You Have $3-4k, the Last 2 Weeks of Aug 2021 Available, No Kids.....

[Brett Hatch]

I have only done one "dive vacation," and it was in Bonaire. The diving is great, price is reasonable, and there's stuff to do besides diving. One of my travel buddies had an ear infection so couldn't dive for the first half of the trip. He went windsurfing for a day or two instead, and had a great time with that. Apparently there's world-class windsurfing there, who knew! And we all ditched diving for a day to go on a guided tour kayaking in the mangroves, which was one of the highlights of the trip, I would highly recommend it, great change of pace from diving every day. The diving itself is wonderful there, with most sites being reachable by your choice of shore or boat, depending on your needs and flexibility.

 

[Jafo19D]

Greetings!

I admit...I only glanced at the recent posts...and not an exhaustive search on SB for this...I have looked before though and been diving for over 15yrs [tec diver, over 650 dives most in cold dark water, etc]...and dove in the Caribbean 2 times [Cancun for my first dive ever, and in Saba which was awesome].

Next Aug is our 10th wedding anniversary. We currently live in Seattle and want to go tropical. We have 7-10 days we can probably afford...and have $3-4k. No kids on this trip

I dive, my wife does not...but may try the discover scuba class where it is a quick few lessons and a very easy dive with an instructor.

If we could, we would try for the South Pacific...and my buddy owns a dive resort in the Phillipines...at Scandi Divers in Puerta Galera. But, that is a long trip to get out there and we want to relax.

The obvious choices are Cozumel, Roatan, Bonaire...which...I imagine I would be super happy with...and she would probably be as well. We do not need all inclusive, but would be nice. We are not big drinkers, so all you can drink is not worth it for us.

No live aboards...probably...

Any suggestions including a hotel? Yap would be cool!

Check out Providencia. It’s a Colombian island near Nicaragua. Settled by Brits so everyone speaks English Incredible reefs and you see dolphins hind and sharks. The only bad thing is that the island was in the center of Hurricane Iota and it was completely destroyed but by August they should be up and running. It’s a lot better than Roatan

 

[hilljo88]

Hmm...is Curacao pretty safe for tourists? Any favorite places to stay there?

Bonaire and Curacao are south of the usual hurricane paths so usually a safe weather bet. Crime concerns center on petty thefts from rental trucks on BON, although I personally have never had a problem. On CUR, Lion Dive hotel is a good choice. Good dive op on site, good shore dive. Beautiful beach. Your wife might like a beach front or high up ocean view room on the newer, north side of the property. It’s a few minutes longer walk to the dive shop but nicer rooms. The beach front adjoining the hotel has several tiki bars, shops and restaurants. You can take taxi into Willemstad to tour the town and try some very good restaurants.
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[BoltSnap]

is Curacao pretty safe for tourists? Any favorite places to stay there?

Never had an issue with crime or heard anything about it. Petty theft is a maybe but make sure that you don't leave anything in your car when you are diving away from your rental truck.

I'd look a these two properties in Curacao but more important contact this lady who is an expert in Curacao and Bonaire, I have used her for 20 years, she knows her stuff. Let her know that I sent you please.

sausan@maduro.com


Home - All West Apartments & Diving Curacao - All West - ENG

Home - Go West Diving

There is another resort that took over what used to be "Habitat Curacao" but I don't know its new name, ask Sausan at Maduro about it.

 

[ontdiver]

Hmm...is Curacao pretty safe for tourists? ]

Curacao is very safe, but as mentioned by @BurhanMuntasser, you need to take precautions with your vehicle - as you would in just about any destination.

I would encourage you to check out the State Department travel advisories for detailed country information. While these travel advisories do not reflect the vast majority of situations encountered by the average traveler, they are representative of the potential risks, particularly when alcohol is involved.

 

[Andrew Dawson]

AWESOME feedback folks! Bummer about the Philippines With tourism being so down because of COVID restrictions [justified, of course], I am sure places are needing visitors.

I am taking notes and will look up those links posted earlier.

We are probably focusing more towards Cozumel and the like....my wife's ears sure perked up hearing she could get daily massages...but, I doubt they are cheap enough on Cozumel to afford that, eh? $5 massages...we would do that and tip $20!

 

[flyboy08]

Little Corn Island Nicaragua!

 

[Andrew Dawson]

Yeah, my old boss/mentor built and owns Corn Island Dive Center...but I believe that is on Big Corn Island. We are considering there as well...

Drawbacks being my wife does not want to stay in their VRBO with them....as she does not know them...and she wants a lil more resort fell than a beach cabin.

 

[drrich2]

Follow up, is that 3 - 4 grand for both of you, and does it include airfare? If it's for both, that's a tight budget. A cruise, maybe diving at a couple of port stops, might turn out to be a good option.

Richard.

 

[Andrew Dawson]

$3-4k total...we spent nearly 3 weeks in the Caribbean on that budget before including airfare in 2011, our honeymoon.

We did have 1 week hotel paid for...but...also did a few diving charters and excursions that were not factored in when we left.

Cruise is a new thought...but...not our bag