Hainan is China's principal tropical diving destination, with sites in the South China Sea around Sanya and Lingshui. The three sites in the database span natural reefs, artificial reef structures, and a wreck, all reached by boat and covering depths from five to thirty metres. Visibility ranges from moderate to very good depending on site and season, and the water stays warm throughout the year. The species list reflects a healthy reef ecosystem: green sea turtles, Napoleon wrasse, whale sharks, gorgonians, requiem sharks, and a variety of cuttlefish and macro life.
Monthly water temperature across Hainan's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperatures remain warm in every month, with the warmest conditions from late summer into autumn. The best overall diving is generally from April to November, though typhoon activity between July and September can reduce visibility and disrupt boat access, so it is worth monitoring conditions during that window.
7 operators
Water temperature around Hainan ranges from about 23°C in March to 28°C in September, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 28°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Hainan; in the coldest months (about 23°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 3 sites in Hainan (3 scuba diving sites and 1 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
3 more sites to explore
