CCV vs. AKR - questions (long)

[large_diver]

Tentatively planning a family dive/snorkel trip for 2009 or early 2010. Roatan is near the top of the list. We live in Europe now, but expect to be back in the US by mid-2009.

We are a family of 4. By the time we take the trip, kids will be ages 13 & 15. Neither is certified yet (they've tried discover scuba on a trip to Egypt last year), but both would likely get certified before this trip.

The trip we took to Egypt last year was one of our best vacations ever - VERY rustic dive lodge right on the water in the desert in southern Egypt. No TV, no video games, no pool, no game room...pretty much nothing but the desert and the beautiful Red Sea at our feet. We snorkeled and dove all day and hung out/talked/read/sipped drinks while watching the sun go down at night. Our kids were the only kids there all week. I was kind of worried that they would be bored...but they loved it.

The reasons that this trip "worked" so well for us: (1) great house reef snorkeling & diving right in front of the lodge (either setting out on your own or RIBs would drop you off and you could swim back); (2) dive boats successfully served both snorkelers and divers from the same boat; (3) the dive boats frequently visited an off shore reef that was a dolphin sanctuary, so the wife and kids could snorkel on the reef and with wild dolphins while I dove; (4) the vibe of the resort was like bedouin Robinson Crusoe....so laid back and relaxed....and the skill level of the divers there was great (mainly Dutch, Germans, Danes).


So....long story short....in looking at Roatan, I am torn between AKR and CCV because...

• CCV: better house reef for diving and snorkeling, better value for $, intimate/more relaxed vibe, ability (at least according to other comments I've read) to snorkel and dive from same boat, more diving opportunities (house reef/boat), games/pool table, all accommodations waterfront or over water. Having great house reef snorkeling is a MUST for this trip. We also prefer a place that is quieter without additional "traffic" of daytrip visitors from cruise ships or other resorts....another CCV advantage (not sure if this is an issue at AKR or not)
• AKR: "nicer" resort (but bigger and perhaps less personal), dolphin activities for the kids, pool, perhaps a better choice if my family wants to dive less than I do

I also get the opinion that AKR is a somewhat more "Americanized" resort in terms of food choices and atmosphere....which is perhaps why US familes with younger kids would prefer it. This doesn't matter as much to us since we've been living in Europe for 3 years and have taken the kids on trips from Spain to Moscow to Greece to Egypt and many places in between. The dolphins are an attraction, but we could of course arrange to do some dolphin experiences even if staying at CCV.

Any opinions on the "fit" of one vs. the other would be welcomed.

Thanks!

Chris

 

[parrotheaddiver]

Looks like you have done your homework

if you stay at CCV you can always arrange for the dolphin experience or any other activity on the island from the office at CCV....that way everyone is happy....the house reef aka as The Front Yard....had a lot of area to cover so you can spend countless hours/days there....

 

[Doc]

Looks like you have done your homework

I'll agree with that.

From reading what you stated, I see no reason why they wouldn't find CCV a perfect fit and a better choice.... Unless for some magical reason that hormones kick in between now and 2010 and they evolve into holy terrors.

The gal that runs the PADI facility there has an amazing ability with kids. Get them certified.

For others who may be reading along:

If the kids are likely to be better entertained by the Dolphin interaction each day to occupy their time, AKR is certainly the way to go. They have a specific program set up for this.

As a general rule, kids are discouraged from CCV unless they are of 10+ years, and more importantly, have attained a maturity level that you have so well described. Many families with younger divers who are serious about the sport, who don't need TV and non-dive diversions- they do well at CCV's beach houses, which are 2 to 6 minutes walk away. They are located on the same private secure island, but removed from the adult crowd.

In the beach houses, you can have a more family environment, cooking if you wish, or taking meals at the main club house. You dive along with everyone else.

The above might not be an issue in your situation, but I think it's worth restating lest it gets to be part of later discussion.

Kids are welcomed at CCV by the other guests, if they came to dive and exhibit a mature desire to learn the sport and most importantly, have a desire to understand reef ecology and creatures. It is also a good trait that they make slightly less noise than any other adult... don't attract attention. When kids are in the main clubhouse, behave as if at home with the Pastor being present. They may indeed get a dose of what hard core divers do when they are off gassing. Could be a real education.

I have seen several youngsters have a very positive dive experience at CCV.

 

[robint]

ditto, sounds like Cocoview is the trip for you! Your family can always do an excursion over to AKR to do the dolphin thing if they want one day, too. Best of both worlds. CCV is small and intimate with only 26 rooms and some cottages so if you want to book there, you need to find out if your dates are available. They fill up fast, especially for the peak season!


robin
leaving for CoCoView in less than 24 hours!

 

[large_diver]

Thanks a lot for all the comments guys - very helpful. As you can tell, I think I had already sort of answered my own question (CCV sounds like a better choice for us)...but your comments help to confirm what I was feeling.

Have a great weekend.

Chris