I have finished all of the classroom and pool work and was wondering what tropical destination would be the best place for a new diver to go to go the check out dives. I am traveling solo and am wondering who is going to have the calmest waters for the best value. I know Cozumel is cheap but I am not ready for drift diving and am not a big fan of Mexico. I was considering Belize, Bonaire, Caymen Islands and the Bahamas. Any suggestions would be great. I am guessing Bonaire could be out of my price range which is around 2K for 5-6 days including the flight. Where would I have the easiest time finding a dive buddy?
Check out dive where should I go
- Thread starter Sea Bass
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Rainer
Contributor
Bonaire is going to be WAY cheaper than the Caymans. Where are you traveling from? We did 6 days of diving for under your 2K budget (including airfare, truck rental, diving, staying, eating).
ClevelandDiver
Contributor
Other than the cold, is there a reason you don't want to do your check out dives locally and then go on a trip? It might also help you find a dive buddy. All of my dive trips have been with divers I met locally.
kidsdream
Contributor
Lots of options,but GB is not to far for a 4/5 day trip and the water is nice in the Summer.
While others might say stay close to home, learning in warm water with a 3ml suit (or less) will make those dives a lot easier. GB has some other things to enjoy topside as you should have bit of time to enjoy that as well.
My entire family did our OW dives in the Upper Keys. If you plan you trip in the Summer you could be pretty much assured of some good weather even if you factor in a day or so for "wind" related to blow-out.
While others might say stay close to home, learning in warm water with a 3ml suit (or less) will make those dives a lot easier. GB has some other things to enjoy topside as you should have bit of time to enjoy that as well.
My entire family did our OW dives in the Upper Keys. If you plan you trip in the Summer you could be pretty much assured of some good weather even if you factor in a day or so for "wind" related to blow-out.
dvrliz1
Guest
Sea Bass...
I did my classroom and pool work in New Jersey, 15 years ago....no way did I want to do my checkout dives in cold water. It was off to Bonaire! I have to say it is the best place to do. I would suggest flying to Bonaire via Continental, either through Newark or Houston from Minneapolis...Newark would probably be less expensive.
If you have any questions feel free to PM me, I can answer any of your Bonaire questions.
Liz
I did my classroom and pool work in New Jersey, 15 years ago....no way did I want to do my checkout dives in cold water. It was off to Bonaire! I have to say it is the best place to do. I would suggest flying to Bonaire via Continental, either through Newark or Houston from Minneapolis...Newark would probably be less expensive.
If you have any questions feel free to PM me, I can answer any of your Bonaire questions.
Liz
Pick a certification site that is no less challenging that your most likely dive destination. It's not about getting the card, it's about making sure you are capable.
The best diving is that which you have ready access to. Unless you have a travel budget to dive for local diving is the surest route to becoming a safe and competent diver. It's not murky, it's intimate.
Pete
The best diving is that which you have ready access to. Unless you have a travel budget to dive for local diving is the surest route to becoming a safe and competent diver. It's not murky, it's intimate.
Pete
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