How the data is researched
The value of this site is only as good as its honesty, so here is exactly how the data is made and how far to trust it.
Where it comes from
Each destination is researched from public sources — dive-operator guides, tourism boards, marine-park authorities, the IUCN Red List, and peer-reviewed studies where they exist. Every region, dive site, species and monthly-sighting record carries the sources it was built from; you can see them in the “Sources & last checked” section at the foot of each page. Nothing is published without a citation.
How seasonality works
The month bars show a likelihood, not a promise: peak, commonly seen, occasional, rare, or not seen. These reflect what sources actually report. When sources conflict or don’t specify a season, the animal is coded conservatively (flat, or a wider window) and the uncertainty is noted rather than invented away. Marketing claims like “whale sharks year-round” are treated with suspicion and, where possible, checked against research rather than operator copy.
It’s AI-researched, and not yet human-verified
Be aware of this: the destination data is researched with AI assistance and is currently published as a sourced draft. Every entity is marked for review, and most carry a “medium” confidence. That means the seasonality and logistics are drawn from the cited sources but have not all been independently double-checked. Prices, permit fees, and park closures change — confirm the specifics with an operator before you book. The data errs toward caution, but treat it as a well-researched starting point, not the last word.
Honest tradeoffs
Every destination lists its genuine downsides next to its draws — cold water, long crossings, currents beyond your level, seasonal closures, baited encounters, coral bleaching, remote or expensive access. If a place is only worth it in a narrow window, or the headline animal is a gamble, the page says so.
Spotted something wrong?
Corrections are welcome — they’re how the data gets better. If a season, price, or fact looks off, email hello@wherewhendive.com with the destination and the source you’re going by.