Best Places to Dive in December
December brings the return of the South-East Asian peak season and the Bahamas winter sharks. Thailand and Raja Ampat offer warm, calm, clear diving, the Maldives enters its dry season, and the Bahamas shark aggregations build for winter.
Quick answer
Thailand, Raja Ampat and the Maldives for warm, clear peak-season diving, and the Bahamas for its winter shark season, lead in December.
Photo: Jorge Láscar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Best places to dive in December at a glance
| Destination | Why December | Highlights | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Andaman peak season returns | Similan, Surin, Richelieu Rock | Open Water and up |
| Raja Ampat | Peak season: superb visibility | Mantas, reef sharks, biodiversity | Advanced recommended |
| Maldives | Dry season begins: clear water | Reef sharks, whale sharks | Open Water and up |
| Bahamas | Winter shark season building | Tiger Beach, reef sharks | Advanced for shark dives |
Thailand and Raja Ampat
December is a wonderful time to dive Thailand liveaboards and Indonesia liveaboards Raja Ampat, with warm, calm, clear water returning over the reefs. Thailand suits Open Water divers; Raja Ampat rewards experience.
Maldives dry season
The Maldives enters its dry north-east monsoon in December, bringing clearer water and excellent reef diving, with year-round whale sharks in South Ari. See the best time to dive the Maldives and Maldives liveaboards.
Bahamas sharks
The Bahamas winter shark season builds through December, with Tiger Beach the highlight. Read our guide to tiger shark diving and compare Bahamas liveaboards.
Plan your December trip
Pick the route that matches your dive level and the marine life you most want to see, then give yourself enough days on the water for conditions to come good. DiveScanner compares real, current prices from every operator and agency for each boat, so you find the best December departure without checking each booking site yourself.
Compare December liveaboard tripsDiving by month
FAQ
Where is the best diving in December?
Thailand, Raja Ampat and the Maldives for warm, clear peak-season diving, and the Bahamas for its building winter shark season.
Is December a good time to dive the Maldives?
Yes. December begins the dry north-east monsoon, bringing clearer water and excellent reef diving.
Sources and planning notes
This guide uses established seasonal patterns for each destination. Wildlife sightings vary year to year with plankton, current and weather, so always check the current itinerary and conditions before booking. Questions? Contact us at [email protected].