All-inclusive resort with decent diving?

[diversteve]

If Curacao is still of interest, you might look at Lions Dive also. Not a true AI but they offer meal plan options. Due to it's location next to the Sea Aquarium complex (it's also 5 minutes from Downtown) there's many other dining options nearby. Ocean Encounters main shop is 50 yds. away. It's also where they do the Dolphin dives.

There's also a Breezes next door but it's kid-focused to some degree. I've read the rooms are just average also.

You might want to post a ballpark estimate of what you're looking to spend. $5K pp puts many more locations/flights in play vs. $2K pp. Where are you flying from?

The diving is not as great but Jamaica seems to be a very popular honeymoon destination. All the AI's are there. IDK anything about it but what about Aruba?

 

[Willar]

Be sure to look into Iberostar resorts. They have many destinations across the Caribbean, great all-inclusive concept, and Dressel Divers does a great job focusing on the divers. Yes, scuba is extra cost but it's reasonable. We've done ID Paraiso Lindo (playa del Carmen) and IB Cozumel. Both were very nice but the features and beach at the 5-resort complex at Playa del Carmen are outstanding.

 

[dvankirk]

Which Sandals are you thinking of?

My fiancé and I are going to Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exhuma for our honeymoon in October. Diving is included, but I'm not counting on the diving at the resort being anything more than getting wet, though.

 

[diveprof]

Most romantic - Anse Chastanet, St Lucia - No AC so best early May - ask for hummingbird suite on the hill. 3 sides screened and open. Pitons in the back ground. Nice shore dive and fairly good boat dives.

Aura or Cozumel Palace on Cozumel

Little Cayman Beach resort.

 

[oldguysrule]

My wife and I went to Cozumel Jun4 thru Jun15, Seattle/Atlanta/Cozumel, Delta Airlines First class. There are many places to stay in Cozumel but our favorite is the Fiesta Americana all inclusive using The Dive House for diving. The pier is on site and there is shore diving included. Stay on the top two floors (6 or 7)-better accommodations. The food is non stop and every meal is to die for. If you drink there is a never ending supply of anything and everything...Jim Beam, Grey Goose, etc. Tips (20%) are included in the price of the stay but anything additional is always appreciated by the employees. Every person who works there always gives their best, they are very hard working. The island is a safe haven and my wife ran 5k's after dark through town without any hesitation. Our rental car for 10 days was $120, unlimited mileage and insurance included. Taxi rides are expensive and having a car makes everything easier. May is a great time to go, too. We have always used a specific travel agent and recommend them for all dive vacations above any other. I fully recommend Cozumel. Any questions please feel free to contact...Scott

 

[Bryan Cunningham]

Hi A

Been reading your posts as well as some of the responses. I am happy to help you find the ideal location, its what I do. I am a dive travel specialist, and am happy to give advice even if you are not my customer. Yet . If you find my advice helpful, I do appreciate you spreading the word of my services. You can email me directly at bentdiver@live.com
Here is a link to my profile on our company website.
Online Travel Centre - Scuba

A few comments on the answers to your post.
1) I worked for Sandals/Beaches and filled in as a relief instructor at many of their resorts. The only really good one with good diving is Beaches
2) Someone mentioned Antigua/Jumby Bay. NO. The good diving on Antigua is on the SW side. I owned a dive operation on Antigua for 5 years. You must dive out of English Harbour. St James Club is your best option, and May would be a great time. Yachting season with some great races and activities.

3) There are a LOT of great AI s with good packages. Just depends on your wants.

a- What is your budget
b- Which city are you departing from?
c- Adults only or kids ok?
d- What diving to you prefer? Sharks, wrecks, reef, fishlife, walls etc etc
e- What type of NON diving activities do you want to do on your vacation.

All these factors are important in finding the right destination for YOU.

Cheers
Bryan

 

[mike_s]

What about the Aura Cozumel or one of the Couples Resorts?

I've been to two of the Couples resorts. I was impressed with both of them.


Diving was included in both at no extra charge. But it's not "dive all day" sort of thing.

M-F, 1 tank morning dive, 1 tank afternoon dive. 65ft depth to include OW divers
Saturday, 2 tank morning dive, 1 to 95ft max, 2nd to 65ft max. no afternoon dive.
no diving on sunday.

all gear was included. Not sure what they have now, but then they had Sherwood regs and Sherwood jacket BC's. AL 80 tanks.


I'd do it again. the diving was much better than most people said. Lots of colorful reefs. but not as many fish as the FL keys.

 

[RickyF]

While you are still looking, check out Barefoot Cay in Roatan Honduras. Great diving and the resort is a valet type all inclusive.

 

[cybdiver]

resort diving is set to take the most basic of divers into consideration, fear of the evil insrance companies, lawyers and Bubbles the judge.
this does not mean you must stay with the group. if you are experienced and can find your way back to the boat then break off from the heard and enjoy your dive on your own terms.
yes the 1000 psi spech is given because there are those that dive once a year in lousy condition a gulp their air. Whip out your log book and show em you have street creds.
you set the pace its your money and your in charge of your dive unless you want the tour

did i mention that Antigua is the number 1 honeymooners spot? :cool2:

 

[Bryan Cunningham]

Diving in the Exumas is WORLD CLASS. It is a massive land and sea park with an awesome wall. A friend of mine helped set up their diving a few while back, and had a tough time as they did not know the dive sites and did not yet have a proper dive boat. But with these teething problems over, you should have great diving. They would be the ONLY land based operation I know of able to dive the Exumas. Sure your diving will be a hell of a lot more enjoyable than just getting wet.

---------- Post Merged at 11:05 AM ---------- Previous Post was at 10:48 AM ----------

resort diving is set to take the most basic of divers into consideration, fear of the evil insrance companies, lawyers and Bubbles the judge.
this does not mean you must stay with the group. if you are experienced and can find your way back to the boat then break off from the heard and enjoy your dive on your own terms.
yes the 1000 psi spech is given because there are those that dive once a year in lousy condition a gulp their air. Whip out your log book and show em you have street creds.
you set the pace its your money and your in charge of your dive unless you want the tour

did i mention that Antigua is the number 1 honeymooners spot? :cool2:

Many resorts, like beaches, DO REQUIRE YOU TO STAY WITH THE GROUP. Unless your DM specifically gives you permission to stray. They are well within their right to prevent you diving further if you do not follow their briefings and rules. You need to read the small print on their websites and check in documents. Policy does change from resort to resort, so you need to be sure what applies before booking.

Most inclusive resorts that I have worked for will ban you from diving for the rest of your paid vacation if you break away and stay down longer than they specify.