Why October Is A Great Month For A Dive Trip To Bohol
While much of the world is bundling up for autumn, watching leaves change colour and feeling the first chill of the coming winter, a golden secret is unfolding in the Philippines. Here in Bohol, October is a month of beautiful transition—a time when the lush, vibrant landscapes of summer meet the clearing, calm seas of the approaching peak season.
It’s the shoulder season’s best-kept secret.
Often overlooked by travelers aiming for the guaranteed sun of the dry season, October offers a unique blend of benefits that savvy divers and holidaymakers cherish. It’s a time of tranquility, incredible value, and often, some of the best diving conditions of the year.
Before you book your winter escape, let us at Sierra Madre Divers share five reasons why this underrated month might be the absolute perfect time to visit our island paradise.
The “Goldilocks” Weather: Calm Seas and Returning Sunshine
October marks a magical turning point in Bohol’s climate. The southwest monsoon (Habagat), which brings the rains of the summer, is typically tapering off. At the same time, the northeast monsoon (Amihan), which defines the dry, peak season, has not yet fully arrived.
What does this mean for your vacation? You get the “Goldilocks” weather—it’s just right. The heavy, persistent rains of the wet season are largely over, replaced by a higher number of bright, sunny days. Crucially, this period before the Amihan winds pick up is often blessed with exceptionally calm seas. This translates to glassy, comfortable boat rides out to the islands and serene conditions on the water, making it an absolute pleasure to be out on—and under—the ocean.
Peak Season Conditions Without the Peak Season Crowds
This is the number one reason savvy travelers love the shoulder season. In October, you get to enjoy conditions that are often just as good as the high season, but you’ll feel like you have the entire island to yourself.
Imagine strolling along a peaceful and spacious Alona Beach. Picture being on a dive boat with just a handful of other divers, giving you more personal attention from your guide. Envision descending at a world-class site like Balicasag Island and having the breathtaking coral walls and schools of fish almost exclusively for your group.
This tranquility extends to your budget as well. With the peak season rush still a few months away, you will find fantastic value on flights and accommodation. October allows you to enjoy a premium, uncrowded experience for a fraction of the peak season price.
The Best of Both Worlds: Emerald Landscapes Meet Clearing Waters
Visually, October is spectacular. The island is still wearing its most vibrant, emerald-green coat from the life-giving summer rains. The world-famous Chocolate Hills are lush and verdant, the jungles are dense and full of life, and the waterfalls are still flowing beautifully.
Simultaneously, the ocean is transforming. As the seasonal rains subside, the runoff from the land lessens, and the underwater visibility often begins to improve dramatically. It’s the perfect combination for photographers and nature lovers—you get the rich, green landscapes above the water and the crystal-clear, deep blue vistas below it.
Incredible Underwater Comfort and Visibility
For divers, October conditions are a dream. The water temperature is still at its lovely, warm peak from the summer months, hovering around a blissful 28-29°C (82-84°F). This is comfortable, “thin wetsuit or rash guard” diving at its best, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the experience without a hint of a chill.
As mentioned, this is often a time of exceptional clarity. The clearing waters can lead to stunning visibility, making the dramatic walls of Balicasag and Cabilao feel even more immense and breathtaking. The abundant marine life is just as active as ever, with the resident turtles, schools of barracuda and jacks, and countless reef fish all enjoying the calm, clear conditions right alongside you.
The Ideal Environment for Honing Your Dive Skills
The combination of great conditions, calm seas, and fewer divers makes October an absolutely perfect month to continue your diving education. The relaxed, focused environment is ideal for learning.
- PADI Advanced Open Water: With the typically excellent visibility and calm access to deep walls, October is a fantastic time to complete your Deep Adventure Dive and build your confidence.
- PADI Rescue Diver: The calm conditions allow for the safe and effective practice of the challenging but incredibly rewarding skills of the Rescue Diver course.
- Specialties: Thinking about the Peak Performance Buoyancy or Digital Underwater Photography specialty? The tranquil reefs and uncrowded sites provide the perfect natural studio to fine-tune your skills with more one-on-one time with your instructor.
Bohol’s Golden Month is Calling
October in Bohol is the reward for those who look beyond the conventional travel calendar. It’s a month that offers a perfect balance of beautiful weather, fantastic dive conditions, incredible value, and a peaceful, authentic atmosphere.
The secret is getting out about Bohol’s golden month. Ready to experience the best of our island paradise before the peak season rush? Contact us at Sierra Madre Divers to plan your perfect October dive vacation. We can’t wait to show you the magic.
