10 Best Night Dive Sites in the World in 2024

Last updated November 17, 2023

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Night diving is fun, pure adventure, and allows you to see dive sites in a completely different light. No pun intended. Well…maybe a little.

When the sun sets, the underwater world transforms, revealing a myriad of nocturnal marine life and glowing wonders.

We also have a full night diving guide on our site, if you want to learn more!

Whether you’re a novice diver or a seasoned pro, here are 10 of the best night dive sites to add to your bucket list in 2024.

1. Manta Ray Night Dive – Kona, Hawaii

Arguably the most famous night dive site in the world, this dive promises an unforgettable experience. Located near Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, divers basically wait at the sea floor and activate their dive lights to attract plankton.

Attracted by both the lights and the plankton, manta rays gracefully glide around divers, feeding on the plankton illuminated by dive lights.

These gentle giants perform graceful acrobatics just inches above the divers, creating an experience that is both surreal and awe-inspiring.

Diving Conditions and Itinerary: With generally clear waters and mild currents, the site is perfect for divers of all levels. Start with a sunset dive before transitioning to night diving as darkness falls. Witness the manta rays performing their ballet under the moonlight.

Diving facts for the Manta Ray Night Dive – Kona, Hawaii

Depth	10-30 feet (3-9 meters)
Diving Season	Year-round
Best Time to Dive	After sunset
What to See	Manta rays, plankton
Water Temperature	75-80°F (24-27°C)
Best for	Beginners
Difficulty	Moderate

2. USAT Liberty Wreck, Bali, Indonesia

Purple nudibranch — Nudibranchs are common on Bali.

The USS Liberty, a shipwreck from World War II, serves as a stunning backdrop for the colorful marine life of Bali. At night, the wreck comes alive with various species of fish and critters.

The USS Liberty Shipwreck in Tulamben, Bali, transforms into a haven of nocturnal marine life when the sun goes down.

The wreck itself is teeming with history and provides numerous opportunities for exploration. Nighttime brings out an entirely different set of critters like nudibranchs, bumphead parrotfish, and the flashlight fish, which have bioluminescent organs below their eyes. This combination of history and biodiversity makes it an exciting night dive spot.

Diving Conditions and Itinerary: Suitable for all levels. The wreck lies close to the shore, making it an easy shore dive. Dive around sunset and explore the wreck under the moon and dive lights.

Diving facts for USAT Liberty Wreck, Bali, Indonesia

Depth	30-100 feet (9-30 meters)
Diving Season	May to November
Best Time to Dive	Sunset to night
What to See	Parrotfish, nudibranch, morays
Water Temperature	79-84°F (26-29°C)
Best for	Intermediate
Difficulty	Moderate

3. Seahorse Bay, Lombok, Indonesia

Diving facts for Seahorse Bay, Lombok, Indonesia

Depth	15-65 feet (5-20 meters)
Diving Season	May to October
Best Time to Dive	Early morning or dusk
What to See	Seahorses, nudibranchs, soft corals
Water Temperature	78-83°F (25-28°C)
Best for	Beginners
Difficulty	Moderate

4. The Pier, Anilao, Philippines

Diving facts for The Pier, Anilao, Philippines

Depth	10-40 feet (3-12 meters)
Diving Season	November to June
Best Time to Dive	Night
What to See	Macro critters, nudibranchs, shrimp
Water Temperature	77-82°F (25-28°C)
Best for	Macro photographers, all levels
Difficulty	Easy

5. Buddy Dive House Reef, Bonaire

Diving facts for Buddy Dive House Reef, Bonaire

Depth	20-100 feet (6-30 meters)
Diving Season	Year-round
Best Time to Dive	Sunset
What to See	Turtles, tarpons, reef fish
Water Temperature	78-84°F (25-29°C)
Best for	Beginners
Difficulty	Easy to Moderate

6. Gili Air Harbour, Lombok, Indonesia

Diving facts for Gili Air Harbour, Lombok, Indonesia

Depth	10-50 feet (3-15 meters)
Diving Season	April to November
Best Time to Dive	After sunset
What to See	Frogfish, octopus, stingrays
Water Temperature	78-83°F (25-28°C)
Best for	Beginners
Difficulty	Easy to Moderate

7. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Diving facts for Riviera Maya, Mexico

Depth	Variable, up to 100 feet (30 meters)
Diving Season	November to March
Best Time to Dive	Morning or afternoon
What to See	Cenotes, stalactites, stalagmites
Water Temperature	75-80°F (24-27°C)
Best for	Cavern diving, intermediate to advanced
Difficulty	Moderate to Challenging

8. Selayar House Reef, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Diving facts for Selayar House Reef, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Depth	10-70 feet (3-21 meters)
Diving Season	May to October
Best Time to Dive	Early morning or late afternoon
What to See	Reef fish, nudibranchs, rays
Water Temperature	78-84°F (25-29°C)
Best for	Reef diving, all levels
Difficulty	Easy to Moderate

9. Veterans Park, California, USA

Diving facts for Veterans Park, California, USA

Depth	20-60 feet (6-18 meters)
Diving Season	Year-round
Best Time to Dive	Morning
What to See	Leopard sharks, rays, kelp forest
Water Temperature	55-65°F (13-18°C)
Best for	Kelp forest diving, all levels
Difficulty	Moderate

10. Isla Espiritu Santo, La Paz, Mexico

Diving facts for Isla Espiritu Santo, La Paz, Mexico

Depth	10-60 feet (3-18 meters)
Diving Season	June to November
Best Time to Dive	Morning
What to See	Sea lions, tropical fish, coral reefs
Water Temperature	72-78°F (22-26°C)
Best for	All levels
Difficulty	Easy to Moderate