Best Places to Scuba Dive in July

July is peak summer in the Northern Hemisphere. The Red Sea is at its warmest (27-29°C) with glassy conditions, and the Mediterranean is in full swing. Bali and Komodo continue strong mola mola season. The Galapagos are at peak with whale sharks arriving at Darwin and Wolf. In the Caribbean, water hits 29°C — warm enough for a 3mm suit — though late-season hurricane risk begins to build in August. The Similans and Tubbataha remain closed for monsoon. Book European dive trips early.

Marine Life in July

What you're most likely to encounter this month worldwide

W

Whale sharks

Peak encounter season

M

Mola mola

Peak encounter season

D

Dolphins

Peak encounter season

Best Destinations by Region

Where to go in July, organized by continent

Asia-Pacific (4 destinations)

4.8

Komodo National Park

Indonesia — Vis 25m — Advanced

4.7

Sipadan

Malaysia — Vis 30m — Intermediate

4.6

Lembeh Strait

Indonesia — Vis 10m — Beginner

4.2

Bali

Indonesia — Vis 20m — Beginner

Europe (2 destinations)

4.3

Azores

Portugal — Vis 20m — Intermediate

4.2

Silfra Fissure

Iceland — Vis 100m — Intermediate

North America & Caribbean (2 destinations)

4.8

Cocos Island

Costa Rica — Vis 25m — Advanced

4.6

Bonaire

Bonaire — Vis 25m — Beginner

South America (1 destinations)

4.9

Galapagos Islands

Ecuador — Vis 20m — Advanced

Oceania (4 destinations)

4.7

Rangiroa

French Polynesia — Vis 40m — Advanced

4.6

Kimbe Bay

Papua New Guinea — Vis 25m — Beginner

4.5

Fiji

Fiji — Vis 30m — Beginner

4.5

Great Barrier Reef

Australia — Vis 25m — Beginner

July at a Glance

Best destinations this month vs destinations to avoid

Best This Month (13)

Galapagos Islands Ecuador — ★4.9 Cocos Island Costa Rica — ★4.8 Komodo National Park Indonesia — ★4.8 Rangiroa French Polynesia — ★4.7 Sipadan Malaysia — ★4.7 Bonaire Bonaire — ★4.6 Kimbe Bay Papua New Guinea — ★4.6 Lembeh Strait Indonesia — ★4.6 Fiji Fiji — ★4.5 Great Barrier Reef Australia — ★4.5 Azores Portugal — ★4.3 Bali Indonesia — ★4.2 Silfra Fissure Iceland — ★4.2

Avoid This Month (14)

Raja Ampat Indonesia — ★4.9 Palau Palau — ★4.8 Tubbataha Reefs Philippines — ★4.8 Chuuk Lagoon Micronesia — ★4.7 Fernando de Noronha Brazil — ★4.7 Maldives Maldives — ★4.7 Malapascua Philippines — ★4.5 Wakatobi Indonesia — ★4.5 Anilao Philippines — ★4.4 Belize Barrier Reef Belize — ★4.4 Poor Knights Islands New Zealand — ★4.4 Cozumel Mexico — ★4.3 Ras Mohammed Egypt — ★4.3 Similan Islands Thailand — ★4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best scuba diving in July?

Peak mola mola in Bali and Komodo. Galapagos in full swing. Red Sea at its warmest.

What marine life can I see in July?

In July, divers can commonly encounter: Whale sharks, Mola mola, Dolphins. Specific encounters depend on the destination and local conditions.

Should I avoid any dive destinations in July?

Yes — 14 destinations in our database are outside their best season in July. These include Raja Ampat, Palau, Tubbataha Reefs, Chuuk Lagoon, Fernando de Noronha. Visibility and conditions may be below peak, but many sites remain diveable year-round.