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

[divewife11]

Hey all, I am the non-diving wife in question. My husband is away being in the military and we wanted to start planning our next vacation - the first diving-centric one we have ever taken! Since he has no computer, it's up to me!

I did search for destinations that are good for non-diving spouses and got several good ideas that I'll follow up on. However, I do have a specific question I am hoping you can help with!

We have been to Anthony's Key once on a cruise excursion - did not dive but loved the place. So far that is the front runner, but I wanted some other options to present. The thing I really like about AK is that they have their 'scuba school' - he wants to do his advanced open water class (is that what you call it?) and since he has not been diving for a few years it would be great to get back into it that way - with help and instruction available for the rustiness. There are some other learning opportunities he likes as well (wreck diving, for example.)

So, my question: any other spouse-friendly locations with similar 'scuba school' offerings? Would love to hear what you loved and what you hated! TIA

PS - if it helps, i am not much for shopping but will do just about any outdoor activity, tourist things, etc. Pretty easy to please, I think!

 

[divingjd]

Just about any good dive destination will offer advanced classes, so Anthony's Key Resort doesn't have any particular advantage on that. I have been to AKR and really liked it, but I would not consider it a great destination with a non-diving significant other. It's a very nice resort and they take very good care of you, but there is not a lot to do outside of diving. There is no beach, although they have added a pool since I was there in 2004.

Cozumel has more to do topside and has great diving. The town is more inviting than the towns on Roatan, there are some Mayan ruins to explore, there are other touristy things to do (lots of cruise ships stop there, whether you consider that good or bad), there is some shopping, and they have a nice little museum. This is not a complete list of topside activities - it is just meant to give you an idea. If you want to get a better idea, check the Cozumel forum. It is also very economical and has good restaurants.

Playa del Carmen, on the mainland across from Cozumel, also offers a lot for non-divers, but is not as good as a dive destination. It is also very economical, and has lots of very good restaurants.

Many people like Grand Cayman for non-divers. We have not been there, except passing through on the way to Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Grand Cayman is pretty developed and a non-diver should find plenty to do there. It is, however, pretty expensive and some of us think it is a little too developed.

One of my favorite places for divers and non-divers is St. Lucia. The island is beautiful and there is a lot to do. The diving is good, as long as you are happy with small animals and don't need a lot of big animals to keep you interested. It tends to be expensive, though, and not very easy to get to.

If you can give us a better idea of what would be good for you as a non-diver, we might be able to give you a better idea.

 

[divewife11]

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!

 

[Jim Baldwin]

Hey all, I am the non-diving wife in question. My husband is away being in the military and we wanted to start planning our next vacation - the first diving-centric one we have ever taken! Since he has no computer, it's up to me!

I did search for destinations that are good for non-diving spouses and got several good ideas that I'll follow up on. However, I do have a specific question I am hoping you can help with!

We have been to Anthony's Key once on a cruise excursion - did not dive but loved the place. So far that is the front runner, but I wanted some other options to present. The thing I really like about AK is that they have their 'scuba school' - he wants to do his advanced open water class (is that what you call it?) and since he has not been diving for a few years it would be great to get back into it that way - with help and instruction available for the rustiness. There are some other learning opportunities he likes as well (wreck diving, for example.)

So, my question: any other spouse-friendly locations with similar 'scuba school' offerings? Would love to hear what you loved and what you hated! TIA

PS - if it helps, i am not much for shopping but will do just about any outdoor activity, tourist things, etc. Pretty easy to please, I think!

I have to second what divingdj said. We have been to Grand Cayman on a couple of trips and it's just too expensive for us. Your dollar is worrth about 75 cents when you step off the plane. Lots of good dive sites but I think there are better places.

Cozumel gets my vote hands down. Excellent exchange rate and your dollar goes farther. World class diving. Walls, flat reefs, mild current, strong current, some big critters, turtles, eagles rays and very friendly and safe dive environment.

As far as non diving activities. See the ruins, the museum, lots of places to shop, golf, get a massage, get your hair and nails done. Rent a car and tour the east side. Remote beaches and great views. Parasailing, horseback riding, just to name a few. And don't forget about the tequlia factory.

Jump on the ferry early one morning and head to Tulum and tour the pyramids if you want to make a day trip.

Crime is very low in Cozumel and we feel safe going anywhere on the island. Tour the neighborhoods back on 30th and 65th and find some nice places to eat.

Or come by our house when we're down and we'll share a coca lite or cook you a fine gumbo.

Almost all the dive operations in Cozumel can also offer Advanced,
Rescue, and Wreck diving certifications. The C-53 is a great wreck to dive.

 

[Hooked-Again]

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!

The wife and I were at Anthony's Key in April. We are both divers but also like to do other things while on a "dive vacation". At Athony's you can Kayac, Horseback ride, watch the dolphin show, and if you decide to go to Anthony's don't miss the Zip Line tour it was fantastic.

We also went to Turks and Caicos in October. You might check out Beaches Resort. It is all inclusive and they have tennis courts, catamarans, all kinds of things to do for the non-diver and also offer the full scope of diver training.

Hope you find the perfect place for you. Have Fun!!!!!!

 

[divewife11]

No wonder my husband spends so much time on here when he's home You guys are awesome. It really helps to have some 'recommendations' in mind.

Cozumel is emerging as a front runner! We have been there once, visited Tulum and loved it - I actually wouldn't mind going back even though we've seen it once. We definitely didn't get to spend as much time in Cozumel as I'm sure we could. Anyway, now I can look at some of the other boards for specifics on these areas, which is great.

Thanks a lot, everyone!

PS - Jim Baldwin - Tequila factory, you say???

 

[DeputyDan]

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!

Your second paragraph reads like an ad for Costa Rica

 

[mbs]

Yea, I was thinking Costa Rica as well.... Here's the place we stayed at a few years back: http://www.ocotalresort.com/ But don't make the mistake I made and skip a side trip to arenal!!!

 

[Teamcasa]

Hawaii is always a great choice. Lots to do and see.
BTW, three years ago, my lovely bride would not have considered diving at all. However, after some great snorkeling and SNUBA in Kona, she is now a certified scuba woman! She now plans our dive vactions.

Don't be forced into anything, but try everything. You might be suprised!

Dave

 

[EvaL]

Hi. The places I'd suggest are Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen, New Providence (Bahamas), and Kawaii/Maui/Big Island (Hawaii).
1. Cozumel/Playa - Cozumel is pretty much a diver's paradise, but cruise ships frequently come in, so there's some good shopping and good restaurants. A trip to the mainland (Playa Del Carmen) is highly recommended if you like beaches (and more shopping) or trips to Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza or Tulum. In addition, you can snorkel in the cenotes (freshwater caves/caverns) while your hubby dives them.
2. New Providence - a favorite of cruise ship (duty-free liquor and shopping) and casino+aquarium on Paradise island. Dive sites include the famous James Bond wrecks and shark-feeding in the south west of the island.
3. Hawaii - you can go to the beach, hike, kayak, sightsee (e.g., watching sunrise on Maui mountain-top, visit Volcano Nat'l Park or Akaka Falls on Big Island) or snorkel (e.g., Hanauma Bay State Park on Oahu, and Manta Ray feeding on Big Island at night are awesome) while hubby dives.
If you can narrow down where you'd like to go, do come back to Scubaboard for more specific information on good dive ops/hotels/what to do etc.
Hope these help. Good luck!