Planning a trip with friends is all fun and games until you realize you’re the only scuba diver in the group. While you’re dreaming of shipwrecks and diving with the world’s largest marine animals, your land-loving crew is dreaming of hikes, nightlife, and beach days. Lucky for you, there are plenty of destinations where diving and adventure travel go hand in hand. Here are 8 global destinations where divers and non-divers can find their groove.
Hawaii
Hawaii might just be the ultimate adventure travel destination for ocean lovers and land explorers. On the Big Island, you can slip beneath the waves for a manta ray night dive, explore lava tubes, or hike through Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Over on Maui, divers can cruise the crystal-clear reefs at Molokini Crater, while topside adventurers chase waterfalls along the Road to Hana. If surfing and nightlife are more your speed, Oahu delivers world-class waves on the North Shore and an electric scene in Waikiki. And for those craving pure nature, Kauai’s rugged cliffs and rainforests offer some of the best hiking, kayaking, and waterfall adventures in the Pacific. The vibe? Pure island magic with a mix of laid-back locals, surf culture, and enough adventure to fill your logbook and your camera roll.
Curaçao
If you’re looking for a place where you can dive from the beach while your non-diver friends sip cocktails nearby, Curaçao is calling. This Caribbean gem is famous for its easy-access shore dives and vibrant reefs, meaning you can dive in the morning and still make it to happy hour. On land, there’s plenty to do including hiking in Christoffel National Park, wandering through Willemstad’s colorful streets, or beach-hopping along the island’s west side. The scene in Curaçao is friendly, vibrant, and just the right mix of action and island chill.
Cairns & The Great Barrier Reef
Few places blend scuba diving and adventure travel quite like Cairns, Australia. As the launching point to the Great Barrier Reef, this backpacker hotspot offers everything from day dives to epic liveaboards. When you surface, the land-based adventures are just getting started—zipline through the Daintree Rainforest, skydive over the coast, or get your adrenaline fix with some whitewater rafting. The vibe in Cairns is young, rowdy, and always up for a party.
Key West, Florida
If your perfect trip mixes scuba diving, adventure, and late-night fun, Key West is the spot. Dive into the history-packed waters surrounding this quirky island, where the Vandenberg wreck and colorful reefs make for unforgettable dives. Above water, your non-diver friends will have no shortage of things to do such as sunset sails, kayak tours, and infamous Duval Street bar crawls. Key West is equal parts salty and funky, with plenty of Key lime pie to soak it all up.
Egypt’s Red Sea
For divers craving world-class underwater scenery with a side of ancient adventure, Egypt’s Red Sea delivers. In Sharm El Sheikh, you’ll find colorful reefs, epic drift dives, and the iconic Thistlegorm wreck. Just up the coast in Dahab, the famous Blue Hole draws divers and freedivers. And for those who prefer dry land, the desert offers camel treks, Bedouin dinners, and even trips to the Pyramids. The vibe? Sharm’s all about the resort life, while Dahab’s got a low-key, boho scene perfect for slowing down after a deep dive.
La Paz, Mexico
Tucked along the Sea of Cortez, La Paz is a diver’s paradise and an eco-adventure haven. Beneath the waves, you can swim with eagle rays, search for hammerheads, and snorkel with whale sharks. Back on land, your friends can hike desert trails, paddleboard through clear waters, or explore the laid-back malecón.
Gili Islands, Indonesia
If you want a place where diving feels effortless and the surface time is just as magical, head to the Gili Islands in Indonesia. Here, turtles cruise shallow reefs, coral gardens glow with life, and gentle currents make for easy drift dives. When you’re not diving, you can island-hop, take a freediving course, or chill at a beachfront bar with your toes in the sand. No cars, no worries—just bike rides, reggae beats, and a sense that time doesn’t really matter.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi might not be on every diver’s radar, but it’s a hidden gem for scuba divers and land adventurers. Offshore, the reefs at Payar Island Marine Park offer plenty to explore. Onshore, there’s even more—jungle hikes, waterfall swims, and the famous Langkawi SkyCab, which delivers stunning views over the rainforest canopy. The vibe? Relaxed and tropical, with pockets of nightlife when you’re ready for a cold beer and a sunset.
When you’re planning a trip with your non-diver friends, you don’t have to sacrifice epic diving for land-based fun. These top global destinations offer the best of both worlds. Wherever you’re headed, stay sun-safe and pack your Grateful Diver gear! A portion of each purchase goes to Reef Relief's efforts to save and protect the reef.