Dive trip recommendations - Philippines or nearby

[Leslie R]

Hi everyone! I am planning a trip from Oregon to New Zealand in November. I’d like to stop somewhere for a few days on the way to relax and dive. Looking for suggestions for the best but also easily accessible places for a “layover” between western US and New Zealand. Also would love suggestions for dive spots around New Zealand!

I’m a recreational diver with advanced open water, for reference, and will be traveling with husband and 4 year old, so places for something for them to do too is a plus!!

Thanks in advance for recommendations!

 

[Dan]

Hawaii is midway between Oregon & New Zealand.

 

[Centrals]

Guam.

 

[Living4Experiences]

Fiji.

 

[pintodog]

Easiest (i.e. least travel) would be the Mamanucas in Fiji (close to Nadi airport) or Moorea (if flying through Papeetei). Air NZ used to stop over in Rangiroa (Cook Islands) on some flights between LA and Auckland but I'm not sure they have resumed that service after COVID. Rangiroa is a great spot despite ho-hum diving! Hawaii could also work although you would have to take an internal flight to better diving in Maui or Kona. As far as dive spots in NZ...I've only been to the Poor Knights. Very cool diving...a mix of kelp and tropical fish! I recommend

 

[pintodog]

...correction...I meant Rarotonga in the previous post...not Rangiroa. Rangiroa is good diving but the flight schedule / distance from Papeete usually means that it is long traveling and not in the "layover" category.

 

[btscott]

Lot of good options. I'm headed to Australia for a family reunion and stopping in Anilao for a few days of diving.

Bali and head over to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.

Fiji as mentioned.

PNG has some diving close to Port Morseby.

Fly into Cairns and dive the inner GBR.

If your okay diving in NZ, then stop in Sydney and dive around there. Can be cold in both...