Where to dive in March
March is an overlap month: Raja Ampat, Palau, Truk Lagoon, the Maldives and the Similan Islands are all in season, and Koh Tao's season begins. Mantas are reliable at Raja Ampat, Komodo and Socorro. Cozumel and Sharm el-Sheikh move into good months, though the Red Sea is still only 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 MarchTop 7 places for March
Similan IslandsThailand
4 of 4 sites in season. Best December to April.
Water 28–29°CIntermediate +Mantas likelyMatch 97
Ari AtollMaldives
3 of 3 sites in season. Best November to April.
Water 28–29°CIntermediate +Reef sharksMatch 96
Koh TaoThailand
3 of 3 sites in season. Best March to September.
Water 28–29°CBeginner +Reef sharks likelyMatch 96
Dumaguete and Apo IslandPhilippines
4 of 4 sites in season. Best November to May.
Water 27°CIntermediate +TurtlesMatch 92
Raja AmpatIndonesia
8 of 8 sites in season. Best October to April.
Water 29°CIntermediate +MantasMatch 91
Sharm el-SheikhEgypt
3 of 4 sites in season. Best March to November.
Water 22–23°CIntermediate +Reef sharks likelyMatch 89
March, by what you want
Mantas
See the full rankingBetter another month
- Belize atolls: best April to June; water 26–27°C in March.
- Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef: best November; water 28–29°C in March.
- Bunaken and Lembeh: best April to November; water 28–29°C in March.
- Malta and Gozo: best May to October; water 15°C in March.
Questions about diving in March
Where is the water warmest in March?
Of our trip bases: Similan Islands (about 29°C), Ari Atoll (about 29°C), Raja Ampat (about 29°C), on 1991–2020 averages. Each base page shows the typical range for every month.
Where can a new diver go in March?
The best matches for a beginner diver, counting only beginner sites no deeper than 18 m: Koh Tao, Palau, Sipadan and Mabul. 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.