Easy dives for new diver with experienced buddy

[dmendelson]

My best friend is completing his PADI open water class in two weeks. I have about 70 dives, diving for 3 years, and PADI Rescue Diver. I want to plan a dive trip for both of us to a place where he will be quite comfortable and have a great experience and I will enjoy the dives too. We live in the Northeast US, so someplace warm would be good. I want to try not to spend a lot and I would prefer to go to a place where there is a dive master in the water with us. I am thinking a trip to Bonaire or to Ambergis Caye might be good but I have been to both and it can be a little pricey to get there. I have some frequent flyer miles I can use. I like the FL Keys but my experience there is that the dive masters do not lead dives. Thoughts?

 

[charlesg3]

I think the keys offer a good diving experience for all. The reefs are warm water and easy diving so if you have 70 dives then be a good buddy and you won't need the DM to lead the dives. Many of the dives aren't very deep (<40 ft). Plus... there's plenty of color and life to make it interesting for an experienced diver as well.

 

[bryanmc57]

One word....

COZUMEL

 

[Texasdivechick]

Bonaire really isn't that pricey. You can get really good package deals that include hotel, unlimited diving, a rental truck, and maybe even a meal or two. You will save money by not having to pay for a DM on every dive and boat fees (if you choose only to do shore dives). Bonaire is EASY diving... little or no current and beautiful reefs.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

+1 on shannonjon22's Bonaire recommendation. An added bonus is that Bonaire is outside the hurricane belt. The biggest advantage to a Bonaire dive vacation is that you dive at your own pace. On my first trip there, I took my college roommate who was fresh out of OW. He loved it. Conditions were nice, and the price was right. However, there really isn't any nightlife to speak of.

If you insist on getting a DM, any dive op would be happy to indulge your request. Although IMO, you have more than enough experience to dive Bonaire safely. You might consider putting the $$$ you save on not getting a DM towards paying for an UW naturalist course led by a local diver. At least then, you would increase your chances of seeing some frogfish and seahorses.

 

[fnfalman]

Go dive in SoCal and call it a day. Don't need to go anywhere else in the world for exotic diving. Sure, it's a wee bit chilly, but that's what wetsuits are for. One dive in the kelp forest and you'll be hooked for life.

 

[iztok]

Go dive in SoCal and call it a day. Don't need to go anywhere else in the world for exotic diving. Sure, it's a wee bit chilly, but that's what wetsuits are for. One dive in the kelp forest and you'll be hooked for life.

I might be coming to LAX/SAN area more often for next few months. Wonder if I should plan to get my gear with me sometime. Do I need to plan well in advance? Sometimes I get last minute notice to fly

 

[ligersandtions]

Why do you need a DM to lead dives? If you have 70 dives under your belt, you should be proficient in making a dive plan and sticking to it. If your buddy comes out of OW, he should be able to do the same....granted, with some of the shoddy classes that students go through, that may not be the case. But you should be able to take him out, do your buddy checks, plan the dive, dive the plan, debrief....rinse and repeat. At some point, your buddy should be able to do that too (make him take an integral part in dive planning....don't let him just sit idle while you, the more experienced diver, do all the work).

That said, maybe the Florida Keys is the place for you....warm, clear water with no DM to hold your hand. I'd suggest socal, like the poster above me did, but if you're not feeling the cold water yet, go somewhere warmer (but put socal on your to-do because it is phenomenal!).

 

[MtnPlayVA]

One word....

COZUMEL

I second this. I've been to the Keys, Cayman, Cozumel and Bonaire. Cozumel is by far my favorite because drift diving is so relaxing and the reef formations are beautiful.

 

[ligersandtions]

I might be coming to LAX/SAN area more often for next few months. Wonder if I should plan to get my gear with me sometime. Do I need to plan well in advance? Sometimes I get last minute notice to fly

Definitely bring your gear! It's totally worth it....and there are lots of local, active divers who would be more than happy to take you out. Pop into the socal subforum and let us know when you'll be down here!