Where would you go diving near either SF or NY in August - October? I'm guessing the Caribbean is out because of potential hurricanes. Pacific Coast Mexico?

The Caribbean does pose the potential for hurricanes that time of year. However, if you were willing to book on shorter notice, or just like to gamble, it's a possibility. I parlayed a Playa del Carmen wedding into a spontaneous diving trip to Belize two summers ago during the first week of September and it was glorious. Bermuda, the Azores (off the coast of Portugal) or off the coast of Spain seem like cool possibilities that are out of the common hurricane route.

I am starting to think the Caribbean is better experienced Jan-March. The water is a bit cooler, but you have better visibility and the whales migrating through. Without the rains of summer and hurricanes of fall. I haven't been to the pacific cost during the fall, but think it might be the right answer just because the Caribbean isn't.

Again, the ABC islands, specially Bonaire is flat and hardly rain so you have no runoff from rain coming down from the mountains like in Puerto Rico, Jamaica, St Vincent,etc. Today TS Isaac is near Puerto Rico but the warnings are for the Leeward Islands, not for the ABC's or Trinidad and Tobago.

Ultimately a question of water temperature and what you are looking for. Great dives around Vancouver Island but require a dry suit but great year round. I've also been a fan of some of the Hawaiian islands. Other question comes down to what you like in dives. Some folks like big marine critters, some love the variety in life. Actually had great dives in Monterey, CA from shore during Christmas

I definitely prefer warm water dives. And something with interesting topology/reefs (as opposed to just big creatures) is good. As Abdur says, it's nice when a dive has an objective (go to this pinnacle, etc.).

Anyone done Channel Islands / Catalina?

The California Current makes it cold nearly all the way to Cabo San Lucas. The Sea Of Cortez is warmer but I cannot speak for the diving there.

I'm not a cold water fan either, but I would still recommend Point Lobos near Monterey. The kelp beds are something to be experienced at least once, and I've literally had harbor seals blow bubbles in my face.

Catalina has quite dramatic topology, walls, etc, but is still pretty cold, hood optional.

Hawaii has a lot of great options. Though I found some of the reefs damaged, you can do things like dive through shipwrecks, at night, if you're into that sort of thing.

Diving off the coast of Cancun was warm and beautiful. I've been told Belize is better, perhaps worth the hurricane risk.

tourismbonaire.com

I've been to Bonaire and its awesome.. Frank nailed that. Honduras is #1 choice in my book via Houston Texas

Thank you!