Best Places to Scuba Dive in March

March marks coral spawning season in the Caribbean and the final peak months for Sipadan and Tubbataha before their seasons close. The Red Sea warms toward 23-25°C with superb visibility. Raja Ampat remains excellent, though the season begins to taper in late March. This is a shoulder month in much of Asia — fewer crowds with conditions still close to peak. Whale shark season is building in the Philippines and the Maldives, while hammerhead action continues in the Galapagos.

Marine Life in March

What you're most likely to encounter this month worldwide

M

Manta rays

Peak encounter season

W

Whale sharks

Peak encounter season

S

Spawning corals

Peak encounter season

Best Destinations by Region

Where to go in March, organized by continent

Asia-Pacific (7 destinations)

4.9

Raja Ampat

Indonesia — Vis 30m — Intermediate

4.8

Tubbataha Reefs

Philippines — Vis 35m — Intermediate

4.7

Maldives

Maldives — Vis 35m — Beginner

4.5

Malapascua

Philippines — Vis 20m — Intermediate

4.5

Wakatobi

Indonesia — Vis 30m — Beginner

4.4

Anilao

Philippines — Vis 15m — Beginner

4.3

Similan Islands

Thailand — Vis 25m — Beginner

Africa & Middle East (1 destinations)

4.3

Ras Mohammed

Egypt — Vis 35m — Beginner

North America & Caribbean (3 destinations)

4.6

Bonaire

Bonaire — Vis 25m — Beginner

4.4

Belize Barrier Reef

Belize — Vis 25m — Beginner

4.3

Cozumel

Mexico — Vis 30m — Beginner

Oceania (3 destinations)

4.8

Palau

Palau — Vis 30m — Intermediate

4.7

Chuuk Lagoon

Micronesia — Vis 25m — Advanced

4.4

Poor Knights Islands

New Zealand — Vis 25m — Intermediate

March at a Glance

Best destinations this month vs destinations to avoid

Best This Month (14)

Raja Ampat Indonesia — ★4.9 Palau Palau — ★4.8 Tubbataha Reefs Philippines — ★4.8 Chuuk Lagoon Micronesia — ★4.7 Maldives Maldives — ★4.7 Bonaire Bonaire — ★4.6 Malapascua Philippines — ★4.5 Wakatobi Indonesia — ★4.5 Anilao Philippines — ★4.4 Belize Barrier Reef Belize — ★4.4 Poor Knights Islands New Zealand — ★4.4 Cozumel Mexico — ★4.3 Ras Mohammed Egypt — ★4.3 Similan Islands Thailand — ★4.3

Avoid This Month (13)

Galapagos Islands Ecuador — ★4.9 Cocos Island Costa Rica — ★4.8 Komodo National Park Indonesia — ★4.8 Fernando de Noronha Brazil — ★4.7 Rangiroa French Polynesia — ★4.7 Sipadan Malaysia — ★4.7 Kimbe Bay Papua New Guinea — ★4.6 Lembeh Strait Indonesia — ★4.6 Fiji Fiji — ★4.5 Great Barrier Reef Australia — ★4.5 Azores Portugal — ★4.3 Bali Indonesia — ★4.2 Silfra Fissure Iceland — ★4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best scuba diving in March?

Coral spawning season in the Caribbean. Sipadan and Tubbataha at their prime.

What marine life can I see in March?

In March, divers can commonly encounter: Manta rays, Whale sharks, Spawning corals. Specific encounters depend on the destination and local conditions.

Should I avoid any dive destinations in March?

Yes — 13 destinations in our database are outside their best season in March. These include Galapagos Islands, Cocos Island, Komodo National Park, Fernando de Noronha, Rangiroa. Visibility and conditions may be below peak, but many sites remain diveable year-round.