Taking teens on holiday can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Thankfully, this (quite literally) isn't a problem underwater. From the hands-on thrill of achieving their certification to the otherworldliness of close encounters with marine marvels, dive holidays are sure to tease even the most tentative teens out of their shells - all with the added bonus of distracting them from their phones. Sounds ideal, right? But where to go? That's where we come in. Read on for our shortlist of the best dive holidays with teenagers...
The Azores
Boasting the best diving in Europe, the Azores is a great short-haul family dive destination - just four hours from the UK. Currently developing a rather enviable reputation for shark diving (sure to spark enthusiasm in the youngsters), this volcanic archipelago is home to several offshore dive sites that virtually guarantee blue shark and mako shark sightings. Even better, the diving here is (almost) perfectly matched up with the school holidays. June to October is ideal for warm currents and pelagic sightings, while March to May is prime time to search for blue whales - an age-appropriate alternative to Easter egg hunts.
When you're not exploring the depths of the ocean, you can enjoy some off-gas bonding with dramatic hikes, volcanic trails and simmering hot springs just a stone's throw away. Let the sun-kissed quality time begin.
Feeling inspired? Check out this itinerary: Island Hopping in the Azores
Belize
Home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world (you win this round, Australia), Belize is a family-friendly marine megalopolis. A few steps off the coast, you'll find stunning virgin reefs full of groupers, barracudas, jacks, yellow tube sponges and Atlantic spadefish. And if the teens are craving more adventure, there's a high chance they can enjoy some stellar shark encounters. After all, the last time one of our dive specialists went to Belize, they saw eight whale sharks in a single dive. Talk about hitting the jackpot.
Back on dry land, Belize is brimming with off-gas fun for the whole family. From jungle jaunts and historical hikes to archaeological adventures and flights over the world-famous Blue Hole - there are plenty of ways to keep the good times rolling and the screen times dwindling.
Feeling inspired? Check out this itinerary: Family Diving Adventure in Belize
Grenada
Fancy appealing to their inner explorer? Grenada is known as the shipwreck capital of the Caribbean. Not an appealing incentive for boatsmen, but a mighty motivator for wreck-diving enthusiasts and young adventurers. Aside from the wrecks (some of which require a little more experience to access), Grenada is also a budding diver's dream, boasting ideal conditions for those still building confidence underwater. And the cherry on top? Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, where you can glide past over 75 concrete sculptures with one of our GoPros at the ready.
When you're not exploring Grenada's bustling ocean floor, you can follow your nose through the nation's immense spice output (which primarily revolves around nutmeg). And if you're keen to fight the back-to-school blues by holidaying in August, make sure you take the teens to the annual Spicemas carnival, an epic party not to be missed.
Feeling inspired? Check out this itinerary: Learn to Dive with All the Family in Grenada
The Philippines
Another wreck wonderland, the Philippines is famed for its World War II sites, where over ten Japanese boats await eager exploration. Whether the teens are prepping for a History GCSE, an A-Level exam or simply love a brush with the past, wreck-dives are a great way to combine the thrill of diving with an immersive learning experience. Besides the boats, the Philippines also offers encounters with tuna, sharks, jacks and barracudas in Apo Island, Apo Reef and Tubbataha Reef. And at Malapascua, thresher shark sightings are on the cards - cue wide-eyed wonder from the youngsters.
All dived out? There are blissful beaches, verdant palm forests and a fantastic array of food to explore around the archipelago. Time to thrill budding taste buds with a hearty bowl of adobo (a traditional Filipino dish).
Feeling inspired? Check out this itinerary: Northern Philippines Island Hopping
The Maldives
Travelling with an aspiring marine biologist? The Maldives is the place to be. Thanks to their sheer magnitude of marine life - which includes everything from nudibranchs and manta rays to frogfish, stonefish and sharks - these islands are ideal for nature-loving teens. Despite the devastating impact of El Nino in 1998, reefs are making a courageous comeback, with soft corals flourishing throughout the archipelago and hard corals slowly (but surely) reappearing.
And above the water's surface, the wonders continue. On marine biology training programmes, youngsters can don their scientist caps with a choice of six comprehensive modules: dolphin, turtle, manta, coral, plankton and aquaculture - because who says learning has to stop once they leave the classroom? Both educational and excitingly hands-on, these modules are sure to score some cool points with the teens.
Feeling inspired? Check out this itinerary: Marine Biology Training for Teens at the Four Seasons
If our list of the best dive holidays with teenagers has piqued your curiosity, contact one of our specialists to start planning your next (or first) underwater family adventure.
