South Korea Moves With Indonesia and More as Jeju Island and New Diving Hotspots Transform Global Marine Tourism

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South Korea leaps into action as Indonesia and other rising stars of scuba diving entice tourists into the deep. South Korea, Indonesia, and other destinations are set to benefit from a burgeoning interest in unique diving opportunities that offer a combination of natural bio-diversity, underwater marvels, conservation and cultural exchange.

The global scuba diving tourism market is entering a new phase, with destinations beyond traditional diving capitals gaining international attention. Countries across Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East are investing in marine tourism experiences as travellers look for unexplored underwater environments, sustainable adventures and wildlife encounters.

Among these rising destinations, South Korea’s Jeju Island, Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, the Philippines, India’s Andaman Islands, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Mozambique are developing stronger identities as emerging scuba diving hotspots. These destinations are attracting divers through a combination of marine biodiversity, volcanic landscapes, coral ecosystems and cultural heritage linked with the ocean.

South Korea’s Jeju Island Creates a New Marine Tourism Identity

South Korea’s Jeju Island is emerging as a distinctive scuba diving destination by combining underwater exploration with one of Asia’s most recognised maritime traditions. Unlike tropical diving destinations, Jeju offers a unique temperate marine environment shaped by volcanic activity and changing ocean currents.

The island’s underwater landscape has been created through ancient volcanic processes, producing:

• Lava rock formations and underwater cliffs
• Rocky reefs supporting marine ecosystems
• Soft coral communities
• Diverse fish and marine species

The southern coastline around Seogwipo is considered one of Jeju’s leading diving areas, with locations such as Munseom Island and Beomseom Island attracting divers and underwater photographers.

Jeju’s biggest tourism advantage comes from its connection with the Haenyeo culture, the traditional women divers who have collected marine resources from the island’s waters for generations. The practice, recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlights a sustainable relationship between local communities and the ocean.

The combination of scuba diving, marine conservation and cultural tourism is helping Jeju establish itself as a different type of global diving destination.

Indonesia Strengthens Position as a Global Diving Powerhouse

Indonesia remains one of the most promising destinations in the future of scuba diving tourism due to its location within the Coral Triangle, a region recognised for exceptional marine biodiversity.

The country’s remote islands and protected marine areas are attracting international divers seeking some of the world’s richest underwater ecosystems.

Major diving destinations include:

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat has become a symbol of premium marine tourism because of its extraordinary underwater diversity.

Divers visit the region for:

• Colourful coral gardens
• Manta ray encounters
• Tropical fish species
• Remote island diving experiences

The destination is particularly popular among travellers seeking conservation-focused and low-impact tourism.

Komodo National Park

Komodo offers a combination of dramatic landscapes above and below the water.

Its diving appeal includes:

• Large marine species
• Manta rays
• Strong current diving
• Coral reef ecosystems

The region has strengthened Indonesia’s reputation as one of the world’s leading adventure diving destinations.

Philippines Expands Its Coral Reef Tourism Appeal

The Philippines is becoming one of Asia’s fastest-growing scuba diving destinations due to its extensive coastline, thousands of islands and protected marine areas.

The country offers diving experiences ranging from beginner-friendly locations to advanced underwater exploration.

Key diving destinations include:

• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
• Apo Reef Natural Park
• Palawan
• Cebu
• Puerto Galera

Travellers are attracted by:

• Healthy coral reefs
• Sea turtles
• Whale shark encounters
• Shipwreck diving
• Marine conservation areas

The Philippines’ combination of natural beauty and accessibility is helping it compete with established diving destinations in Southeast Asia.

India Develops New Underwater Tourism Opportunities

India is gaining recognition in the international scuba diving market through the growing popularity of the Andaman Islands and Lakshadweep.

These island destinations are being promoted as alternatives to crowded tropical diving locations.

Andaman Islands

Popular diving areas include:

• Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
• Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
• North Bay Island

The region offers:

• Clear tropical waters
• Coral reefs
• Marine photography opportunities
• Diverse underwater species

Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is emerging as a premium marine tourism destination due to its:

• Lagoon diving experiences
• Coral formations
• Unspoiled island environment
• Low-density tourism appeal

The growth of scuba diving in India reflects rising demand for nature-based and adventure tourism experiences.

Japan Builds Interest Through Unique Marine Ecosystems

Japan is expanding its scuba diving appeal beyond traditional tourism routes through destinations such as Okinawa and the Ogasawara Islands.

The country offers:

• Coral reefs
• Tropical marine species
• Sea turtle encounters
• Protected underwater environments

Japan’s strong tourism infrastructure, safety standards and conservation efforts are supporting the growth of marine tourism.

The rise of destinations such as Jeju Island and Okinawa highlights a broader East Asian trend where travellers are increasingly exploring diverse underwater environments.

Mexico Attracts Divers With Marine Wildlife Experiences

Mexico is strengthening its position in global scuba diving tourism through destinations known for encounters with large marine animals.

Important diving areas include:

Socorro Island

Known for:

• Giant manta rays
• Sharks
• Pelagic marine species

Sea of Cortez

The region attracts divers with:

• Whale sharks
• Sea lions
• Marine biodiversity

Cozumel

Famous for:

• Caribbean coral reefs
• Wall diving experiences
• Clear underwater visibility

Mexico’s focus on wildlife-based diving experiences continues to attract adventure travellers from around the world.

Saudi Arabia Opens New Red Sea Diving Frontier

Saudi Arabia is becoming an emerging marine tourism destination as investment in the Red Sea region accelerates.

The coastline offers:

• Coral reefs
• Clear waters
• Historic wreck sites
• Remote diving locations

The development of new tourism infrastructure is expected to increase international awareness of Saudi Arabia’s underwater attractions.

The country’s expansion into marine tourism reflects a wider global trend of destinations developing new adventure travel products.

Mozambique and Fiji Add New Ocean Adventures

Beyond Asia and the Middle East, destinations in Africa and the Pacific are also gaining attention.

Mozambique is attracting divers through its Indian Ocean coastline, particularly around Tofo, where visitors can experience:

• Whale sharks
• Manta rays
• Coral ecosystems

Fiji continues to strengthen its reputation through colourful soft coral environments, including famous diving areas such as Rainbow Reef.

These destinations are benefiting from increasing demand for remote and nature-focused travel experiences.

Sustainable Diving Shapes the Future of Global Marine Tourism

The future growth of scuba diving tourism is increasingly linked with environmental protection and responsible travel.

Emerging diving destinations are focusing on:

• Marine conservation programmes
• Protected underwater areas
• Community-based tourism
• Responsible diving practices
• Ocean education

Climate change, rising sea temperatures and pressure on marine ecosystems remain major challenges for destinations dependent on healthy oceans.

As travellers become more environmentally conscious, destinations that successfully balance tourism growth with conservation are expected to gain a stronger position in the global scuba diving market.

Global Scuba Diving Tourism Enters a New Era

The rise of South Korea, Indonesia and other emerging scuba diving destinations signals a major shift in global marine tourism. Travellers are moving beyond traditional diving locations and exploring destinations where underwater adventure is combined with culture, conservation and authentic local experiences.

From Jeju Island’s volcanic waters and Haenyeo heritage to Indonesia’s coral biodiversity and Mexico’s marine wildlife encounters, the next generation of scuba diving hotspots is being shaped by destinations offering deeper connections with the ocean.

South Korea joins Indonesia in emerging destinations for scuba diving as the sport gains in popularity and attracts a more diverse range of activities, including experiences of marine biodiversity and opportunities for sustainable underwater tourism.

This trend is set to continue with these destinations playing an increasing role in the future of global marine tourism as sustainability-focused adventure travellers seek out unique ecosystems, cultural heritage and conservation-focused diving experiences.