Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam: Southeast Asia’s Popular Scuba Diving Destinations for Travelers Seeking Marine Adventures - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Thursday, April 17, 2025

In a recent survey conducted by Agoda, the digital travel platform revealed significant trends that are shaping scuba diving travel in 2025. The findings from the 2025 Scuba Deals Survey offer a glimpse into the preferences of scuba diving enthusiasts across Asia, shining a light on the dream destinations, travel budgets, and motivations behind this underwater adventure. The survey, conducted across 11 key Asian markets, sheds light on the role Southeast Asia plays as a major hub for divers and highlights the growing interest in Indonesia as the top diving destination.

Indonesia Emerges as the Top Scuba Destination

Agoda’s survey shows that Indonesia remains the number one destination for scuba diving in Asia. This is not surprising, as Indonesia boasts some of the most renowned dive spots in the world, such as Raja Ampat, Bali, and Komodo Island, known for their stunning marine biodiversity and vibrant coral reefs. Following Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam also rank highly, underscoring Southeast Asia’s dominance in the global scuba diving landscape.

The desire to explore Indonesia’s waters is fueled by its rich marine ecosystems, which continue to draw divers from around the world. The country’s extensive dive sites offer something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned divers, and its underwater life is as diverse as the landscapes above water.

Relaxation and Marine Life: The Core Motivations

When it comes to why divers choose to embark on these underwater journeys, relaxation is the top motivator for 30% of respondents. Diving provides a unique escape from the stresses of daily life, offering tranquility and peace under the sea. A significant number of respondents, 24%, are also attracted to the exploration of marine life, which forms the core of their diving experience. For many divers, seeing the incredible marine creatures up close and personal is just as important as the act of diving itself.

This desire to connect with the ocean is more than just about sightseeing; it’s a form of mental and emotional rejuvenation. With such motivations, it’s no surprise that the dive tourism sector is thriving in regions like Southeast Asia, where the oceans are teeming with life.

Affordability and Bigger Budgets for Scuba Trips

While affordability remains a crucial factor in choosing a destination and accommodation, the survey reveals that divers are willing to spend more on their scuba trips than regular vacations. Approximately 40% of respondents reported they spend 15-30% more on scuba-related travel, indicating a trend where diving enthusiasts prioritize quality experiences over cost savings.

This willingness to increase spending reflects the importance divers place on securing top-notch dive spots, accommodations, and activities. Many divers are not just looking for a place to stay, but for an immersive experience that enhances their underwater adventures. This trend presents an opportunity for the tourism industry to develop specialized packages that cater to diving enthusiasts, combining luxury, comfort, and adventure in one.

The Typical Scuba Trip: Short but Sweet

Agoda’s survey found that the typical scuba diving trip lasts between 4-7 days, with 48% of respondents preferring trips of this duration. Additionally, weekend trips are also quite popular, with 41% opting for short, weekend getaways. This finding aligns with the broader travel trend toward shorter, more frequent vacations, as divers seek a quick escape to recharge and reconnect with nature without taking extended time off.

For the travel industry, this trend opens up avenues for offering weekend diving packages, especially for those in nearby regions. Shorter trips also mean that accommodations and dive tour operators may need to be more flexible with booking times, catering to travelers who are seeking to maximize their time underwater without a lengthy commitment.

Reef Diving: The Preferred Choice for Divers

According to the survey, reef diving is by far the most popular choice among divers, with 75% of respondents choosing reef sites as their primary destination. This is consistent with the growing interest in preserving these rich ecosystems. The reefs of Asia, particularly those in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, are not only rich in biodiversity but also offer divers unparalleled beauty and the chance to witness ecosystems that are increasingly under threat.

For the travel and tourism industry, this highlights the need for responsible tourism practices. As divers flock to these popular sites, there is a growing demand for sustainable tourism options, such as eco-friendly dive shops, reef conservation efforts, and low-impact dive equipment. This presents a growing market for sustainable tourism providers who can tap into this desire for eco-conscious travel experiences.

Agoda’s Scuba Deals: Making Underwater Exploration More Accessible

Agoda’s newly launched Scuba Deals program offers up to 10% discounts on accommodations, flights, and activities for divers traveling to popular diving destinations in Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This initiative aims to make scuba diving travel more accessible by providing affordable travel options for enthusiasts.

This deal is particularly appealing to travelers who may be drawn to the affordability of destinations like Indonesia, which is fast becoming a must-visit for diving enthusiasts seeking both adventure and relaxation. By offering discounts on a range of services, Agoda is supporting both the diving community and the tourism industry, making these destinations more accessible to a wider audience.

Global Impact and Industry Implications

The growing popularity of scuba diving, especially in Southeast Asia, is having far-reaching implications for the global travel and tourism industry. As more divers flock to these regions, there is an increasing demand for dive-related services such as professional diving schools, eco-friendly diving equipment, and tailored accommodation packages.

The rise in diving tourism is not only boosting local economies but also contributing to conservation efforts aimed at protecting marine life. However, this also comes with challenges. The influx of divers in certain areas puts pressure on delicate ecosystems, necessitating greater emphasis on sustainable tourism practices.

For destination managers and tourism boards, there is a clear opportunity to capitalize on the growing interest in scuba diving by developing specialized marketing strategies that target this niche yet lucrative market. At the same time, the industry must strike a balance between growth and environmental preservation to ensure that these underwater paradises remain pristine for generations to come.

Conclusion

Indonesia has cemented its place as the top destination for scuba diving in Asia, thanks to its rich marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. As diving continues to grow in popularity, destinations in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, are poised to benefit from a surge in both interest and spending. The tourism industry has a unique opportunity to cater to the growing demand for diving experiences, offering specialized packages and discounts while also promoting sustainability to preserve the marine ecosystems that make these regions so desirable.