Best Easy Dive Destination for Buddy with Health Issues

[MrBlenny]

Hi all,

My dive buddy is no longer in great health, but not ready to hang up her fins so I am looking for possible destinations in the Caribbean that still have good diving. We've done Bonaire, Cozumel, and Little Caymen in years past, the decline in coral health caused us to switch to the Philippines in recent years. Realizing that nothing will hold up to Anilao, are there any Caribbean destinations we should consider with revised expectation? Just looking for easy diving and pretty fish at this point. Thanks in advance!

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

Curacao? Or maybe just go back to LCBR. Their "concierge" service is excellent for folks with mobility issues.

When you say "no longer in great health" you may want your advise your "buddy" to talk to his/her PCP and make sure that there are no contraindications to recreational diving.

 

[tursiops]

When you say "no longer in great health" you may want your advise your "buddy" to talk to his/her PCP and make sure that there are no contraindications to recreational diving.

See the latest (March) issue of Undercurrent for an article on medical releases.

 

[MrBlenny]

Curacao? Or maybe just go back to LCBR. Their "concierge" service is excellent for folks with mobility issues.

When you say "no longer in great health" you may want your advise your "buddy" to talk to his/her PCP and make sure that there are no contraindications to recreational diving.

Thanks for the suggestions. The medical situation isn't a new thing, but a progressive one that will make diving a no-go in a few years. She and her doctor have discussed things, so no issues there. I'll definitely look at LCBR (I miss Pirate's Point...RIP)

 

[chillyinCanada]

It has been a few years but I was very surprised and impressed with the diving at Bequia.

 

[arew+4]

Not sure what the health issues are, but I would +1 on Curacao.

The shore dive entries could not be any easier.

Plenty of shore dives with on site tank rentals.

No reservations or deposits to hassle with if they are just not "feeling it" at go time.

Lord of pretty fish and other creatures, little to no surf or currents to fight.

 

[davecampbell]

another vote for Curaçao. On my last trip there, and few weeks ago, we did 5 days of boat diving with Ocean Encounters. This has become our regular Caribbean trip over the last few years. On a couple of those days, we had an older fellow on the boat using a wheelchair, who could walk, but barely. There were also 2 women who needed to be suited up in their gear while sitting on the stern, due to hip replacements or such. The staff did an excellent job of dealing with the situation, and everyone got to dive...safely. My wife and I don't need any assistance at all, other than a boat ride and a good fill, but if we did, I have no doubt they could, and would, help us out. Highly recommend Curaçao for easy, excellent diving, and OE as an efficient and professional Operator.

 

[grantmac]

Couldn't get much easier than Amed/Tulamben, they'll put your gear in the water if you wish and at least where I was you paid for the dives you did without any reservations.