Even though the United States is located a substantial distance from many great dive sites around the world, there are many first-class destinations just a short plane ride away - many are even located within the United States. There are also numerous locations around the world, many of which are in exotic locations. This list represents ten diving destinations that will appeal to divers of all skill levels and budgets.

1. Cozumel, Mexico. Cozumel is a great choice for divers because of its close proximity to the US. The climate is pleasant, and the island offers excellent diving in warm, clear waters, with visibility that can exceed 200 feet. This is a great choice for drift diving enthusiasts, and with 19 reefs around the island, there is something for everyone. Cave divers will enjoy trips to the mainland to dive in ancient cenotes, and local accommodations are affordable.

2. Fiji, South Pacific. Fiji is a dream destination for honeymooners and divers alike. The Soft Coral Capital of the World is home to the Great White Wall, the Yellow Tunnel, and other famous underwater marvels. Conditions and visibility are excellent year round, which means you'll be able to get great diving in during the low season, when accommodations are less expensive. Fiji is a great destination for underwater photographers.

3. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Another favorite destination of American divers, Grand Cayman offers visibility of up to 150 feet. Shallow reefs allow for extended bottom time and comfortable surroundings for beginners alongside massive dropoffs into 12,000-foot depths.

4. Florida, United States. Florida is a smart choice for budget-constrained travelers, and offers the best scuba diving opportunities in the US. Both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are replete with dive shops, and the waters are teeming with life, including charismatic megafauna like manatees, sea turtles, and dolphins. The Gulf offers the best visibility, while the Atlantic offers a variety of wrecks and submerged vessels.

5. Belize, Central America. Tiny Belize is often ignored in favor of Mexico, but this small country offers a variety of great diving opportunities and inexpensive accommodations. It's also home to world-famous diving destinations, like the Blue Hole and Glover's Reef. A high variety of marine life and visibility that can exceed 100 feet make Belize a good alternative to diving in Mexico.

6. Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Australia is of course famous for the Great Barrier Reef, and Heron Island exemplifies the excellent diving that can be found here. Heron Island is literally a coral island with great diving just steps from the beach. The island is quiet and undertraveled, making it a good in this otherwise busy tourist destination.

7. Vanuatu. Vanuatu is a remote destination nestled between New Zealand and Southeast Asia. This is another dream destination for divers, primarily because of the abundance and diversity of marine life. Warm, clear water provides a perfect setting for a variety of different dives, from cave dives to swim-throughs, walls, wrecks, coral mazes, grottoes, and more.

8. Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos. Because of its location on the southern tip of the Bahamas, Grand Turk is protected from heavy currents, providing great visibility year-round. Manta rays are abundant in the summertime, and walls of coral rise 25 to 30 feet before plunging to depths of more than 7,000 feet.

9. Hawaii. Even though it's located in the United States, Hawaii offers a tropical climate and island lifestyle that is appealing to divers and marine enthusiasts. The islands of Hawaii cater to a variety of different needs and budgets, and dive sites are diverse.

10. Koh Tao Island, Thailand. Koh Tao caters especially to divers, and the islands of Thailand offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire country. Grey reef sharks and the elusive whale shark are among the key attractions in this area - the tropical climate and inexpensive accommodations don't hurt, either.