Prepare to get hooked on scuba diving the moment you slip below the water's surface into the peaceful silence of the undersea world. You'll finally understand what Jacques Cousteau was raving about all those years as you swim alongside graceful manta rays large enough to eclipse the sun's filtered rays, or when you come face to face with a hammerhead sizing you up (he wins). Fortunately, 70 percent of the world is covered in water, so there's never a shortage of great dive sites to feed your submarine cravings.

Top 10: Our favorite destinations
The Basics: Tips on how to get started
The Right Trip: Choosing a vacation to suit your interests
Gear Guide: Selecting the best mask
Resources: Associations, schools, books, and magazines