Breathe Underwater: Best Places to Get Certified in 2026

Getting your Open Water diver certification changes your life. Suddenly, 70% of the planet is open to you. But where should you do it? You want calm water, good visibility, patient instructors, and a price that doesn’t hurt.

In 2026, the diving industry has bounced back. Here are the top islands to take your first breath underwater.

1. Koh Tao, Thailand: The Global Classroom

Koh Tao certifies more divers than almost anywhere else on earth.

  • The Pros: It is a machine. The systems are efficient, competition keeps prices low (approx $300-350 for the course + accommodation), and the vibe is young and fun.
  • The Cons: Sites can be crowded. You might see more fins than fish.
  • The Diving: Shallow bays, gentle currents, and the chance to see a Whale Shark even as a beginner. Chumphon Pinnacle is legendary.

2. Utila, Honduras: The Backpacker’s Choice

The cheaper, wilder sister of Roatán.

  • The Pros: Incredible value. Courses often include free accommodation in the dive shop’s dorm. It is famous for Whale Shark sightings year-round.
  • The Cons: The sandflies are vicious. The party scene is intense (The “Skid Row” challenge).
  • The Diving: The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Healthy coral and warm Caribbean water.

3. Gili Trawangan, Indonesia: The Turtle Capital

  • The Pros: “Gili T” has a huge concentration of high-quality dive centers (PADI & SSI). No motorized traffic means a relaxed surface interval.
  • The Cons: Currents can be tricky (drift diving), but instructors know the protected spots.
  • The Diving: You are almost guaranteed to see turtles. Turtle Heaven lives up to its name.

4. Bonaire, Caribbean: The DIY Diving

  • The Pros: Shore diving. You don’t get seasick on a boat. You walk in off the beach. It is incredibly relaxed.
  • The Cons: Not a party island. It’s quiet. You need a car.
  • The Diving: Pristine. Protected from storms, the visibility is 30m+. It’s like a swimming pool.

5. Malta & Gozo: The European Option

  • The Pros: Easy to reach from Europe. Strict EU safety standards.
  • The Cons: The water is colder (you need a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit). Less colorful coral than the tropics.
  • The Diving: Dramatic underwater landscapes—caves, arches, and tunnels. The Blue Hole in Gozo is iconic.

6. Cozumel, Mexico: The Drift

  • The Pros: Crystal clear water. Easy access from the US.
  • The Cons: The current is fast. You don’t swim; you fly. This can be intimidating for some beginners, but exhilarating for others.
  • The Diving: Towering coral formations and huge sponges.

How to Choose a Dive School in 2026

Don’t just pick the cheapest.

  1. Check Class Size: Ask “How many students per instructor?” Ideally, it should be 4 or fewer. If it’s 8, walk away.
  2. Check Gear: Look at the BCDs and regulators. do they look tattered? Clean gear suggests a safe operation.
  3. The Vibe: Go into the shop. Do you like the people? You are trusting them with your life. If they are hungover or rude, find another shop.
  4. E-Learning: Most agencies now let you do the “theory” (book work) online at home before you fly. This saves you spending 2 days of your holiday in a classroom. Do it!

7. The Philippines (Malapascua or Panglao)

  • The Pros: English is widely spoken. The Filipinos are incredibly hospitable and fun instructors.
  • The Cons: Travel logistics can be long (flights + ferries).
  • The Diving: Malapascua is the only place in the world to reliably see Thresher Sharks (advanced, but you can train there). Panglao offers easy, colorful wall dives.

8. Dahab, Egypt (Red Sea)

  • The Pros: Extremely cheap. Shore diving (walk in, dive). The “Blue Hole” is famous (but respect the depth limits).
  • The Cons: It’s a desert environment, not a tropical jungle.
  • The Diving: The Red Sea has some of the healthiest coral on earth. The visibility is often 40m+.

Medical Checks

Before you book:

  • The Questionnaire: You will have to sign a medical form. Questions include: “Do you have asthma?”, “Do you have ear problems?”, “Are you pregnant?”
  • Be Honest: If you answer YES, you need a doctor’s note signed before you arrive. Dive shops cannot let you dive without it.

9. Budgeting for Your Course

In 2026, prices have stabilized.

  • Cheapest: Honduras, Thailand, Indonesia ($300-400).
  • Mid-Range: Mexico, Egypt, Philippines ($400-500).
  • Expensive: Australia, Europe, Caribbean ($600+).
  • Hidden Costs: Check if the price includes the “certification fee” (paid to PADI/SSI), equipment rental, and logbook. Sometimes cheap courses have expensive add-ons.

10. Beyond Open Water

Once you are hooked, what next?

  • Advanced Open Water: You can go straight into this. It allows you to dive to 30 meters. Essential for shipwrecks.
  • Nitrox: The best specialty. It gives you longer bottom time.
  • Conservation Diver: Many islands offer courses in coral restoration. You plant coral instead of just looking at it.

Learning to dive is the best souvenir you can bring home. It lasts forever.