Archives February 2023

For most, Arizona conjures up images of sweeping painted deserts, towering saguaro cacti, isolated winding highways and endless sunshine. Yet that’s just one piece of this tremendous and remarkably diverse state. 

Home to the fifth-largest city in the US, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, three national parks and nearly 21 million acres of National Forest land, Arizona is defined by stark contrasts. One moment you’re wearing a t-shirt walking in a hip city neighborhood, and a couple of hours later, you’re bundled up skiing at 10,000ft. This is a place where spiny cacti meet lush pine forests, where ancient cliff dwellings sit not far from retro neon signs along Route 66, and where Tucson – one of the USA’s two UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy – dishes out some of the best food the country.

With endless ways to get outdoors and new cultural experiences to discover, where do you start? The Arizona you want to experience – whether through dreamy deserts, through vibrant cities, in the high country or on scenic drives – is totally up to you.

When should I go to Arizona?

This depends on what kind of experience you envision and where you’re headed. In the southern part of the state, which includes Phoenix and Tucson, winter into early spring (December through April) is ideal weather-wise, with daytime temperatures ranging from the high 60°s to low 80°s F (19° to 28°C). The downside? Everyone wants to be in Arizona this time of year, from hiking and golf enthusiasts to sunshine-seeking visitors from colder climates and Spring Training baseball fans. Expect maximum traffic, crowds and rates for services like rental cars and lodging.

Up north, as Arizonans like to say, winter is very different. Towns in the White Mountains sit at elevations well over 8000ft (2438m) and soaring 10,000ft-to-12,000ft (3048m-to-3657m) mountains dot the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff – so snow is as abundant as sunshine. 

Arizona summers, on the other hand, aren’t for the faint of heart – at least not in the desert. Temperatures regularly surpass 110°F (43°C), and during monsoon season (June through September), the weather alternates between stiflingly dry and suffocatingly humid. Higher-elevation destinations such as Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon are pleasant and drastically cooler, making summer the perfect time to explore northern Arizona.

At an elevation 4350ft (1326m), Sedona falls in the middle, getting a dusting of snow a few times each winter and typically remaining mildly cooler than Phoenix in the summer. 

Budget-conscious travelers should consider September or October a bit of a shoulder season, with fewer visitors and warm yet tolerable weather. If you’re okay with spending all your waking hours poolside or indoors, look for incredible staycation deals at upscale resorts June through August. If you’re planning outdoor activities, remember that Arizona is a very dry place, so be sure to bring more water than you think you’ll need – especially in the sweltering summer.

How much time should I spend in Arizona?

You can hit the highlights in any one of Arizona’s cities on a weekend trip – the key word being “one.” To do any meaningful exploring – and more importantly, to get a real sense of how astoundingly diverse and big Arizona is – you’ll need at least four to five days, ideally seven to 10.

Basing yourself in Phoenix for a five-day trip, you could take a road trip to Sedona or one of the state’s three national parks, hit some of the Valley’s famous urban hiking trails and eat and drink your way through Scottsdale. With a full week or more, you can venture further afield to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend near Page, stay overnight in the Grand Canyon, or explore lesser-known but certainly worthwhile gems like Picacho Peak, quirky Bisbee or Kartchner Caverns. 

Is it easy to get in and around Arizona?

Phoenix and Tucson both have international airports, with PHX the substantially larger one. While most visitors fly into one of these and then drive to their final destination, there are also smaller regional airports throughout the state. Wherever you land, plan to pick up a rental car right away. While bigger cities and tourist hubs have buses and other public transport options, Arizona is overwhelmingly a driving destination. Service areas are surprisingly lacking even in the biggest metros, and wait times are commonly 30-45 minutes – which feels more like an eternity when it’s 100°F (37°C) out.

Insider tip: in Phoenix, book an off-airport rental, then take the light rail to pick it up. Airport fees inflate the cost of both rental vehicles and rideshares.  

Top things to do in Arizona

Adventures in the Grand Canyon State are as diverse as its terrain and climates. In just one weekend, you can hike through the desert, dine in a globally recognized food city, take in views from nearly 12,000ft (3657m) and much more.

Hike through the Superstition Mountains

There are so, so many amazing places to hike throughout Arizona – and the rugged Superstitions have a special allure. Situated in far east Mesa, these mountains are easily accessible from anywhere in Phoenix and under 2 hours from Tucson. Experts can embark on ultra-challenging treks and spend literal days on the trail, while first-timers can take advantage of fantastic short and (mostly) sweet hikes. Check out the Hieroglyphic Trail, Wave Cave Trail or Treasure Loop Trail, all under 3 miles.

Experience an energy vortex in Sedona

One of the things that draws visitors to Sedona in droves is its naturally occurring energy vortexes. Many people believe these bring intense spiritual, transformational and even healing powers – and whether you believe that or not, there’s absolutely no question that Sedona’s vibe has a heightened…something. Find out for yourself at one of the more accessible vortex sites around town: Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock or Airport Mesa.

If it’s hot out, cool off in a swimming hole afterward, or check out the natural water slides at Slide Rock State Park.

Explore one of the state’s oldest neighborhoods in Tucson

In Tucson’s Barrio Viejo, you’ll find art galleries and studios, elaborate murals and dozens of incredible restaurants all tucked into (and in between) colorful adobe buildings from the 1870s and ’80s. If you time it right, you can hit 5 Points Market & Restaurant for breakfast, then sit down to dinner at The Coronet, where the menu constantly changes and the cocktails are always top-notch.

Ride a high-elevation scenic gondola

A quick visit may not be enough time to summit Arizona’s highest mountain, 12,633ft-tall (3850m-tall) Humphreys Peak – but you can still soak in similar views. The scenic gondolas at Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff whisk you up to 11,500ft (3505m), from where, on clear days, you can see the Grand Canyon and Sedona. The gondola runs almost year-round, with hiatuses between summer and ski season. In favorable-weather years, Snowbowl also opens a short gondola season for leaf-peeping in October.

On your way up (or back), stop by Mama B’s for a classic burger, fries and shake combo. The no-frills spot, formerly known as Mama Burger, is a local institution and has a fabulous mountain view to boot. 

My favorite thing to do in Arizona

Horseshoe Bend is by no means a hidden gem – on the contrary, it attracts millions of visitors each year. Yet there’s a way to experience this iconic natural wonder without any of the crowds: by kayaking through it. As people crowd the viewing platforms trying to snap the perfect selfie, you’re 1000ft (305m) below, blissfully paddling the Colorado River, surrounded by impossibly steep canyon walls with no one around except some wild horses. 

To check this epic adventure off your own bucket list, book a backhaul service with Kayak the Colorado or Kayak Horseshoe Bend. In both cases, a boat will take you and your kayak upriver, then you’ll paddle (on calm days, it’s really more of a float) back down to Lees Ferry. I’ve done this trip multiple times with both companies and in different seasons – while there’s truly no bad way to go about it, I do recommend staying in Marble Canyon since the area is super-remote, and you’ll need to be at the marina first thing in the morning. 

How much money do I need for Arizona? 

By and large, Arizona is largely affordable – though as everywhere, you can expect (much) higher prices on everything in bigger cities and big tourist destinations. While Sedona and Scottsdale have well-earned reputations for causing sticker shock, don’t be surprised by disarmingly high price tags in unassuming neighborhoods anywhere. Accommodation has the biggest variance, with options ranging from ultra-budget motel rooms to sprawling five-star resorts. 

• Basic room for two (major city or tourism hub): $130–300 per night

• Basic room for two (smaller town): $60–120 per night

• Upscale hotel room (city, low season): $170–400 per night

• Upscale hotel room (city, peak season): $350-1000 per night

• Daily resort fee (applicable mostly in Tucson, Phoenix and Sedona): $30–55

• Airbnb (entire house, city or tourist area): $100–1500 per night

• Airbnb (entire house, smaller town): $70–175 per night

• Coffee: $4–8

• Sandwich: $8–18

• Fast-casual dinner for one: $16–25

• Average sit-down dinner for two: $60–100

• Pint of beer at the bar: $4–10

• Cocktail: $12–18

• Paletas (traditional Mexican frozen ice pops, usually made with fresh fruit): $3–7

Do I need a passport to cross from Arizona into Mexico? 

While you should have a valid passport for any international travel, for US citizens, a passport card is sufficient for land crossing into Mexico from Arizona. With a look similar to a driver’s license, these provide proof of US citizenship (though they’re not valid for international air travel). Citizens with other nationalities should count on using their passports to cross into Mexico.

Watch your step in the Arizona desert

A lot of native venomous critters live in Arizona, particularly in the desert. These include rattlesnakes, scorpions and spiders – and while you should be mindful, there’s no reason to be afraid of them. Like most wildlife, these animals generally don’t want anything to do with humans and only strike or bite as a defense mechanism. When you’re out in nature, pay careful attention to your surroundings and watch your step, especially around bushes and large rocks.

You don’t have to be a certified diver to come face-to-face with some of the sea’s most fascinating creatures. In fact, in some destinations, you can simply wade from the sand into the shallows with your mask and snorkel and enjoy some incredible marine life encounters.

From gazing upon colorful cichlids in Malawi to wading out to spy rare aquatic mammals near protected reefs in Egypt, here is our guide to the very best places in the world to snorkel.

1. Lady Elliot Island, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

Best for coral and manta rays

The Great Barrier Reef’s southernmost coral cay, Lady Elliot Island offers some of the best snorkeling in Australia and is known for its manta rays, nesting sea turtles, and eco-credentials.

Explore a seabed of coral gardens and abundant marine life, including giant manta rays, barracudas and leopard sharks. The shallow lagoon fringing the eastern side of the island is best for families and beginners, while the coral gardens on the western side have deeper waters ideal for the more seasoned snorkeler.

Sitting in one of the Great Barrier Reef’s “Green Zones,” a “no-take” area where destructive behavior is prohibited, Lady Elliot Island enjoys the highest level of environmental protection. That’s one of the reasons the humpback whales that migrate through these waters between June and October keep returning.

2. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil,

Best for warm waters with great visibility

A volcanic archipelago off Brazil’s northeast coast, Fernando de Noronha is a fiercely protected eco-wonderland, favored by naturalists and marine biologists, with a rugged coastline and diverse ecosystems.

It’s renowned for its undeveloped beaches and unparalleled snorkeling. With visibility reaching up to 40m (131ft) in its warm, emerald waters, you can spot sea turtles, rays, lemon and reef sharks. The beach also has the highest concentration of resident spinning dolphins in the world.

At Baía do Sancho, considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Brazil, the sandy seafloor allows boats to stop without damaging the coral. Other good snorkeling points include Baía dos Porcos, Sueste, Morro de Fora, and Porto, with its accessible shipwrecks teeming with marine life.

3. Thumbi, Malawi

Best for colorful fish

The lazy and lovely village of Cape Maclear is one of Malawi’s most laid-back and scenic spots. You may find it hard to prise yourself off the golden sands at the edge of Lake Malawi to do anything, but a boat trip across to the pyramidal wooded island of Thumbi is well worth the effort.

Head over with a local boat captain and ease yourself into the balmy lake waters with your mask and snorkel. A swim around the rocks at Thumbi quickly reveals the cichlid fish for which the lake is famous.

More than 850 cichlid species are supported by this glorious and vast freshwater lake, and while the fish themselves may not offer the wow factor and visual diversity that you get on a coral reef adventure, their colors dazzle. Watching these amber yellow, fuchsia pink, orange, indigo and turquoise creatures dart around you as you dip is a rare delight.

4. Cebu, the Philippines

Best for snorkeling with sardines

Home to more than 7000 islands, the Philippines boasts bountiful snorkeling sites. The Cebu region in particular is synonymous with marine life and aquatic activities – from swimming with polka-dotted whale sharks to exploring enigmatic wrecks. Nestled in Cebu Island’s western shores, Moalboal is home to an almost year-round sardine run.

Snorkeling this paradisiacal haven is ideal for those seeking underwater adventure at a leisurely pace. There’s no need to get on a boat or strap on a tank to discover Moalboal’s underwater sanctuary. Panagsama Beach’s reef is easily accessible due to the sea’s calm waters and its proximity to the shoreline. Simply wade into the crystal waters from a blindingly white stretch of sand, dip your head under the surface and find yourself among seemingly infinite masses of sparkling sardines.

Forego expectations of scaly fish packed tightly into a tin. Instead, picture glimmering figures swirling in synchronized, undulating formations against a deep-blue backdrop, the sunlight glinting on their silvery scales. It’s a magically mindful experience.

5. Radhanagar, Andaman Islands

Best for crystal-clear waters

Clinging to the northwest coast of seductive jungle-wreathed Havelock Island (the most developed of India’s far-flung Andaman Islands), showstopping Radhanagar is undeniably one of Asia’s most exquisite beaches. Gaze out on this glorious white-gold stretch of silken sand washed by turquoise waves and bordered by tangles of near-impenetrable primeval tropical forest.

Havelock tempts travelers with its terrific diving and outstanding local dive schools, but you can also get a taste of the island’s underwater riches with just a leisurely spot of snorkeling off Radhanagar. The glass-clear waters are famous for their dazzling rainbows of fish, and you might even spot a shark, turtle or manta ray. Otherwise, there’s little to do here apart from stroll the beach’s vast expanses and kick back on the sand as the sun sinks into the Andaman Sea – and that, of course, is what it’s all about.

Crocodiles are a serious danger in the Andaman Islands and there have been several fatal attacks on people in recent years. Make sure you’re up to date on the latest safety information, follow any official local warnings and keep out of the water at dusk and dawn.

6. Hanauma Bay, Hawaii

Best for snorkeling on an ancient coral reef

Nestled in an ancient volcano crater, backed by palm trees and home to a 7000-year-old coral reef, Hanauma Bay is one of the most scenic and popular snorkeling spots in Hawaii.

Don your snorkeling gear and wade right into the calm, shallow waters: hundreds of neon-colored species of fish, corals, eels and sea turtles await not far from the dreamy white-sand beach. Beyond the reef, you can also explore crevices and caves teeming with yet more sea life.

The bay is part of a nature preserve and marine-life conservation area. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to minimize the impact on the ecosystem, and a maximum of 1400 visitors are allowed on any given day. Visitors must reserve their time slot in advance, pay a fee ($25 + $3 for parking) and watch a 9-minute-long orientation video before heading out into the water.

7. Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia,

Best for diverse marine life and reefs

Southeast Asia abounds with spectacular diving and snorkeling spots and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat arguably tops the all-star list, with its fine white-sand beaches, hidden lagoons and impressive diversity of marine life and coral reef systems.

The quantity and variety of marine life here is so astounding, in fact, that scientists have described Raja Ampat as a biological hot spot. They believe its reef systems restock reefs throughout the South Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Armed with your mask, snorkel and fins, you’ll have free rein to explore Raja Ampat’s blue-water mangroves and a marine area that boasts over a thousand species of reef fish, hundreds of species of coral, several types of sea turtles and majestic manta rays.

8. Tofo Beach, Mozambique

Best for snorkeling with whale sharks

The southeast African country of Mozambique offers plenty of superb snorkeling spots along its pristine Indian Ocean coastline. Here, warm turquoise waters, which lap dune-fringed beaches, abound with shoals of colorful fish and well-preserved corals.

The waters off Tofo Beach, in the southern province of Inhambane, are particularly rich in marine biodiversity and most famous for their large whale shark population. It’s one of the few places on the planet where gentle whale sharks can be found year-round.

Manta rays also grace these waters, along with sea turtles and dolphins. Add in the fact humpback whales stop by between June and October, and you’ll be popping Mozambique right to the top of your snorkel bucket list.

9. Roatán Island, Honduras

Best snorkeling in the Caribbean

Roatán is the largest and most developed of the Honduran Bay Islands, and one of the best places to snorkel in the Caribbean. Fringed by an incredibly diverse coral reef rich in tropical fish, the island is a diving and snorkeling paradise.

Head to the pristine white-sand beach of West Bay to spot parrotfish, butterflyfish and angelfish just off the shore, or venture south to Mary’s Place, a diving site that revolves around a huge crevice where sea turtles, eagle rays and groupers often come up to the surface.

10. Abu Dabbab Bay, Marsa Alam, Egypt

Best for snorkeling with dugongs

Marsa Alam in southern Egypt is one of the few places in the world to spot the elusive dugong, a rare, lesser-known cousin of the manatee that’s long inspired mermaid myths and legends across cultures.

In Abu Dabbab, the shallow waters, protective reefs and abundant seagrass attract and sustain a small population of dugongs – affectionately dubbed “sea cows” because of their grass-eating habits.

Other residents of the bay that can be found around the well-preserved coral reefs include giant sea turtles, parrotfish, angelfish, barracudas and seahorses, while the sandy seafloor is also home to stingrays.

Some golden rules for responsible snorkeling

• Never touch corals or sea creatures. Check where you put your feet – do not stand on corals.

• Show respect to marine life and keep your distance at all times.

• Avoid crowds – no turtle wants to be surrounded by a group of leering humans; the snorkeler who swims away from the crowd is the snorkeler who sees things no one else in the group does.

• Choose reef-friendly sunscreen (which can sometimes be trickier than it sounds) or, more simply, wear rash vests or skinsuits to avoid sunburn.

• Pick responsible and ethical boat operators when embarking on snorkeling tours.

• Avoid using plastic when you travel, as much as possible.

• Consider volunteering for local beach cleans to help keep reefs healthy.

• Be safe, watch for currents and, if you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t venture out of your depth.

The memory of your first sea turtle sighting never fades. Whether it’s a turtle swimming gracefully or hatchlings scurrying toward the sea, these moments linger for a lifetime.

Wherever your travels take you, you’ll come across unique species in stunning environments, each moment showing you just how rich the ocean truly is. But the sense of awe? That’s felt everywhere. These ancient creatures have endured for millions of years, but our actions threaten their survival. Protecting their habitats is crucial if we want future generations to witness these magical moments. Here’s how you can be part of the solution.

Sea turtles are in peril

Of the seven sea turtle species, six are either endangered or threatened, with the Hawksbill and Kemp’s Ridley turtles critically endangered, according to the IUCN. WWF reports that leatherback turtle populations in the Eastern Pacific have declined by 90% in the last 30 years, nearing endangered status.

Bycatch – when turtles are accidentally trapped in fishing gear – is one of the leading dangers to their survival, causing over 250,000 turtle deaths each year, according to WWF. Illegal hunting and the consumption of turtle meat and eggs also continue to shrink populations, with CITES protections undermined by online platforms that facilitate illegal sales.

Climate change intensifies these issues: higher temperatures mean more female hatchlings, and rising seas, severe storms and pollution from plastics and fishing gear continue to damage vital turtle habitats.

These threats affect sea turtles at every stage of their life, from hatchling to adult, making it clear that stronger protections and global efforts are urgently needed to ensure their survival.

Responsible tourism can have a positive effect on sea turtle populations

Tourism can be a double-edged sword for sea turtles. On one hand, coastal development disrupts turtle nesting by pushing them to other beaches, altering habitats and polluting their environment. As more people flock to the coast, recreational activities add clutter, blocking turtles and trapping hatchlings. Waste like plastic and fishing gear ends up in the ocean, where turtles can get tangled or ingest it.

But when managed responsibly, tourism can make a real impact. Biologist Col Limpus remembers how early visitors at Mon Repos Beach in Queensland, Australia, disturbed hatchlings due to a lack of education. In 1994, the Nature Conservation Act protected turtles under the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), and Woongarra Marine Park was established to safeguard Mon Repos’ turtle population. The newly established Turtle Sands eco-resort collaborates with the Mon Repos Turtle Centre to educate guests on responsible turtle watching and provide hatchling viewings, all while raising awareness for the beloved loggerhead turtles.

Ecotourism ventures like Turtle Sands help finance programs that benefit sea turtles and their surrounding communities. Funds are allocated to local guides, conservationists and beach protection efforts, while tours educate visitors and encourage support for turtle conservation.

Here’s how tourists can help

• Keep a safe distance from nesting turtles and avoid shining bright lights near the beach at night.

• Avoid buying souvenirs made from turtle shells, leather or other parts to combat poaching. Here’s how to identify turtleshell.

• Choose eco-friendly tour operators that don’t disturb turtles during hatchling viewings or snorkel excursions.

• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect sea turtles and their habitats.

• Avoid touching or chasing sea turtles while snorkeling or diving.

• Maintain a safe distance from sea turtles when on a boat or kayak.

• Stay at eco-friendly hotels that support turtle conservation and minimize nesting site impacts.

• Recycle plastic or reuse bags to collect trash on the beach.

• Travel in small groups, stay on trails and follow Leave No Trace principles.

• Donate to or volunteer for local turtle conservation programs.

6 of the best places to see turtles in the wild

1. Mon Repos, Australia

Looking to get up close with loggerhead turtles? Mon Repos Beach in Bundaberg, Queensland, is home to the largest nesting population of these endangered turtles in the South Pacific. Stay at Turtle Sands, tucked right behind the dunes, for easy access to the beach. From November to March, take part in a Turtle Encounter Tour with a Parks Ranger, starting at 6:30pm each evening. For even more turtle encounters, Bundaberg is your gateway to Lady Elliot Island, where you can spot green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles.

Planning tip: From January to March, adult turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, but you can also watch hatchlings make their way to sea from January to March.

2. Tetiaroa, French Polynesia

Tetiaroa, a 7-sq-km (3-sq-mile) atoll in French Polynesia, is one of the world’s few undisturbed green sea turtle nesting sites. Guests of the Brando Resort have the rare chance to observe turtle hatchings, thanks to the resort’s partnership with Te Mana e Te Moana, a conservation group managing turtle efforts on the island. When the resort was being built, staff worked with Dr Cécile Gaspar to ensure the villas were placed away from vital nesting areas, allowing guests to witness hatchings with Tetiaroa Society guides. Join a nature and culture tour to learn about Tetiaroa’s flora, fauna, cultural history and sustainable living practices.

Local tip: Dr Gaspar recommends visiting between November and January for the best chance to see turtles hatch, usually around 4–6am.

3. Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA

Located on Georgia’s coast, Jekyll Island is a popular nesting spot for loggerhead turtles from May to October. Visitors can experience a turtle hatching on a guided Turtle Walk and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s hospital to learn about turtle care. Early risers should join the turtle patrol at dawn to assist researchers in monitoring and cataloging nests around the island. You don’t have to join a tour to spot turtles – with 16km (10 miles) of public shoreline, you’re likely to see one on the beach. Just be sure to respect their space and avoid disturbing them.

Planning tip: The turtle center advises purchasing admission online in advance, especially during turtle season from May to October.

4. Red Sea, Egypt

Egypt isn’t just about the pyramids – its Red Sea is a prime spot for olive ridley, green and hawksbill turtles. Turtles Beach in the shallow Abu Dabbab Bay is renowned for its giant sea turtles grazing on seagrass. Experienced divers swear by Marsa Alam as the best place to encounter green and hawksbill turtles, and other marine animals like dugongs. June to September is the ideal time to see them, as it’s when they nest and hatch, but turtles can be spotted just about every day.

Planning tip: Visit Turtlewatch Egypt to track turtle sightings from biologists and snorkelers, or even adopt a turtle yourself.

5. The Galápagos Islands

For many, the Galápagos Islands are a dream destination brimming with turtles, unique ecosystems and volcanic landscapes, yet challenging to navigate solo. Joining a guided tour like Intrepid Travel’s 8-Day Galapagos Island Hopping is the easiest, responsible way to witness the magnificent green turtles. For those interested in conservation, See Turtles runs volunteer trips where participants can snorkel, join a turtle photo ID project, work with tortoises and help clean the beaches.

Planning tip: Plan your trip during the dry season (June to November) for optimal visibility. November and December are the warmest months, while March and April see the least rainfall.

6. Bunaken Marine Park, Indonesia

Bunaken, in northern Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a biodiversity hot spot where divers can encounter up to 20 turtles in one dive, especially near the famous “Muka Kampung” (Turtle City). With strong currents and vibrant schools of fish, the dive is thrilling, and larger marine creatures occasionally join the scene. Guests of 3Will Bunaken Dive Resort have easy access to several dive sites, including Turtle City, through the onsite dive center.

Planning tip: The park’s sheltered location allows for year-round diving, but the best conditions are during North Sulawesi’s dry season (March to November).