July: Best Diving Destinations
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 season for spotting whale sharks in Mexico, with locations like Cozumel and Playa del Carmen serving as perfect bases. 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. You can also perfectly combine this vacation with a few dives in one of Mexico’s cenotes. Underwater photographers consider the summer the best time to dive in the cenotes because the air is often very clear, allowing you to see those beautiful sunbeams playing in the water. In the fall, however, clouds can sometimes put a damper on things.
Also perhaps interesting
Where can you see manta rays in Indonesia?
Indonesia is one of the best destinations in the world for seeing manta rays. Komodo, Raja Ampat, and Nusa Penida each offer a unique manta ray experience.
Diving in the Komodo Islands in Indonesia
Komodo is a spectacular diving destination for those looking for manta rays, abundant marine life, and challenging currents. Discover the best time to visit, diving options, accommodations, and itineraries with EWDR.
Tips from Underwater Photographer Thomas Van Puymbroeck
Discover the best tips for underwater photography from photographer Thomas Van Puymbroeck and learn more about our annual photography trips.
Philippines trip report • Looking back on a diving trip in the Visayas
A special travelogue by Sebastiaan and Robbert, who went on an unforgettable diving trip together sixteen years ago. Old photos and memories bring those special underwater encounters back to life.
Diving in Sumatra: a complete guide
Diving in Sumatra combines colorful coral reefs with impressive natural scenery above water. Discover Pulau Weh, the Mentawai Islands, and the most beautiful spots for a complete diving trip.
10 Unique encounters every diver wants to experience at least once
The underwater world is full of extraordinary encounters. Discover which underwater encounters you shouldn’t miss and where you’re most likely to experience them for yourself.
Diving destinations where you’ll feel like you’re the only person in the world
At some diving destinations, you’ll practically have the reef all to yourself. Discover six remote destinations where peace and quiet are still the norm.
Diving in Morotai & Metita: a complete guide
Wondering what makes Morotai and Metita so special? In this blog, you’ll discover everything about this unspoiled diving destination in North Maluku.
Diving in Papua New Guinea: a complete guide
Diving in Papua New Guinea is a unique experience in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Discover colorful reefs, extraordinary marine life, historic shipwrecks, and pristine dive sites.
Diving with hammerhead sharks: What are the best destinations?
Discover the best destinations in the world for diving with hammerhead sharks. Find out where you’re most likely to encounter them, when the best time to travel is, and what diving certification is required.
Diving Trip to Raja Ampat: Resort or Liveaboard?
Are you trying to decide between a liveaboard and a dive resort in Raja Ampat? In this blog, we’ll explain the differences and help you determine which type of trip best suits your needs.
Diving in Mauritius: A Complete Guide
Mauritius offers colorful coral reefs, impressive shipwrecks, and a surprisingly diverse array of marine life. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know for a diving vacation in Mauritius.
Diving in Iceland: a complete guide
Diving in Iceland is all about the unique combination of the Silfra Gorge and rugged sea diving along volcanic shores. On a round-trip tour, you will not only discover the underwater world, but also one...
Read more
Whales, sharks, and manta rays: Key insights from the BCSS Impact Report 2025
The BCSS Impact Report 2025 highlights the rich marine life around the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique. From humpback whales and manta rays to endangered sharks, the study confirms why this area is one of Africa’s...
Read more
Diving vacation with a non-diving partner? These destinations are perfect for both of you
Not every diving vacation has to revolve entirely around diving. These destinations offer plenty of above-water activities so divers and non-divers alike can have a great trip.
Diving with wild dolphins: where do you have the best chance?
Encounters with wild dolphins are among the most beautiful experiences you can have as a diver. Find out where worldwide you have the greatest chance of encountering these intelligent marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Diving with (tiger) sharks: how to prepare?
Diving with tiger sharks is less scary than many people think, provided you enter the water well prepared. With the right experience, calm demeanor and respect for the animals, these encounters often become unforgettable dives.
Our favorite diving destinations in the Caribbean
Not every Caribbean destination is known as a true diving hotspot. In this blog you’ll discover which islands are best suited for diving, where exactly you should be for big animals, wrecks or macro, and...
Read more
Diving destinations in the Caribbean
The Caribbean offers much more variety than just tropical reefs and clear water. In this blog you will discover which destination best suits your needs: from pelagic life and unique dives to adventure above water...
Read more
Why some dive destinations fill up years in advance
Some dive destinations and liveaboards fill up quickly due to limited capacity, short peak seasons and high international demand. Especially popular itineraries and high-end liveaboards in destinations such as Raja Ampat, Galápagos, Socorro and Egypt...
Read more
Discounted admission to Socorro: this is what you need to know about the new park fees
As of Jan. 1, 2025, park fees for Socorro doubled, but thanks to new exceptions and discounts, many travelers can save big. And that’s good news, because Socorro, with its manta rays, sharks and spectacular...
Read more
Metric vs imperial system in diving: what are the differences?
In Europe we usually dive with the metric system (BAR, meters and liters), while many American and Caribbean dive destinations work with the imperial system (PSI, feet and cubic feet). Especially in Florida, Mexico and...
Read more
Diving with hammerhead sharks in Mikomoto, Japan
Mikomoto Island in Japan is known for spectacular encounters with large schools of hammerhead sharks. In this blog you will read what to expect underwater, when you have the best chance and why this dive...
Read more
Diving in Japan: the different regions
Japan is a surprisingly diverse diving destination with huge differences between its regions. From hammerhead sharks and manta rays to ice diving and unique underwater landscapes, each region has its own character.