The ultimate Scuba Diving Calendar 2026
Embark on an extraordinary diving journey in 2026, exploring some of the world’s most captivating underwater destinations. From the pelagic-rich waters of the Maldives to the majestic fjords of Norway, each location offers unique marine encounters and unforgettable experiences.
January-February: South Maldives Liveaboard & Fuvahmulah
Kickstart your diving year in the Maldives, where the southern atolls and the isolated island of Fuvahmulah promise exhilarating encounters.
Fuvahmulah: The Shark Capital
Situated on the equator, Fuvahmulah is renowned for its year-round presence of pelagic species. Divers can witness up to seven types of rare sharks in a single dive, including tiger sharks, thresher sharks, and hammerheads. The island’s unique location makes it a hotspot for oceanic mantas, mobulas, and even occasional sightings of mola mola. Dive sites like “Tiger Zoo” offer daily encounters with tiger sharks in their natural habitat.
Liveaboard Adventures
Explore the southern atolls aboard a liveaboard, diving into pristine reefs teeming with marine life. These trips often include visits to Fuvahmulah, combining the thrill of pelagic encounters with the serenity of the Maldives’ underwater landscapes.
March-April: Sudan Liveaboard
Dive into the untouched waters of Sudan’s Red Sea, a destination that offers a blend of vibrant reefs and historical wrecks.
Highlights
• Sha’ab Rumi: Famous for Jacques Cousteau’s underwater habitat and its thriving marine ecosystem.
• Sanganeb Reef: A UNESCO World Heritage site boasting stunning coral formations and diverse marine life.
• Umbria Wreck: An Italian cargo ship sunk in 1940, now serving as an artificial reef teeming with life.
April and May offer optimal conditions, with warm waters and excellent visibility, making it ideal for spotting hammerhead sharks and manta rays.
June–October: Pico Island, Azores
Experience the Azores’ rich marine biodiversity during the summer months, when the Atlantic waters come alive with activity. 
Diving Delights
• Princess Alice Bank: A submerged seamount attracting mobulas, manta rays, and large pelagics.
• Blue Shark Encounters: Dive sites like Contador offer thrilling interactions with blue and mako sharks.
• Volcanic Landscapes: Explore underwater arches, caves, and lava formations unique to this volcanic archipelago.
The period from June to October provides warm waters, excellent visibility, and the chance to witness sperm whales, dolphins, and a myriad of fish species.
November-December: Norway Orcas
Conclude your diving year with an awe-inspiring experience in Norway, swimming alongside orcas during their annual herring hunt.
Arctic Adventure
The fjords of northern Norway become a gathering point for orcas and humpback whales in November. Snorkelers can observe these majestic creatures in their natural environment, witnessing their hunting strategies and social behaviors. The dramatic landscapes, combined with the possibility of viewing the Northern Lights, make this a truly magical experience.
Each of these destinations offers unique underwater experiences, catering to diverse interests and skill levels. Whether you’re seeking shark encounters, exploring historical wrecks, or swimming with orcas, 2026 promises a year filled with unforgettable diving adventures.
