When To Go · Destination Guide
Outer reef day boats, minke whales, and ancient rainforest on one doorstep
When to go
Reef trips run year-round.
Best overall window
Glassy mornings, warm water around 27°C to 29°C and good visibility.
Outside that window
Wet season squalls, higher humidity, tropical lows possible.
Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.
The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.
| Scope | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Overall - Jan: Tradeoffs | Overall - Feb: Tradeoffs | Overall - Mar: Tradeoffs | Overall - Apr: Good | Overall - May: Good | Overall - Jun: Good | Overall - Jul: Good | Overall - Aug: Good | Overall - Sep: Best | Overall - Oct: Best | Overall - Nov: Best | Overall - Dec: Good |
These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.
Dwarf Minke Whales
Best for Snorkel, Scuba
Jun to Jul
Predictable winter aggregation on Ribbon Reefs with endorsed swim-with operations and strict codes of practice.
Coral Spawning
Best for Scuba, Snorkel
Nov to Dec
Outer reefs often spawn 1-6 nights after the November full moon, creating a spectacular night dive.
Green Turtle Nesting
Best for Snorkel, Topside
Nov to Jan
Nesting occurs on selected cays and islands.
Turtle Hatchlings
Best for Snorkel, Topside
Jan to Mar
Hatchlings emerge on inshore cays.
Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.