Curacao, Belize, or Cayman Islands for beginner?

[Thresa]

I am a beginner diver (only completed open water certification) and am planning my second/last dive trip for the summer. I haven’t gone on my first one yet, can you tell I’m a little excited. My 3 choices are Curacao, Belize, or the Cayman Islands. I know people will suggest Bonaire, which would be my number one choice, but unfortunately you have stay a full week which my husband is unable to do with his job. I have no interest in diving wrecks. Cost aside which location has the best reef diving?

I haven't heard much about Dominica, but it's rated pretty good in scuba diving magazine....should I add this to the list?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[herman]

Welcome to the board.
Can't help with the other locations but Curacao is pretty nice, a good second to Bonaire IMO. The shore diving is easy, it's fairly easy to get to, foods good and the water is safe to drink.
If you really want to do Boniare I suspect you could do it by flying to Curacao and taking Divi Divi or BE over to Bonaire. They run several flights daily for $100rt. For a first trip Curacao is not a bad choice. If you do, you might want to look up the dive bus. I understand they run a real nice operation and would give you some support for your first dives. http://www.the-dive-bus.com/

 

[smokey braden]

thresa,
welcome to this board.
been to curacao once.
been to grande cayman twice.
will be going to belize for the first time next month.
of the three choises you provided you might want to do some research on grande cayman.
the reefs are beautiful.
there are several ops that you would feel comfortable with.
you did not say your husband dove or not.
there are lots of things to do and see topside.
to help keep cost down you could do simple quick lunches and save the best for dinner.
there is a wide variety of accommodations including resorts, hotels, condos and b&b's.
you will find the locals to be gracious hosts.
i'm sure y'all will have a great trip no matter what you choose.
regards,

 

[Scuba65]

I'd go to Belize...i just returned from there last week....the diving is pretty good dove with a pod of dolphins on one dive...a bunch of nurse sharks on another. Cayman island is also really nice to dive...i was there 2 yrs. ago. Curacao never been there yet.

 

[Damselfish]

I've been to all 3 multiple times and they're all good. For a <1 week trip I'd seriously consider which one gives you the best air schedule, minimizing travel time and maximizing dive time. (Think about time to fly, like will you be able to dive the morning of your last full day.)

I've only done liveaboards in Belize which I understand is better diving than Ambergris (the most popular land based diving area.) Though I'm sure that would be great too especially since you haven't done a lot of trips. But you might consider saving Belize until you have time to do a liveaboard there, if you think you will want to try one sometime. There's also a lot of other cool stuff to do in Belize you might want time for.

 

[gypsyjim]

Have not been to Caracao or the Caymans yet; trying Curacao in two weeks (and Bonaire later this year, I hope). Both sound like very good sights to get experienced at. I liked Belize, personally, but like Mexico you have to be very careful choosing a dive operator, and if you go to Belize read a few commentaries on the ops before you put youself in their hands. Actually that always good avice! It's just that Mexico and Belize have reputations (deserved or not) of having more than the average share of less than professional (safe) operators. Great diving though. Good luck.

 

[Thresa]

Thanks for the advice. My husband is a diver as well, so I don't have to worry about him being entertained outside of diving.

 

[Cecil]

One other place to consider is the Florida Keys. Easy diving (for the most part), easy to get to and a lot of variety topside. Saying that Bonaire is still the best choice. Continetal has red-eyes to Bonaire from Houston every Sat.

 

[Damselfish]

One other place to consider is the Florida Keys. Easy diving (for the most part), easy to get to and a lot of variety topside. Saying that Bonaire is still the best choice. Continetal has red-eyes to Bonaire from Houston every Sat.

but she said they can't stay a whole week...

 

[Thresa]

Does Curacao have a ferry to Bonaire? Maybe I could do both islands, I just wish that I had more time.

My other concern with Curacao is shore diving with out a dive master(since I'm a newbie)...can you find a private DM to shore dive with you?