Travel to our favorite places to scuba dive in May to experience fantastic diving without the hassle of peak summer crowds. We know many other excellent destinations to dive in May, and “best” is subjective. Contact our travel advisors to discuss what you want to see and experience on your dive vacation so we can plan the best dive trip in May for you. Here are our top three recommendations to give you some ideas:
Are you ready to plan your May diving trip? Read on to learn more about three of our top destinations.
1. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Visit this long-running favorite of Bluewater staff and clients to encounter unique endemic species, such as the marine iguana. We’re excited to dive the Galapagos Islands any time of the year, but we love to visit the Galapagos in May. The temperatures are warmer (both topside and in the water), surface conditions are smoother, and there’s a good chance of seeing whale sharks and larger schools of hammerheads. Topside, the marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies engage in mating activities, offering you the opportunity to witness unique behaviors.
Dive into the Galapagos’ famous dive sites, where you can see vast schools of hammerheads, big-eye jacks, eagle rays, whale sharks, and reef sharks. Encounter the endemic marine iguanas, which can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length and spend time underwater grazing on algae and seaweed. Watch playful sea lions and penguins dart through the water and look for the elusive mola mola deep in the blue. Examine the red-lipped batfish and seek other small critters among the reefs and sandy bottoms.
Embark on a liveaboard to explore the best Galapagos dive sites and topside areas. Itineraries are typically 7 nights, and it’s best to arrive a day or two in advance in case of delays. Diving conditions can be challenging, so it is best suited for experienced divers. Consult Bluewater’s Galapagos travel tips, prepared by our expert trip leaders who have traveled to the Galapagos Islands on many occasions.
Join our Travel with Bluewater Trip to the Galapagos:
Extended 10-night Galapagos Liveaboard Trip | May 7 - 17, 2026 | From $10,400
2. Cozumel, Mexico
Head to Cozumel in May for a quick and easy getaway from the US to one of the Caribbean’s most popular dive destinations. We love Cozumel diving in May because the weather is good, the water is warming up, and there are fewer crowds than in the high season (December to April). With direct flights to Cozumel airport and loads of dive resorts to choose from, you’ll be able to maximize your time spent exploring the reefs.
Encounter turtles, fish, rays, and even sharks among the colorful sponges Cozumel’s reefs are best known for. Expect a range of dive sites suitable for different experience levels, from calm, shallow sites for beginners to advanced drift dives.
Stay at one of Cozumel’s dive resorts to fit in as much diving as you want with the ultimate convenience. We have plenty of options, from budget to luxury, so contact us to discuss your preferences, and we’ll find the resort best suited for you. Consider combining Cozumel and Playa del Carmen to dive the renowned cenotes from Playa rather than doing long day trips from Cozumel.
Join our Travel with Bluewater Trip to Cozumel:
Super All-Inclusive Cozumel Group Trip 2025 | May 10 - 17, 2025 | From $1,999
3. Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Komodo National Park in May for epic diving and unique topside experiences. We love diving Komodo in early May when the weather is calm enough to visit the southern and northern dive sites. Topside excursions to see the Komodo dragon, pink sand beach, and other landmarks mustn’t be missed.
Check off marine life on your bucket list in this thriving habitat, including manta rays, bumphead parrotfish, and macro critters like stargazers, bobtail squid, pygmy seahorses, and ladybugs. Experience the thrill of Komodo’s infamous currents, steep drop-offs, and underwater pinnacles.
Explore Komodo’s dive sites from either a liveaboard or a land-based resort. Liveaboards are our top recommendation because you’ll see more of the region. Select from a range of options, from short itineraries on budget boats to extended trips on some of the most luxurious vessels in the world. There are also several excellent dive resorts, a great alternative for those who get seasick or travel with a non-diver. We love combining a trip to Bali with a trip to Komodo, especially in May and August-September.
Book a liveaboard in Komodo or contact us for more information.
Dive with Bluewater in Komodo:
SUPER SALE - 20% OFF
Bali to Komodo Underwater Photo Workshop 2024 | August 29 - September 8, 2024 | From $4,468
Other Great Places to Dive in May
While we recommend Galapagos, Cozumel, and Komodo, there are abundant other incredible destinations to dive in May, including Bali, Bonaire, Fiji, 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.
How to Book a Trip
Bluewater Travel can book you on a liveaboard or resort in the Galapagos, Cozumel, Komodo, and 40+ other destinations in the world for the same cost or less than booking any other way. We know the diving, seasons, resorts, boats, and cabins and when to go better than anyone else!
Email us or write to us in the live chat box to book a resort, liveaboard, or a Dive with Bluewater trip!
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