Best dive destinations by month (July to December)
In the first part of this blog, we took you through the best diving destinations from January through June. Haven’t read that one yet? Then check out part 1, where we show you where to go in the first half of the year for the best diving experiences.
There is also an awful lot to do underwater from July through December. From mola molas in Indonesia to humpback whales in Tonga and spectacular sardine runs in Mexico. In this second part, you’ll discover four destinations per month where conditions are at their best at that time.
July
North of Egypt
July is an excellent month to explore the northern Red Sea. The sea is often calm and underwater visibility is excellent, making it ideal for wreck diving. Famous wrecks such as the Thistlegorm come into their own perfectly during this period. In addition, you will find colorful reefs and plenty of fish life. The water temperature is pleasantly warm, keeping long dives comfortable. Check out a liveaboard trip for the north and wrecks itinerary here.
Bali, Indonesia
July marks the start of the mola mola season near Bali. These extraordinary moonfish come up from the depths to cleaning stations, making unique encounters possible. Especially around Nusa Penida you have good chances. Conditions can be a bit more challenging due to currents and colder water, but the rewards are great. You can also find manta rays and a rich reef environment.
Pemba, Tanzania
Along the coast of Pemba, humpback whales pass by during their migration in July. You see them mostly from the surface and the boat, but that doesn’t make it any less special. Underwater you will find healthy corals and lots of fish life. The dive sites are relatively quiet and less crowded than other places in Tanzania, making for an authentic diving experience. Check out the trip to Pemba here.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
July is a good month to visit the Great Barrier Reef. You have a chance to see minke whales and manta rays here. The sea is often clear and temperatures are pleasant. The reef itself offers tremendous biodiversity with colorful corals and many species of fish. This period is ideal for divers who want to combine both reef life and larger animals.
August
Alor, Indonesia
In August, Alor is one of the best places in the world to see mola molas. These animals rise from the depths and are regularly spotted at cleaning stations. Conditions can be challenging with currents and colder water, but that is part of the experience. In addition, Alor is known for its vast biodiversity and pristine reefs. Check out the trip to Alor here.
Solomon Islands, Oceania
The Solomon Islands offer excellent diving conditions in August. Visibility is good and the sea is often calm. You’ll find a combination of colorful reefs, World War II wrecks and plenty of fish life. Because this destination is still relatively undiscovered, you often dive here without crowds. Ideal for divers looking for something special.
Nosy Be, Madagascar
At Nosy Be, whale sharks migrate along the coast in August. This makes it a special time to meet these gentle giants. You will also find healthy reefs, turtles and a wide variety of tropical fish. Conditions are often pleasant and the water is warm, making it a fine destination for a relaxing diving trip. Check out our trips to Nosy Be here.
Tonga, Oceania
Tonga is one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel with humpback whales. In August, the season is in full swing. While not a diving experience, it is definitely a unique encounter with these impressive animals. The waters are clear and conditions are often calm. Besides snorkeling, it is also possible to dive, but you do this in other places around the island. Check out the trip here.
September
Galapagos, Ecuador
September is also a peak month for large schools of hammerhead sharks in the Galápagos. In addition, you often see mobula in large numbers. Conditions are dynamic with currents and cooler water, but that is precisely what attracts lots of large marine life. For experienced divers, this is one of the most spectacular destinations in the world. Check out the trips here.
Mozambique
In September there is a lot of pelagic life along the coast of Mozambique. Both at Tofo and in the Bazaruto Archipelago you can encounter manta rays, sharks and other large species. Conditions are often good and visibility is reasonable. This destination is ideal for divers who enjoy encounters with large marine life. View trips to Mozambique here.
Cape Verde
The water is warm in September and this is the nesting season for sea turtles. You have good chances of seeing these animals both underwater and on the beach. The dive sites offer a mix of volcanic landscapes and reef life. An interesting and still relatively quiet destination. View trips to Cape Verde here.
Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia
Cenderawasih Bay is a remote and unique diving destination. In September, you have a chance to see whale sharks up close here, often interacting with local fishermen. Conditions are usually calm and visibility is good. This is a destination for divers who want to experience something truly special, away from the crowds. Check out the trip here.
October
Baja California, Mexico
October falls in the middle of the sardine run season in Baja California. This attracts many predators such as sea lions, dolphins and sharks. It is a dynamic and spectacular experience where there is constant action. Conditions are often good and the water is relatively warm. In addition, there are whale sharks in the bay during this period and you can dive with an impressive colony of sea lions. Check out the trip here.
Oman
In October, temperatures in Oman are pleasant and sea conditions improve after summer. You have a chance to spot whale sharks here, along with a wide variety of fish life. The dive sites are varied, from reefs to steep walls. A surprising destination with a lot of potential. You can opt for a roundtrip or to dive aboard a liveaboard. View all trips to Oman here.
Dumaguete, Philippines
In Dumaguete, October is all about unusual underwater behavior, such as the mating of octopuses. This makes it an interesting period for macro photographers. Do keep in mind the rainy season, which can affect visibility and conditions. Still, it remains a fascinating destination for lovers of small life. Check out the trip to Dumaguete here.
Ari Atoll, Maldives
In October, whale sharks migrate through Ari Atoll. This offers good opportunities to see these impressive animals during snorkeling or diving excursions. Conditions can be variable due to the transition of seasons, but the marine life makes up for a lot. Ideal for divers targeting whale sharks. Check out the trips here.
November
BDE Route, Egypt
November is an excellent month for a liveaboard on the Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone (BDE route). You have a good chance of seeing thresher sharks and oceanic whitetip sharks here. Conditions are often good and the water temperature is still pleasant. This is a popular route for shark enthusiasts. View the liveaboard trip here.
Palau
In November, the spectacular mating of parrotfish takes place in Palau. This natural phenomenon attracts many other animals and makes for extraordinary dives. In addition, Palau is known for its strong currents and rich marine life. A top destination for experienced divers. Check out the trip here.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
In November, conditions in Raja Ampat are often very good, with excellent visibility and a good chance of seeing manta rays. The biodiversity, as always, is impressive. This is a perfect period for divers who want to combine both macro and large marine life. View trips to Raja Ampat here.
Dahab, Egypt
Dahab offers pleasant temperatures in November, both above and below the water. Visibility is good and the dive sites are varied, from reefs to iconic sites such as the Blue Hole. A relaxed destination suitable for different levels of experience. Check out our trip to Dahab here.
December
Tromsø, Norway
In December you can snorkel with orcas and humpback whales at Tromsø. The water is cold, but this is the period when these animals are present. In addition, you have a chance to see the northern lights. It is a unique, adventurous experience that really can’t be compared to anything else. Check out the trip here.
Truk Lagoon, Micronesia
December often offers the best visibility in Truk Lagoon. This destination is known for its impressive World War II wrecks. The combination of history and marine life makes this a special place. Ideal for wreck diving enthusiasts and technical divers. Check out the trip here.
Costa Rica
December is a good period for touring Costa Rica combined with scuba diving. Depending on the region, you may encounter whales. Nature above water is at least as impressive as underwater. A versatile destination for adventurous travelers. Check out the trip here.
Kenya
In December, temperatures in Kenya are pleasant and you have a chance to see whale sharks along the coast. The reefs are healthy and fish life is abundant. Conditions are often favorable, making it a fine end to the diving year. Check out the trip here.
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