Best dive destinations by month (January to June)
Diving is highly dependent on the season. Currents, visibility, water temperature and the presence of specific species can vary greatly from month to month. While one period may see manta rays, another month is perfect for whale sharks or large schools of sharks.
In this overview we take you through the best diving destinations from January to June. Per month we highlight four destinations where conditions are at their best at that time. So you know exactly where to go for your next diving adventure. Curious about July through December? You can read about that here.
January
Antarctica
January is heart of summer in Antarctica, making it the best time to dive here. Conditions are relatively stable and you have long days with plenty of daylight. Diving under the ice is a unique experience where you can see impressive ice formations, starfish and unusual cold-water animals. Penguins and seals can also often be found in the water. Visibility is often excellent, making this extreme destination extra special. Check out the trip here.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
In January, Raja Ampat is at its best for biodiversity lovers. The sea is rich in nutrients, providing huge numbers of fish and a healthy coral reef. Manta rays are regularly seen at cleaning stations and smaller macro species are also abundant. Sea conditions are generally good, although there may be occasional rain showers. But good to know is that there are several periods that are more than suitable to travel to Raja Ampat.
Socorro, Mexico
Socorro in January is a hot spot for large pelagic species. You have a great chance of seeing several species of sharks, dolphins and especially manta rays here. These mantas are known for their curious behavior and often come very close to divers. The open ocean makes for spectacular action-packed dives. Conditions can be a bit more challenging due to currents, but the rewards are absolutely worth it.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is known for its cenotes: underground caves with crystal clear water. In January, the light and water temperature are ideal, making the famous rays of light beautifully visible. Diving here is completely different from sea diving, with impressive stalactites and mites. Conditions are stable and suitable for both novice and experienced cave divers. It is a unique experience not found anywhere else in the world in this way.
February
Similan Islands, Thailand
February is an excellent month for the Similan Islands. The sea is usually calm and underwater visibility is often spectacular. This is also one of the best periods to spot whale sharks, although of course that remains a matter of luck. In addition, you will see colorful reefs, schools of fish and the occasional larger pelagic species. The combination of good conditions and rich underwater world makes this a top destination. The high season here runs from November to April. Check out the trip here.
South of the Maldives
In February, plankton-rich waters attract many manta rays and whale sharks to the south of the Maldives. This makes for impressive encounters with large animals. Visibility may vary slightly due to plankton, but the underwater life more than makes up for it. Current dives along channels and reefs are the norm here. Ideal for divers who love action and great chance of special encounters. Check out the trips here.
Mafia, Tanzania
Mafia Island is a surprisingly good place to see whale sharks, especially in February. These gentle giants gather here due to the large amount of plankton. In addition to whale sharks, you will find healthy coral reefs, turtles and a wide variety of tropical fish. Conditions are often calm and the water is warm, making it an accessible destination for many divers. Check out the trip to Mafia here.
Bimini, Bahamas
Bimini is known for its shark diving and February is a top month. You have a chance to see both hammerhead and tiger sharks on one trip here. In March, you have a great chance of seeing the great hammerhead sharks.
The dives often take place in clear, shallow water, which makes for spectacular visibility. The interactions are often up close and impressive. For shark lovers, this is one of the most iconic destinations in the world. View the liveaboard trip to Bimini here.
March
Galapagos, Ecuador
March is an excellent month for the Galápagos Islands. You can often see large schools of hammerhead sharks here, and mobula also pass by in large numbers. The water is relatively warmer than in other seasons, making for pleasant dives. Biodiversity is enormous, with chances of seeing sea lions, turtles and various shark species. This is a destination for experienced divers looking for spectacle. Check out the trips here.
Philippines
March is an ideal month to explore various dive sites in the Philippines. Locations such as Moalboal and Malapascua offer unique experiences, from sardine runs to thresher sharks. Sea conditions are often calm and visibility is good. The enormous biodiversity, from macro to pelagic, makes this country particularly versatile. You can easily put together a varied diving trip here where you visit different islands or stay in different places on an island. Check out our trips to the Philippines here.
Roatan, Honduras
Roatan offers stable diving conditions in March with good visibility and low winds. Part of the Mesoamerican barrier reef, the island is known for its colorful corals and rich fish life. You also have a chance to spot whale sharks here, but you’ll need a little luck to do so. The dives are generally suitable for both novice and advanced divers. View trips to Roatan here.
Central Maldives
In March, the central atolls of the Maldives are at their best. You’ll find a mix of manta rays, reef sharks and possibly whale sharks here. The famous channel dives provide plenty of action, with strong currents attracting large numbers of fish. Visibility is often good and conditions favor liveaboards. Ideal for divers who enjoy dynamic diving. View trips to the central atolls of the Maldives here.
April
Tubbataha, Philippines
Tubbataha is only open from March to June, and April is one of the best months to visit this remote reef. Conditions are often perfect with calm seas and excellent visibility. You can see huge schools of fish, whale sharks, sharks and manta rays here. The reefs are pristine and among the most beautiful in the world. A liveaboard is the only way to discover this special place. Check out the trip here.
Tiger Beach, Bahamas
April is an excellent month to dive in the Bahamas, especially for shark lovers. You have a chance to see tiger sharks, lemon sharks and sometimes hammerhead sharks here. The dives often take place in clear, blue water with good visibility. The interactions are intense and up close. This makes the Bahamas a top destination for divers seeking spectacular encounters. Check out the trips here.
Fuvahmulah, Maldives
Fuvahmulah is a unique island in the Maldives as it is not affected by different seasons. It is always good here and has no specific low season or high season. Nevertheless, April is a good month to travel to this place; visibility is excellent during this period. For the sharks, by the way, you can go any month; the tiger sharks are here year-round. Check out the trip to Fuvahmulah here.
Belize
April falls in Belize’s dry season, which makes for excellent diving conditions. Visibility is often good and the sea is calm. Famous dive sites like the Blue Hole attract a lot of attention, but the reefs are also full of life. You can encounter reef sharks, turtles and large schools of fish here. A versatile destination with both iconic and lesser-known dives. View trips to Belize here.
May
Komodo, Indonesia
May is the beginning of the dry season, making it an ideal month for a diving trip to Komodo. The sea is relatively calm and visibility is good. This is also a period when you can see many manta rays. The combination of strong currents and nutrient-rich water makes for tremendous biodiversity. From colorful reefs to large pelagic species: Komodo has it all. Check out our trips to Komodo here.
Bat Island, Costa Rica
May is the month to see bull sharks at the Bat Islands in Costa Rica. These impressive animals are often spotted up close during dives near well-known rock formations. Conditions can be challenging, with currents and sometimes limited visibility. But the chance of encounters with large sharks makes this an unforgettable experience for advanced divers. Check out our trip to Costa Rica here.
Fiji
The dry season in Fiji begins in May, providing better visibility and more stable conditions. Fiji is known for its colorful soft corals and rich marine life. You may encounter reef sharks, schools of fish and sometimes larger pelagic species here. The dives are varied and suitable for different levels. An ideal destination for those who love colorful reefs. View trips to Fiji here.
French Polynesia
French Polynesia offers similar conditions to Fiji in May, but with often an even greater chance of sharks. The waters are clear and the reefs are full of life. You may encounter several species of sharks, manta rays and dolphins here. The dives range from calm lagoons to challenging drift dives. A wonderful destination with a mix of adventure and relaxation.
June
Jordan
Galapagos, Ecuador
In June, the ecosystem changes because of the increase in plankton. This attracts whale sharks and other large animals. The dives become more dynamic, with more current and often spectacular marine life. Large schools of hammerhead sharks remain a highlight. Conditions are more challenging, but the chance of unique encounters makes this a top month for experienced divers. Check out the trips here.
South Africa
June marks the start of the famous sardine run along the coast of South Africa. This natural phenomenon attracts huge numbers of predators, including sharks, dolphins and birds. It is not a standard diving experience, but rather an adventurous expedition. The action is unprecedented and can be very intense. Perfect for divers who want to experience something totally different. Check out the trip here.
Cocos Island, Costa Rica
In June, the rainy season begins at Cocos Island, providing more nutrients in the water. This attracts large schools of hammerhead sharks and makes for spectacular dives. Conditions can be rougher, with currents and less predictability. But for lovers of large pelagic species, this is one of the best places in the world. Check out the trips here.
As you can see, each month has its own unique diving destinations and underwater highlights. Whether you dream of encounters with manta rays, whale sharks or large schools of sharks, there is always a destination where conditions are perfect at the time.
Wondering where to be from July through December? Then also read part 2 of this blogin which we list the best diving destinations for the rest of the year.