Where to dive in February
February keeps the western Pacific in season (Raja Ampat, Palau, Truk Lagoon and the Philippines) and opens the best months at Thailand's Similan Islands, where whale sharks are likely. Ari Atoll in the Maldives is in season too, with reliable reef sharks and likely mantas and whale sharks. The Red Sea is at its coolest, about 22–23 °C.
Make this list yours: add your level, what you want to see and how warm you like the water.
Personalise for FebruaryTop 7 places for February
Similan IslandsThailand
4 of 4 sites in season. Best December to April.
Water 28–29°CIntermediate +Mantas likelyMatch 99
Ari AtollMaldives
3 of 3 sites in season. Best November to April.
Water 28°CIntermediate +Reef sharksMatch 95
Raja AmpatIndonesia
8 of 8 sites in season. Best October to April.
Water 28–29°CIntermediate +MantasMatch 91
Dumaguete and Apo IslandPhilippines
4 of 4 sites in season. Best November to May.
Water 26–27°CIntermediate +TurtlesMatch 90
Revillagigedo (Socorro)Mexico
3 of 3 sites in season. Good November to May.
Water 23–24°CAdvancedMantas, Reef sharksMatch 85
PalauPalau
7 of 7 sites in season. Best November to May.
Water 27–28°CBeginner +Mantas, Reef sharksMatch 81
February, by what you want
Better another month
- Tulamben and Amed: best May to June and October to November; water 28–29°C in February.
- Malta and Gozo: best May to October; water 15°C in February.
- Belize atolls: best April to June; water 26–27°C in February.
- Komodo: best April to December; water 28–29°C in February.
Questions about diving in February
Where is the water warmest in February?
Of our trip bases: Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef (about 29°C), Raja Ampat (about 29°C), Similan Islands (about 29°C), on 1991–2020 averages. Each base page shows the typical range for every month.
Where can a new diver go in February?
The best matches for a beginner diver, counting only beginner sites no deeper than 18 m: Palau, Sipadan and Mabul, Koh Tao. See all for beginners.
How do you rank these places?
By season (our site seasons and the share of calm days), weather, sites for your level and, when you set them, marine life and water temperature. Typical values are 1991–2020 averages and our site seasons. Always check local conditions with your dive centre.