Best Places to Dive in November
November is a pivot month with a lot going on. The Red Sea reaches its famous oceanic whitetip season, Raja Ampat's new season opens, Thailand's Andaman season begins, and the Maldives manta season winds down. There is superb diving in every direction.
Quick answer
Egypt (oceanic whitetip season) and Raja Ampat (season opening) headline November, with Thailand reopening and the Maldives still good.
Photo: NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Best places to dive in November at a glance
| Destination | Why November | Highlights | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Oceanic whitetip season peak | Elphinstone, the Brothers, Daedalus | Advanced for offshore reefs |
| Raja Ampat | New season opens: calm, clear water | Mantas, reef sharks, biodiversity | Advanced recommended |
| Thailand | Andaman season begins | Similan and Surin reopen | Open Water and up |
| Maldives | Manta season winding down | Mantas, whale sharks | Open Water and up |
Egypt: oceanic whitetips
November is famous in the Red Sea for oceanic whitetip sharks on the southern offshore reefs such as Elphinstone and the Brothers. It is thrilling, advanced blue-water diving. Compare Egypt liveaboards and read our guide to famous Red Sea wrecks.
Raja Ampat and Thailand reopen
Raja Ampat's season opens around now with calm seas and clearing water over the world's richest reefs, while Thailand's Andaman season begins as the monsoon eases. Browse Indonesia liveaboards and Thailand liveaboards.
Maldives
The Maldives manta season is winding down but still worthwhile, and South Ari's whale sharks continue year-round. See Maldives liveaboards.
Plan your November 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 November departure without checking each booking site yourself.
Compare November liveaboard tripsDiving by month
FAQ
Where is the best diving in November?
Egypt for its oceanic whitetip shark season, Raja Ampat as its new season opens, and Thailand as the Andaman season begins.
When is oceanic whitetip season in the Red Sea?
Around October and November on the southern offshore reefs such as Elphinstone and the Brothers.
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].