Best Places to Scuba Dive in December

December is the holiday peak across the tropical diving world. The Maldives and Caribbean are at their absolute best, and Raja Ampat is in full glory. Water temperatures are bath-warm at 27-29°C across the Indo-Pacific. Liveaboards sell out months in advance and prices hit their annual high. The Red Sea stays excellent at 23-25°C. For divers who book early, this is the classic bucket-list month — but flexibility on dates and early planning are essential for prime routes.

Marine Life in December

What you're most likely to encounter this month worldwide

H

Hammerhead sharks

Peak encounter season

M

Manta rays

Peak encounter season

W

Whale sharks

Peak encounter season

Best Destinations by Region

Where to go in December, organized by continent

Asia-Pacific (7 destinations)

4.9

Raja Ampat

Indonesia — Vis 30m — Intermediate

4.7

Maldives

Maldives — Vis 35m — Beginner

4.7

Sipadan

Malaysia — Vis 30m — Intermediate

4.5

Malapascua

Philippines — Vis 20m — Intermediate

4.5

Wakatobi

Indonesia — Vis 30m — Beginner

4.4

Anilao

Philippines — Vis 15m — Beginner

4.3

Similan Islands

Thailand — Vis 25m — Beginner

North America & Caribbean (2 destinations)

4.6

Bonaire

Bonaire — Vis 25m — Beginner

4.3

Cozumel

Mexico — Vis 30m — Beginner

South America (1 destinations)

4.7

Fernando de Noronha

Brazil — Vis 30m — Intermediate

Oceania (3 destinations)

4.8

Palau

Palau — Vis 30m — Intermediate

4.7

Chuuk Lagoon

Micronesia — Vis 25m — Advanced

4.6

Kimbe Bay

Papua New Guinea — Vis 25m — Beginner

December at a Glance

Best destinations this month vs destinations to avoid

Best This Month (13)

Raja Ampat Indonesia — ★4.9 Palau Palau — ★4.8 Chuuk Lagoon Micronesia — ★4.7 Fernando de Noronha Brazil — ★4.7 Maldives Maldives — ★4.7 Sipadan Malaysia — ★4.7 Bonaire Bonaire — ★4.6 Kimbe Bay Papua New Guinea — ★4.6 Malapascua Philippines — ★4.5 Wakatobi Indonesia — ★4.5 Anilao Philippines — ★4.4 Cozumel Mexico — ★4.3 Similan Islands Thailand — ★4.3

Avoid This Month (14)

Galapagos Islands Ecuador — ★4.9 Cocos Island Costa Rica — ★4.8 Komodo National Park Indonesia — ★4.8 Tubbataha Reefs Philippines — ★4.8 Rangiroa French Polynesia — ★4.7 Lembeh Strait Indonesia — ★4.6 Fiji Fiji — ★4.5 Great Barrier Reef Australia — ★4.5 Belize Barrier Reef Belize — ★4.4 Poor Knights Islands New Zealand — ★4.4 Azores Portugal — ★4.3 Ras Mohammed Egypt — ★4.3 Bali Indonesia — ★4.2 Silfra Fissure Iceland — ★4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best scuba diving in December?

Holiday season — book early. Caribbean and Maldives peak. Raja Ampat in full glory.

What marine life can I see in December?

In December, divers can commonly encounter: Hammerhead sharks, Manta rays, Whale sharks. Specific encounters depend on the destination and local conditions.

Should I avoid any dive destinations in December?

Yes — 14 destinations in our database are outside their best season in December. These include Galapagos Islands, Cocos Island, Komodo National Park, Tubbataha Reefs, Rangiroa. Visibility and conditions may be below peak, but many sites remain diveable year-round.