February destination

[frogoutofwater]

I've never been to the Caribbean, but I after doing some of my own vacation planning, this is what I've found. There are several Caribbean destinations that are worth considering. Grand Cayman, a British island south of Jamaica is supposed to be great, I'm going there this April. A lot of American divers like Cozumel, an island off the coast of Cancun. Cozumel has some serious currents though, so it may not be the best spot for beginners. Diving in Jamaica is considered pretty poor by Caribbean standards.

We were looking at going to Grand Cayman in late April or May, but I must admit I was turned off by the warnings about sea lice (not actually lice, but jellyfish larvae) which, apparently are quite common in the area (and also certain other areas of the Caribbean) during this time of year. I realise that there are ways to minimise the risk of getting a bad case, but the risk was enough to make us switch our holiday to the Canaries instead. We'll try the Caribbean sometime later (between hurricane season and sea lice season ...)

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

I really don't fancy Sharm as I would prefer somewhere with a beach were you don't need a 30 minute commute.

You can get accomodation in Sharm directly on the beach, not just sea view. Try Sharks Bay UMBI. It's beach cabins, each equipped with toilets and air conditions.

 

[Fionab]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I had decided on Marsa Alam but then found out I can't get any flights to there, looked everywhere. I can only fly after 3PM 18th, anytime 19th and the 20th which is proving to be a real pain to find anywhere.

Flights out of Gatwick tend to be on Thursdays to Marsa Alam as thats when the liveaboards leave.

You might be better off going to Sharm if you need a weekend flight.

 

[DreamingOfScuba]

Found a Friday flight to Marsa Alam although not the hotel I wanted the options still look pretty good. Can't decide between:-

Iberotel Coraya Beach
Sol Y Mar Solitaire
Brayka Bay
Lamaya
Sol Y Mar Solaya
Sol Y Mar Samaya

Trouble is all these are from Gatwick which means I've got to get down there on the Thursday as the flight is early next morning. Also sent off a price enquiry to Emporer Divers as we are aiming for 10 dives whilst over there.

3 Weeks to go so I better get my skates on though, I'm getting stressed LOL.

One thing I read which got me worried, someone said the dive centres over there demand a doctors special medical certificate. I have asthma but have a copy of my signed PADI medical form by my doctor and I'll have my new PADI OW card. I'm hoping I don't hit any problems regarding me having asthma.

 

[Mantasscareme]

We were looking at going to Grand Cayman in late April or May, but I must admit I was turned off by the warnings about sea lice (not actually lice, but jellyfish larvae) which, apparently are quite common in the area (and also certain other areas of the Caribbean) during this time of year. I realise that there are ways to minimise the risk of getting a bad case, but the risk was enough to make us switch our holiday to the Canaries instead. We'll try the Caribbean sometime later (between hurricane season and sea lice season ...)

I heard about sea lice, only after getting suckered into booking my trip though. There are certain sunscreens (Sea Safe brand comes to mind) that keep sea lice from stinging, I'm hoping that will suffice.