Dive trip w/infant and nanny??

[scoobajay]

So, after being preggo and unable to scuba for nine months, hubby and I are anxious to take our next dive trip. The caveat is that our nanny and infant will be along.

What would be a good, safe place to go where the husband and I can do some quick morning dives, but have some family beach time the rest of the day? I'm thinking maybe a nice all inclusive somewhere that has access to good diving?? I don't want to go somewhere that requires much driving around (ie. Bonaire) to get to beaches, restaurants, etc.

Ideas?? Or are we crazy?

 

[Marie13]

Maybe this is a bad question since I don't have kids, why not leave the baby at home with nanny and a family member to keep an eye on?

 

[scoobajay]

Maybe this is a bad question since I don't have kids, why not leave the baby at home with nanny and a family member to keep an eye on?

LOL. Valid question! ....But it's because I couldn't leave her for that long! Exclusive breastfeeding makes it tough too.

 

[Marie13]

Ah, you didn't mention that in your post, but I suspected that might be the case when you mentioned bringing kidlet along.

 

[doctormike]

St. Croix has some beach diving near resorts so that's very quick diving, minimizing the time away from the family. I can think of two places that having diving right off the shore along with lodging and meals without the need for a car (Cane Bay or Carambola). In some places doing a dive means leaving for the better part of a day if you have to drive to the dock, then motor out to the reef, etc...

You also have options for boat diving, as well as AMAZING diving on the pier in town (the Nanny and baby could stay there while you are doing a quick dive).

 

[charlier]

My wife and I used to take out two little daughter to southern Baja California. We rented a small funky house on the beach. With a small stove, microwave, and fridge, we were set. Our nanny took care of the kids in the morning and we were back at about noon.

 

[doctormike]

Also, St Croix is US territory, so less travel hassle from Texas

 

[drrich2]

One issue couples have to decide for themselves is how much of a priority to make ready access to 'first world' healthcare. When our little girl was very young, I chose Key Largo (trip report; dive op. changed location a bit since then) with that in mind. Definitely not a 'beach out front' destination, and I don't know anything about all-inclusive, and if it matters you don't need a passport (neither does St. Croix now that I think of it).

To me, that situation ruled out some places and I settled on Florida. In the Caribbean, I'd look for 'closer to first world' status islands, such as Grand Cayman. Haven't dealt with their healthcare system; I'm guessing it'd be good by Caribbean standards, given the prosperity of the fairly populous island otherwise?

Richard.

 

[scubadada]

Maybe the AI at Cobalt Coast on Grand Cayman? Two bedroom condo, AM boat dives. Afternoons free for whatever. Just an idea

 

[diversteve]

I'd be wary in the Caribbean where Malaria or Zika are a possibility. Especially if you plan to have another one because either of you can become carriers and infect the other. All Countries and Territiories

Zika Virus in US Virgin Islands - Alert - Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions - Travel Health Notices | Travelers' Health | CDC seems to rule out St. Croix.

And you don't really want to expose the current kid to Malaria drugs either right? Rules out a portion of Central America and the Bay Islands.

Hawaii is one connection away. Maui is 10-11 hrs out/back. Kauai 11/9, Kona is also 11/9 but depending on how much you spend per flight it can either be a mid-afternoon or an evening arrival. Mostly thru LAX which would give you chance to get off the plane, breastfeed etc.

If you want to try Honolulu (Oahu), United has one non-stop each way. 8h/7h. Many of the shops pick up in Waikiki if you don't mind crowds on the beach.Probably elsewhere also - I just don't know where. Since the boats are mostly at marinas not in Waikiki - possibly you could find a resort along the route?

Many of the Hawaii flights are going to be overnight returns due to the timezone changes. Since Zika started there have been 16 cases in Hawaii period.

The other thing to consider is that the south Maui operators all leave from the Kihei boat ramp and dive Molokini - about a 15-20min. ride. So you could be back as early as 10:30AM or so if willing to be there at 6am. Additionally in some areas of Wailea, there are resorts or condo complexes which have dive sites off their beach - even shops on-site. And dive guides are available thru them or privately.

West Maui can be similar - Tiny Bubbles is at the old Embassy Suites. And there's several condo or resort properties farther north in Napili Bay or Kapalua where the dive is either off your beach or a 5 min. drive.
The Sheraton in Ka'anapali is famous for being built around the Black Rock dive site - even named for it.

my .02