Dive friendly travel expert?

[diverZero]

Looking to take a solo dive trip in the next few weeks and would like to find someone to help arrange everything. I’m tired of tracking down flights, hotels and dive charters.
Does anyone handle all this? I’d LOVE to just get to the airport, get off the plane and on the boat, or hotel near the boat.
I’m looking for something cheap, of course. Usually that means close to home, but I’d consider cheap trips to exotic locales. I’ve got a range that I’m looking in, so it’s not like I can afford to head out to australia, but I could probably do mexico or a little further with no issues.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[KBeck]

Under the Surface. Over the Top. Dive Travel and Vacations - Caradonna Dive Adventures

Dive Travel Services - Individual Travel

I've used Caradonna several times; the pricing is competitive, though with larger groups we've had some mixups in arrangements.

 

[Cajuncru Diver]

Try contacting Ryan with World of Diving & Adventure Vacations - Scuba Diving, Island Vacations, Diving Packages, Live-Aboards, Adventure Travel. The are closer to you and Ryan really worked his tail off setting us up with a trip..

 

[diversteve]

I second the recommendation for Caradonna. Another options is Scuba Travel Ventures. I've used them previously. Dani - if she's still there - is a diver and has visited anywhere she suggests. (so have most other dive travel agents)

 

[lemon]

Reef & Rainforest Travel agency Dive & Adventure Travel

 

[Woodiver]

Reef & Rainforest Travel agency Dive & Adventure Travel

Another vote for R&R, used them many times and always happy

 

[robint]

yeah, Caradonna, Bay Adventures, Reef & Rainforest, and Island Dreams are well respected here on SB. You can trust any of them to set you up. Also, check out dive trips through some dive shops in your area. Most of them have trips several times a year, and will provide you a roomie so it can be cheaper than going solo.

robin

 

[DeputyDan]

If your LDS does trips that is a good alternative for you.

My LDS does quite a few and about 1/2 of my dive travel is with trips they have arranged.

You can also travel with most dive shops (even if they are not in your area).

 

[DeputyDan]

I will be making my third trip to COCO View (in 2011). All three trips have been with my LDS. A group of twelve so we have our own boat. Most of the divers are more experienced than I am so that makes for a great week.

And they will really take good care of a new diver, as long as that diver is honest with their dive experience and isn't a jerk!

My point for this post is that going through my LDS has generally provided me with a better diving experience because most of the folks are there to dive... not go on vacation and do a few dives YMMV.

 

[Doc]

My point for this post is that going through my LDS has generally provided me with a better diving experience because most of the folks are there to dive... not go on vacation and do a few dives YMMV.

That's the best reason, for sure. Unfortunately, many dive shop groups are swayed away from some better operations (such as CCV) because they get greater monetary kickbacks at other resorts. And then again, some "dive clubs" are really into partying and drinking... versus a night dive every evening.

Choose wisely.