Best Places to Dive in July
July is high summer for big-animal diving. The Red Sea is warm with strong shark action, the Maldives manta season is well underway, and further afield the Galapagos whale shark season begins. Long days and warm water make it a family-friendly month too.
Quick answer
Egypt (warm, strong sharks) and the Maldives (mantas) are the standout July liveaboard choices; Komodo also dives well.
Photo: Anthony Patterson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Best places to dive in July at a glance
| Destination | Why July | Highlights | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Warm water, strong offshore sharks | The Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone | Advanced for offshore reefs |
| Maldives | Manta season well underway | Mantas (Hanifaru), whale sharks | Open Water and up |
| Indonesia | Komodo peak season | Mantas, reef sharks, big fish | Advanced recommended |
Egypt in summer
July brings warm water and reliable shark action to Egypt's offshore reefs, plus the northern wrecks for those who prefer them. Compare Egypt liveaboards and read our guide to famous Red Sea wrecks.
Maldives mantas
By July the Maldives manta season is in full build towards its peak, with Hanifaru Bay the famous gathering point and South Ari's whale sharks year-round. See the best time to dive the Maldives and Maldives liveaboards.
Komodo
Komodo remains excellent through July, with mantas and dramatic current dives. Browse Indonesia liveaboards. Galapagos also opens its whale shark season now for those travelling further afield.
Plan your July 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 July departure without checking each booking site yourself.
Compare July liveaboard tripsDiving by month
FAQ
Where is the best diving in July?
Egypt for warm-water shark diving and the Maldives for its building manta season, with Komodo also at its best.
Is July a good time for the Maldives?
Yes. July is well into the south-west monsoon manta season, with plankton drawing mantas towards Hanifaru Bay.
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].