The underwater world holds vast amounts of marine life, coral formations, submarine caves and ship wrecks that offer an awesome sight to see. Scuba diving is an acquired skill that is rewarding because it allows you to explore witness the underwater world in a way that some people will never experience in their lifetime. The spectrum of colors in concert with the vast array of marine life and the spectacular undersea landscape offer the most awe-inspiring views in some locations around the world.

Open Water Certification card needed:

If you are attempting to obtain an Open Water diver certification card from an internationally recognized agency, PADI scuba instruction is advised. The first phase that is required for you to acquire your certification is to take a course that consists of some basic knowledge of scuba diving which can be done at online, at home and in a classroom setting. The next phase involves taking five pool dives with a licensed scuba instructor. The final phase for your dive certification course is four actual open water dives which are normally done in a local dive location. It is necessary to take these courses as they teach you the safety and health requirements for scuba diving and scuba diving in itself.

PADI diving courses:

One of the largest and most recognized agencies for scuba diving instruction and open water certification is PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Their course is recognized globally, and they have instructors located throughout the world. There are other agencies that offer accredited courses and certifications for recreational scuba diving, but may not be recognized professionally in other locations. Since PADI is recognized globally, your dive certification will be good wherever you decide to take your first scuba diving vacation.

The Top Scuba Diving Locations Worldwide:

You most probably will want to decide where you want to go once you acquire your open water dive certification card. This may be hard to do as there are so many great scuba diving destinations all over the world.

SCUBA Travel readers have voted the worlds top scuba diving spot is now Yongala (a wreck in Queensland, Australia). The Red Sea holds four of the top ten spots: Thistlegorm wreck is number two on the list, Shark and Yolanda Reef is number five, Big Brother is number eight, and Elphinstone Reef is number ten. Micronesia, Sipadan Island, Navy Pier (Australia), Kailua Kona (Hawaii), and Bali (Indonesia) hold the top five locations.

Even though the top 100 scuba diving destinations are located throughout the world, they are dominated by tropical spots like Cayman Islands, Honduras, Galapagos Islands, the Bahamas and the Isle of Man. The Great Barrier Reef, parts of Indonesia, Australia, Malta, and Mexico are other locations which have some great scuba diving opportunities.

Reefs, Wrecks and Rays:

Wherever there is a large coral reef or a shipwreck, you can be guaranteed there will be scuba diving expeditions nearby. You are liable to find yourself swimming with stingrays, puffer fish and marine life youve never seen before. Be sure to get an underwater camera to capture some of the plant and animal life.

If you have further interest on the top diving spots, you can go online to the scuba experts at www.scubasoul.com. The experts have articles, tips and favorite diving locations and accredited PADI scuba instructors and open water dive certification cards.