Looking for the best place to go scuba diving in April? Beyond exploring your local dive sites, there are so many amazing scuba diving destinations around the world to visit during the fourth month of the year.
Tiger sharks are active in the Bahamas, whale sharks grace the shores of Belize and Australia and diving in Sipadan in Malaysia is at its best. You can swim with large marine life and glide over gorgeous coral reefs in the Philippines, Maldives or Oman. For an unforgettable adventure, explore Turks and Caicos shipwrecks or head to Iceland‘s Silfra in springtime.
Just keep in mind that April is one of the busiest travel months thanks to spring breaks, half terms and the Easter holiday. So planning and booking your trip early with PADI Travel® is a good idea to get the best choices and deals.
Keep reading to discover 12 of the best destinations to go diving in April.
1. Tiger Beach, Bahamas
As a shark sanctuary, the Bahamas is known as one of the world’s best shark diving destinations. You can swim with tiger sharks, reef sharks, hammerheads and oceanic whitetips around these tropical islands, but one of the best shark diving sites is known as Tiger Beach. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to observe sharks as you rest near the sandy bottom. In addition to the species just named, you might also see lemon sharks and nurse sharks. If you’re lucky, a great hammerhead or two might pass through!
The best time for diving in the Bahamas is November to May, making April a great month to visit. During this season, the sharks are the most active, putting on spectacular shows for scuba divers. Several dive operators offer tours to Tiger Beach, but diving the Bahamas by liveaboard is one of the best ways to go. Many of the boats include this shark dive and others while providing all-inclusive meal and drink options. April scuba diving doesn’t get much better than this!
Editor’s Recommended Liveaboard: Bahamas Aggressor
2. Belize
Representing the heart of the Caribbean, Belize is spectacular and one of the best tropical destinations in April. Crystal-clear waters, the second-largest barrier reef in the world and unique interactions with marine life make this a wonderland for scuba divers. There are sea turtles, rays and reef sharks around Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Caye and Turneffe Reef – all popular destinations for divers and non-divers alike.
In addition, whale sharks can be found at Gladden Spit. With about 26,000 acres (10,500 hectares) and 22 miles (35km) of coastline, Gladden Spit and the neighboring Silk Caye are part of a protected marine area (GSSCMR) in Belize. As a protected area, Gladden Spit is rich in marine life, offering an excellent environment for whale sharks. The best time of year to swim with whale sharks in Belize and Gladden Spit is between March and June. This corresponds with the reproductive cycle of two fish: the mutton snapper and the grouper. The eggs produced are a special treat for whale sharks.
In addition, Belize is a wonderful liveaboard destination. While most sites can be reached from land, there’s nothing better than living on the high seas and exploring dive sites at will. Plus, most of the sites are suitable for beginners, making this an excellent choice for your first liveaboard experience.
Editor’s Recommended Liveaboard: Belize Aggressor IV
3. Tubbataha Reef, Philippines
Home to more than 600 species of fish, 360 species of coral, 11 species of sharks and 13 species of whales and dolphins, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s located 93 miles (150km) southeast of Puerto Princesa in the Philippines.
The only way to reach this shallow coral reef is by liveaboard. Thanks to the pristine environment, Tubbataha is one of the best liveaboard destinations in the world. The dive sites range from shallow look-arounds to sheer drop-offs. Amos Rock is a particularly beautiful site. Plus, there are two atolls to explore, meaning you’ll need at least a week to see everything.
To increase the conservation of the area, liveaboards are only permitted to visit Tubbataha Reef from March to June. This makes April the middle of the season and one of the best months to visit. There’s a good mix of dive sites in the Philippines and Tubbataha Reef, meaning there is a liveaboard for every level of diver. Some may require advanced certifications, while others are suitable for beginners.
Editor’s Recommended Liveaboard: SY Philippine Siren
4. Sipadan, Malaysia
One of the world’s best and most protected dive destinations, Sipadan is a wonder to explore. Like many other places in Asia, you can dive this part of Malaysia year round. However, dry season stretches from March to October. The beginning of the dry season has spectacular conditions, and diving in April also offers the chance of great deals, as resorts and liveaboards introduce new staff and compete to fill up their schedules.
During the month of April, visibility can reach 50m (164ft). You’ll see reef sharks, turtles and plenty of barracuda. There’s also a great muck diving destination nearby at Kapalai Island. We should also note that liveaboard diving is growing in popularity around the region. This option will allow you to see the best of Sipadan over multiple days, along with Kapalai and Mabul. It also clears up any confusion about reserving permits for the island.
Editor’s Recommended Dive Resort: Seaventures Dive Rig
5. Ningaloo Reef, Australia
You’ve heard of the Great Barrier Reef, but did you know Australia is home to another of the world’s most epic diving areas? Ningaloo Reef is found in Western Australia and is out of this world. At this coral reef, you can swim with whale sharks, manta rays and even dolphins. Ningaloo Reef extends for 160 miles (260km) along the west coast and is home to more than 500 species of fish, 300 species of coral, 600 species of mollusks and many other marine invertebrates.
Ningaloo Reef is without a doubt one of the best places to scuba dive in April. From March to August each year, you might encounter whale sharks swimming up and down the shore. This is also a great season for spotting the region’s famous dolphins. Common and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins love to play around Rockingham’s bays and islands with large pods to be found in Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park. While April falls outside of Exmouth’s manta ray season, head to nearby Coral Bay to go swimming with the area’s 500 manta rays at any time of the year.
Editor’s Recommended Liveaboard: Sail Ningaloo
6. Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands are located off the southeast coast of Florida and promise some of the best Caribbean diving in April. Here you’ll find the third-largest reef system in the world, which makes these islands a must-visit destination for divers. Turks and Caicos is also home to several shipwrecks, including the Molasses Reef Wreck, HMS Endymion and Convair CV-440.
You can expect to see schools of barracuda, amberjacks, kingfish and turtles, as well as a variety of reef fish and stingrays. April is also the tail-end of whale-watching season, offering a chance encounter for lucky divers. The dry season from November to May is the best time to dive the Turks and Caicos Islands, as there is a lower risk of hurricanes. Water temperatures and visibility depend on which island you’re diving, but temperatures generally hover between 23 and 26°C (73 and 79°F) during the fourth month of the year.
The best option when it comes to exploring Turks and Caicos is to book a liveaboard in April. This is low season, so keep an eye out for deals!
Editor’s Recommended Liveaboard: Explorer Ventures – Turks & Caicos Explorer II
7. Maldives
April marks the final month of the dry season in the Maldives. The dry season means seemingly never-ending blue skies, glassy seas and visibility that averages at least 30m (100ft). Plus, the flow of the current during this time brings with it nutrients and food for varying species of sharks and manta rays.
As one of the world’s best destinations for scuba diving, the Maldives is home to an incredible amount of marine life. Whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, pelagic fish and other species of sharks can be spotted all year round. Most divers will get to experience what it’s like being face-to-face with thresher sharks, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks and even oceanic sunfish. There is diving for all skill levels located in the Maldives; however, it’s recommended that you’re Advanced Open Water Diver certified or above.
The atolls of the Maldives are home to hundreds of small islands, often isolated and with tiny resorts on them. It is possible to island hop by seaplane, but many areas are only accessible by boat. Most liveaboard itineraries in the Maldives are around 7 to 10 days.
Editor’s Recommended Liveaboard: Maldives Aggressor II
8. Oman
Once the best-kept secret of the Middle East, Oman’s scuba tourism has boomed in recent years. Indeed, its charming Arabic culture, majestic landscapes and unspoiled, vibrant reefs are sure to impress, whether you’re a beginner or advanced adventurer.
Near the capital Muscat, the Daymaniyat Islands are Oman’s first marine reserve and an established turtle nesting site. Further north, the Musandam Peninsula stands out for its plunging drop-offs and coral-encrusted walls, earning it the nickname “Norway of Arabia”. From coast to coast, Oman’s waters are teeming with thousands of marine life species, such as nudibranchs, batfish, moray eels, eagle rays, cuttlefish, dolphins and sharks.
April diving in Oman is especially worthwhile. You’ll get the best of both air and water temperatures, as well as the calmest conditions and visibility over 30m (100ft). That said, it’s a year-round hotspot with new dive sites being discovered all the time, so this destination is one to keep coming back to during any month.
Editor’s Recommended Liveaboard: The Vision
9. Iceland
Spring may not sound like the right time for a destination known for its epic ice-diving experiences. However, Iceland is incredible year round, and every season has something to offer. Scuba diving in April promises the perfect balance if you’re seeking adventure at Silfra’s infamous tectonic plates. Temperatures aren’t quite as chilly as winter, but it’s still early enough to beat the crowds.
At Silfra, the glacier-fed water is so clear that visibility reaches 100m (330ft). You’ll literally be able to see end-to-end while bridging the gap between the North American and Eurasian continents. It’s a world-class, totally unique experience that you’ll want to try at least once in your lifetime (just make sure you’ve mastered your dry suit skills first).
Elsewhere, you can behold dramatic rock formations while feeling the warmth of geothermal vents. Strýtan, the world’s shallowest, can be reached at just 15m (50ft) – ideal for recreational divers. There’s surprising biodiversity here, too, such as sponges, crustaceans, nudibranchs, cod and the elusive wolffish. Don’t miss Iceland from your wishlist of places to go diving in April!
Editor’s Recommended Dive Center: DIVE.IS
10. Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
Think exceptional canyons, a kaleidoscopic of colors and calm seas. Diving in Sharm El Sheikh in April allows you to skip the intense summer heat while still enjoying pleasantly warm temperatures as you explore some of the country’s most unforgettable diving. Although striking throughout the year, April offers fewer tourists and a more manageable climate for those sensitive to the heat.
Here, the best dive sites are visited by day-boat or liveaboard. Those include the Straits of Tiran, SS Thistlegorm and Ras Mohamed National Park. Expect good visibility of 15 to 25 meters (50 to 82 feet) across the region. This generous visibility allows divers to witness the SS Thistlegorm‘s pristinely preserved relics, including motorbikes, tanks, vehicles and artillery. Or, divers can venture to Ras Mohamed to dive amongst sharks and healthy coral.
As a holiday destination, Sharm el Sheikh is an ideal mix of laid-back and lively. With secluded beaches, party-filled resorts, waterparks and incredible underwater topography, it’s not one to miss!
Editor’s Recommended Dive Resort: Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort & Spa
11. Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Home to sharks, rays and plentiful reef fish year-round, divers looking for healthy reef systems will love Okinawa in April! During the fourth month in Okinawa, you’ll find calm seas, comfortable water temperatures and great visibility. At this time of year, reef fish begin their seasonal mating behaviors, sea turtles often appear and divers may spot reef sharks and mantas around Ishigaki and Miyako.
For wreck lovers, Okinawa holds the USS Emmons, which was sunk during World War II. The wreck is a deep dive (ideally explored with the Deep Diver Speciality certification) starting at just below 130 feet (39 meters) and another 10-20 feet of sand beyond. Cave divers can venture into Hedodom Cave Diving, another adventurous site that can be accessed via an exciting underwater passage way.
Editor’s Recommended Dive Center: Okinawa Diving Service Lagoon
12. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a year-round diving destination, yet the transitional month of April brings particularly special moments. As the rainy season ends and the dry season comes into play, so does marine life! Visibility throughout April reaches up to 30 meters (100 feet), and water temperatures warm up to around 27 to 29°C (81 to 84°F).
At Manta Point, one of the best dive sites off nearby Nusa Penida, divers can expect to spot mantas, reef sharks and turtles at this time of year. Reef species and macro life are also more prominent thanks to fewer numbers of tourists and a less-disrupted marine environment. It’s an undoubtedly enjoyable April dive destination for warm weather, great visibility and a laid-back island feel.
Editor’s Recommended Liveaboard: Ilike
Explore the Best Scuba Diving in April
Looking for the best scuba diving destinations in April (or any month)? PADI Travel offers bucket-list adventures, the largest collection of liveaboards and dive resorts, and options to travel in a way that truly makes a difference to local communities and our shared blue planet. Contact one of our PADI Travel experts 24/7 via chat, email,or phone, and they’ll help pick the right scuba destination for you.
