Dive trip with 2 small children? Any suggestions for islands/resorts?

[littleerinl]

We are a family of 4. We have 2 children ages 3 and 5. We have been going to Bonaire twice a year for the past 4 years, and are looking to try something else for a week in April. Have been to Roatan and Cozumel, so those are out also. Really would like to try Belize, but have no idea where to begin on choosing a resort. Would really like either all inclusive or a room with a kitchen, as the young ones hate sitting in restaraunts. Also would consider Cayman or Turks. Babysitting services would be nice, but not a neccessity.....we could bring our own. Night life not important. Beach and pool are neccessary. Any suggestions?

 

[Abaco24]

Leave them with realtives and enjoy the trip together, we did the same thing on a trip to Cancun. At 3 & 5 you both need a break, they will have no recolection of the event. Run as fast as you can to the airport and make up for lost time with two rug rats.

Why do you have grandparents? They live for moments like this, enjoy.

 

[Papa_Bear]

Bay Islands Beach Resort in Roatan has a great youth program that includes learning and your just down the channel from the Dolphins at AKR! At BIBR they have a snorkel program for all ages! Two Tanked Productions HD & SD Underwater Productions and video services

 

[robint]

We are a family of 4. We have 2 children ages 3 and 5. We have been going to Bonaire twice a year for the past 4 years, and are looking to try something else for a week in April. Have been to Roatan and Cozumel, so those are out also. Really would like to try Belize, but have no idea where to begin on choosing a resort. Would really like either all inclusive or a room with a kitchen, as the young ones hate sitting in restaraunts. Also would consider Cayman or Turks. Babysitting services would be nice, but not a neccessity.....we could bring our own. Night life not important. Beach and pool are neccessary. Any suggestions?

Papabear - they said Roatan is out.


Belize doesn't have too many all-inclusives but they do have hotels with kitchens in the rooms. Check out: BananaBeach, Coconuts, The Palms, and Exotic Caye. All of those have rooms with full kitchens.

Belize Lodging Guide, Resorts, Hotels, Accommodations, Reservations, Rooms in Belize

robin

 

[DRsharky]

You could look at Dreams La Romana AI resort on the south coast of Dominican Republic. They have good programs for kids too. There is another Dreams resort in Punta Cana, but the diving is not that good there.
But I agree with the above, try to vacation yourselves, you need to relax too

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

I have stayed at both the Sands and the RWI resorts in Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos with kids and they have decent family size rooms/kitchenettes/suites. The island can be a bit pricey. I highly recommend bringing a nanny. Gives you freedom and the kids have a blast while you are diving. There is little to no night life but fine dining galore. Grace Bay Beach is to die for and both resorts have kiddie pools. The only down side is the dive day can be long (8:30-3:00).

 

[littleerinl]

Thanks for all the great advice! Keep it coming! We will definitely be bringing a nanny. We get to travel often without the kids, but this is their spring break trip.....we just would like to do a little diving while we are there I am loving the place in the Dominican, but I can't get a good flight out of Louisville without making a lot of stops. Turks and Belize would definitely be easier to get to.

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

Diving in the DR can be below average Caribbean diving at best.

 

[Texfrazer]

As long as you're throwing out suggestions, you might want to check out Hawaii. The Big Island has some great resorts (with kitchens), that also include good snorkeling for the kids. I believe it is the Sheraton that has the Manta Rays come up to the hotel each night.

 

[robint]

As long as you're throwing out suggestions, you might want to check out Hawaii. The Big Island has some great resorts (with kitchens), that also include good snorkeling for the kids. I believe it is the Sheraton that has the Manta Rays come up to the hotel each night.

The Big Island doesn't really have beaches though, not at the hotels anyhow except up north of Kailua-Kona area. Shore is very rocky/dead coral and not great for small children IMHO. Maui, on the other hand, has tons of beaches perfect for small kids. Tons of condos with kitchens, too. You can easily book the hotel and airfare through sites like Expedia or Travelocity, then book the diving separately. Hawaii isn't cheap but might be what you are looking for.
check out some Maui dive ops:
Scuba Dive Lanai, Molokini, Molokai, and Maui
Aloha from Maui with Maui Scuba Diving and Ed Robinson's Diving Adventures - Maui Diving Information and Hawaii Scuba resources.
Maui Dive Shop- Scuba Diving on Maui, Maui Activities, Maui Snorkel Trips, Dive Programs