Tioman Island
Tioman Island is the preferred destination for many snorkelers and divers offering various different dive sites to explore.
Explore Johor
Johor is a state in the south of Malaysia and the capital city Johor Bahru is the gateway to some of the best diving in Malaysia. On the coast of Johor is the small beach town of Mersing which is the departure point to the numerous islands which lie off the coast here. These islands are all the definition of tropical paradise islands and luckily the underwater scenery is just as majestic. Clear, warm waters which harbour flourishing reefs and a high concentration of different marine species to be enjoyed on every dive here. The weather conditions are pleasant throughout the year here, water temperature range between 27°C and 32°C, and the visibility ranges between 15°C and 25°C. These pleasant conditions result in relaxing, but stunning, dives and makes it an ideal location for diving courses. There are opportunities for shore dives as well as boat dives, there are shallow reefs, rock formations, caverns and even a few wrecks scattered around. The marine life here varies from pinnacles completely covered in Nudibranchs to a high number of Sea Turtles to the chance of spotting a Manta Ray glide by.
Places to explore
Courses and Events
Dive Activity
Diving in Johor
Johor offers a captivating blend of dive sites, each with unique experiences for divers. The Aur Island is a highlight, known for its vibrant coral gardens and the wreck of the Aur, which attracts marine life enthusiasts. Divers often spot barracudas and reef sharks here, making it a must-visit for those seeking thrill and natural beauty.
For shore dives, the waters around Rawa Island offer splendid visibility, with diverse marine life easily accessible from the beach. Night dives are popular, revealing the nocturnal behaviors of creatures like cuttlefish and octopuses. Johor provides a balanced mix of shore and liveaboard diving options, catering to both novice and seasoned divers. Liveaboard trips facilitate exploration of the more remote sites, ensuring a comprehensive diving adventure in the region.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Johor
Located in Malaysia, Johor offers a diverse array of marine life that attracts divers worldwide. The region is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, home to a myriad of common reef fish such as the butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish. These species are ubiquitous throughout the year, providing a colorful backdrop for underwater adventures. Seasonal highlights in Johor's waters include the chance to encounter green turtles and hawksbill turtles, particularly during their nesting season from March to October. Additionally, divers may spot blacktip reef sharks and eagle rays, predominantly during the warmer months when these creatures are more active. The likelihood of encountering these species increases at well-known dive sites such as Pulau Aur and Pulau Dayang, known for their rich marine biodiversity.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
2k Sightings
J
6
F
38
M
96
A
145
M
228
J
271
J
404
A
439
S
268
O
125
N
5
D
1
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
1.8k Sightings
J
10
F
13
M
161
A
190
M
273
J
267
J
278
A
251
S
160
O
208
N
26
D
2
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
1.7k Sightings
J
5
F
27
M
153
A
176
M
272
J
166
J
276
A
245
S
159
O
202
N
22
D
7
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
1.6k Sightings
J
14
F
17
M
90
A
145
M
198
J
198
J
268
A
321
S
193
O
118
N
16
D
8
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
1.2k Sightings
J
3
F
16
M
115
A
109
M
113
J
109
J
207
A
241
S
121
O
114
N
26
D
4
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
6.6k Sightings
J
17
F
65
M
517
A
580
M
854
J
889
J
1.2k
A
1.1k
S
814
O
582
N
48
D
9
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
5.8k Sightings
J
11
F
54
M
437
A
523
M
760
J
767
J
1k
A
1k
S
675
O
499
N
43
D
11
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
4.8k Sightings
J
12
F
36
M
363
A
460
M
639
J
586
J
822
A
813
S
625
O
425
N
53
D
13
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
4.5k Sightings
J
10
F
48
M
347
A
429
M
588
J
562
J
778
A
775
S
545
O
357
N
38
D
9
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish
3.9k Sightings
J
14
F
46
M
321
A
345
M
533
J
493
J
624
A
672
S
441
O
384
N
49
D
6
The best Months to Dive in Johor
Diving in Johor is possible year-round, with some variations in conditions. The best months for diving are from April to September when the northeast monsoon retreats, providing calmer seas and clearer skies. During this period, water temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C, creating ideal conditions for divers. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 20 meters, offering a good view of the underwater landscape.
From October to March, the southwest monsoon brings stronger winds and choppier waters, potentially reducing visibility and increasing surface currents. Water temperatures during these months remain warm, usually between 26°C and 29°C, but the weather conditions can be less favorable for diving. While diving is still feasible during the monsoon season, divers should be prepared for less predictable conditions and plan their trips accordingly.
