7 of the best and most extraordinary diving sites in the world.

The kaleidoscopic colours of Raja Ampat
(Dive Worldwide/Bjorn Smidt-Olsen)

Best for: diversity and reefs

Whether you’re looking for encounters with sharks and mantas, hoping to escape the crowds or keen to explore underwater wrecks, diving pro Phil North reveals the world's best dives...

1. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Raja Ampat is an archipelago of stunningly beautiful islands at the epicentre of the Coral Triangle, an area recognised as the global centre of marine biodiversity and a conservation priority. Whilst Raja Ampat comprises over 1,500 small islands and cays, the main four larger islands – Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool – are known as ‘The Four Kings’ and are at the top of many divers’ wish lists.

Positioned between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, deep sea currents funnel nutrient-rich waters through Raja Ampat’s reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds forming solid foundations for marine species to grow and flourish.

Divers and snorkellers are often mesmerised by the sheer density of fish and coral life, and you can expect vibrant, colourful reefs, plenty of macro life, schooling barracuda, manta ray encounters, countless schools of fish (over 1,200 known species are found here), and plenty of drift diving in the fast currents.

Full story at Wanderlust.