Are you planning to dive in December? As the holiday season approaches, many divers use this opportunity to spend their holidays diving in some of the best diving destinations in the world.
Luckily, in many parts of the world, December can be a great time to dive, with calm waters, great visibility, as well as chances to see unique marine creatures. Whether you’re chasing manta rays in the Pacific or exploring coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, December promises unforgettable scuba adventures!
Top Destinations for December Diving
So what are the best places to scuba dive in December? Let’s take a look at this list to find a list of the best December dive destinations!
1. Palau
Palau, Micronesia, is one of the best places to dive in December. In fact, this month is considered to be the peak diving season in Palau. The water is typically calm, with minimal rain and great visibility, and it can reach up to 40 meters in some areas.
In addition, December is also the right time to encounter large numbers of manta rays as well as other unique marine life such as sharks, hawksbill turtles, and barracuda.
To get the best diving experience in Palau, head to its best diving locations, including the German Channel, Blue Corner, and Ulong Channel.
2. Maldives
December marks the beginning of the dry season in Maldives, bringing in pleasant temperatures, clear weather, calm seas, and excellent visibility. The water temperature is warm, with great visibility and rich nutrients. This means you’ll have a greater chance to spot various sea creatures, from hammerhead and tiger sharks to manta rays.
To get the best Maldives diving experience, head to Baa Atoll or Hanifaru Bay to spot these creatures and feast your eyes on the sight of healthy, vibrant coral reefs. What’s more, December is the peak season for humpback whale sightings in the Maldives, making your end-of-year diving experience even more memorable!
3. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
With its healthy hard and soft corals, pristine waters, and diverse marine life, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, can be a great place to dive in December and spend your holiday. During this month, you may experience some rain showers from time to time, but worry not, because December is considered to be the best time to dive in Raja Ampat.
Like Palau, this month is an excellent time to encounter manta rays, particularly in spots like Manta Ridge and Manta Sandy. You’ll also have the chance to see wobbegong sharks, pygmy seahorses, green sea turtles, and, if you’re lucky, you can also encounter whale sharks!
4. The Caribbean
December offers incredible diving experiences in the Caribbean. It marks the transition from the hurricane season to the dry season, so the seas are much calmer and the weather is more stable. Because of this, you’ll have a better opportunity to enjoy what the region has to offer.
Be prepared to be amazed by the Caribbean’s beautiful coral gardens, home to various reef fish, and sea turtles like the green sea turtles and leatherback turtles, as well as reef sharks, rays, and dolphins.
5. Anilao, The Philippines
Anilao, the Philippines, is known for its clear waters and macro life. It’s also known to have the perfect condition for a dive in December. You can expect sunny weather and warm water temperatures, as well as ample opportunities for underwater photography, as this region is home to various nudibranchs, frogfish, seahorses, and many other fascinating critters.
You can also spot larger species like sharks, rays, and school of jacks during your dive, making it a great all-rounder destination for scuba diving.
Unique Dive Experiences in December
1. Marine Life to See in December
In December, you’ll have the chance to spot various unique sea creatures. These range from the gentle manta rays to whale sharks and even humpback whales, creatures that often migrate through regions like the Caribbean and the Maldives.
2. Night Diving Adventures
December is also a great time for night diving, a fun experience when you get to see a different, new perspective of the underwater world. Many marine species are nocturnal, so you’ll get the chance to see creatures like octopuses, lobsters, and bioluminescent plankton that you won’t encounter easily during the day. Some great locations for night diving include Cozumel or the Maldives.
3. Best Wreck Diving Spots in December
If you enjoy wreck-diving, December offers the best conditions for diving in some locations. For example, in the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean, which is home to the famous USS Kittiwake, or in the Chuuk Lagoon in Micronesia, home to many sunken WWII ships.
4. Try Drift Diving
For a more adrenaline-pumping experience, try drift diving in December! Experience the thrill of feeling the underwater currents carry you along the ocean, which offers a different kind of adventure for many divers.
If you’re interested, the Maldives is the top destination for this type of diving, particularly the channels between the atolls. The Blue Corner in Palau is also a great spot!
Weather and Water Conditions for December Diving
December can be a great time to dive in several parts of the world. However, depending on your location, you might find slight differences in terms of weather and water conditions.
Tropical Destination
If you’re planning to go to a tropical destination for your dive trip (the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, parts of the Pacific), December typically marks the start of the dry season, which makes it ideal for diving. Due to this, you can expect warm water temperatures, calm seas, and clear visibility during your dive.
Cooler Waters
On the other hand, if you’re more interested in going to the Red Sea or certain parts of the Mediterranean, you can typically expect cooler water temperatures in December, so best prepare a full wetsuit!
Tips for Planning a December Diving Trip
1. Packing List
Ready to ditch the winter blues and dive into the blue ocean instead? Before you go, make sure you’ve already packed everything you need into your suitcase. Of course, depending on your destination, you might need different things to bring.
In general, you’ll want to bring your own diving gear like a mask, snorkel, fins, and underwater camera. If you’re planning to go somewhere with cooler waters, bringing a full 3mm to 5mm wetsuit can also be a good idea.
Be sure to pack your clothes accordingly. If your destination is a tropical country, you might need to bring loose, breathable clothing. Last but not least, don’t forget to bring reef-safe sunscreen so you won’t damage the marine ecosystem!
To ensure you don’t miss anything, check out our Ultimate Liveaboard Packing List!
2. Book in Advance
As December marks the end of the year, along with Christmas and New Year, it’s become a popular holiday season across the world. Because of this, it’s wise to plan and book your travel in advance. This includes the travel ticket, accommodation, diving packages, or other tours you might be interested in taking at your destination.
3. Check Local Dive Conditions
Don’t forget to double-check the dive conditions in your destination to make sure you get the best experience. This includes seasonal marine life that might appear in the region (like manta season in Palau or humpback whale season in the Caribbean). You’re also recommended to check the weather patterns, as December may bring rain and strong winds in some regions.
4. Liveaboard vs Resort Diving Options
When it comes to choosing the right accommodation for a diving trip, you generally have two options: a liveaboard or a diving resort. Of course, both have different benefits.
A liveaboard typically offers convenience and easier access to many diving locations, including remote ones, so you can explore multiple dive times without having to make the trip back to the shore.
On the other hand, a diving resort offers a more relaxed vibe with more land-based amenities. It’s also a great choice if you’re going to travel with non-divers or family members.
Plan Your December Dive with Solitude World Liveaboard and Resorts!
Ready to book your December dive trip? Come join us at the Solitude World’s Liveaboard and Resorts! We have liveaboards that can take you to Indonesia, Palau, and the Philippines, as well as resorts in Lembeh, Indonesia, and Anilao, the Philippines.
Whatever it is you seek, whether it’s the adventure that comes with a liveaboard, or a blend of diving and relaxation in resorts, you can get it all with Solitude World!
What are you waiting for? Book your next diving adventure with us here today!