Located 22 miles from the north coast of Honduras, the island of Roatán is little known to many divers, yet it alone deserves a diving trip .  This small island is located in the area of the Bay Islands which includes 3 large islands: Roatán, Guanaja and Utila, 3 small islands and 65 islets.  Roatán is located near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef after Australia.  It was discovered by Christopher Columbus then colonized by different ethnicities and nationalities including French pirates.

Source: Roatan Scuba Diving

Roatán is a paradise for divers, known for its crystal clear waters and colorful reefs.  The vegetation is lush and the beaches are beautifully white.

When is the best time to Scuba dive in Roatan

The temperature on the Bay Islands of Honduras varies very little during the year.  The biggest change is the amount of rain fall.  This is more common between October and December, which corresponds to the rainy season.  However, you will notice that although the amount of rain is high, it does not rain for more than a few hours a day.

The marine life also is stable throughout the year.  The whale sharks are more numerous during the migration period, but some remain throughout the year.

Another note is during the fall, the no-see-ums come out.  No-See-Ums are tiny, biting insects that can be a problem to everyone.  No-See-Ums are just as much of a pest as mosquitoes, so bring bug spray with you if you visit during the fall.

Scuba diving Roatan conditions

The visibility is usually between 80-150 feet, and will tend to decrease during the rainy season.

The temperature of the water averages 78°F in winter and 84°F in summer months.

Source: Scuba Diving in Roatán, Honduras – July 2019 (4K)

The majority of scuba diving around the Bay Islands, called Islas de la Bahia in Spanish, is concentrated on the islands of Roatán and Utila .  These islands have incredible fringing reefs and easy access to the coral reef.  The many shallow reefs, easy access diving and ship wrecks make divers happy.  In addition, the marine life of the region will satisfy any diving photographer, but also the diver who wants to swim among the big fish.

Snorkeling in the Bay Islands, Honduras

The Honduras Bay Islands are surrounded by fringing reefs and beautiful beaches, which means perfect and almost limitless conditions for snorkeling.

Source: Treasures of Roatan – Snorkeling and Freediving on the Reef

Indeed, there are several shallow reefs that are perfect for beginners in snorkeling .  The most experienced snorkelers will find a variety of sites where they can explore the approaches to falling walls.

Wildlife underwater: Fish and Coral

The Honduras Bay Islands have the largest marine biodiversity in the entire Caribbean Sea.  All the species you find in the Caribbean will be here too.  In addition, the proximity of deeper waters, such as the false Cayman, provides nutrient-rich water, and draws large pelagics.

Source: Roatan Marine Park – Update 2017

Diving safety

If you plan to go on a trip to Bay Islands, Honduras, I recommend investing in a good travel insurance that also covers scuba diving.  You never know what can happen and good insurance can get you out of difficult situations.  I recommend this travel insurance because they offer worldwide coverage and cover many risky sports like scuba diving.

So, if you are looking for a relaxing vacation and a great diving experience, with a well-preserved environment, the Honduras Bay Islands are for you.  Enjoy a Caribbean destination that is natural and where local culture is still present.

Reviews about diving Bay Islands, Honduras

The only downside to this great dive destination, which is the Bay Islands in Honduras, is the lack of optional dive cruises.

The south coast of Roatán is also very popular for diving especially for beginners because the corals are closer to the shores and is therefore easier to reach from the beaches of hotels, equipped only with a mask and a snorkel .  One of the best known scuba diving sites is Mary’s Place.  The structure of the reef has a crevice where a multitude of corals, sponges, hypocamps and fish live. Tourists also travel to West Bay , at the western end of Roatán, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, renowned for its clear sand, crystal-clear water, and multicolored seabed.  Most hotels have a dive center and you can get scuba diving certified through a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) scuba diving course at a reasonable good price if you want to learn how to scuba dive.

In addition, the two islands are very little developed, so without big resorts and hotel chains.  The majority of the roads are still dirt roads.  However, Roatán and Utila have everything you need for a great scuba diving vacation.

Source: Scuba Diving In Roatan & Utila Bay Islands Honduras General Information

Although Singapore itself is surrounded by countries with pristine dive spots, such as Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, it also has a lot to offer the adventurous scuba diver.  The island nation may be small, but it comes in big packages, and Singapore’s collection of reefs, islands and wreck dives offer a great experience to scuba dive Singapore for both novice and seasoned divers alike.  It also helps that Singapore is one of the best places to buy great quality diving gear in the region and has many facilities that provide scuba training and easy access to dive courses.  Whether you’re out to find something new or simply lookinmg for a unique dive experience, here are 10 of the best spots to scuba dive Singapore.

1. Palau Hantu

Because of how accessible this dive spot is, many local recreational divers love visiting it, especially during the weekends.  It has a good collection of sheltered reefs, and plenty of marine wildlife to interact with.  It’s only a 30-minute boat ride from mainland Singapore, and is actually made up of two islands, Hantu Kecil and Hantu Besar.  Visitors can actually walk between the two islands during the low tide.

Despite this dive spot being so close to industrial zones, the area remains pristine, and still boasts a good collection of marine wildlide.  Because of its accessibility, however, it may seem crowded during the weekends.  Still, if you’re looking for a quick place to scuba dive Singapore, then this is a good place to go.

2. Sudong Wreck

This wreck is a great place to scuba dive Singapore if you’re into wreck diving.  It’s located in Sudong Island, which is a few miles southwest of Singapore.  Although there’s a lot of debate as to which ship it is, many believe that the wreck is actually HMS Goodwill, a British frigate from the Second World War.

While the wreck itself isn’t too deep, with the deepest end less than 50 feet underwater, the area is known for strong currents and a lot of boat traffic, so being vigilant or having a more experienced diver around is a definite must.

3. Sisters’ Island Marine Park

The Sisters’ Island Marine Park offers a great deal to many divers interested to scuba dive Singapore.  Out of all Singapore’s dive spots, this one is relatively new, having only been opened to the public fairly recently.  This makes plenty of its dive areas relatively pristine compared to the others, with a huge range of marine life in its dive trails.

This marine park is located south of Singapore, on the bigger of the two Sisters Islands.  The current surrounding this area can be a bit strong, so novice divers will need a more experienced diver around to supervise them.

4. Palau Salu

Located south of Jurong Island, Palau Salu itself is a small island that is well-known for the pristine coral formations on its coast.  It’s a popular spot to scuba dive Singapore, with many divers being treated to a good number of marine life, including barracudas, sharks and even dolphins.

The area is known to have very small boat traffic, which is a rarity in a place like Singapore, being a known commercial hub.  Still, this makes access to Palau Salu difficult, and the strong currents in the area can prove problematic to some novice divers.

5. MV Iran Saral

Otherwise known as the Sisters Wreck due to its proximity to the Sisters’ Islands, the MV Iran Saral is a 160-foot freighter of Indonesian origin that offers a good place to dive if you’re into wreck diving.  The ship itself is upside-down, making it a bit difficult to penetrate, through there are areas on the shallow end where you can enter the wreck itself.  The wreck has known to have deteriorated recently, so careful diving is needed when exploring this area.

6. Kusu Island

Despite their pristine beauty, the reefs of Kusu Island are not as well-known as the other spots on this list, making it a great place to scuba dive Singapore if you want a less crowded area to dive in. It’s only 3.5 miles off the coast of Singapore and is actually home to a holiday resort that can serve as your base.  This dive spot is known to have the highest densities of anemones in Singapore and a decent variety of marine life.

7. Ghost Wreck

This wreck is found not far from Palau Hantu and is actually the remnants of a small wooden fishing boat.  Only its wooden beams remain, but it’s a great place to explore, especially on a clear day where you could see the entirety of the wreck in all its glory.  The area itself has a good collection of wildlife, including schools of pipefish, pufferfish, pomfrets and many more.  If you have a compass with you, you can easily navigate through this wreck and explore the reef close by as well.

8. Labrador Reef

Labrador Reef is one of the last coral reefs found on mainland Singapore, and is a popular site amongst the locals, especially students and nature lovers, aside from recreational divers of course. Located south of mainland Singapore, this reef is actually part of a nature preserve, so diving here will need the right kinds of permits, and although dives are conducted here, actual training dives aren’t.  This area is teaming with marine life and is a great place to explore and scuba dive Singapore if you’re a novice diver.

9. Palau Jong

Palau Jong is a small island located about 4 miles off the southern coast of Singapore and is actually home to marine life that is rarely seen elsewhere in the country.  This dive spot is home to black-tip sharks, many schools of parrotfishes, and more recently, pipefish as well.  The island is rarely visited despite its proximity to the mainland, so if you want to scuba dive Singapore without needing to deal with huge crowds, then Palau Jong is a great place to start.

10. Palau Aur

Another popular spot to scuba dive Singapore is Palau Aur.  Though this place is actually part of Johor Marine Park in Malaysia, it’s position northeast of Singapore makes it easily accessible from the mainland itself.  This rocky island is home to many healthy coral and an abundant variety of fish life.  If you’re lucky and if the weather permits, you may also encounter manta rays and whale sharks.

Singapore is a spectacular holiday destination and something of a diving Mecca ideally located at the confluence of the Pacific and Indian oceans.  For most diving adventurers though, the question uppermost on their minds is usually “when is the best time to scuba dive in Singapore?”  In this guide we will answer this and other questions to help you get the most of your diving getaway in this idyllic tropical getaway.

Your Scuba Diving Singapore Itinerary: When is the Best Time?

Source: Best Time to Visit Singapore | Singapore Travel

Singapore is located some 85 miles north of the equator and is therefore enjoys a balmy tropical weather all year round.  While the monsoon winds bring plenty of rain from around December to March each year, such inclement weather is barely an excuse for diving aficionados to go out and have a go at the waves offshore.  It is therefore safe to conclude that as scuba diving destinations go, Singapore is ideal to head off to pretty much all-year round.

If your objective is to see the spectacular marine life teeming in the offshore reefs as you scuba dive, then the monsoon period may not be ideal.  Instead, try to make your trip between April and June when the corals and the adjoining marine habitats come into full bloom.  There are also excellent diving opportunities in October and November when the weather is much sunnier.

Best Scuba Diving Spots in Singapore

Source: PADI – Diving in Singapore

Having dealt with the question of when is the best time to scuba die in Singapore, it is time to take a look at which are the best scuba diving Singapore locations.

1. Pulau Hantu

Source: Diving Pulau Hantu Singapore

Pulau Hantu is easily the most popular site for scuba diving Singapore tours and with good reason too.  It enjoys an abundance of both hard and soft corals, each populated with plenty of macro marine lifeforms especially the spectacularly colorful nudibranch mollusks popularly known as marigold dragons.

At low tide, you can even take a walk between the two islands which designate this marine habitat: Hantu Kecil and Hantu Besar.  At high tide, the chances of witnessing sharks and marine turtles increase considerably.

Owing to its easily accessible nature, Pulau Hantu is often teeming with visitors on weekends and throughout the holiday season. However, only a small fraction of the visitors are likely to be interested in scuba diving.

2. Pulau Jong

Located about 5 miles off the coast of Singapore, Pulau Jong is a tiny conical island which wouldn’t seem to hold much promise for the avid scuba diver.  However, it is surrounded by some marvelous reefs and a motley collection of marine animals.  It is also adequately far from the shore to guarantee you no crowds even at the height of the tourism season.  The waters around Pulau Jong are however likely to be choppy around the monsoon season and the strong currents are often too dangerous for diving.

Due to its remoteness and relative size, there are no ferries to take you to Pulau Jong.  You have to rely on a charter boat or ride along in a scuba diving group tour to the island.  But once there you will be impressed by the diversity of life including black-tip sharks and schools of parrotfishes which you are unlikely to find in waters closer to Singapore’s mainland.

3. Kusu Island

Kusu Island is in many ways very similar to Pulau Hantu. Admittedly, it does not have the same richness of diversity of marine life and it is much further offshore than Pulau Hantu though. However, it is much less crowded and offers the consummate scuba diver plenty of opportunities to enjoy marine life in their pristine natural environment.  It is known for having the richest density of sea anemones anemonefishes in and around Singapore.

Kusu Island is located some 5 miles off the shores of Singapore and there is a modern holiday resort covering some nine hectares of land on the island.  You can head off to the island on the specialty scuba diving boat tours or take a ferry.  Ferries from Marina Bay’s south pier to Kusu Island depart almost by the hour.

Source: List of Islands in Singapore

If you are looking for a great scuba diving destination, Singapore offers a variety of spectacular locations around its balmy tropical waters.  While there may be times when bad weather makes it hard to dive offshore, there are opportunities to scuba dive in and around Singapore around the year.  For both avid scuba divers and the occasional adventure seeker, the experience will be one to savor.

Thailand is known as the “Land of a Thousand Smiles” and there are some good reasons for this statement.  Tourists are simply amazed by the versatility of this country, especially when it comes to diving possibilities.  You should definitely come here to explore some of the top 10 scuba dives in Thailand.  All of these places are special and it is your turn to find out why these are the best scuba dive Thailand spots.

1. Koh Tao

All the beginners and advanced divers will find something interesting on the island of Koh Tao.  Many opportunities are possible thanks to the Gulf of Thailand where the island is located.  Warm waters create ideal conditions to see colorful reef fish all around the place.  At the same time, you will be amazed by whale sharks and eagle rays that are coming here for food and spawning.

Koh Tao has magnificent coral gardens, artificial reefs, limestone formations, and shallow bays.  You will have time to explore the full potential of this island because the place has 25 different spots for different divers.  All of these spots are accessible only by a boat, so make sure that you book a liveaboard trip before you come to this island.

2. Koh Samui

If you are looking for the top Asian destination for your vacation, Koh Samui is one of them.  So many people are coming here to enjoy beautiful seas and explore the great scuba dive Thailand spots.  In one of the diving adventures, you can see curious batfish, parrotfish, and barracuda.  Whale sharks and green turtles are also there to complete the pleasure.  The best season to see dolphins is during March and April.

Koh Samui is not a diving spot only.  It is also a vibrant community where so many exciting events create a phenomenal atmosphere.  Between two diving trips, search around for white sandy beaches, traditional street food or luxury spas.  You’ll find them all on the island with a tropical climate and amazing natural potential.

3. Koh Lipe

This diving spot is further than any other spot in Thailand, but trust the people who’ve already been there.  The trip is worth the effort.  Koh Lipe is very close to the Malaysian border where the waters are so rich that national governments included this area into Tarutao National Marine Park.  You will be miles away and you’ll need at least 25 minutes by boat to get to the diving spots of Koh Lipe.  Once you are there, you will enjoy all the beauty of the rich marine life.

Rocky formations, boulders, and pinnacles are part of Koh Lipe reefs where you can find some of the most amazing species.  Leopard sharks, eagle rays, groupers, and interesting critters are part of life here.  If you go south of Koh Lipe, you’ll find 8 Mile Rock which is a magnet for amazing whale sharks and manta rays.  The whole group of 20 different dive sites makes Koh Lipe one of the top 10 scuba dive Thailand spots.

4. Pattaya

Wreck diving is best in Pattaya, the place with a huge background.  Here is the place with some of the most unique spots in Thailand.  An American ship from World War Two was sunk here for the purpose of creating an artificial reef.  It all happened in 2006 when Pattaya become popular for wreck diving.  By the current date, Pattaya has remained to be the number one spot for divers who want to explore different wrecks and underwater constructions as part of scuba dive Thailand options.

It is not everything you can see here.  Some amazing lionfish, stingrays, and colorful reef fish will pass by as you try to see what secrets are hidden under the water.  One of the ships has been there for more than 60 years and it lies at 100 feet and it is over 210 feet long.  It is the Hardeep, the ship that has become known for a huge underwater diversity.  You can easily find many exciting species here, like crabs, groupers and numerous batfish.  The pleasure is complete on this wreck diving adventure in Pattaya.

5. Ranong

If you like to be the only diver around, check out this place.  Ranong is the capital of the province on the west coast of Thailand.  It is very close to Myanmar and you can easily cross the border while diving.  Marine life is not that rich in comparison to other spots, but you could have some unforgettable moments here.

Night diving is especially interesting.  You can see some strange looking creatures, like frogfish and guitarfish.  These are incredibly interesting to explore around the place.

Ranong is not only a scuba dive Thailand spot.  It is also the wettest region of the entire country.  This is visible in rich vegetation and the jungle that invite all the visitors to see this area.  When you want to take a break from diving, you can go for a trip around the pace and see the land life of this amazing region.  Ranong is great for divers who want privacy and some kind of lonely-adventure experience.

6. Similan islands

All of the nine islands of the Similan Islands are attractive for the divers from all around the world.  They all come to see how the waters perfectly correspond to weather in order to create great marine life.

You can go to the islands by a liveaboard boat and that is the only way to see the underwater creatures here.  The trip will be interesting, especially if you like coral reefs that are pulsating in life and diversity.  Some barracuda, snapper or shrimp will swim beside you and these will be there to welcome you every time you are on the Similan Islands.

For those lovers of seahorse, pipefish or nudibranch, the islands offer some great excitement.  You should be there in the specific periods of the year to see sharks.  These periods are from November to May.  Sharks come here in large groups, and it’s the perfect place to spot them.

Besides scuba dive Thailand spots, you can also enjoy birds as the islands are the place for the best bird spotting.

7. Krabi

Krabi is perfect for divers who like diversity.  You can equally enjoy in caverns as well as slopes and walls.  These natural beauties are full of sea snakes and hawksbill turtles that you cannot see anywhere else. Exotic creatures are part of the west coast of southern Thailand where Krabi is located.  Cliffs and offshore tropical islands give some kind of unique experience of scuba dive Thailand.

Local spots can be easily reached by a local longtail boat that is a version of a wooden boat with a propeller at the end.  This kind of trip will offer you opportunities to see butterfly fish, shrimps, and many other colorful creatures.  You will also enjoy a trip to the near Bida Nai where many lionfish and reef sharks can be seen.  Different spots on Krabi are full of wrecks and reefs that offer some great diving possibilities.

8. Koh Chang

Will you travel to Thailand with your kids?  If this is your case, there are many wonders you can see on Koh Chang.  This scuba dive Thailand spot is very shallow, and as such, it is perfect for kids and beginners in diving.  Despite shallow waters, you can still enjoy some of the wonderful creatures under the water.  Stingrays, stone fish and many turtles are part of the place where your whole family can enjoy.

Koh Chang is not popular for diving only.  This place is also diversity heaven with many rainforests and wildlife species that complement the natural attractions here.  You will be thrilled to see how natural ambiance can change your vacation in the best manner.

9. Koh Lanta

Crystal clear waters will leave you speechless when you are in Koh Lanta, one of the numerous islands on the west coast of Thailand.  Although it is not fully developed, the island offers some great advantages when it comes to coastal diving.  Scuba diving in Thailand here is best known for stunning walls and caverns that attract a very rich marine life.

If you go to explore the place, you will have opportunities to see hordes of lionfish and some exotic grey reef sharks.  At the same time, many needlefish and colorful damselfish are also part of the experience.

Scuba dive Thailand adventures do not end here.  In Koh Lanta, you will be able to see the King Cruiser Wreck with the shallowest point at 40 feet under the surface.  This is the home of some beautiful corals and sea creatures.  Artificial reefs are the best places to see how marine life expands its beauty all around the wreck.

10. Phuket

The most southern scuba dive Thailand sites are some of the most interesting sites in Thailand.  Phuket is the place of mostly shallow dives where beginners will find their perfect ambiance.  You’ll find your favorite octopus, scorpionfish and manta rays here.  If you want to go a little bit deeper, you will find Koh Dok Mai, which is a superior wall and drift dive where you can spot baby sharks from November to April.

There is a right time and the right season for everything, and that’s especially true when you’re out scuba diving.  There’s generally no one right answer to this one, as it all depends on where you are, and what you intend to do on your diving trip.  For now, however, let’s look into when the best time is to go scuba diving Thailand.

Thailand has a lot to offer the adventurous diver, from the Similan Islands, to the waters surrounding Koh Samui in the gulf.  If you want to go scuba diving Thailand, however, you’ll not only need to know where the good spots are, but also when the best time is to make the most out of your trip.  You may want to see the fabled whale sharks, so you’ll need to adjust your schedule when you’re most likely to see them, or you may be on a budget, so going to a certain spot when there are fewer tourists and the accommodations are cheaper is something you’d want.

There are a lot of factors to consider, so let’s dive into it.  We’ll be listing the most popular sites to dive into individually and tell you when the most optimal time is to visit them.

1. Surin Islands

This diving spot are one of the most remote places to go to for scuba diving Thailand.  This long stretch of islands located in the Thai province of Phang Nga is about 37 miles off the coast and is considered to be one of the best in the world to go diving and snorkeling.  Its crystal-clear waters make it a great area to dive in, and one of the quietest, given that its distance from the mainland means that not many people visit these islands.

It has a vast reef network that has remained untouched for years, with diverse corals that make any experience scuba diving Thailand.  The best time of the year to visit the Surin Islands is on February to April, when it’s almost a guarantee to meet a whale shark.

2. Phuket

Phuket is one of the southern provinces of Thailand and is the largest island in the country.  There are a good number of diving spots in and around the area, most notable of which is the King Cruiser wreck, a ship that once crashed into the Anemone reef, and has provided a good spot for scuba diving Thailand.  The wreck itself is about 270 feet long, and 100 feet at its widest, with both its interior and exterior providing good spots to explore.

Another great spot to dive into is the Shark Point, located on the eastern coast of Phuket.  The place itself is home to many Leopard Sharks, which are generally very timid and submissive.  When scuba diving in Thailand, it’s certainly a great place to explore.

Phuket is generally a good place to visit between the months of November to April, when the weather is at its calmest, and the seas aren’t too rough.

3. Koh Samui

Scuba diving Thailand wouldn’t be complete without visiting Koh Samui.  Part of the Chumphon Archipelago, Koh Samui is also known for its thriving nightlife, aside from its pristine diving spots. Dive centers on the island generally take you to Koh Phangan and Kho Tao, where the overhead boat and jet ski traffic is the least troublesome.

Because of its popularity, it may not be a good idea to visit this area during the peak season of November to April.  March to September is the best time to visit, as not only are there fewer tourists around, it’s also very likely to get sightings of both whale sharks and green sea turtles in the area.

4. Koh Lanta

The island of Koh Lanta is situated in Phang Nga Bay, and is known for its calmer, quieter ambience compared to its neighbors.  This is where you can find two of the most famous spots for scuba diving Thailand: Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.  Both these spots are known for the soft coral walls and numerous other marine animals thrive here, giving divers a unique experience.

Both Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are perfect to visit between November and April, when the soft corals are at their most vibrant, and when the seas are the calmest.