Where to Dive in February: 9 Best Destinations

DUNE Black Manta liveaboard anchored over a coral reef in the Maldives — DUNE Black Manta anchored over the reef in the Maldives — photo courtesy of DUNE Black Manta.

The best places to dive in February are the Maldives (among the driest and calmest months, with whale sharks and mantas), Raja Ampat (in season until April), Thailand's Andaman Sea, and the Philippines, where the dry season is well established. Southern Komodo still offers manta rays in the rainy season, and Mexico and Belize are the best Caribbean options.

February is dry season across most of the popular Asian and Indian Ocean destinations, with calm seas and warm water. It is also still winter in the Northern Hemisphere, so the Red Sea and the Atlantic are at their coolest. Chinese New Year and school half-terms can push prices and demand up in some markets, so book early.

February Dive Destinations at a Glance

Destination	Why February	Water temp (°C)	Visibility	Level	Book
Maldives	Dry, calm season; whale sharks, mantas, channel sharks	28–29	25–30 m	All levels; advanced for channels	Maldives diving, Dhigurah, Fuvahmulah
Raja Ampat, Indonesia	Season runs to April; calm seas and rich fish life	28–30	15–30 m	Intermediate	Raja Ampat liveaboards
Thailand: Andaman Sea and Koh Tao	Dry season on both coasts; calm water	27–29	15–30 m	All levels	Koh Tao, Krabi
Cebu, Philippines	Dry season; Moalboal sardines and turtles	26–28	15–30 m	All levels	Cebu diving, Philippines
Southern Komodo, Indonesia	Rainy season; Manta Alley and southern sites in season	26–28	10–25 m	Intermediate to advanced	Komodo diving
Red Sea, Egypt	Coolest water; quiet reefs and good visibility	21–24	25–40 m	All levels; cold-water gear	Dahab, Marsa Alam
Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and cenotes, Mexico	Dry season; bull sharks off Playa del Carmen; cenotes	25–27	25–30+ m	All levels	Playa del Carmen
Belize	Dry season; Great Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef	26–28	20–30 m	Open Water+	Belize liveaboards
Tenerife, Canary Islands	Winter diving in Europe; rays and volcanic reefs	18–20	15–30 m	All levels	Tenerife diving

Water temperatures and visibility are typical ranges and vary by site and year.

Maldives in February

February is part of the northeast monsoon, so the weather is dry and the sea is generally calm. Whale sharks can be seen year-round in South Ari Atoll, and mantas, eagle rays and reef sharks are common on the channel dives. Dhigurah makes a good base for South Ari, and Fuvahmulah is known for tiger sharks. The Maldives season guide covers the month-by-month detail.

Raja Ampat in February

February is within the October to April season. Seas are generally calm, which suits long liveaboard itineraries across the islands. Expect mantas, walls full of fish and strong macro diving. Read the Raja Ampat season guide.

Thailand in February

Both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are dry and calm. Koh Tao is a classic place to learn to dive, while the Andaman coast (Krabi, Phi Phi, Similan Islands) offers bigger fish and a longer boat ride to the sites. See the Thailand dive guide and the Koh Tao guide.

The Philippines in February

February is deep in the dry season. The Moalboal sardine run and sea turtles are easy to reach from Cebu, and the island can be combined with other Visayan islands. Seasonal whale shark sites exist in the Philippines, and responsible operators follow strict distance rules. See dive spots in the Philippines.

Scuba diver swimming beside the Moalboal sardine bait ball, Cebu, Philippines — The Moalboal sardine run, a swirling bait ball just off Panagsama Beach, Cebu — photo courtesy of Amigos Dive Center.

Southern Komodo in February

The rainy season continues, and the north of the park can be choppy. The southern sites, including Manta Alley, remain good for manta rays. Fewer liveaboards work Komodo at this time of year, while day trips from Labuan Bajo run year-round. See the Komodo season guide.

Red Sea in February

The Red Sea is cooler in February, with water at roughly 21–24°C, so bring a thick wetsuit or a drysuit. You will find fewer boats at the sites and often very clear water. Shore diving in Dahab and boat diving around Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam all continue. See the Red Sea season guide.

Mexico in February

The Riviera Maya is dry. Bull sharks can be seen off Playa del Carmen from around November to March, and the cenotes are available all year at a steady temperature. Cozumel offers gentle drift diving, though winter northerly winds can occasionally cancel boat dives. See the cenote dive guide and Mexico dive spots.

Divers descending through shafts of sunlight into a cenote cavern near Playa del Carmen — Sunlight streaming into a cenote cavern in the Riviera Maya — photo courtesy of A. c. divers.

Belize in February

The dry season is in full swing, with calm conditions for the Great Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef. See dive spots in Belize and the Caribbean liveaboard guide.

Tenerife in February

February is the coolest month in the Canary Islands, with water around 18–20°C, so a 7 mm wetsuit or a semi-dry suit is standard. Dive centers still run daily boats. See dive spots in Tenerife.

Liveaboards in February

A February liveaboard works best in these regions:

Maldives: dry, calm season with multi-atoll itineraries. Browse Maldives liveaboards.
Raja Ampat: in season until April. Browse Raja Ampat liveaboards.
Red Sea: coolest water, quiet sites. Browse Red Sea liveaboards.
Belize: dry-season trips to the Great Blue Hole. Browse Belize liveaboards.

Be Underwater is a marketplace: trip pages list dates, cabin availability and mandatory extras, and the operator runs the trip. Read the first liveaboard guide if this is your first one.

FAQ: Where to Dive in February

Where is the best diving in February?

The Maldives, Raja Ampat, Thailand and the Philippines are all in their dry or high season in February and are the strongest picks. Southern Komodo adds manta rays in the rainy season.

Where can I see manta rays in February?

The Maldives, Raja Ampat and southern Komodo (Manta Alley) are good manta destinations in February.

Where can I dive with whale sharks in February?

South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is known for whale sharks that can be seen year-round, and the Philippines has seasonal whale shark sites. See our whale shark guide for destinations and responsible-interaction tips.

Is the Red Sea too cold in February?

It is the coolest time of year, at roughly 21–24°C, but many divers enjoy the quiet sites and clear water. Bring a 5–7 mm wetsuit or a drysuit.

Can beginners dive in these places in February?

Yes. Thailand, the Maldives, Cebu, Mexico and Tenerife all have beginner-friendly sites and instructors. Raja Ampat and Komodo have stronger currents and suit divers with some experience.