Where to go that is not SE Asia or Caribbean?

[cfberry]

Vancouver Island

and cold

 

[Trilobite]

Papua New Guinea (fantastically remote diving, and you can hike the Kokoda Trail, 100 miles, one the the 10 hardest trails in the world)

Not sure when you were there. But these days I wouldn't recommend regular tourists go there unless part of an organized tour or sticking close to resort grounds. Can be a very dangerous place and air travel is some of the most unreliable in the world. Certainly not a place where you'd want to "rent motorcycles and explore the area" on your own, as OP says he does.

 

[USdiver1]

Pacific coasts of Costa Rica and Panama. Dive Coiba in RP, Isla del Caño in C.R. Go to Carnival in Las Tablas, RP, tour the Canal, visit San Jose, C.R. , etc. Great places to visit in January and February. Also motorcycle friendly.

 

[TheArkDiversPanama]

Coiba National Park, Panama is great for big schools of fish, pelagics, sharks on every day. Whaleshark season typically starts in January, Hammerheads migration in June, Humpback whale season until october..

Our Boutique Eco-Lodge is located only 25 min boat ride from some of the best dives sites. Your partner can enjoy some snorkeling, trekking etc. Check our webpage for more info: thearkdivers.com

Happy bubbles,
Audrey and Mike

 

[Xterra]

Egypt

 

[Searcaigh]

I'll throw United Arab Emirates and Oman into the options, but the water is cold (relatively) during these months and many of us are diving in 7mm and drysuits in Jan-Mar.

 

[GF99/99]

Egypt

Another vote for Egypt and really the continent of Africa in general.

Very nice diving and tons to do. You could do some epic bike road trips there as well. Actually for that matter really check out the southern portion of Africa. I have done some amazing camping road trips through Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Angola Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, with diving in Zanzibar and Mozambique.

If you have the time also make your way over to Jordan and see Petra and Wadi Rum. If your diving in Dahab it is a quick and easy boat ride from Nuweibaa to Aqaba then tons of guys in Aqaba that will drive you to Petra. Last time I was diving in Dahab I did this and it was amazing!

The other option is I see you did not list Indonesia so if you have not been you need to go. In my opinion the best diving in the world there and one of the best places for bike road trips. I would suggest going across Flores and Sumbawa and diving in Komodo. And if you really want an adventure check out Raja Ampat and Papua in general.

 

[pintodog]

New Zealand fits your description. Diving the Poor Knights is worth it and December will be their summer time.

 

[boqurant]

I'll throw United Arab Emirates and Oman into the options, but the water is cold (relatively) during these months and many of us are diving in 7mm and drysuits in Jan-Mar.

+1 for Oman (Musundam or South) - pretty solid diving and it's an interesting place to explore

 

[Bookworm11]

Egypt!