Diving in Seychelles in November
Plan your Seychelles liveaboard for November: diving conditions, marine life, visibility, water temperature and liveaboard options.
Seychelles diving conditions in November
Conditions in November So, you’re thinking about diving in Seychelles in November? Excellent choice, my friend. This shoulder month is a fantastic time to experience the archipelago’s underwater wonders, particularly as the northwest monsoon is just beginning to stir. While the official monsoon often kicks in around December, November sits squarely in that sweet spot where conditions are generally transitioning from the drier, cooler southeast trade winds to the warmer, wetter northwest ones. What does that mean for your diving? Expect air temperatures to be beautifully warm, hovering around 29-31°C (84-88°F), with the sea following suit. Water temperatures are typically a very comfortable 28-30°C (82-86°F), making long dives an absolute pleasure. Sea conditions in November are generally calm, especially as the persistent southeast trade winds diminish. You might encounter occasional squalls as the weather patterns shift, but these are usually short-lived and rarely disrupt diving operations for long. Visibility is often superb, frequently exceeding 25 meters and sometimes even hitting the 30-meter mark, particularly in the outer islands. This crystal-clear water provides the perfect canvas for spotting everything Seychelles is famous for. As the monsoon starts to build, currents can become a little more dynamic around certain sites, which, as any experienced diver knows, often means more pelagic action. These aren’t usually extreme drift dives, but rather gentle to moderate currents that bring nutrients and thus, bigger fish. What you will see November is a prime time for pelagic encounters in Seychelles, and this is where the archipelago truly shines. With the slightly increased currents and water temperatures, many larger species become more active. Imagine gliding along a coral wall and encountering majestic manta rays – yes, November offers a very good chance of seeing these gentle giants, particularly around cleaning stations or nutrient-rich areas. Eagle rays are also a common sight, gracefully soaring through the blue. For shark lovers, November is excellent. You’ll likely spot white-tip and grey reef sharks patrolling the reefs, and if you’re lucky, nurse sharks resting on the sandy bottoms. Keep an eye out for hammerheads, especially in the deeper, current-swept channels of the outer islands – it’s not a daily guarantee, but your chances are certainly elevated. Beyond the big stuff, the Seychelles reefs are teeming with vibrant marine life. Schools of fusiliers, snappers, and barracuda often create breathtaking walls of fish. The macro life, though perhaps not as famous as some Indo-Pacific destinations, is present and charming. Look for ornate ghost pipefish hiding in crinoids, delicate nudibranchs crawling across corals, and various species of colorful reef fish like angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. Turtle sightings are almost guaranteed; both green and hawksbill turtles are prevalent throughout the islands. This month particularly sees an increase in the biomass as the waters become more fertile, leading to a very active and lively reef environment. Top dive sites this month Based on November's conditions and marine life activity, you'll want to target specific areas. In the Inner Islands, sites like Shark Bank near Mahé are fantastic. The slightly stronger currents here in November attract schools of barracuda, snappers, and often reef sharks. Visibility remains excellent, showcasing the beautiful granite boulders draped in soft corals. Another top pick is Sister Island Rocks , between Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur. This site often delivers fantastic encounters with turtles and reef sharks, and with the calmer seas, it's easily accessible and enjoyable. For those venturing to the Outer Islands (which many liveaboards do), sites around Desroches Island are incredible in November. The deeper channels and sheer walls here are magnets for pelagics, providing excellent chances for manta rays, eagle rays, and a variety of sharks. The pristine condition of the coral gardens is also a sight to behold. If your liveaboard itinerary reaches further, the remote atolls of Aldabra Group , particularly around Assumption Island , offer truly wild and untouched diving, with November being a very favorable time for encountering large schools of fish and powerful sharks due to the prevailing currents enriching these waters. These remote locations thrive with the shifting monsoon patterns. Practical tips for your trip Given the balmy water temperatures of 28-30°C (82-86°F) in November, you'll be perfectly comfortable in a 3mm shorty or even just board shorts/a rash guard for most dives. If you tend to get cold easily or are planning multiple, long dives, a full 3mm wetsuit might offer a touch more warmth and protection from any occasional stinging plankton, but it's certainly not essential. This month is generally suitable for all levels of divers, from beginners making their first ocean plunges to seasoned pros seeking pelagic action. The relatively calm seas and excellent visibility make it very inviting for newer divers, while the potential for larger marine life and occasional currents offers excitement for more advanced divers. Liveaboard availability in November can start to get a bit tighter as it's a popular shoulder season before the main high season kicks in. So, don't delay – it’s always wise to book your liveaboard well in advance to secure your preferred vessel and itinerary. What to pack? Standard tropical dive gear, obviously, but also plenty of bio-degradable sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and some light, breathable clothing for surface intervals. Remember that the Seychelles is quite remote, so ensure your dive equipment is in good working order, and carry essential spares. Be aware that while conditions are generally fantastic, the weather can be a little unpredictable during this transitional month, so embrace the adventure and be prepared for occasional short bursts of rain. But trust me, any brief shower will just be a cooling interlude before the sunshine returns and you're back in that incredible Seychellois water.