Best Places to Dive in January
January is peak season across South-East Asia and one of the best months of the year for warm, calm, high-visibility diving. Thailand's Andaman Sea and Indonesia's Raja Ampat are in full swing, the Maldives is in its dry north-east monsoon, and in the Bahamas the winter shark season is at its height.
Quick answer
The strongest January choices are Thailand, Raja Ampat and the Maldives for warm, clear, calm-water diving, and the Bahamas for its winter shark season. Pick by the marine life you want and your dive level.
Photo: Ryan Espanto, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Best places to dive in January at a glance
| Destination | Why January | Highlights | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Peak Andaman season: calm, clear water | Similan and Surin reefs, Richelieu Rock | Open Water and up |
| Raja Ampat | Peak season: best visibility of the year | Mantas, reef sharks, huge biodiversity | Advanced recommended |
| Maldives | Dry north-east monsoon: great visibility | Reef sharks, whale sharks (South Ari), pelagics | Open Water and up |
| Bahamas | Winter shark season at its peak | Tiger Beach, reef and hammerhead sharks | Advanced for shark dives |
Thailand and Raja Ampat: peak season
January is prime time for both. Thailand's Thailand liveaboards run the Similan and Surin islands and Richelieu Rock in calm, clear conditions, while Indonesia liveaboards in Raja Ampat enjoy the best visibility of the year over the richest reefs on the planet. Thailand suits Open Water divers; Raja Ampat's currents reward Advanced Open Water and experience.
Maldives in the dry season
The north-east monsoon brings the Maldives its driest, clearest conditions. Reef and channel dives are excellent, and South Ari Atoll keeps its year-round whale sharks. See the best time to dive the Maldives and browse Maldives liveaboards.
Bahamas: winter sharks
January is one of the best months for the Bahamas shark season, with Tiger Beach at its peak and the chance of great hammerheads around Bimini. These are advanced dives; read our guide to tiger shark diving and compare Bahamas liveaboards.
Plan your January 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 January departure without checking each booking site yourself.
Compare January liveaboard tripsDiving by month
FAQ
Where is the best diving in January?
Thailand, Raja Ampat and the Maldives for warm, calm, clear-water reef and pelagic diving, and the Bahamas for its peak winter shark season.
Is January good for diving Thailand?
Yes. January is peak Andaman Sea season, with calm seas and excellent visibility at the Similan and Surin islands and Richelieu Rock.
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].