Easy to reach Pacific reef destinations

[Centrals]

cost of the liveaboard doesn't really determine how likely they are to get into trouble and sink. look at vortex and the siren fleet. siren fleet might be cursed by their name.

But the LOB in Phuket has rich history of sinking.

 

[xvistrma]

I am looking for some ideas for destinations coming from Ohio in the USA. I want to get away from the Caribbean and see some nice reefs. Raja Ampat is probably my first choice, but cost is an issue and travel time is an even bigger issue. Tubbataha and Fiji are almost as nice, almost as expensive and almost as far. Hawaii and Socorro get me out of the Caribbean but aren't really reef destinations. Egypt is spectacular, but borders 2 countries at war and I've been there and would rather go somewhere new. Any suggestions?

Same problem, but southern Ohio. I have been researching and salivating at all pacific destinations for years but haven't pulled the trigger because of a combination of PTO limits, $$$, and being overwhelmed by the planning. I also usually choose mid-winter to escape Ohio, which further limits my options lol. Have you decided on anything yet?

 

[Centrals]

Homestay at Raja Ampat.

@carono6333
There is a epic 10 wks trip report with 9 different operators by this gentleman back in Feb this yr.

Another option is Manado, three places, in Northern Sulawesi. Fights are through Singapore and no Indonesian airline is involved.

In Philippines, the easier option is Anilao + Puerto Galera. Several cities in USA and Canada has direct non stop flight to Manila. Anilao is about 3hrs by road and PG will need another hr by ferry.

 

[bvbellomo]

Resurrecting this thread as I am now seriously considering the Bali-Bali-Mermaid route in early June. I made up my mind to visit the Philippines for my birthday in early February, but the airlines haven't cooperated.

So I started pushing my trip to March, which got me thinking I may as well do Tubbataha instead. But if I am spending that kind of money, maybe I should do Fiji instead. Fiji has $600 round trip flights from Texas, but from Ohio, for some reason, they are closer to $2000, which is an issue given the cost of accommodations in Fiji is already pushing my budget. I revisited the idea of Raja Ampat and Komodo, since that is where I really want to go.

There is a local group going to Raja on my birthday, above my budget, but I'd love to join their trip. Unfortunately, it sold out long ago. I am on the wait list. Meanwhile, if airlines either drop the price to Fiji or offer a more convenient flight to Manila, I will book that. Hopefully the Mermaids don't book everything while I am waiting, the budget rooms are already gone, along with most of the 10 day trips that might work with my schedule.