MerMomDiver
Registered
- Messages
- 16
- Reaction score
- 4
- # of dives
- 25 - 49
After 3 years straight of wonderful Cozumel summer dive vacations, with 6-pack fast boat dives... am overwhelmed with options about a place to try to branch out in experiences. Certified 3 years ago, and all 37 post-certification dives have been the walls and beautiful carpets of Cozumel. Scuba Diving mag rates diver preferences in Caribbean as Caymen and Bonaire as tied for No. 1 choice. But ideal dive sites really depend on the diving group and a lot of other factors. Here is my group's favorite factors, and I look forward to opinions on a destination that matches these... and also logistical advice on: island hopper flights, accomodations, "best sides" of an island, dive ops, etc.
Our dive travel style/preferences/profile:
1) Family of divers ranging from an adult advanced with 100 dives, to me with 35 dives, to my 13-year-old certified Junior Diver who has 20 Cozumel drift dives under his belt.
2) We love bright and beautiful coral, getting lost in the fish, and turtles and eels.... probably more "micro" divers contrasted to big animal or adrenaline diving. We love a few swimthroughs, but not technical ones with our Junior Diver.
3) We like a bit of comfort and a safe environment, as this a family of divers. We have done all-inclusives previously, because I like to relax and not think a lot about logistics when on vacation, other than being on point and alert with safe fun diving. Open to local dining off-resort, if not complicated to find and get to yummy places.
4) When I say a bit of comfort, I recognize that can run the gamut. So the past few years, for example, I have been accustomed and comfortable paying in Cozumel $1500 for a week's accomodations at 3-4-star (TripAdvisor rated) sites, for 3 people including food and adult bevs for me and my honey. Plus $1800 for up to 10 dives on a fast-boat for the 3 of us... but bear in mind that has included a private DM (at about $50-65 extra per day) for us with Junior Diver so we can go at our pace at shallower depths (like on top of the walls or not deep on the walls), and everyone on the boat has a groovy experience.
5) We love 6 pack fast boat diving with good DMs... but am open to beautiful shore diving.
6) We like diving at locations where there are NOT 20 other divers immediately around.
7) We like a destination where we can do some other things too, like explore the area, snorkel, bike ride... and feel comfortable doing so.
8) A destination with accomodations that have some appealing interests for a young teen are nice... like a nice pool and cool environment and some room to explore on site while still being safe. In other words, a small adult-oriented B&B or hotel with no grounds, that was bare-bones and just for diving and eating, would not fit the bill for captivating or interesting.
Thanks.
![Big Grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Our dive travel style/preferences/profile:
1) Family of divers ranging from an adult advanced with 100 dives, to me with 35 dives, to my 13-year-old certified Junior Diver who has 20 Cozumel drift dives under his belt.
2) We love bright and beautiful coral, getting lost in the fish, and turtles and eels.... probably more "micro" divers contrasted to big animal or adrenaline diving. We love a few swimthroughs, but not technical ones with our Junior Diver.
3) We like a bit of comfort and a safe environment, as this a family of divers. We have done all-inclusives previously, because I like to relax and not think a lot about logistics when on vacation, other than being on point and alert with safe fun diving. Open to local dining off-resort, if not complicated to find and get to yummy places.
4) When I say a bit of comfort, I recognize that can run the gamut. So the past few years, for example, I have been accustomed and comfortable paying in Cozumel $1500 for a week's accomodations at 3-4-star (TripAdvisor rated) sites, for 3 people including food and adult bevs for me and my honey. Plus $1800 for up to 10 dives on a fast-boat for the 3 of us... but bear in mind that has included a private DM (at about $50-65 extra per day) for us with Junior Diver so we can go at our pace at shallower depths (like on top of the walls or not deep on the walls), and everyone on the boat has a groovy experience.
5) We love 6 pack fast boat diving with good DMs... but am open to beautiful shore diving.
6) We like diving at locations where there are NOT 20 other divers immediately around.
7) We like a destination where we can do some other things too, like explore the area, snorkel, bike ride... and feel comfortable doing so.
8) A destination with accomodations that have some appealing interests for a young teen are nice... like a nice pool and cool environment and some room to explore on site while still being safe. In other words, a small adult-oriented B&B or hotel with no grounds, that was bare-bones and just for diving and eating, would not fit the bill for captivating or interesting.
Thanks.