‘I want to learn to scuba dive – what’s the best destination?’

QTop of my wish list in a – hopefully – post-coronavirus 2021 is to learn how to scuba dive. I’d like to travel somewhere exotic; can you recommend any good destinations? Also, are there any good specialist tour operators that can organise a properly accredited Padi training course?

– Dave Douglas

AExperienced divers love places with remote reefs and strong currents that bring plankton up from the depths, attracting big marine life. Beginners need a gentler introduction, with calm waters and gradual entry from a beach rather than a boat, initially, plus more adventurous options as they gain experience. Malta and Egypt are popular, but if you want something exotic I’d suggest Grenada in the Caribbean. Regaldive (01353 659999; regaldiving.co.uk) offers seven nights at True Blue Bay Boutique Resort, where I have stayed and dived, from £1,675pp with flights. A stay of this duration lets you complete a four-day Padi Open Water course (included) which qualifies you to dive to 60ft with any certified diver. Aquanauts Grenada, a five-star Padi dive centre, is based at the resort and there are wrecks, reefs and other sites nearby for open water dives.

Dive Worldwide (01962 302087; diveworldwide.com) offers “learn to dive” packages in places ranging from Thailand to Oman. If money is no object, I’d recommend a course in the Maldives – my favourite dive spot – as part of a nine-night stay from £2,195pp.