Destinations for diver w/ non-diving spouse - please read

[DiveMaven]

I was going to suggest Hawaii as well, and it sounds like you could pretty much choose from Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island. There is SO much to do and see in the Aloha State both topside and underwater.

 

[TSandM]

You don't say where you are, but if you're in the western half of the US, definitely consider the Hawaiian Islands. Maui has the volcano (you can rent horses and ride down into the crater, which is a lovely way to spend a half or whole day), has rides along the bluffs, both the tame sort of rides and one place on the eastern shore where we had some exciting gallops. There are places to hike, excellent restaurants, lovely beaches, galleries full of beautiful (and expensive) artwork, and tempting shops. And there is good enough diving to entertain your husband. B&B Scuba particularly works with novice divers, beginners and rusty, and has very pleasant instructors. I've now been to Maui more times than I can count (in-laws live there) and I still enjoy it. I went many times before I began to dive, and now I can't WAIT to head out there and get underwater.

 

[divewife11]

We are in MD currently, but will be in TX at the time of the planned vacation. So Hawaii is still a bit of a stretch, although definitely on our list for 'sometime'.... maybe we can get stationed further west and shorten the travel time!

Again, great suggestions - I have been writing them down and bookmarking sites, etc so I will definitely have several options to share with dear husband. He says thanks, all!

Team Casa - I tried snorkeling, I really did. I wanted to like it. I just have such a fabulous talent for trying to inhale water through my nose... and then freaking out... and forgetting how to swim while I'm at it. As I said, poor husband. Good on your wife, though - maybe I will try again sometime. In the meantime, I will stay high and dry on the back of a horse!

 

[Teamcasa]

Your husband is a truly a lucky guy. At least you are trying to make the vacation work for both of you – good for you! As for horses - they just don't like me and the feeling is mutual. Remember the movie Blazing Saddles, Mongo punching the horse? That’s me.

Dave

 

[dcdev]

Flights from Texas to Cozumel are very reasonable, so that's another reason for Coz. If you're into golf there is a course on the north side. Plus, catch the ferry over to Playa del Carmen for a day trip and you can experience the hustle and bustle. I'd highly recommend going down to the ruins at Tulum as another non-diver activity while you're visiting the mainland.
If I may also suggest an dive operator / instructors in Cozumel, look at Aldora. I think they're great. That said, there are also *many* other operators there so you'll def. be able to find someone to do AOW with your husband.

 

[pupdiver]

I would say it depends on what you like to do as the nondiver. Roatan is a fabulous dive destination but I would worry about the nondiver a little. Roatan has nice beaches and great snorkeling, some horseback riding, hiking, kayaking and things like that, but there isn't a lot of touring to do.

Have you considered Belize or Costa Rica? Central America is very easy to get to from TX. Belize has great diving but it is best to do from the offshore atolls which don't offer as much for the nondiver. You could consider going to the atolls for diving and then spending some time on the mainland doing rainforest tours, Mayan ruins, etc. Costa Rica is a great destination for non-water related activities. I haven't dived there but I know people who have and they say it is decent but there is better.

I think Cozumel would be a great destination for both diver and nondiver but I haven't actually been there yet. You might also consider other locations in C.A. I have heard good things about diving in Panama also.

 

[DeputyDan]

Cozumel will probably be easier on the wallet that some other places.

 

[llenrocs]

Having a non-diving spouse myself, I think I am qualified to provide a response here. I have been on two diving trips now with my spouse.

1) Hawaii (Kona) - fabulous diving and topside activities. The big island has it all, mountains, beaches, volcanoes, horseback riding, hiking, etc. It's pretty much guaranteed you will not run out of things to do. Lots of top-notch dive operators to choose from also. Can be a little pricey, but if you shop around and are patient you can find some deals ... especially if you wait until the fall. It's about an 8 hour flight from Chicago, maybe a little shorter from Texas. We will definitely be going again in the future.

2) Belize (land based) - The diving didn't quite stack up to Hawaii, but if you are looking for adventure topside Belize has a lot to offer. Hiking & horseback riding through the jungle, kayaking, Mayan ruins. All in all, it was a little too much adventure for my wife.... she much prefers to stay by the pool or go to the spa while I am diving.

We are heading off to Key Largo next week which may be the cheapest option as far as transportation goes. I've not been there yet but I hear the diving is excellent with lots of shipwrecks and reefs.

Whatever you decide on, enjoy.

Sean

"... I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea." - God

 

[stevephilanyc]

I too live with a non-diver, but she likes to snorkel and be around the water. One of the places we've liked the best is Key Largo. I dived with It's a Dive (http://www.itsadive.com/) and they have every variety of course, do reef and wreck dives, and the people who work there really want you to have a good time and are service oriented. For the reef dives, they will take both snorklers and divers on the boat so both of us were able to have fun and share most of the experience--as opposed to the many years when I'd dive and we'd spend only a small part of the day together. The shop is located right at the Marriott in Key largo so everything is very close and we've done the dive and stay specials that makes the rooms more affordable. There are things to do in that area and driving and spending a day in Key West is quite fun.

Steve

 

[ronbeau]

Thanks so much - I was not sure if offering courses was common or uncommon and there are an overwhelming number of destinations and operators.... seemed easier to ask the pros on here!!! I will definitely look into your suggestions. We have been to Cozumel and Grand Cayman already, so I know the non-diving options there.

As for what I want to do while he dives or when he's done, I am pretty easy to please. My only 'hobby' is horseback riding, but I'm game for hiking, kayaking, white water rafting, sightseeing, whatever. Not so much into the main watersports (for example, snorkeling is not at all my idea of fun)... poor hubby, not sure why he married me... but I'll do whatever else presents itself. Actually when he brought up Anthony's Key I figured I'd take a couple books and just take it easy while he enjoyed himself.

Thanks for your suggestions!

You might also want to check out Curacao. My wife, daughter and I stayed at Breezes Curacao last year and were very happy with it. My daughter and I both dove but my wife did not. She still enjoyed herself in Curacao. My wife is now taking her open water certification classes. Breezes is an all-inclusive resort that we found very economical.

There were a number of things to do at the resort and around the island of Curacao. We are not big on shopping but we spent a day in Willemstad/Otrabanda and found it very interesting.

You husband could do his refresher course right at Breezes or next door with Mark & Suzie at the Dive Bus.

There are also other attractions like the Ostrich Farm. mount Christoffel (sp?) National Park. There is also a Seq Aquarium just down the street from the Breezes Resort.