July: Best diving destinations - Top 5
Diving in July takes you to some of the most spectacular and crowded diving destinations in the world. This month is particularly booming for certain locations where marine life is at its peak and diving conditions are optimal. Think swimming with whale sharks in Mexico, the exhilarating Sardine Run in South Africa, or spotting Mola Mola at Nusa Penida. You don’t want to miss this!
Discover the top 5 diving destinations for July in this guide and get inspired for your next underwater adventure!
1. Sardine Run – South Africa
The Sardine Run in South Africa is one of the most spectacular nature events in the world, and July is the best time to experience this phenomenon. During this month, millions of sardines migrate along the east coast of South Africa, creating an incredible migration. This attracts not only divers, but also an array of predatory fish, dolphins, seabirds and even whales. The result is a breathtaking spectacle where divers find themselves in the middle of a lively and chaotic food spectacle. During the Sardine Run, you have the chance to get up close to hunting sharks, acrobatic dolphins and giant whales as they take advantage of this abundant food source. This unique diving experience offers not only spectacular underwater action, but also the opportunity to see some of the most iconic sea creatures up close. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to participate in one of the greatest natural spectacles in the world.
2. Nusa Penida – Bali, Indonesia
Nusa Penida, located off the coast of Bali, is a diver’s paradise, and July marks the beginning of the season for the rare and impressive Mola Mola, also known as the sunfish. This month offers a unique opportunity to see these fascinating giants up close. The cool currents of the Indian Ocean bring the Mola Mola to shallower waters, allowing divers to spot them in various locations around the island. In addition to the Mola Mola, Nusa Penida also offers the chance to dive with majestic manta rays at the famous Manta Point. The colorful coral reefs, rich in marine biodiversity, make every dive here a visual feast.
3. Tofo & Bazaruto – Mozambique
Mozambique is a top destination for divers in July, mainly because of the start of the humpback whale season. These gentle giants migrate along the coastline, and divers have the unique opportunity to see them up close as they sing, play and accompany their calves. The waters around Tofo and the Bazaruto Archipelago are known for their clarity and rich biodiversity, allowing you not only to spot whales, but also to enjoy breathtaking coral reefs full of colorful marine life. In addition to humpback whales, you can also encounter dolphins, manta rays and an abundance of tropical fish here.
4. Cocos Island – Costa Rica
Cocos Island, located far off the coast of Costa Rica, is a world-class diving destination, especially from June to December. July is an ideal time to visit this remote and pristine location. The island is known for its large schools of hammerhead sharks and giant manta rays that congregate during this time. Divers can look forward to spectacular encounters with these impressive sea creatures, as well as countless other species such as dolphins, tuna and colorful reef fish. Cocos Island ‘s biodiversity and rich marine life make every dive an exciting adventure. In addition to the incredible diving, the island itself offers a sense of adventure and isolation, surrounded by lush rainforests and pristine nature.
5. Playa del Carmen & Cozumel – Mexico
July is the peak time for whale shark spotting in Mexico, with locations such as Cozumel and Playa del Carmen being the perfect base. Whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean, migrate to the warm, clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean, giving divers the unique opportunity to swim and snorkel (not dive) with them. In addition, you can also perfectly combine this vacation with some diving in one of Mexico’s cenotes. Underwater photographers find the summer period to be the best time to dive in the cenotes because the sky is often very clear so you will see those beautiful sun rays playing in the water. In the fall, clouds sometimes throw a spanner in the works for that.
Also perhaps interesting
The best destinations for a diving trip in December
Taking a diving trip in December? Read our favorite destinations – and why these are special destinations – here.
Diving with sharks in Aliwal Shoal: a complete guide
Read all about the impressive diving destination Aliwal Shoal – the place where you can dive with more than 6 different species of sharks.
Travel report – Group trip to BCSS Mozambique
In September Sebastiaan went with the group trip to research station BCSS in Mozambique. A fantastic trip and a long list of what they all saw. You can read the whole trip report here!
Diving trip to Madagascar: a complete guide
Diving in Madagascar is fantastic: you will find lots of macro life, but you can also encounter the giant whale shark. Read all about this beautiful destination here.
12 unusual critters you see while diving in Lembeh Strait
In Lembeh you can see critters you may not even know existed. Check out what you may encounter while diving in this special area.
Trip report – Highlights of a liveaboard trip in Egypt
Read the highlights of Margaret’s liveaboard trip in Egypt, where she sailed the famous NDE route and had unforgettable diving experiences.
10 diving destinations that offer more than just diving
In this blog, we take you to destinations where diving goes hand in hand with impressive nature and culture. From tropical islands to wild jungles and historic sites, each trip offers adventure above and below...
Read more
The best destinations for beginning divers
Are you not so experienced underwater yet, but want to make beautiful dives? In this blog, Margriet shares the best destinations for beginner divers, with calm reefs, clear water and lots of colorful marine life....
Read more
Our 5 most remote liveaboard destinations
We’ve listed our 5 most remote liveaboard trips for you. Find out where you can dive at the end of the world.
Snorkeling with whales in Tonga: everything you want to know
In Tonga, it is possible to swim and snorkel with humpback whales. Read all about this unique experience here.
All about polar diving in Antarctica
Read all about diving in Antarctica: from what to see underwater and how to prepare for this special experience.
Diving with mantas, eagle rays and other rays
Rays are impressive and mysterious animals that can be encountered at many dive sites. From giant manta rays to schools of jumping mobula, and from shy eagle rays to burrowing stingrays, each species has its...
Read more
Cenote diving in Mexico
Crisp water, beautiful light and swimming past stalagmites…. We’re talking about cenote diving! Read more about this unique diving experience in Mexico here.
Diving in Fuvahmulah: the home of tigersharks!
Discover everything about diving in Fuvahmulah: tiger sharks, other shark species, best travel time, tips, and how to plan your dive trip.
Diving in Mozambique: a complete guide
Mozambique is one of Africa’s most impressive diving destinations. This guide tells you everything you need to know for your diving trip: from the best dive sites and seasons to the marine life you can...
Read more
Diving in the Bahamas: a complete guide
Find out why the Bahamas is a top destination for divers. From tiger sharks at Tiger Beach to hammerheads at Bimini – plus liveaboard tips, best travel time and more.
When and where do you spot whale sharks?
Whale sharks migrate great distances and are especially present in places with abundant food and warm, tropical waters. In this blog you will read why whale sharks have seasons and what factors determine their migration....
Read more
The 15 best places in the world to dive and snorkel with whale sharks
Encountering a whale shark while diving or snorkeling is a magical thing you won’t soon forget. In this blog we tell you the 15 best places in the world where you can encounter these beautiful...
Read more
How do you prepare for your diving trip?
Going on a diving vacation? Good preparation is essential. In this guide you will find practical tips to make your diving trip go smoothly. From getting your equipment serviced and arranging the right insurance to...
Read more
Diving in Zanzibar: a complete guide
Diving is one of the most popular activities in Tanzania because of its beautiful underwater world and abundance of marine life. Read everything you want to know about diving on the beautiful island of Zanzibar...
Read more
Diving in Mafia Island: a complete guide
The reefs around Mafia Island are home to a wide range of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, seahorses and numerous species of tropical fish. Read everything you need to know about diving on this...
Read more
Diving in Belize: a complete guide
Belize is a fantastic destination for a diving trip. You will find the second largest barrier reef in the world, colorful coral gardens and the famous Blue Hole. The more remote dive sites are best...
Read more
The 20 best places in the world to dive with sharks
The ultimate diving experience with sharks? In this blog, we list the 20 best places in the world where you can come face to face with different shark species. From cage diving with white sharks...
Read more
8 top things to do in Jordan
Jordan is known for Petra and the desert of Wadi Rum, but did you know it also offers great diving? In this article we will tell you all about the best things to do in...
Read more
