Next dive trip recommendation

[David Novo]

Hi everyone,

I started diving last year and I would really appreciate suggestions on where should I dive next.

Currently I have 40 logged dives, AOW, dry suit and nitrox certs.

Dived in:
- Koh Tao (Thailand - OW);
- Continental Portugal (where I live);
- Azores (Santa Maria - mobulas/mantas - only dive trip);
- Iceland (Silfra);
- Cayo Coco (Cuba);

I am planning to go for 7-9 days (including flights) in January-March and would prefer a location with "bucket list" level diving spots or a high probability of finding whale sharks.

Liveaboard is a plus (Maldives and Philippines are out due to personal reasons).

Any ideas?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Lorenzoid]

If I lived in Europe, with all those budget airlines, I would be diving in the Red Sea at least once a year--it's very good, and I would say it's a bucket list destination, though perhaps not at the very top. The Caribbean is roughly on par with the Red Sea in quality and is close to N. America, so that's where we N. Americans tend to go. From what I have heard, Cuba is not the best diving in the Caribbean. Cozumel, Cayman, and Turks and Caicos are popular.

If whale sharks are the goal, you could visit Mexico and combine scuba diving in Cozumel with a 1-day whale shark snorkeling excursion. As far as I am aware, there are no places in the world that encourage scuba diving with whale sharks--it's always snorkeling.

The so-called Coral Triangle of Asia is at the top of many if not most divers' bucket lists. That would be mainly Indonesia and Philippines. You will be spoiled and never want to dive anywhere else.

 

[Trailboss123]

I think Asia will be very challenging if you only have 7-9 days and that includes your travel time and off gassing time. Given your time constraint, I would probably 2nd the recommendation of @Kharon and strongly consider the Red Sea. I believe Whale Shark season in Yucatan, Mexico is only in the Summer- so, if your dates are January to March, then you probably are not going to see them. Cozumel is worth it in it's own right and you may be able to find some decent flights from Portugal or Spain to Cozumel or Cancun. Meant to say the recommendation of @Lorenzoid

 

[Lorenzoid]

Hmm, I had heard somewhere that the Yucatan (primarily Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox) is one of the few places in the world where whale sharks can be found year-round, but perhaps Trailboss is correct--or at least summer is the season when the odds of seeing them are highest. It certainly makes sense that the plankton they feed on would be more abundant when the water is warmer.

 

[uncfnp]

Socorro liveaboard?

Have not dove but on my bucket list.

Nautilus Liveaboards

 

[Snoweman]

It was my understanding whale sharks are primarily summer feeders in Mexico, after heading north from Belize.

You could dive with them in Belize in March. You will need to plan on arriving a day or two before the full moon. Placencia is the place to go. I'm told the reefs have gotten better since I was there six years ago.

I thought there are places around Thailand that bait them to come to the surface.

 

[outofofficebrb]

I second the Red Sea. I actually liked it a lot more than the Caribbean. I would rank it behind Indonesia and Philippines, in that order, after diving the southern itineraries over 45 dives. You can get a weeklong liveaboard for $900-1200 USD with free nitrox.

 

[Disco King]

Have not been to Rajampat or Socorros but read Jan - Mar are good months. FYI -
Places to see whaleshark by month I have a little longer vacation. Planning snorkeling with Whale sharks in La Paz then will head to Socorros late Jan.

 

[David Novo]

Thanks for all the inputs. Seems like Red Sea liveaboard is the way to go.

Which month is better? South or North route?

 

[Lorenzoid]

Thanks for all the inputs. Seems like Red Sea liveaboard is the way to go.

Which month is better? South or North route?

I'm sure it won't be your only trip to the Red Sea. North and South routes are offered because both regions have great things to see. Do one route this year and another next year!

You can read up on the Red Sea in the Red Sea forum, where people have posted trip reports and asked questions about routes: Red Sea