Best places to dive, month by month
9 July 2026
Not sure when to go? This dive season calendar shows the best liveaboard destinations for every month of the year, chosen by marine life, weather and season. Pick your month, then compare real prices.
January
Peak season in Thailand, Raja Ampat and the Maldives, plus Bahamas winter sharks.
February
Peak-season reefs in Raja Ampat, Thailand and the Maldives; Bahamas sharks.
March
Thailand whale shark window, the Maldives and late-season Raja Ampat.
April
Last of the Thailand and Raja Ampat season; warm spring diving in Egypt.
May
Egypt heats up and the Maldives manta season begins.
June
Peak Red Sea sharks and Komodo mantas; Maldives mantas building.
July
Warm-water sharks in Egypt and the Maldives manta season underway.
August
Peak Hanifaru manta season in the Maldives.
September
Maldives mantas and strong Red Sea shark diving.
October
Manta season in the Maldives and Raja Ampat, warm Red Sea sharks.
November
Red Sea oceanic whitetips and the Raja Ampat season opening.
December
Peak season returns to Thailand and Raja Ampat; Bahamas sharks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to dive?
There is no single best month, it depends on the marine life and destination. Pick your month, then compare real prices. For example, January is peak season in Thailand, Raja Ampat and the Maldives, plus Bahamas winter sharks.
When is manta season in the Maldives?
The Maldives manta season begins around May, with peak Hanifaru manta season in August, and mantas continuing into September and October.
When is Red Sea shark diving best?
Red Sea sharks are strong through the warm months, with peak sharks around June, warm-water sharks in July, and oceanic whitetips in November.
How do I use this month-by-month guide?
Pick the month you can travel, see which destinations and marine life are in season, then compare real liveaboard prices for that month on DiveScanner.