Where To Go Diving In Autumn

As the summer fades and the water temperatures start to fall, many of us dream of distant shores where we can still dive in a shorty wetsuit instead of clambering into the old drysuit again. Fear not, there are plenty of idyllic warm-water destinations where you can enjoy diving in the autumn without the need to thaw out afterwards. Our team of dive specialists didn’t need to be asked twice to depart our chilly shores and head off in search of the best sun, sea and scuba opportunities the world has to offer during the autumnal months...

After the hot summer, the water temperatures in the south Mediterranean are at their highest, and September is a great time to hop on a short flight to Gozo for some of Europe's best diving. WWII wrecks, underwater gullies and canyons and the famous Blue Hole await. Topside, explore the quaint fishing villages and the ancient Ggantija temples as you enjoy the mid-twenties temperatures both on land and below the waves. If you prefer something a little more exotic, September also sees some great Caribbean diving in Bonaire. The tropical climate and the blend of European and Caribbean cultures make Bonaire a perennial favourite, although September brings the chance to witness a coral spawning event a few fin kicks away from the sun-kissed shoreline.

Temperatures in the UK drop even further in October, but you can find respite on the Red Sea Riviera. A short-haul flight will see you basking in the Egyptian sunshine and heading off for a dive at one of the world's premier wrecks - the SS Thistlegorm. The steamship's wreck was discovered by Jacques Cousteau and is easily accessed from your base in Hurghada. And why not start your autumn break by taking in the pyramids in Cairo and cruising the Nile in the luxurious Steam Ship Sudan under the warming African sun?

November sees the start of the epic diving season in Palau and the chance to swap scarves and hats for sharks and mantas. Leave the always-too-early Christmas music behind and jet off for some incredible autumn diving on some of the world's best known dive sites-Blue Corner, German Channel and Ulong Channel will make the journey more than worth it. If the pristine diving in the Pacific is not floating your boat, why not venture south to discover the stunning reefs and megafauna on offer in Tanzania? Spot whale sharks in the warm waters around Mafia Island before heading inland to spot elephants and more in the Selous Game Reserve to ensure you will have plenty of stories to tell at those fast-approaching Christmas parties.

Wherever you plan to spend your autumn diving days, we are on hand to help you put together the perfect itinerary for sunnier climes. Whether you are looking for short-haul or long-haul; land-based or liveaboard; our team can help you enjoy the best autumn diving that our blue planet has to offer...