Jfull
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We are looking into taking a group of newly certified divers on a spring break trip. Any recommendations on easy, close dive sites, that don't break the bank?
Close dive sites for spring break
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DeputyDan
Contributor
Close to where?
BTY - Key Largo is excellent for new divers
BTY - Key Largo is excellent for new divers
Third in line: close to where?
What topside activities matter to you, since you can't be diving 24/7?
What topside activities matter to you, since you can't be diving 24/7?
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Judging from the zip in their profile - League City, TX - near Houston.
I guess we need the OP to define "break the bank" now as well.
One option if we are talking about flying could be Curacao. Flights should be around $500 or so from IAH, are reasonable - 1 connection - 6-9 hrs. each way. Buy shore diving packages for $100-200pp and rent/share condos. Most of the dive sites are sandy beach entries with on-site dive operations. The most recent SB "Surge" was there earlier this month - they stayed at the Sunscape AI resort. It's good, clear warm water diving and the reef parallels the shore so it's hard to get lost. Lots of interesting things there also, seahorses, squid, lots of turtles, some grouper, occasional reef shark etc. In particular lots of eels also on the west side.
Group discounts often start at 10 or more also. If we're offered one - my group is 7-12 - we generally apply it equally so everyone saves a little. Stay near but off the water to save a little more.
I guess we need the OP to define "break the bank" now as well.
One option if we are talking about flying could be Curacao. Flights should be around $500 or so from IAH, are reasonable - 1 connection - 6-9 hrs. each way. Buy shore diving packages for $100-200pp and rent/share condos. Most of the dive sites are sandy beach entries with on-site dive operations. The most recent SB "Surge" was there earlier this month - they stayed at the Sunscape AI resort. It's good, clear warm water diving and the reef parallels the shore so it's hard to get lost. Lots of interesting things there also, seahorses, squid, lots of turtles, some grouper, occasional reef shark etc. In particular lots of eels also on the west side.
Group discounts often start at 10 or more also. If we're offered one - my group is 7-12 - we generally apply it equally so everyone saves a little. Stay near but off the water to save a little more.
We are actually planning on going to the Keys in June for some Coral Restoration. Any recommendations on accommodations and dive shops?
---------- Post added December 30th, 2015 at 02:24 PM ----------
We are actually planning on going to the Keys in June for some Coral Restoration. Any recommendations on accommodations and dive shops?
---------- Post added December 30th, 2015 at 02:43 PM ----------
Haven't thought about any top side activities... most participants will be pre teens that love anything water.
DeputyDan
Contributor
If you are diving with newly certified pre-teens, I think that there are specific depth rules as well as buddy/DM rules.
Depending on the size of your group you will need an operation that can accomodate everyone.
You should check with Quiescence Quiescence Diving Services, World Class Diving in Key Largo, FL
I have not used them because I normally use a six pack boat there.
You might also consider Amy Slade - they are what I consider a cattle boat but that may be what you have a need for
Amy Slate's Amoray Dive Resort | Key Largo Florida
Depending on the size of your group you will need an operation that can accomodate everyone.
You should check with Quiescence Quiescence Diving Services, World Class Diving in Key Largo, FL
I have not used them because I normally use a six pack boat there.
You might also consider Amy Slade - they are what I consider a cattle boat but that may be what you have a need for
Amy Slate's Amoray Dive Resort | Key Largo Florida
I have never been to Aruba, but it has been mentioned on this board several times in the past as a good location for young, new divers because of the general shallowness of the reefs. It is not exactly "close" but it is a popular family vacation destination so there may be good flight and hotel options available. Because it is in southern waters the water temps will be quite warm in the spring (similar to nearby Curacao and Bonaire). And warmer than destinations in more northern waters like the Bahamas or Florida.
Below is a thread started by a father looking for a spring destination to take his kids for checkout dives, he eventually decided to go to Aruba, you may find it helpful.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ba...3-warm-water-destinations-checkout-dives.html
Below is a thread started by a father looking for a spring destination to take his kids for checkout dives, he eventually decided to go to Aruba, you may find it helpful.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ba...3-warm-water-destinations-checkout-dives.html
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