Best Places to Dive in September
September keeps the Maldives manta season strong and brings some of the best big-animal action of the year to the Red Sea as the water stays warm. It is a great month for divers who want mantas, sharks and warm-water reefs.
Quick answer
The Maldives (mantas) and Egypt (warm water, sharks building towards oceanic whitetip season) are the top September picks.
Photo: Kris Mikael Krister, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Best places to dive in September at a glance
| Destination | Why September | Highlights | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maldives | Manta season continues strong | Mantas (Hanifaru), whale sharks | Open Water and up |
| Egypt | Warm water, sharks building | The Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone | Advanced for offshore reefs |
| Indonesia | Komodo season, Raja Ampat approaching | Mantas, big fish | Advanced recommended |
Maldives mantas
The Maldives manta season is still in full swing in September, with Hanifaru Bay a highlight and South Ari's whale sharks year-round. See the best time to dive the Maldives and Maldives liveaboards.
Egypt: warm and sharky
September is a superb Red Sea month, with warm water and shark action on the offshore reefs building towards the oceanic whitetip season of the autumn. Compare Egypt liveaboards and read about famous Red Sea wrecks.
Indonesia
Komodo dives well and Raja Ampat's new season is on the horizon for October. Browse Indonesia liveaboards.
Plan your September 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 September departure without checking each booking site yourself.
Compare September liveaboard tripsDiving by month
FAQ
Where is the best diving in September?
The Maldives for its ongoing manta season and Egypt for warm water and strong shark diving on the offshore reefs.
Is September good for the Red Sea?
Yes. September offers warm water and excellent shark diving on Egypt's offshore reefs, building towards the autumn oceanic whitetip season.
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].