Family Dive Destination - with other stuff too?

[gr8jab]

Hi All,

Based on my searches in this forum, I have found many discussions around destinations that are family friendly, or have choices for non-diving kids, or other things. But none of the discussions are on the mark for me. Plus, I just want to talk directly about us and get some good feedback.

Me - 70 dives. new AOW. warm water diver. Not thrill seeker, but enjoys new things. Love Cozumel (Scuba Club) and Cayman (Cobalt Coast) type of situation. Hate diving from cruise ship or elsewhere when overhead (travel/time/setup/logistics) exceeds quality of dive (short, simple, cattle boat, insta-buddy).

Wife - 40 dives. Dives because is reason to be somewhere warm and on boat in ocean. Likes Cayman (Cobalt Coast). Longs for trip to Atlantis (Bahamas), and would cruise more frequently if I allowed.

Son - Now a teen at 16, but was Seal Team and Bubble Maker at Kids Sea Camp years ago. Tried to do OW cert around age 12 or 13, but was frustrated with mask skills. Wants to try again, but is not sure. I think he would enjoy diving again, but is worried about getting certified.

Daughter - 4 years old. Loves the pool and is just starting swimming lessons. I think she would very much like Kids Sea Camp or Anthony's Key programs.

We want to spend a week (or maybe two) somewhere for everyone. I think that Wife will want to dive intermittently, but also have many shore days. She doesn't mind watching after Daughter, but it is not a vacation if she is always stuck with that duty. I'm sure that Wife would like an AI with pools and beaches and frilly drinks.

I think it is important to go somewhere where they have a GOOD kids programs. I know about AKR and KSC, and I'm sure there are many more programs that are good. However, I'm having lots of trouble finding good information about specific locations. I don't want some shack with crayons and a few coloring books. I want something GOOD.

Since Son has agreed to try OW cert again, I want someplace that will take very good care of him. They should provide personal attention and a dive instructor that is experienced and supportive. Son is not assertive enough to deal with heavy accents, and would probably flail along pretending to understand. Therefore, understandable English must be spoken by instructor. I really think the Jr Open Water program at Cobalt Coast Kids Sea Camp is a perfect example, but he is too old for that now. I would consider going there during a non-KSC week, since I know they have good instructors. (but then what about Daughter)? Feels like a null-set.

I know... I'm asking for everything...

AI with excellent dive operation, great kids program, and teen friendly instructors.

Compromising is OK. Any ideas or leads? Maybe a private instructor at or near destination that can be vetted and chosen in advance... Maybe a private nanny to take Daughter to fun water activities...

 

[KathyV]

When do you plan to travel? Cobalt Coast is offering a family dive special during the summer months in 2016 that appears to be geared toward teenagers:

Dive Into Summer - Only In Cayman

Since you mentioned that you might do a 2 week trip, we like to do a 2 week and 2 island trip to the Caymans. It gives us the best of both worlds. We enjoy the amenities and activities of Grand Cayman (with some snorkeling and maybe a few shore dives) and then we go to one of the sister islands (Brac or Little) to relax, enjoy nature, and go diving!

The differences (for a diver) between the 3 Cayman islands - Cayman Islands Forum - TripAdvisor

 

[diversteve]

Or maybe:

Sunscape Curacao - Activities
or
Turks and Caicos All Inclusive Family Resort - Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa

haven't been to either but have been on both islands.

 

[gr8jab]

Or maybe:

Sunscape Curacao - Activities
or
Turks and Caicos All Inclusive Family Resort - Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa

haven't been to either but have been on both islands.

What's the general consensus about diving from Beaches resorts? I've heard mixed reviews, filled with stories of short dives (first OOA and whole group goes up) to sign-up limitations and problems getting more than a few dives. Anyone ever tried it?

 

[RVBldr]

Re: Beaches T&C: Family took a trip there a couple years ago and had a great time. I got to do 2-3 dives a day, my then 10-year old did DSD and 3 or 4 open water dives with an instructor when space was available, wife got to lounge by pool and do the spa thing so everyone had a great time. The boy was able to do eat what he wanted, do the water park, games, or the daily organized kid camp. He's since gotten his Junior Open Water.

Boats were just fine. I wouldn't say they were overcrowded, and I never felt rushed. There was the usual cross section of divers from new resort divers to experienced cold water folks, but that didn't seem to make a difference. We were there in Feb, so we even got a chance for snorkeling with a whale shark.

 

[KathyV]

What's the general consensus about diving from Beaches resorts? I've heard mixed reviews, filled with stories of short dives (first OOA and whole group goes up) to sign-up limitations and problems getting more than a few dives. Anyone ever tried it?

I've never stayed/dived with Beaches but the consensus is that the best diving in the T&Cs is off of French Cay and West Caicos but those sites are long boat rides from Provo and are not the sites commonly visited by the Beaches dive boats. You should post in the T&C forum for more information.

I have taken 2 dive trips to T&C but stayed on liveaboards both times. In both cases it was some of the best diving we have done in the Caribbean. We've spent time on Provo and enjoyed the island and the beach but we haven't done any land-based diving there.

I have never stayed at a Sandals or Beaches; we only tried one dive vacation at a mega-resort (a Club Med) and it was not a great experience. The boats were packed, the divemasters were autocratic task masters, many of the fellow-divers had "Club Med C Cards" and were not safe, and the dive sites were mediocre.

It put us off vacationing at mega-resorts again although we enjoy smaller, diver-dedicated all-inclusive resorts. But again, I have never stayed/dived with Beaches so they may be entirely different and they would certainly offer entertainment options for the entire family.

 

[Divebooker.com]

The Bahamas look like a good family-friendly destination, many hotels in there offer a pro-active child care throughout the day. As for diving, I can advise you take a look at these links: Scuba Diving in Bahamas & Dive Centers from Bahamas. The first one will give you an idea of they type of diving in the Bahamas, while the second one will offer you to select from the dive centers available in the area, compare their prices and book your adventure online.

 

[robint]

Anthony's Key is perfect for you all. Roatan diving is easier than Cozumel but has beautiful reefs, just not so much current. Great for new divers. Your youngest will love the dolphins.
Is is an AI just like ScubaClub so since you say you liked that atmosphere, it will do well.
Best advice for Roatan though is to go between March-Aug for best weather. It rains alot during fall, and winter can mean windy so you will have to dive the other side of island so long boat rides around. Stick with spring-summer for best conditions.