Best dive sites in USA
North America · Florida & Hawaii · 7 dive sites reviewed · best Year-round
The USA offers two distinctive American dive regions: the warm waters of the Florida Keys and the clearer Pacific around Hawaii. Florida Keys diving combines wrecks and reefs with the only coral reefs in the continental US, while Hawaii adds dramatic volcanic structures and famous night dives with feeding manta rays. Both coasts have mature, well-equipped dive operations.
Diving in USA: the essentials
We've ranked 7 dive sites in USA, averaging 4.0/5 across the set. Our top pick, Molokini Crater, scores 4.4/5 — Wall-and-reef diving with visibility up to 30 m — ideal for newcomers..
Conditions are strongest in Year-round.
A realistic travel budget in USA works out to about $325/day per person — see the cost breakdown below for the full picture.
Local food
It varies by coast — fresh seafood, key lime pie and Bahamian-influenced fare in Florida; poke and plenty of grill in the Pacific states.
Local culture
The culture is casual and English-only, tipping is standard at restaurants and bars, and the dive and surf scenes are laid-back and well-organised.
Typical travel cost
Average daily cost per person
Budget $121/day · Mid-range $325/day · Luxury $/day
A one-week trip costs about $2275 per person, based on real traveler spending.
Source: BudgetYourTrip — real traveler expenses, not a fixed rate.
Molokini Crater
Wall-and-reef diving with visibility up to 30 m — ideal for newcomers.
Dive sites in this country
7 ranked
Molokini Crater
Wall-and-reef diving with visibility up to 30 m — ideal for newcomers.
Molasses Reef
Reef diving with 4 standout species — ideal for newcomers.
Catalina Island
Wall-and-reef diving with 4 standout species — a great fit for most divers.
Flower Garden Banks
Reef diving with visibility up to 30 m, 4 standout species, liveaboard access — a strong choice for experienced divers.
Monterey Bay
Reef diving with 4 standout species — a great fit for most divers.
Kona Manta Ray Night Dive
Reef diving with a well-rounded site — ideal for newcomers.
Spiegel Grove Wreck
Wreck diving with a well-rounded site — a great fit for most divers.