Seven of the perfect spring getaways for 2026

Alamy

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

March and April mark the top of the dry season in Indonesia’s West Papua province, when there’s nice underwater visibility for snorkellers and divers eager to see Raja Ampat’s storied coral reefs. At the guts of the Coral Triangle, the archipelago’s karst islands rise from a number of the planet’s most biodiverse waters, dwelling to manta rays, wobbegong sharks and pygmy seahorses.

Cruise by this Unesco Global Geopark and freshly designated Unesco Biosphere Reserve aboard a handbuilt phinisi (a conventional Indonesian picket schooner). Lamima and Celestia yachts are luxurious choices for personal constitution, and might accommodate as much as 14 friends.

More like this:

• The 5 most anticipated mountain climbing trails of 2026

• Chosen by experts: Where to elope in 2026

• The six most anticipated museum openings of 2026

For divers, spring offers calm seas as well as fewer boats at dive sites since peak season has passed, says Jennifer Tan Phaik Hun, cruise director for Celestia. “Nutrient-rich waters attract manta rays and dense schools of fish, while visibility is between 15 and 30m,” she adds.

On shore, consider booking a local-owned homestay through StayRajaAmpat.com. Dayan Dive Homestay affords six bungalows simply off Batanta island, a legendary birding locale dwelling to the endemic crimson hen of paradise and Wilson’s hen of paradise. You can snorkel by gentle coral gardens or go scuba diving proper out of your doorstep.

—

If you favored this story, sign up for The Essential List newsletter – a handpicked number of options, movies and might’t-miss information, delivered to your inbox twice per week.  

For extra Travel tales from the BBC, observe us on Facebook and Instagram.