Best Place For First Dive

[JOE C]

I need some advice about diving after open water cert. I've been told Carib is tamer then my local NJ waters. Can someone recommend a good introductory place to learn and dive for the beginning diver in the Carib. I'm presently a buddy-less diver, 56 Yrs old, good shape.

 

[nauifins73]

In the Caribbean I would recommend Grand Cayman - but since Ivan visited I'm not sure when tourist will be allowed back on the Island. Next would be Cayman Brac or Little Cayman. I believe both of them are so called "open". I stayed at Brac Reef Resort a great place but no real shore diving. Brac Reef Dive Shop in on site and they are a great dive shop with really nice boats and staff.

When and where you do decide to go let us know, please. I for one am currently diving vicarously through other divers. No plans for a trip and cold air is descending.

Becky

 

[DandyDon]

Howdy!

And welcome to SB - the biggest, the best, the fastest growing, and the friendliest! When I was brand new, I went to Key Largo, and booked with a local operator that caters to newbies, doing newbie reefs, with a DM in the water for every dive. That worked out well. I now go back to do the wrecks, as I am next month. Also check our New2Scuba forum.

Completing your Profile with location will help in future diving discussions. You can use the Quick Links menu above for this. Sizing a photo for your profile or Avatar can be a challenge; I'm a fumbling amateur, but I get the job done, if you'd like any help?

PM me if I can help you learn your way around; that is - click my username to the upper left, then follow the prompts to send me a "Personal Message."

don

 

[Matt the Aquaman]

:icecream1 Hi there JOE C, I just wanted to make you feel welcome, when I joined many people introduced themselves. On Scuba Board, you will find there are many informative divers here. It’s a good place too, for meeting other divers. If you ever want to talk feel free to PM me. I hope you enjoy being on the board. From Matt. :t-shirt:

Click here to greet a new member! :happywave
No experience needed and it feels great!​

 

[cal2632]

I'm a newbie myself, but I'll share our experience. We picked Bermuda for our first ocean dive. We went with Blue Water Divers there and were very happy. Lots of wrecks to see off the coast of Bermuda and most of them very shallow.

Have fun whereever you decide to go!

Mona

 

[Mantaman]

Joe,

I certified in March in Seattle in 45 degree water with forty lbs of weight and rubberized head to foot. I think learning in challenging conditions helped me learn the basics better and then when I went on vacation, I felt a little more comfortable and could enjoy myslef more. The Nasty New Jersy waters is my recomendation for your first ten dives. You will find warm water diving amazing after certifying in the cold.


Log Book:http://www.diverecord.com/DiverHome.asp?p=s

 

[headhunter]

Welcome to ScubaBoard! :happywave

I've never been to the Caribbean, but it sounds like you are getting some good advice already.

Don't forget to fill out your profile and dive info, so that we can add context to your future posts. Also, once we know where you are geographically from your profile, you may find that you'll have a whole bunch of new dive buddies to choose from locally.

Dive safe!

Christian

P.S. Due to the high volume of new posts in the Introductions and Greets forum, it's not always possible to keep up with all the new posts here. So, please help me out and send me a PM if you post anything you want me to read or repsond to in this forum.
almtree: :sunny

 

[herman]

Joe,

I certified in March in Seattle in 45 degree water with forty lbs of weight and rubberized head to foot. I think learning in challenging conditions helped me learn the basics better and then when I went on vacation, I felt a little more comfortable and could enjoy myslef more. The Nasty New Jersy waters is my recomendation for your first ten dives. You will find warm water diving amazing after certifying in the cold.

Log Book:http://www.diverecord.com/DiverHome.asp?p=s

I have to disagree with this somewhat. While there is no doubt that diving in less than ideal conditions helps build confidence, there is a limit. I am guessing but I would suspect that the conditions around NJ are similar to here. We get alot of new divers here in NC and while the diving is great, it's also a bit more difficult than most new divers should take on as their first dives. Between the deep water, long boat rides in rough water and the pure stress of it all, it often makes a bad diving experience for new divers. The deep water makes gas managment critical and a typical new diver here runs through a tank quickly, creating a safety issue. And while I enjoy diving with new divers in a controlled situation, it's a pain to be buddied with a new diver and have to act as an unpaid DM (my last NC dive trip was less than enjoyable due to this).
Joe, I would suggest that you do some diving in a local quarry if possible and then hit the upper keys for your first ocean dives.

 

[JOE C]

Thank You For Your Advice. You Were The Second Person To Recommend Caymans. I Was Leaning Toward Cozumel, But Read Some Bad Comments On Currents Too Strong For Beginner, And Large Groups. I'll Look Into Ivan's Damage And Hope For The Best.

 

[JOE C]

Herman,

Of all the responses I've gotten yours is the soundest argument. I did certify in tidal river of Jersey coast. Of the 4 dives, the best viz was 5 feet and the experience was a bit freaky, and made me think caribbean waters might be a better place to learn. I've heard of quarry diving but thought the still waters would not prepare me for ocean diving. But after reading your response I believe your right on. At least I can practice technique and navigation without having currents to deal with.

thanks, Joe.