropical fish.
- Beginner-Friendly Instructors – Many dive schools cater to first-timers with PADI or SSI courses.
🏝️ Best Beginner-Friendly Diving Destinations in Asia
1. Koh Tao, Thailand – The Backpacker’s Dive School
- Known as the “scuba diving capital of Asia” for beginners.
- Why here? Affordable courses, chill island vibe, hundreds of dive schools.
- What you’ll see: Turtles, reef sharks, coral gardens.
- Cost: Open Water course ~ ₹20,000–₹25,000.
2. Nha Trang, Vietnam – Budget-Friendly Dives
- A lively beach town with beginner-friendly waters.
- Why here? Cheap packages, calm shallow waters.
- What you’ll see: Moray eels, lionfish, colorful reefs.
- Cost: 2–3 fun dives ~ ₹6,000–₹8,000.
3. Bali, Indonesia – Culture + Diving Combo
- Bali is famous for temples and beaches, but its diving is world-class.
- Why here? Mix of easy dives and advanced spots, great for learning.
- What you’ll see: Manta rays, shipwrecks (Tulamben), vibrant corals.
- Cost: Open Water course ~ ₹22,000–₹28,000.
4. Malapascua, Philippines – Rare Encounters
- A tiny island north of Cebu, perfect for offbeat divers.
- Why here? Famous for seeing thresher sharks.
- What you’ll see: Sharks, nudibranchs, colorful reefs.
- Cost: Fun dives ~ ₹3,500 per dive.
5. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia – Crystal-Clear Waters
- A hidden gem for divers who want peace and beauty.
- Why here? Beginner-friendly, cheap courses, less crowded.
- What you’ll see: Clownfish, turtles, reef life.
- Cost: Open Water course ~ ₹18,000–₹22,000.
📝 Scuba Basics Every Beginner Should Know
- Get Certified – Look for PADI or SSI courses; Open Water Diver is the first level.
- Health & Safety – Basic swimming skills and good health are enough to start.
- Gear – Beginners usually rent equipment, included in course fees.
- Buddy System – You always dive with a partner or group.
- Depth Limit – As a beginner, you’ll dive up to 18 meters.
💡 Pro Tips for First-Time Divers
- Choose a school with good reviews – Safety > price.
- Don’t dive on your flight day – Wait at least 18–24 hours after diving.
- Stay calm underwater – Slow breathing helps you relax and conserve air.
- Protect the ocean – Don’t touch corals or marine life.
- Start with a fun dive – Try a one-day “Discover Scuba” session before committing to full certification.
✨ Final Thoughts
Scuba diving is more than just an adventure—it’s about discovering a new world under the sea. For young travelers, Asia offers the perfect mix of affordability, beauty, and beginner-friendly waters. Whether it’s the laid-back island of Koh Tao or the magical reefs of Bali, your underwater journey begins here.
At Qaarwaan, we curate trips that give you not just destinations, but experiences like scuba diving—so you return home with stories that go deeper than the ocean itself. 🌊