Situated in South East Asia, between the South China and Philippine Seas is the Philippine Archipelago. Comprising more than 7000 islands and spanning approximately 1850 km (1150 miles) from north to south, this unique tropical paradise is a global biodiversity hotspot. The seas surrounding the Philippines are inhabited by a variety of habitat-forming species such as corals, seagrass and mangroves, which are home to all manner of marine fauna. With relatively stable temperatures and a broad range of dive sites catering to all experience levels, the Philippines are an ideal year-round diving destination. Here, we have compiled a list of noteworthy diving regions, along with the best time to explore them, to guide you on your next adventure – read until the end to discover where we recommend diving in the Philippines in December to bring your year to a breathtaking close!

Belize, home of the famous Blue Hole, was one of Jacques Cousteau’s favorite dive spots. There really isn’t a bad time to dive Belize, but if you want to visit when there are fewer tourists and more whale sharks, the best time of year to dive Belize is probably April through June.