February 28, 2024|Author: JennyH|Reading time: 5 minute
Discover our top recommended destinations for scuba diving in September. Explore the diversity of diving in Bali, snorkel with humpback whales in Moorea, and seek the most incredible macro critters in Lembeh. Whatever your preferences, we'll build your dream dive trip in September!
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Liveaboards can seem daunting if you've never been on one, and even more so to newer divers. We've rounded up the best liveaboard destinations suitable for beginner scuba divers, with options ranging from the nearby Caribbean to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Read on to find the best liveaboard destination for you!
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There are many great places to scuba dive in September, when the peak crowds dissipate, and weather conditions are stable. What destination is best for you depends on what you hope to experience during your dive holiday. Our expert travel advisors can help you plan your best dive trip in September, but weve come up with three recommendations to help you get inspired.
We love Bali, full stop. However, we think September is a great time to visit Bali to experience all the best diving opportunities in the best conditions, but without the astronomical crowds that visit the small island in July and August.
One of the most sought-after marine life encounters in Bali is the elusive mola mola (or oceanic sunfish), which graces the waters around Nusa Penida and Candidasa seasonally. The chances of seeing them are good in September, although some luck is required. September is also a great time to visit areas with warmer water, including the spectacular walls of Menjangan Island and the renowned muck diving around Amed.
Diving in Bali is done from land-based resorts. We recommend a dive safari, where youll spend time at different resorts in different regions to enjoy the incredible diversity of dive sites and marine life. Find Bali dive resorts or contact our advisors to plan your dream dive holiday in Bali.
Interested in Diving Bali in September? Join our Next Trip:
While not a diving trip, one of our absolute favorite places to go for marine life encounters in September is Moorea, French Polynesia. Thats why we run five consecutive group trips in Moorea annually to snorkel with humpback whales. Its an unforgettable opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures while they congregate in Moorea to find a mate or nurse their young calves.
Humpback whales are the highlight of Moorea in September, as they only visit the region for a couple of months. However, other animals are often seen in the area at the same time, such as dolphins and sharks. You can also go scuba diving in Moorea to encounter lots of turtles, and some of the best shark diving in the world is found on the nearby islands of Rangiroa and Fakarava.
Stay at a resort and embark on daily boat excursions to snorkel with the whales. Youll need to be a good swimmer; humpback whales move quickly, and the boats give them at least 100 meters of space. To learn what to expect, checkout our 2023 trip recap to learn more about snorkeling with humpback whales in Moorea.
Join our Next Trips to Snorkel with Humpback Whales:
Head to the Lembeh Strait, Indonesias critter capital if you want to focus on macro diving in September. Its remote location ensures the region doesnt feel crowded even when there are plenty of visitors in the area. September is the dry season in Lembeh, so the weather is generally favorable, and the water temperatures are warming up.
Macro life in Lembeh is so profound it would be easier to name the species you dont have a chance of seeing. Underwater photographers are delighted with subjects such as pygmy seahorses, flying gurnards, ghost pipefish, flamboyant cuttlefish, bobbit worms, stargazers, nudibranchs, frogfish the list goes on and on.
Pick one of Lembehs excellent dive resorts, which cater to photographers and boast guides with some of the keenest eyes in Indonesia. Some resorts have multiple locations in North Sulawesi, enabling you to visit Bunaken, Bangka, and Manado with easy transfers between each resort. These mini safaris appeal to divers who are interested in a combination of muck, reef, and wall diving.
Interested in Diving Lembeh in September? Join our Next Trips:
While we recommend Bali, Moorea, and Lembeh as our top three, there are abundant other incredible destinations to dive in September, including Alor, Bonaire, the Red Sea, and many more. We understand that best is subjective and divers have different preferences. Contact our travel advisors to discuss what the best means to you so we can customize your best dive trip.
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