You are a solo
traveler, but are you a solo
diver? And
from your other thread, you've got a $2,500 total budget and don't want a live-aboard trip? Based out of KY, so you've got airfare concerns.
In the other thread, TarponChik mentioned Turquoise Bay Resort in Roatan, which gets good reviews and has a rep. for being budget friendly. I did a solo trip to CocoView; not in your budget, but not hugely beyond it.
My Research Notes from planning a Roatan Trip -
My Research Notes from Planning Roatan Trip
CocoView Trip Report May 2021 -
Trip Report - CocoView Resort May 8-15, 2021
Cozumel is the quality/budget Caribbean king from the impression I get from the forum, when you're U.S.-based, and it does rocked. Loved my trip there. You could step down to a cheaper accommodation, and I read good things about Dive With Martin (especially if you need rental gear).
My Research Notes from Planning Cozumel Trip -
My Research Notes from Planning Cozumel Trip
Bonaire shore diving can get expensive due to airfare. On the forum, I've recently learned booking Wednesday-to-Wednesday can yield significant savings where that's concerned. Staying places that aren't waterfront tends to be cheaper. I stayed at Dive Hut in 2012; more recently I've learned of
Tropical Dive Resort (offer a package deal) and
Aqua Viva Suites (next door to V.I.P. Divers), and I'm taking a hard look at those last two for a possible hoped for future trip (note: TDR looks to have a cheaper package; V.I.P. Divers has 100-cf tanks, a rarity on Bonaire).
If you change your mind about live-aboards, do a search on the forum and read a couple of highly complimentary reviews of the
Juliet live-aboard. If you really want budget, check out Blackbeards.
JlcNuke’s 2017
My Blackbeard's Cruise Report -
My Blackbeard's Cruise Report Includes some need-to-know discussion about bathing and bathroom concerns.
T.C.’s Report on Blackbeards May 2014 -
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bahamas/484271-trip-report-blackbeard-s-cruises-24-30-may.html
Kimbalabala’s Blackbeards review 2013 -
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/wo...-liveaboard.html?highlight=Blackbeards+review
Craig66’s Question thread about Blackbeards -
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/li...stion-about-dives-blackbeards-liveaboard.html
But don't pay list for a live-aboard in the Caribbean. Go to AggressorFleet.com or Explorer Fleet's website, and look up specials. In recent years Aggressor Fleet has had yearly 30+% off sales; last year I think it was in November? Bottom line, look for sales!
