Bali vs Thailand(Similans) vs Red Sea

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rexman24

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Location
Florida
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200 - 499
If you could spend some time and dive at one of the three which would it be?

I like Pelagics, schools, interesting creatures, fish, macro, and muck.

I am experienced and my favorite places so far are Philippines, Cozumel, Roatan, and Jupiter FL.

We also like above water islands, beaches, mountains, culture, etc.

Thanks for your input!
 
I prefer the Red Sea: mostly relaxed, easy going diving with good visibility and many fish. However not as much variety as some of the other destinations have, and no much, not much macro. Similans also no muck, but more variety but also more challenging diving with depths and currents.
 
Thanks for your input. There seems to be a lot of value in the liveaboard diving in the Red sea. The boats look really nice there. Have you been to Bali? or anywhere else in Indonesia?
 
Thanks for your input. There seems to be a lot of value in the liveaboard diving in the Red sea. The boats look really nice there. Have you been to Bali? or anywhere else in Indonesia?
Red Sea liveaboards are extremely good value, and from Europe (if possible) even more so.

Sorry, have done some diving there, but that was a long, long time ago. Do have Raja Ampat on my bucketlist though.
 
My hubby and I have been to these destinations and all are wonderful. With your experience I personally recommend Bali. A Bali trip will get you lots of culture, whole towns virtually close down for the colourful temple ceremonies, as well as walking and fabulous diving.A lot depends on your budget , how long you have and what your interests are. But in Bali you can see mantas at Manta Point off Lembongan, wonderful corals and amazing macro on mainland Bali at Amed, Tulamben and Padang Bai. I would rate the Red Sea lower, but the coral on the big offshore reefs like the Brothers is world class.

Let us know how you get on.
 
Depends also of time of year.

Have done Red Sea (Classic) and viz was impressive, many fish, great wrecks. Warm water (at least during the summer), good price. Diving got a bit repetitive and no big fish at all.
We also did Sudan and it was a bit better. Sudan is best during spring, Egypt during summer.
Thailand April 2018: Similan was not very interesting, but Koh Bon, Koh Tarchai and (especially) Richelieu Rock were good, super viz and more variety in fish life. 4 day LOB with ok price. Lots to see topside and amazing food. Going back in April this year. Similan etc are only open from 15/10-15/5.
Bali: August 2014 (I think). Lots of Mantas at manta point (but also cold water), lots of variety in fish life and some sites in Amed had the most incredible viz (remember to set the depth alarm on your dive computer!), going back in July (in combination with Komodo and Alor)
 
Time of year is critical to make any recommendations. Some areas (Similans) are outright closed during monsoon whereas other places have their high season etc.
 
Based on your likes, I vote Bali but yes, water can be cold, so you'll need to be prepared for that.
 
No comparison: Bali! I’ve been there about 10 times. :D

just watch this video:


In July-October, you can dive in the southeast site called Nusa Penida for Mola Mola.

 
I have been to Red Sea a couple of times. It’s a good destination too. The most recent one is this:

BDE Trip Report, 21-28 December, 2019

Red Sea just doesn’t have as rich bio-diversity as that of Indonesia. However the Red Sea water visibility is fantastic. On the other side, limited visibility of the water in Indonesia means plenty of food for the fish & critters, hence you would see plenty of the fish & critters to see underwater.
 
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