Dive with Family - Need Advice

[Buddhaboa]

Hey guys

My wife and I are expecting our first child in May. However, we both would love to go diving in Dec 2010 or Jan 2011. It has been about a year already since our last dive, and we do not want to stop because a child

But I need some suggestions from others about diving locations for a family. My wife is not so experienced (about 20 dives). We were thinking of a live aboard and then taking turns who dives (because the child will be only 7 months old and cannot be left alone) :shocked2:

Another alternative, and maybe better for a child and other divers, is to do a beach resort and then dive from land. All locations are open since we are in Europe (Sipadan, Thailand, Mexico, etc). However, we were thinking of something near North America since we want to visit family for the Christmas holidays.

Can you recommend anything for a family in our situation?

 

[greylion]

Bonaire is the easiest shore diving place. It would be nice if there was at least 3 divers so you would have a dive buddy all the time while one watched the baby? Still good weather at that time of the year in Bonaire too vs some other areas of the Carribean.

Ultimate Dive Travel - bonaire-land-based-resorts.asp

Another would be Coco View on Roatan, good shore diving at the resort and boats going out in morning and afternoon so you could swith off.

http://www.cocoviewresort.com/

 

[robint]

Hey guys

My wife and I are expecting our first child in May. However, we both would love to go diving in Dec 2010 or Jan 2011. It has been about a year already since our last dive, and we do not want to stop because a child

But I need some suggestions from others about diving locations for a family. My wife is not so experienced (about 20 dives). We were thinking of a live aboard and then taking turns who dives (because the child will be only 7 months old and cannot be left alone) :shocked2:

Another alternative, and maybe better for a child and other divers, is to do a beach resort and then dive from land. All locations are open since we are in Europe (Sipadan, Thailand, Mexico, etc). However, we were thinking of something near North America since we want to visit family for the Christmas holidays.

Can you recommend anything for a family in our situation?

I can't imagine any liveaboard that would allow you to take a baby. sorry.

Do you have a relative who could go with you, at your expense, to babysit?

Some resorts have baby sitter services if you would be comfortable with that. Most people don't take young babies on trips for that reason, plus the fact that medical issues can arise with a small child and you aren't going to have the same medical facilities at your fingertips.

For that reason, I would look at Hawaii or Florida Keys. Take a relative with you if you can to babysit, otherwise one of you will be sitting out while the other dives, most likely.

robin

 

[robint]

Bonaire is the easiest shore diving place. It would be nice if there was at least 3 divers so you would have a dive buddy all the time while one watched the baby? Still good weather at that time of the year in Bonaire too vs some other areas of the Carribean.

Ultimate Dive Travel - bonaire-land-based-resorts.asp

Another would be Coco View on Roatan, good shore diving at the resort and boats going out in morning and afternoon so you could swith off.

Welcome to CoCo View Resort

You can't take children to Coco View! Sorry, greylion.
They could go to Fantasy Island, right next door though. Families are allowed there.
http://fantasyislandvacations.com/

 

[paddler3d]

You can't take children to Coco View!

You can, but they have to be 10 or older.

Welcome to CoCo View FAQ

 

[paddler3d]

Call Aquacat and ask them about children.

It does not say either way on their website about children.

The boat is big enough that a child would not likely bother other passengers. You have private suites with heads. The galley area is air conditioned with TV and DVD player. There are multiple decks.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Baby + liveaboard = bad idea

Ditch the baby with the grandparents and enjoy a fun dive vacation with your wife.
OR
Convince one or more family members (grandparents?) to accompany you to Bonaire where they could watch the little one while you and your wife dive.

 

[paddler3d]

Baby + liveaboard = bad idea

So is it a bad idea a) because someone like me may mutiny because I'm not a huge fan of loud, screaming, crying, smelling, snot nosed kids or b) a kid on a boat is going to go stir crazy in such a small confined space?

 

[Bubbletrubble]

So is it a bad idea a) because someone like me may mutiny because I'm not a huge fan of loud, screaming, crying, smelling, snot nosed kids or b) a kid on a boat is going to go stir crazy in such a small confined space?

The kid would be fine. I'd be worried about everyone else.

 

[Buddhaboa]

Yeah I think the beach resort is a better idea. The baby will be young so one of us will have to stick around and watch while the other dives.