More than a sport, scuba diving is another way to relax, to escape, but also to discover the riches of a country. What could be more enchanting than moving freely in an ocean , surrounded by underwater wonders and a nature more exceptional than ever? We have selected for you the best places to dive month by month , with the optimal diving conditions and links to the diving centers to assist you.
Where to dive in January?
Want to treat yourself to an exotic break in the middle of winter ? The ideal time to dive at this time is to head to the warm tropical seas. The season then offers a wide choice of destinations: Philippines, Polynesia, Raja Ampat, Palau… But if you want to live an extraordinary experience, head to the north of Norway to dive among the orcas !
This month ’s favorite : The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Australia is home to the largest coral reef in the world , and it is even visible from space! Needless to say, it is a true paradise for diving enthusiasts. In January, it is the height of summer there, since the country is located under the equator. All the conditions are then met for an exceptional dive
thanks to the transparent waters that invite you to explore the coral wonders and exceptional nature up to 100 meters deep.
- Water temperature in January: 30°
- Price: €160* for a day cruise departing from Cairns (around 5 hours of diving or snorkelling).
- + info on the Centre Pro Dive Cairns website
- + destinations in January: Where to go in January?
Where to dive in February?
February is a school holiday month in Europe. If you are looking for a destination to dive with your family , this is the perfect time to go abroad! The cherry on the cake is that this is also the time of year when many carnivals and other festivities take place around the world. Here are some ideas to inspire you: Cape Verde, the Red Sea, all the Caribbean, Tanzania, etc.
Favorite of the month: Richelieu Rock, Thailand
Located southeast of the Surin Islands, the small submerged rock is home to one of the largest varieties of fish in the world : whale sharks, giant manta rays, clownfish, seahorses, etc. Richelieu Rock, in Thailand, reveals its treasures to you over 40 meters deep, you will be spoiled for sure! On the other hand, it is better to have your level 1 in your pocket to go there, the current can be strong.
- Water temperature in February: 25°
- Price: €170* for a day cruise, meals and drinks included, departing from Khao Lak.
- + info on the Khao Lak Explorer website
- + destinations in February: Where to go in February?
Where to dive in March?
With the end of winter, March marks a new season almost everywhere in the world. This is the time when large animals begin their migration . Where to dive to see them? In the Dominican Republic, humpback whales are present by the hundreds, Honduras sees the arrival of many whale sharks, while the Galapagos Islands welcome magnificent schools of hammerhead sharks. Another destination that is considered an aquatic paradise: the Chuuk Lagoon, in Micronesia.
Favorite of the month: Cozumel, Mexico
On a coral island in the Mexican Caribbean Sea, you will explore reefs, underwater caverns, or even ocean walls, between stalactites and stalagmites, at a depth of 61 meters. A must for diving enthusiasts! And if you want to take advantage of your trip to do something other than diving, discover our must-sees in Mexico.
Where to dive in April?
April is also a month of transition : the dry season ends in several destinations in the Indian Ocean and the monsoon begins to arrive in some Asian countries. Elsewhere, the high season begins, and with it splendors to discover underwater . For example, it is the ideal season to see tiger sharks in the Bahamas or whale sharks in Belize, but also to dive in Malaysia, the Philippines, Oman and Madagascar.
The islands of the Indonesian archipelago are all located in an area rich in marine biodiversity. Among them, Bali offers incredible underwater gems: toadfish, wrecks, manta rays, etc. Perfect for a beautiful Easter vacation, right?
However, we don’t necessarily recommend wasting time going dolphin watching at Lovina Beach: it’s far too touristy.
- Water temperature in April: 29°
- Price: around €100* for the first dive, depending on the diving location.
- + info on the Bali Breizh Divers website for a French-speaking team.
- + destinations in April: Where to go in April?
Where to dive in May?
In May, the destinations closest to France become accessible again due to the approaching summer. For example, you can dive in the Mediterranean and in the Atlantic islands (the Azores archipelago, Madeira, Canaries). If you are looking for more distant destinations to dive , you can go to the Indian Ocean (Mayotte, Madagascar, Seychelles). In the Pacific zone, Vanuatu and the islands of Fakarava or Rangiroa, in French Polynesia, are full of underwater treasures and it is the perfect month to enjoy an azure sky and a calm sea .
Favorite of the month: Tofo, Mozambique
Whale sharks, turtles, manta rays, barracudas, humpback whales… the Tofo region, in southern Mozambique, is home to a very rich marine fauna ! This large maritime channel in south-east Africa is a place little known to mass tourism, therefore ideal for diving enthusiasts looking for tranquility and very well-preserved seabeds.
- Water temperature in May: 26°
- Price: around €90* for the baptism, €40* for independent people.
- + info on the Tofo Scuba website, located directly on the beach.
- + destinations in May: Where to go in May?
Where to dive in June?
June is a perfect time if you want to dive outside of school holidays : the sites are uncrowded, the temperatures are ideal and the plane tickets are very reasonable. Not far away, it is a good time to explore the seabeds of the Mediterranean basin and the Atlantic islands . Further afield, destinations like Papua New Guinea and the Maldives are idyllic. As for South Africa, the arrival of the southern winter coincides with the mass migration of millions of sardines on the east coast, which attracts dolphins, sharks and other whales.
Favorite of the month: Porec, Croatia
As the summer holidays approach, an exploration of the sea of Porec, in Croatia, will completely change your scenery , with its underwater caves, archaeological remains and shipwrecks such as the Numidia, the Corionalus or the Baron Gautsch. With a rocky seabed, you will also see a very varied marine fauna .
Where to dive in July?
Summer vacations are often an opportunity to go away for a long time, while punctuating the trip with dives in faraway lands. Your desire for exoticism will be satisfied in Honduras, Mexico, Fiji or even the Tonga Islands. And if your dream is to see manta rays , head to the Cocos Islands in Costa Rica or Komodo in Indonesia.
Favorite of the month: the Azores, Portuguese islands in the North Atlantic
About 1300 km from the Portuguese coast, the Azores are a dream holiday destination thanks to exceptional volcanic underwater landscapes , a very varied fauna, caves and tunnels, all with perfect visibility at this time of year. You will undoubtedly come across manta rays, blue sharks, spotted dolphins and many small multicoloured fish.
- Water temperature in July: 24°
- Rates: 60€*
- + info on the Dive Azores website, a club run by a passionate couple.
- + destinations in July: Where to go in July?
Where to dive in August?
August is a great month for diving all over the world, thanks to very pleasant temperatures and calm waters. You will be spoiled for choice , especially if you want to swim with humpback whales. For original aquatic outings , you can opt for the north of Sulawesi, in Indonesia: the muddy ground favors the development of incredible species. Another off-the-beaten-track destination: the Solomon Islands, which are home to several wrecks from the Second World War. Closer, Malta is full of sea caves.
Favorite of the month: Bodrum, Türkiye
If you are looking for an exotic destination to dive without going too far, Turkey is a good option. In Bodrum, in the southwest of the country, you will be amazed! On the program: a crystal clear sea, Lessepsian fish from the Red Sea, Ottoman wrecks… and if you have time, don’t miss visiting the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology at the same time, it’s fascinating!
Where to dive in September?
With the end of summer, it is the ideal time to visit countries where it is too hot in July-August . For example, you can do sensational diving in Egypt, Jordan, Oman or Israel. In more distant destinations, Panama and New Caledonia offer optimal conditions . On the other hand, avoid the entire Caribbean area , in the middle of the cyclone season, as well as Thailand, which can be affected by severe weather.
Volcanic seabeds, tiger sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, tropical fish, monk seals and visibility of 30 meters… all the conditions are met for memorable dives on this small Pacific island. You will also see the wrecks of the San Pedro or the Sea Tiger. Between two underwater outings, you can indulge in the pleasures of surfing!
- Water temperature in September: 30°
- Price: €130* for a first dive including two dives.
- + info on the Oahu Diving website
- + destinations in September: Where to go in September?
Where to dive in October?
Manta ray lovers will find their happiness along the coasts of Zanzibar and the Maldives, October is the best season to admire them! Another more original destination to see them: Sudan, which offers splendid diving spots . The departure is often from Oman and as a bonus, thresher sharks are very present. To witness the incredible spectacle of reproduction , the Great Australian Barrier Reef is ideal.
Favorite of the month: Mauritius
The heavenly waters of Mauritius are full of magnificent places to dive : extraordinary seabeds, rare biodiversity, multicoloured species, drop-offs, caves, furtive stonefish, etc. Enough to spend exceptional moments of enchantment during the All Saints’ Day holidays, far from the greyness of the old continent!
Where to dive in November?
In November, tropical Asian countries are accessible again for a few months. For diving, head to the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Micronesia, or the sublime Raja Ampat archipelago in Indonesia. On the African side, Djibouti and Kenya are waiting for you for spectacular underwater excursions. On the other side of the world, all the countries of Central America offer perfect conditions to enjoy it, like Ecuador or Costa Rica.
Favorite of the month: dare to go to Antarctica!
Every diving enthusiast dreams of doing it at least once under the ice. Reserved for the experienced, this journey to the end of the world, which we could have included in our previous article on the best unusual trips, will make you discover wild and mysterious seabeds : Weddell seals, humpback whales, orcas, sperm whales, multi-colored sponges, ice cathedrals, etc. Although the flora is quite poor, it is still a unique experience . Diving is generally done with a sea cruise.
Where to dive in December?
As the cold and grey weather settles in Europe, it is time to go and discover new lands. To get your fill of sunshine and dive in the best conditions , the best is the Caribbean Sea. Saint Vincent, the French Antilles, Cuba, the Dominican Republic… there is plenty to do! It is also the southern summer in South Africa . The opportunity to do unforgettable dives, for example in Sodwana Bay where 50 km of virgin reefs constitute true underwater paradises.
Favorite of the month: Blue Hole, Belize
To end the year in style, especially during the Christmas holidays, treat yourself to a stay in Belize! A former pirate lair, this small country is located between Guatemala and Mexico, in the heart of Mayan territory. Between two cultural visits, you can indulge in diving in an immense abyss 120 meters deep with exceptional visibility and varied species: black corals, sharks, manta rays…
Scuba diving has become increasingly popular and is no longer reserved for enthusiasts. While it does not necessarily require excellent physical fitness or particular expertise, it is recommended to be guided and accompanied by an experienced team . It is therefore important to find out about diving conditions, regulations in force, protected areas, etc.