The Best Diving in July: Discover Your Next Unforgettable Dive Destination

July 7, 2023

Dive sites offering the best diving in July bring unparalleled opportunities for scuba divers to experience thrilling underwater adventures. From encountering thresher sharks off of Cebu Island to exploring the pristine reefs of Palawan and the untouched beauty of the Andaman Islands, get ready to make unforgettable diving memories this summer.

SSI’s top picks for the best diving in July:

1.Cebu Island, Philippines

Cebu Island is world-famous for thrilling thresher shark encounters and colorful reefs. This diver’s paradise is located right in the center of the Philippines. It is a favorite amongst divers thanks to vibrant coral gardens, crystal-clear water, pristine white sand beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere.

December through June is Cebu’s high season, making July an excellent time to visit – when there are fewer tourists and the weather is still relatively dry and warm. Although several top-side adventures draw tourists here year after year, scuba divers have the unique opportunity to witness one of Earth’s most powerful creatures up close and personal. July is one of the best months to observe thresher sharks as they visit cleaning stations on Monad Shoal. The clear waters and calm conditions during this month provide excellent visibility, allowing for awe-inspiring thresher shark encounters. Additionally, the island’s diverse marine ecosystem offers a stunning array of colorful coral formations, making it an ideal destination for underwater photography and exploring the wonders of macro marine life. Learn more about diving on Cebu Island hereat SSI’s MyDiveGuide.

2. Andaman Islands, India

The Andaman Islands, situated in the Bay of Bengal, is a hidden gem for diving enthusiasts seeking untouched coral reefs and extraordinary marine life encounters. This archipelago is famous for its roughly 300 palm-filled islands covered with white-sand beaches, mangroves, and rainforests. This union territory of India is a peaceful escape for divers and non-divers alike; however, exploring the marvels of the underwater world here is not to be missed.

In the summer, the calm waters of the Andaman Sea provide the ideal conditions for exploring the vibrant reefs surrounding the islands, making it home to some of the best diving in July. Dive sites like Havelock Island, Neil Island, and Cinque Island offer a breathtaking array of hard and soft corals, attracting diverse marine species such as colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and even the elusive dugongs. The Andaman Islands’ remote location and relatively unexplored dive sites make it a haven for those seeking pristine underwater environments and unique diving adventures. Check out all that diving the Andaman Islands has to offer on SSI’s MyDiveGuide here.

3. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Raja Ampat, located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, is a paradise for divers seeking untouched marine ecosystems. A tropical archipelago promising paradisiacal scenes like jungle-clad islands and ribbons of white sand, Raja Ampat is known as one of the best places for diving in Indonesia. Raja Ampat is made up of 1,500 small islands with pristine coral reefs and some of the most biodiverse waters in the world (75 percent of the world’s known coral species). Yes, Raja Ampat is Indonesia’s dream dive destination.

This archipelago dazzles divers in July with its stunning coral reefs, warm waters, and exceptional biodiversity. Dive sites like Mayhem, Mansuar, and Sauwandarekshowcase an incredible variety of coral species, abundant fish life, and the chance to encounter graceful manta rays and rare species such as pygmy seahorses. July brings calm seas and excellent visibility to this remote Indonesian haven, providing optimal conditions for diving enthusiasts. Learn more about why Raja Ampat has the best diving in July here on SSI’s MyDiveGuide.

4. Socorro Islands, Mexico

The Socorro Islands, situated in the eastern Pacific Ocean, offer divers the opportunity to witness impressive pelagic encounters. Known as the "Mexican Galapagos," these volcanic islands are home to giant oceanic mantas, humpback whales, dolphins, and various shark species, including hammerheads and silky sharks.

Summer offers favorable diving conditions, with excellent visibility and mild water temperatures. However, July is bait ball season in the Socorro Islands, making it one of the best times to dive here. Although they are present here year-round, manta rays congregate in large numbers to feed amongst the huge bait balls. It is a spectacular sight to see. Exploring the underwater world of Socorro Islands is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the marine wonders that inhabit these remote waters. Learn more about diving the Socorro Islands here.

5. Palawan, Philippines

Palawan, often referred to as the "wild west" of the Philippines due to its location and remoteness, is a tropical paradise that boasts a rich diversity of marine life and world-class dive sites. Palawan offers exceptional diving conditions in July, with calm seas, warm waters, and superb visibility. Divers can explore the enchanting Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its pristine coral reefs and remarkable biodiversity.

With crystal-clear visibility, divers can marvel at vibrant coral gardens, encounter reef sharks and sea turtles, and immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. Palawan’s captivating dive sites, including Barracuda Lake and El Nido’s Bacuit Bay, offer a unique blend of limestone formations, vibrant marine life, and intriguing underwater landscapes, making it a destination that never fails to mesmerize. Explore all that diving Palawan has to offer here at SSI’s MyDiveGuide.

6. Sodwana Bay, South Africa

Sodwana Bay, located on the northeastern coast of South Africa, is a hidden gem that boasts vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine biodiversity. In July divers can expect clear waters, warm temperatures, and encounters with a rich array of marine species. The protected reefs of Sodwana Bay are teeming with colorful tropical fish, turtles, rays, and even the occasional sighting of dolphins and whale sharks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Sodwana Bay offers a unique and rewarding diving experience. Learn more about diving in South Africa here.

July presents an incredible array of world-class dive destinations that offer unforgettable underwater experiences. From encountering thresher sharks in Cebu Island and exploring the pristine reefs of Palawan and the Andaman Islands, to marveling at the marine biodiversity of Raja Ampat, Socorro Islands, and Sodwana Bay, each location showcases the beauty and diversity of the underwater world.

As you plan your diving adventures in July, consider these remarkable destinations that promise incredible encounters with marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine underwater environments. Remember to dive responsibly, respect the marine ecosystem, and have fun!

Whether you’re seeking thrilling encounters, breathtaking reefs, or untouched beauty, these dive locations offer the best diving in July that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.