Great Carib Diving w. Cameraderie? Suggestions Please

[diversteve]

Some idea of what to expect on the T/C Explorer (not my trip report but it illustrates the ship/diving well) Saudio's Trip Reports

Our room had twin beds, a 3' wide aisle w/nightstand, a corner desk and ensuite bathroom. Also cabins on the main deck have windows - not portholes. On that particular boat there's both a sundeck and a flying bridge/2nd deck so there's plenty of room. I'm an insomniac so I slept up there a couple of nights.

However as a single, you'll either have to pay a single supplement or have to share with another same-sex single unless the boat is really empty. On many liveaboards after doing 4 (5 counting night dives) most divers retire pretty early. Except we had a louder group on this past trip that stayed up well past midnight.

SunDancer II in Belize is one of the bigger liveaboards working in the Caribbean. And most affordable - it's $1895. Nice thing about that trip is once you pay for it, there's no other costs except the port fees/crew tip - they pick you up at the airport since the boat moors in Belize City.

Check schedules on the Explorer, Dancer and Aggressor websites - or call them -there's some photography specific liveaboard weeks where experts join you and help improve your photos while diving.

 

[RJP]

Liveaboard. For sure.

 

[Randallr]

Sad to say, a liveaboard won't work this trip. I'm stoked for it, but best I can tell, the schedules all are Saturday to Saturday. This trip has to begin on a Wednesday or Thursday - that's how vacation has to work this year. So I'll do land-based. I've appreciated all the help, and willing to take on more!

 

[scubamax]

CoCo View in Roatan would fit a lot of the criteria. Not sure how connections from MIA would work. I have been th)ere twice and it hits most of your criteria. The accommodations are not high end but comfortable, and all meals are buffet-style (nothing fancy, but "hot and alot") so its really easy to meet new people. Boats are never crowded and its a pretty laid back atmosphere. Dive operation is very good and professional, and everyone makes you feel welcome. Check out SB Roatan section for TONS of information.