With coral reefs and sinkholes, shipwrecks and submerged hotels, the sea is brimming with scenery that even landlubbers will appreciate. And these beautiful underwater ocean sights are worth a glance—or visit.
12 of the Most Beautiful Underwater Ocean Sights in the World
Updated on Jun. 11, 2025
Great Barrier Reef
Where to find it: Australia
You can’t talk about the ocean without mentioning the Great Barrier Reef. This 1,429-mile ecosystem is the largest living thing on the planet. It’s so gigantic, you can see it from outer space! Just let that sink in for a second. Enormity aside, this natural wonder wows with its dazzling array of fish, mollusks, dolphins, sharks and turtles.
Museo Subacuático de Arte
Where to find it: Cancun, Mexico
An underwater museum actually exists: Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA) is truly a sight to behold. This subaqueous attraction features 500 life-size sculptures that are fixed to the ocean floor and constructed with materials that promote reef growth. And if you prefer not to get wet, you can view this incredible installation via a glass-bottomed boat.
Mandarinfish
Where to find it: Western Pacific
Small, brightly colored, unmistakably tropical—the mandarinfish captivates with its exotic beauty. This member of the dragonet family is native to the warm tides of the western Pacific (Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia and New Guinea). Its rainbow scales and graceful fins make it a favorite of saltwater aquarium hobbyists. Fun fact: Synchiropus splendidus is one of only two vertebrates to have a blue tint because of cellular pigment.
SS Thistlegorm
Where to find it: Red Sea
The SS Thistlegorm was a 430-foot British merchant navy steamship built in 1940. A year later, while en route to deliver supplies to Allied troops, it was hit by German bombers and sank off the west coast of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula in the Strait of Gubal. The wreck, along with its wealth of World War II weapons, vehicles and crates of munitions, makes for a fascinating underwater treasure trove for wreck divers.
Blue Corner
Where to find it: Palau, Micronesia
For adrenaline junkies with a penchant for Neptunian pursuits, the Blue Corner in Palau is a must. Renowned for its unpredictable currents, sheer drops and biological diversity, this epic drift dive is not for newbies. You’ll need plenty of practice before taking this advanced plunge with grey reef sharks, eagle rays, black snapper, humphead wrasses and schools of barracuda.
Subsix
Where to find it: Maldives
Ever dreamed of dining in the depths of the Indian Ocean? Such is the reality at Subsix in the Maldives. Submerged 20 feet (6 meters, hence the name) below sea level, it’s accessible only by speedboat. Guests can sip Champagne and savor gourmet fare while watching shoals of florid butterflyfish and moray eels swim past. And while you’re in the Maldives, see if you can explore its other scenic wonders, from its famous glowing beach and vibrant HP reef (a protected marine area), to Hanifaru Bay to witness the world’s largest gathering of manta rays.
Faint-banded sea snake
Where to find it: Eastern Indian and western Pacific oceans
Do frightening marine reptiles from the Paleozoic era still roam? Technically no, although their direct descendants are still pretty darn terrifying. There are over 60 species of sea snakes, many of which are spectacularly hued and poisonous. Hydrophis belcheri , known as the faint-banded sea snake, isn’t likely to bite unless threatened, but you should still give these snakes plenty of distance and respect because of their deadly venom. So where might you encounter them? They live in the warm temperatures of the eastern India and western Pacific oceans.
Great Blue Hole
Where to find it: Belize
Belize is a mecca for snorkeling and scuba enthusiasts (not to mention one of the top vacation spots in Central America). Of all its abyssal attractions, none compare to the Great Blue Hole. Made famous by French explorer Jacques Cousteau, this massive 406-foot-deep marine cavern lures aquatic adventurers with its crystalline waters, stalactites and fascinating creatures, including the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle.
Queen Anne’s Revenge
Where to find it: Beaufort, North Carolina
The lore of Blackbeard lives on, so it’s no wonder his flagship frigate continues to intrigue tourists. The notorious pirate seized Queen Anne’s Revenge in 1717 and captained the ship for a year before grounding it offshore of Beaufort. (British forces killed the pirate in the Pamlico Sound months later.) Excavation of the wreck began in 1996. Today, recovered artifacts—his treasure—are on display at the N.C. Maritime Museum.
Underwater Waterfall
Where to find it: Mauritius
An underwater waterfall in the middle of the ocean? Mauritius is home to a plethora of spellbinding natural sights—and this jaw-dropping optical illusion. In actuality, the dramatic cascade effect is the result of sand and silt deposits, though that hasn’t stopped millions of visitors from flocking to see the breathtaking waterfall each year. The best vantage point? A helicopter.
Blue shark
Where to find it: Worldwide in temperate and tropical oceans
Looks can be deceiving. Take the blue shark, for example. Its big black eyes, slim body and indigo skin conjure images of adorable cartoons. Despite its cute appearance, this deep-sea dweller is not mild-mannered and has an insatiable appetite. How’s this for a fascinating yet scary shark fact: Prionace glauca gorges itself until it regurgitates to make more room for more food. Biting incidents pertaining to humans are rare, but you’re better off safe than sorry—give this predator respect and space.
Underwater Room
Where to find it: Pemba Island, Tanzania
The Underwater Room at Manta resort, off Pemba Island, gives new meaning to the phrase, “sleeps with the fishes.” Anchored to the ocean floor, the three-story floating structure boasts a sun-splashed rooftop, sea-level lounge area and subaqueous snoozing quarters with 360-degree views of life beneath the surface. At night, you might even catch a glimpse of an octopus.
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Sources:
- MUSA: Museum of Underwater Art
- Journal of Marine Science and Engineering: “Recording the SS Thistlegorm: Rapid Multi-Image Underwater Photogrammetric Survey of a Large Second World War Wreck”
- Niyama Private Islands: “Subsix”
- Oceana: “Banded Sea Krait”
- Queen Anne’s Revenge Project: “Museum Exhibits”
- Britannica: “Blue shark”
- Manta: “The Underwater Room”
