Whether you’re a well-established pod of experienced divers or are intending to all learn together this year, a scuba-diving trip can be one of the most memorable ways to spend a week or so away with the family. But with astounding dive sites spread across the planet, the biggest difficulty is deciding where to go. We’ve picked out a few of the best year-round dive destinations, taking several family-friendly factors – such as affordability, convenience, safety and variety – into careful consideration:

Dahab, Egypt

The main tourist hotels are located along a stunning section of beach, a short taxi ride away from Dahab town, making this a safe location for families, who can enjoy the freedom of scuba-diving, camel rides and beach activities right next to the hotel. The diving here is straight off the shore and, with an absence of strong currents and drop-offs, you’ll feel more confident allowing the kids to explore the underwater world. Experienced members can investigate the cannons and tunnels of the Red Sea, or venture into the legendary Blue Hole. A safe and convenient destination, with outstanding dive-sites to suit all abilities, Dahab will keep all ages entertained.

Red Sea Liveaboards

For a dedicated diving family, a liveaboard is the best way to maximise your time with the fishes, but spending a full week at sea may be too much for many. Red Sea Liveaboards are perfect for families, as half-week excursions are on offer, where you’ll spend three days on the boat then enjoy four days of resort-based diving. The northern Red Sea is particularly well-suited for families, with short distances between dive sites and easy beginner reefs found alongside more challenging wrecks.

Peninsula Malaysia

One of Asia’s more developed countries, Malaysia delivers all the promises of a tropical island get-away, with a little added comfort and convenience. And, with the dawn of budget airlines flying directly from London to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has become both affordable and accessible. Peninsular Malaysia offers some of the best scuba diving, with the safe, unspoilt islands found just offshore the perfect playground for families. Wherever you dive, expect to see a kaleidoscope of corals and a barrage of fish species. Underpinned by conservation credentials, diving in Malaysia can also be a valuable learning experience for the whole family.

Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia’s most popular tourist island, Bali is a great destination for sociable scuba diving families who want to combine superb diving in a far-flung destination, with the availability of tourist amenities, company of other tourists and a variety of alternative, non-diving attractions. With a wealth of accommodation options available in both remote and all-action locations, Bali offers a range of budgets and holiday types. And the diving? How does 18 per cent of the world’s coral reefs and the most diverse marine region on the planet sound?

Tags: Red Sea Liveaboards, Red Sea Live Aboards, Maldives Liveaboards, Maldives Live Aboards, Red Sea Diving, Maldives Diving, Egypt Diving, Egypt Dive