Dreaming of getting your dive ticket? We’ve narrowed down the top spots to get certified – from the Caribbean to the Maldives, and everywhere in between.

The diving: Indonesia boasts an aquatic Babylon – the waters around Gili Trawangan (part of Lombok) are home to more than 3500 marine species, like reef sharks, turtles, pygmy seahorses and corals.

Why learn here: competition between mostly European-run dive operators (like Manta Dive and Blue Marlin), keeps course fees in check on this buzzy little island, which is also great for snorkelling.

When to go: Gili Trawangan diving is year-round, though many travellers avoid the November to April rainy season.

The diving: Julian Rocks is one of Australia’s best dive sites. Like a mini Galapagos, the mixing of tropical currents and cooler waters around this volcanic bluff attracts a bounty of marine life.

Why learn here: the water just gets colder south of Byron, and this hip surf town is more accessible to budget travellers than the Great Barrier Reef.

When to go: diving is year-round, with summer drawing leopard sharks and manta rays. Cooler winter waters lure endangered grey nurse sharks, and humpback whales can be sighted from May to September.

The diving: with stunning coral habitats literally steps from the beach, relaxed Dahab offers some terrific shore diving and, for advanced divers, there’s also a blue hole.

Why learn here: off-limits for years due to security risks, this less chaotic alternative to Egypt’s main dive centre Sharm el-Sheikh is finally making a comeback. The Red Sea is ideal for beginners.

When to go: diving is year-round, but most travellers find it more comfortable to avoid the blistering heat from May to September.