Dive vacation choices for families

[Janell]

Hello to all,

This is my first time posting... to anything! I need some help, or advice. My fiancee and I want to take my newly certified 13 year old son on a dive vacation. I'm looking for advice on what to consider, and possibly any information or suggestions on where to go. My fiancee and I like to dive as much as possible, so we would normally look for unlimited shore diving, but what if my son isn't prepared for as much diving as we are? We want to take full advantage of the money and time spent on vacation, but I want my son to have safe options, should he not feel up to 3 or 4 dives a day.

Any suggestions would be helpful, as I am having a hard time with where to start, and I'm sure there are many points I'm not considering. Thank you in advance for any input!

Janell

 

[scarefaceDM]

Top of the list. Bonair. Cozumel.Hoduras.

check this site out...just to give you a heads up.
http://www.divequest.co.uk/holidayDetail.cfm?s=caribbean&HolID=47

Stephen

 

[Dave Zimmerly]

I'll second scarefaceDM:

"Top of the list. Bonair. Cozumel. Honduras."

Dave (aka "Squirt")

 

[REII]

Curacao.

TOM

 

[Teamcasa]

Hello to all,

This is my first time posting... to anything! I need some help, or advice. My fiancee and I want to take my newly certified 13 year old son on a dive vacation. I'm looking for advice on what to consider, and possibly any information or suggestions on where to go. My fiancee and I like to dive as much as possible, so we would normally look for unlimited shore diving, but what if my son isn't prepared for as much diving as we are? We want to take full advantage of the money and time spent on vacation, but I want my son to have safe options, should he not feel up to 3 or 4 dives a day.

Any suggestions would be helpful, as I am having a hard time with where to start, and I'm sure there are many points I'm not considering. Thank you in advance for any input!

Janell

I recently (mid November) returned from Kauai with my family. (6 adults 2 babys). My wife and I dived for three days where she completed her OW certification. We dived several other spots on the South side of Kauai and were very pleased with the entire trip. We rented a condo in Poipu Beach and could not be more pleased. It had an outdoor shower and a place to dry the gear. SeaSports Divers did a great job with the dives and had ample good quality rental gear if you need it. Their morning dives are more advanced than the afternoon dives but all include Sheraton Caverns. Ton-o-turtles!

My wife and I are thinking about returning to the big island or going to Cozumel, probably the big island as we will not have the family next time.

Dave

 

[Doc]

but I want my son to have safe options, should he not feel up to 3 or 4 dives a day.

Define what that "safe options" thing means.

I have seen children brought to my favorite Honduran shore dive resort- some really dedicated young divers were a joy to have around even in their down time, they knew how to entertain themselves. Some do not. They can ruin a week for their well intentioned family.

We had a young man along in the Philippines and he was totally absorbed in the dive process and creature identification. If the parents are willing to watch out for him while diving, why not? At this venue, either he dove or one of his parents stayed on shore with him. Luckily for them, this little waif couldn't get enough!

Safe options? As in an alternate entertainment avenue? A structured non-dive activity?

In Honduras- that might be arranged only at Anthony's Key Resort. It would not be at CoCoView. :no

Until he can fend for (and/or entertain) himself, you might want to consider Cruise Ship outings or to All Inclusive resorts that have become family-ized like Sandals.

You're in for a couple three years of less than stellar dive options, but all in all, having the youngster around will be worth it. Just remember that your vacation enjoyment and his also depends upon those around you.

Look into what AKR has to offer, it is a family friendly kind of place that offers a Dolphin Camp and all the typical kid's stuff.
http://www.anthonyskey.com/english/kids/kids_aboutdds.cfm
and general "kids in paradise travel info" at
http://www.anthonyskey.com/english/general/tvl_dds.cfm

 

[Pamdiv]

Grand Cayman is a one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Many resorts offer family activities, as well as diving, snorkeling and 'Bubble Maker' opportunities.
Pam

 

[Janell]

Thanks for the replies so far... I'm sure my son will have the interest to dive, but as a Mom I just worry about him being able to handle it physically. Heck, I worry every time he goes in the water. It's been tough to confront my fears when it comes to my youngster, and I go through a tank of air in record time every time he dives with me. He's only been a few times. I'm going to have him do his AOW before we go, to have more time with an instructor, and hopefully give him some more supervised experience. I just wanted him to be able to share my passion for diving, especially since he is very interested in all animals and the environment!

 

[Scuba-Jay]

Im sure he will be fine. Make sure he knows he can dive as little or as much as he wants, and to never feel ashamed of pulling out of a dive if he doesn't feel up to it. Once you get where you are going see if you cant find a cool divemaster to take him under his wing and dive with him. I learned to dive at 13, and my instuctor mentored me the whole vacation...i came out a solid diver for a 13yr old!! Good luck and post some pictures of your vacation when you get back!!

Jay

P.S - also maybe send your son onto scubaboard.com so he can ask some questions and prepare for the trip!!

 

[DvrDoug]

Our 11 year old son did his first ocean dives last year in Bonire, he had a great time and logged 19 dives during the week.