Best Places to Dive in March
March is a transition month that still holds excellent diving. The Andaman Sea in Thailand enters its best window for whale sharks, the Maldives stays clear and calm, and Raja Ampat's season is in its final, still-superb weeks.
Quick answer
Thailand (whale shark window at Richelieu Rock), the Maldives and late-season Raja Ampat are the standouts in March.
Photo: Xplore Dive, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Best places to dive in March at a glance
| Destination | Why March | Highlights | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Best whale shark window opening | Richelieu Rock, Similan and Surin | Open Water and up |
| Maldives | Dry season, calm and clear | Whale sharks, mantas, reef sharks | Open Water and up |
| Raja Ampat | Final weeks of peak season | Mantas, reef sharks, biodiversity | Advanced recommended |
| Egypt | Water warming, quieter reefs | Reefs, wrecks, early shark season | Open Water to Advanced |
Thailand: whale shark season
March is one of the best months to try for whale sharks in Thailand, especially at Richelieu Rock, alongside the reliable reefs of the Similan and Surin islands. Compare Thailand liveaboards and read about whale shark liveaboards worldwide.
Maldives and Raja Ampat
The Maldives remains dry and clear, strong for whale sharks and reef diving, while Indonesia liveaboards Raja Ampat is in the final, still-excellent weeks of its season. Browse Maldives liveaboards.
Egypt warming up
Red Sea water temperatures start to climb in March, making it a quieter, comfortable time on Egypt's reefs and wrecks before the summer crowds. See Egypt liveaboards and our guide to famous Red Sea wrecks.
Plan your March 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 March departure without checking each booking site yourself.
Compare March liveaboard tripsDiving by month
FAQ
Where is the best diving in March?
Thailand for its whale shark window at Richelieu Rock, the Maldives for clear dry-season diving, and Raja Ampat in the last weeks of its season.
Is March a good time for whale sharks?
Yes, in Thailand: March sits in the best Andaman Sea window for whale sharks at 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].