Best Scuba Diving in April

Caribbean:

Let's kick off our roundup of the best places to dive in April in the Caribbean. With 700 islands to choose from, an abundance of marine life and corals, and some seriously cool sunken wrecks, it's hard to know where to start. That's where we come in.

If you've dreamt of swimming alongside the ocean's great serenaders, the North Atlantic humpback whales, April is your last chance, with these big beauties making an annual appearance from late January to early April to mate and breed. Your best chance of spotting them is in the waters around Grand Turk and Salt Cay islands, where you can dive in the waters to hear their songs then spend the intervals watching them dance along the surface.

If you're after diving sites that boast brain corals larger than life (over two meters in diameter!) towering stag horn corals, vibrant purple sponges and mesmerising stretches of gorgonians, then head over to Bonaire in the southern Caribbean. The dry season is just kicking off at this time of year, and with reefs protected from strong currents, this is one of the best places to learn to dive or become further certified. Bonaire has protected its waters for over 35 years, and the result is kaleidoscopic corals, mysterious shipwrecks and over 470 fish species. Even better, you can choose either shore or boat dives as most of the resorts are close to stunning reefs. If you want to go further afield, hop on a boat trip to Bonaire National Marine Park where you may be lucky enough to spot longsnout seahorses camouflaged in the corals and Pederson cleaner shrimps scuttled along the anemones.

For the shark lovers, head over to Bimini, in the west of the Bahamas, for some epic hammerhead shark encounters. Throw in a bull and nurse sharks and you have yourself one of the best places to dive in April.

We mentioned that the Caribbean has something for everyone, and we meant everyone. For art lovers, check out The Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, in Grenada, the first underwater museum of its kind. Over 75 sculptures are on show here, brought to life by the animals and corals that claim them. And thanks to the shallow depths, ranging from five to eight meters, these artworks can be enjoyed by divers and snorkellers alike.

Recommended by Rachel Gaw

Belize:

Not too far away, Belize beckons with its tropical landscapes, crystal-clear waters and the world's second-largest barrier reef. Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Caye and Turneffe Reef are popular diving destinations, teeming with sea turtles, rays and reef sharks. Meanwhile, Gladden Spit - which encompasses about 26,000 acres and 22 miles of coastline - along with its adjacent Silk Caye forms a protected marine area.

For whale shark encounters, April is a wonderful time to dive in Belize. The spawning of mutton snappers and grouper fish attracts these majestic creatures between March and June. And with warm waters hovering around 26°C coupled with visibility extending up to 30m, it's no wonder that divers flock here. While most sites can be reached from land or a day boat trip out, there's not a lot better for dive lovers than a liveaboard experience where you can follow the mantra of dive, eat, sleep, repeat. What's not to love?

Recommended by Emily Chappell

Mexico:

Since we're talking about whale sharks, Mexico's Socorro Islands promise thrilling encounters, with these beautiful beasts beginning their migration alongside both species of manta ray (the giant oceanic manta ray and the reef manta ray), bottlenose dolphins and an abundance of sharks. Moreover, the arrival of humpback whales from late January to early April adds to the excitement as they migrate here to breed and calve. With visibility often reaching up to 40m and water temperatures ranging between 21°C to 24°C, conditions are perfect to enjoy these Mexican marvels.

Heading to the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean side, divers are treated to a paradise of pure white-sand beaches and tranquil blue waters. While Playa del Carmen and Cancun provide a glimpse of the region's beauty, there's much more to discover. Head down along the Riviera Maya to explore historic towns, ancient Mayan ruins and lush jungles teeming with wildlife.

Below the surface, an abundance of marine life awaits with sightings of turtles over colourful reefs, endemic species such as the splendid toad fish, and spectacular coral-covered walls. If you can tear your eyes away from the colours, look out to the blue to see sharks gliding in deeper waters. And for those seeking something a little different, the mesmerising cenotes, or sinkholes, offer an unparalleled underwater experience. While there's not a lot of marine life to see, these cenotes have gorgeous gin-clear waters filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Recommended by Rachel Gaw

The Red Sea, Egypt:

Let's turn our gaze closer to home (for those of us in Europe) and explore the wonders of the Red Sea. During April, you'll be able to enjoy comfortable water temperatures and awe-inspiring underwater experiences. The diversity of dive sites is truly remarkable, showcasing vibrant coral reefs, captivating WWII wrecks like the iconic Thistlegorm, and a rich abundance of marine life. Whether you want to learn to dive, get technical dive certified or just glide alongside something pretty, the Red Sea has you covered.

In the northern Red Sea, around Sharm el Sheikh, divers are treated to a diverse underwater landscape, ranging from gentle slopes to dramatic walls, with reef tops just beneath the surface which are perfect for snorkellers as well. The reefs are adorned with a plethora of both hard and soft corals, many of them in pristine condition, which makes for quite the spectacle.

The marine life is equally impressive, from dazzling anthias to majestic hammerhead sharks and schools of jack and barracuda (during their season). Every dive promises encounters with giant green moray eels and an array of lionfish in various sizes and hues. The vivid colours of the underwater world rival those of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and for those with a taste for history, dives to the famous WWII wreck of the Thistlegorm offer opportunities to explore vintage motorcycles and remnants of past conflicts. Water temperatures in April typically range from 21°C to 24°C and visibility often exceeds 40m, providing optimal conditions for exploration.

Heading to the southern Red Sea, specifically Hurghada, divers are greeted by the quintessential Red Sea experience. Pristine reefs adorned with a kaleidoscope of colourful corals extend into sunlit shallows, providing a picturesque backdrop for encounters with moray eels and turtles, as well as gentle drift dives. The occasional thrill of a dolphin sighting adds to the allure of these crystal-clear waters. Water temperatures remain comfortable in April, ranging from 22°C to 26°C, with visibility often exceeding 30m, ensuring exceptional underwater visibility and comfort.

Recommended by Rachel Gaw

Oman:

Oman, Egypt's quieter neighbour is perfect for those who want to ditch the crowds. Laze on secluded sugar-soft sand beaches and dive into the waters around the Daymaniyat Islands, Oman's premier marine reserve and a sanctuary for nesting turtles. On land, explore the majestic Hajar Mountain range on scenic hikes and enjoy a slice of local life in the bustling souqs. Meanwhile, the Musandam Peninsula, known as the 'Norway of Arabia', boasts dramatic drop-offs and coral-adorned walls. From coast to coast, Oman's waters are alive with a diverse range of marine species, including nudibranchs, batfish, moray eels, eagle rays, cuttlefish, dolphins and sharks. All of this and more can be enjoyed in warm waters - shorties only here - and visibility reaches up to 30m.

Recommended by Charlotte Dunn

Australia:

Speaking of quieter neighbours, head to Australia's west coast for an unforgettable aquatic adventure in Ningaloo Reef, located just 800 miles north of Perth. This sprawling reef (stretching over 160 miles) is an underwater playground bustling with a diverse array of characters, including over 500 species of fish, 300 species of coral, and a whole bunch of molluscs and other critters. But the star of the show? The whale sharks. Diving in April means you have the best chance of crossing paths with these gentle giants as they cruise along the coast. And if you want to see dancing dolphins, head to Rockingham's bays and islands or check out Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park. Sure, you may have missed the manta rays in Exmouth, but only an hour's drive away is Coral Bay where magnificent mantas glide by year-round.

Recommended by Charlotte Dunn

Indonesia:

Last, but certainly not least, escape to the hidden gem of Alor, a remote island in Indonesia which is blissfully crowd-free. Here, you can discover a paradise boasting world-class muck diving sites, pristine coral reefs, and even a bubbling volcano waiting to be explored.

Nestled between Flores and the Sawu Sea, the Alor archipelago comprises 20 enchanting islands in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Renowned for its spectacular coral and muck diving, the area offers a mesmerising array of marine wonders. Delve into volcanic sands to spot technicolour macro critters, glide over healthy coral reefs inhabited by sharks and sea snakes, and marvel at unexpected sightings of scalloped hammerheads.

Although the currents can be strong, providing a thrilling challenge for experienced divers, snorkelling enthusiasts can still enjoy the beauty of certain coral reefs in the Pantar Strait. April blesses divers with calmer surfaces and improved visibility, creating ideal conditions for underwater exploration. And for an added adventure, time your dives with the moon phases to boost your chance of encountering pelagic wonders, especially around full and new moons when dramatic tidal differences and increased currents attract a plethora of marine life.

While you're in this corner of the globe, don't miss out on exploring Raja Ampat, hailed as one of the 'Four Kings' and the epicentre of the coral triangle. Here, you can see corals in every hue and encounter lazing wobbegong sharks amid a stunning backdrop of 1,700 fish species.

Recommended by Emily Chappell

Ready to book your April diving holiday? Reach out to one of our experts to create your tailor-made diving dream.