Roatan and Utila compared to Asia

[Lorenzoid]

As far as I've seen in my diving, most anywhere in the Asian "coral triangle" is better than most anywhere in the Caribbean. I spent a month on Roatan and Utila, and the diving there pales in comparison to what I've seen in Indonesia (Komodo, Bali and N. Sulawesi). We North Americans dive the Caribbean because it's the closest tropical dive destination to us, not because it's the best diving in the world.

 

[ocdiver1]

Very well said by Damselfish. Great to a try a new region, always can have a great dive, etc. but given a CHOICE not solely driven by cost or convenience, it's hard to imagine someone whose been lucky enough to experience a lot of both regions recommending going to any Caribbean spot at the expense of one in Asia.

 

[Chaseh]

The diving in the Caribbean won't compare, even if lionfish are now featured. I just wish Asia was more accessible. Some parts of the Caribbean may feature above water aspects that appeal more for certain vacationers, as certainly Asian atmosphere varies tremendously. Ultimately, the Caribbean is often lovely and offers good diving, but it draws us from this hemisphere because of relative convenience and cost savings (flight cost) realtive to Asia and parts of the South Pacific.

 

[b-dog]

The diving in the Caribbean won't compare, even if lionfish are now featured. I just wish Asia was more accessible. Some parts of the Caribbean may feature above water aspects that appeal more for certain vacationers, as certainly Asian atmosphere varies tremendously. Ultimately, the Caribbean is often lovely and offers good diving, but it draws us from this hemisphere because of relative convenience and cost savings (flight cost) realtive to Asia and parts of the South Pacific.

True, I have seen lionfish in the Caribbean and they are pretty but there are other far more beautiful fishes in the Indo-pacific area. The Caribbean fishes are nice but they are sort of plain looking compared to the extravigant Indo-pacific fishes The corals in the Indo-pacific are truly beautiful and the Caribbean corals do not compare. The Caribbean is more geared towards the party/drinking life while Asia has many more tourist options including drinking and party life. For me, the Caribbean does not compare to Asia.

 

[DivinRich]

Utila/Roatan Pros -​

1. Cheaper/easier to get to than asia for many.
2. Warmer water means no wetsuit
3. Spearing lionfish is fun !
4. A bad day diving is still better than a good day working.

That being said, I'm planning my next trip to Phillippines now....

 

[farsidefan1]

Indonesia for me . I like roatan (6 visits) but if given the choice - Palau, Fiji, GBR, etc would all come out ahead. On the other hand the south side of Roatan has TONS of cool macro stuff.

 

[Doc]

Two weeks into this thread and:

1) It hasn't just died-off from sheer absurdity of any additional comparison.

2) No one has pointed out yet that on Roatan, very few people speak Asian.

 

[richdrogpa]

Thanks for advice here I'm itching to go diving somewhere in January. Wish I could go for longer than 10 days (2 weeks tops), just like in October when I was in Bali. I guess Roatan will be just fine I just enjoy to be in the water!!!

 

[DaMayan]

I am amazed at my British/Northern Euro diving buddies who are so attracted to the Caribbean.

It also just sounds cool. A vacation to the Caribbean.

I just booked a trip to Roatan from Europe.
Not because i expect it to be the best dive spot in world, but because i havent been there yet.
Also Asia is just as far away from Europe as the Caribbean, the price or travel time doesnt matter much. The only "nearby" great diving destination is the Red Sea area.
Allready did the Philippines, Thailand and Red Sea recently so time for something else. Looking forward to finding out if it compares.

 

[Doc]

I just booked a trip to Roatan from Europe.

What airline connections are you going to have to slog through?