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
Diving in the Philippines
Besides diving, do you like to socialize? Then go on a diving vacation to the Philippines! There is a lot of variety to be found in the Philippines, both in terms of price and dive...
Read more
Diving in Malaysia
Malaysia offers divers a stunning underwater world with crystal clear waters, fascinating coral walls and an exuberant variety of marine inhabitants, including curious clownfish and elegant sea turtles.
The sharks of the Bahamas
Diving with hammerhead and tiger sharks is eminently possible on Bimini in the Bahamas.
Diving in Costa-Rica
Costa Rica offers fantastic diving in Guanacaste, where divers can meet bull sharks and basking manta rays, among others. Cocos Island is world famous for its diving with hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks ánd whale sharks.
Diving in the Galapagos Islands
Diving the Galapagos from a liveaboard is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Discover the underwater world full of marine iguanas, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and playful sea lions. An absolute must-do for diving enthusiasts and a bucket...
Read more
Trip Report: Week at Abu Dabbab Dive Resort – Marsa Alam, Egypt
A diving trip in words: Leonie’s account of her week of diving in Abu Dabbab with Rianne.
On diving vacation to Zanzibar with Leeuwarden Diving Association
Mark organized a diving vacation to Zanzibar for Diving Association Leeuwarden. It became a buddy trip which meant that other clients of EWDR were also welcome.
The Ultimate Guide to Snorkeling Vacations
In this article, we dive into the enchanting world of snorkeling, focusing on the best snorkeling vacations around the world.
Liveaboard Maldives
This guide on liveaboard diving vacations to the Maldives explains what a liveaboard is, a typical daily schedule, and describes sailing itineraries
Unlimited diving is available at these dive resorts
Discover dive resorts offering unlimited diving in 5 countries. Perfect for divers who want to explore the underwater world without restrictions.
Travelogue South Africa | Part 1: Diving at Aliwal Shoal
Rianne flew to South Africa in early July.
Her first stop?
Blue Ocean Dive Center in Umkomaas!
Travelogue: Diving in Saudi Arabia and traveling as a woman alone
Tessa went to Saudi Arabia on her own to dive with hammerhead sharks as well as explore Jeddah above water.
Orang-Utans in Borneo 3-Day Excursion
Extend your (diving) vacation in Borneo with a visit to the Orang-Utans and Sun Bears!
eSim on Dive Vacation – Carefree Internet on your Mobile
Would you like to keep surfing the Internet during your diving vacation? Without skyrocketing roaming charges? Then check out the possibilities of an eSim.
Snorkeling with Orcas in Norway
Snorkeling with orcas in Norway offers an unforgettable opportunity to observe these impressive animals in their natural habitat.
All about the dive medical examination & dive doctor
Do you need a medical examination? Or would you like to know more about it? This article tells you all about the diving medical examination by a diving doctor.
Diving Cape Verde – Adventure and large schools of fish
Diving in the Cape Verde Islands. What to expect. And is it worth it? We can confidently answer Yes to that….
Prescription diving mask
Almost any diving mask can be supplied with prescription glasses. Either for far away, near, multifocal, varifocal… It is all possible.
Soraya & Jeffry go diving on Zanzibar
Soraya & Jeffry went to Zanzibar and stayed at Langi Langi for a week.
10 Activities on Bonaire that have nothing to do with diving
We know that you can dive beautifully on Bonaire, but there really is a lot to do for the non-diver as well! We’ve listed our top 10 activities.
The Colors of Bali
Bali is not called the Island of the Gods for nothing; it is an enchanting island. Not only is the island of Bali beautiful, around the island you can do fantastic diving.
Liveaboard diving vacations in Egypt
The liveaboard concept is a unique way to dive and allows divers to take their diving experience to the next level. Unlike a day trip to a dive site, divers stay aboard a liveaboard ship...
Read more
The 10 Most Beautiful Dives in the Maldives
Back to overview The 10 Most Beautiful Dives in the Maldives The Maldives is known as one of the most beautiful places in the world for diving, with a diversity of marine life and enchanting...
Read more
What do you pack when you go on a diving vacation?
Going on a diving vacation? We give you 8 tips to efficiently pack your suitcase! We discuss everything from the right choice of suitcase to your regulators and underwater camera.
