If you head to the right spot during October, you can expect encounters with some of the biggest animals in the sea (fancy swimming with blue whales?!) October is the first month that various species of whales, such as humpbacks and even the enormous blue whale, can be spotted in Baja, Mexico. Tradewinds drop in the Seychelles in October, and the great water conditions and pleasant weather make this a perfect time to visit. Diving off Hawaii’s Big Island is fantastic onboard the Kona Aggressor II and is one of the few places you can dive with manta rays in the dark. Australia might be known for its Great Barrier Reef, but from late July to early November, visiting Rowley Shoals in Western Australia is an absolute must for any dive fanatic.

Have a Whale of a Time in Mexico

October means the start of whale-watching season in Baja, Mexico! Not just a single species of whale either. Minke, humpback, pilot, orcas, and even blue whales appear in Mexico from October to April. Being in the water with these animals is a humbling and exhilarating experience, and swimming beside these enormous yet gentle creatures is one you will truly never forget.

Diving in Baja and the Sea of Cortes is fantastic; every dive is action-packed. Diving legend Jacques Paul Cousteau coined the Sea of Cortes as the ‘world’s aquarium,’ and it’s easy to see why. The vast array of marine megafauna is astounding, and on a Mexican liveaboard, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter various species of whale, dolphin, and playful Californian sea lions. October is the last month most liveaboards visit the Sea of Cortes before the season changes, and from November onwards, Socorro is the flavor of the month (and offers more chances to dive with humpback whales!)

Visit Australia’s best-kept secret

Rowley Shoals, located 300 kilometers off Broome, Western Australia, is home to marine biodiversity that rivals the Great Barrier Reef. Rowley Shoals has one of the shortest dive seasons, beginning at the end of July and finishing early November.

Rowley Shoals is essentially three coral atolls, home to hundreds of species of fish and marine life. The coral here is abundant and thriving. Sites such as ‘Jimmy Goes To China,’ a 40-meter wall covered with enormous gorgonian fans and black corals, and ‘Tiger Alley’ (where it’s not uncommon to see numerous shark species) will delight and thrill divers.

Seychelles is spectacular

Two opposing trade winds govern the Seychelles Islands' weather pattern. In April and October, these winds drop, resulting in wonderful conditions above and below the water. The warm air temperature and lack of wind, combined with the warmer water temperatures and excellent visibility, mean October is one of the best months to visit the Seychelles. Island hopping onboard a liveaboard is the best way to see the Seychelles. Some liveaboards, such as the Sea Shell, require no dive certification and combine snorkeling, diving, and sightseeing all in one trip. You’ll visit uninhabited islands and beautiful beaches where you can snorkel right offshore and dive with the fantastic marine life in the area. From June to December, whale sharks visit the Seychelles, so along with perfect weather during October, you may have the chance to swim with the biggest fish in the sea.