A little torn... where to...?

[scubapatton]

I am looking for good recommendations for diving first, relax non-diving second on options for Dec 22-29 for 2 couples. Any suggestions?

I am still looking long and hard at Utila or Roatan. But I want to make sure i look at Belize, Costa Rica and other options as well. I considered Cayman Islands, but the flight alone is ~1200 each and the lodging options are all pretty high. Utila and Roatan are around 850 for flights and lodging, inc diving seems to be in the 950-1200 range.

I realize this may be peak season, but it cannot be helped. I just want to go to an area where the water is say 78+ with good viz and not too high of a chance of raining out diving. I figure even rain allows diving, as long as not hurricane-ish or lightening... I love diving in the rain personally... as long as viz does not get beat down too much.

Anyway, suggestions....?

 

[tadeotadeo]

Here is a little bit about Old Providence

A small, off the beaten path, island about 100 miles off the coast of Nicaragua. Over 100 square miles of prime virgin reef (3rd largest in the world) surrounds the mountainous island and its dry rain forest of 6.5 square miles. Most of the diving is a 10 minute or less boat ride. There is also a day trips to the lighthouse on the northern tip of the reef. With a wide variety of diving interest, there is everything from walls to caves to crevasses to shipwrecks to tropical fish to coral formations to rays. The only think it does not have is the larger animals like whales, although I did see a king crab on one dive that was 3 to 4 feet across……sharks are not very common.
Plenty of snorkeling from the shores or kayak/snorkel in McBean Reserve Park and Three Brothers Islands. Fishing, beachcombing, Kayak, trekking, bicycling, horseback riding are the other major attractions
There are no casinos, no large resorts, no night clubs….its more like a game of dominos over a beer, mom and pop bed and breakfast style cabanas and a bon fire on the beach with local musicians.
Most restaurants serve local cuisine, all fresh from local fishermen.
There are only about 5000 people on the island and they all treat guest like family. Crime is simple non existent, the worst thing I have herd happen is a taxi driver charge $2 instead of $1 for a taxi ride.
Of coarse this type of place is not for everyone but if you love nature, no crowds, personalized service, and some of the best diving in the Caribbean Old Providence is it.
Ciao

 

[babs]

If you can change your dates a little one of my patners Concord Divers has a group trip Dce 27-Jan 3 to Belize which they have a few spots open.

Concord Divers has a group trip to Belize staying at SunBreeze Hotel $980 diver and $652 non diver if anyone is looking for a holiday vacation. Sunbreeze Beach Hotel - San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

package:
7 nights std room based on dbl occupancy, room tax and service charges, 5 days 2 tank boat dives, weights belt and tanks, round trip air transfers from Belize intn’l to San Pedro.

contact Kathy at Concord Divers (704) 788-3483

 

[dashark]

Kona is a real easy hit from california as well. warm water, consistant vis, and lots to see under water and topside.

 

[mjh]

For a non diver Utila is very limited and Roatan would be better. The best option if you can swing it is Fiji. Another in the Carib would be the Turks and Caicos. We have trip reports for a couple of these at our site.

 

[dashark]

Fiji would be my first choice as well.
Turks and Caicos would be second. Sometimes if you call club med direct you can get last minute deals. We stayed at the t&c club med, had a blast. Loved the diving. lots of folks on the boats, but, excellent operation nonetheless.

 

[scubapatton]

Already been to Fiji - 2 weeks about 2 years ago. As much as I would love to go back, I would like to see more of our planet before I starting duplicating locations. GREAT place though!

 

[belizeit20]

I would also recommend that you consider SunBreeze Hotel and the dive package. Belize is home of the largest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere. This include the famous Blue Hole which you can't miss.

 

[robint]

I am looking for good recommendations for diving first, relax non-diving second on options for Dec 22-29 for 2 couples. Any suggestions?

I am still looking long and hard at Utila or Roatan. But I want to make sure i look at Belize, Costa Rica and other options as well. I considered Cayman Islands, but the flight alone is ~1200 each and the lodging options are all pretty high. Utila and Roatan are around 850 for flights and lodging, inc diving seems to be in the 950-1200 range.

I realize this may be peak season, but it cannot be helped. I just want to go to an area where the water is say 78+ with good viz and not too high of a chance of raining out diving. I figure even rain allows diving, as long as not hurricane-ish or lightening... I love diving in the rain personally... as long as viz does not get beat down too much.

Anyway, suggestions....?

have you thought of a liveaboard?? I have friends who did the Nekton over xmas holidays and loved it. The boat was only half full and they got a good deal on $$. Nekton Diving Cruises - Comfort, Stability, Worldclass Diving
According to their schedule, they have one boat in Belize, the other is off SE Puerto Rico/St. Croix and both should be good diving. There is also the Aggressor boats, a bit more expensive though, but they also have a boat in Belize, one also in Utila. I haven't tried them, but I have done the Nekton and loved it.

robint