Hawaii, Baja, Cozumel - Can't Decide

[Teamcasa]

I ask this here because SoCal people face the same decisions as to flight costs and becasue we all are used to pretty good local diving.

My lovely biride and I are trying to decided if we should go to Coz, Baja or back to Hawaii (the Big Island).

I'm leaning toward Coz right now. We like a nice hotel or condo but not necessarily a resort. However, we do plan on diving every day, but the last one. I don’t really want to rent a car unless I go to Hawaii, so I’d like something near town.

Flights for Los Angeles? AI no AI it doesn’t much matter to me. Best time of year – worst time.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[orangelion03]

I've been to Maui three times in the last three years...scuba for the last two. Next time I'd like to try something different, like Cozumel.

 

[LAJim]

Last year we went to CoCo View on Roatan for 15 hours a day of scuba action.

http://www.cocoviewresort.com/

If you want a little bit of vacation with your scuba consider a fully scuba immersive place and CoCo is great. Wall diving from boats or from the beach. Wrecks a short swim from your room.

Jim

 

[orangelion03]

Thanks for the link Jim! That place looks great!!

 

[kelpmermaid]

Over the years, I am fortunate enough to have visited all three destinations you mention, and these are widely different vacations. Time of year (temperature and the H-word) and what you want out of your trip should help guide your decision.

Thoughts:
The Big Island is fun both for boat and shore diving (love those turtles!), but Volcanoes Nat'l Park is also a must. Look for air/hotel or condo/rental car packages and schedule your diving to suit yourselves.

Baja - where in Baja? Would you consider a liveaboard, or do you want to be land-based? How much other activity do you need? Water temps and viz vary widely throughout the year here.

Cozumel - Amazing coral and a must-do at some point. AI or not, whatever you prefer. We had a good time at Scuba Club Cozumel: eat, dive, sleep...

 

[Teamcasa]

Jim, That looks great, Thanks. Which end of the island is the resort? Approx Airfare from LAX?

KelpMermaid
The Big Island is in out sights. We really like the Kona side. Looking at www.KonaAWESOMEcondo.com


Baja - Not sure yet. Maybe Lareto or Cabo. Land based would be preferred but I'm not ruling out a Live Aboard. Any suggestions - personal preferences?

Thanks for your help.
Dave

 

[ChrisM]

I agree with kelpmermaid. My .02 on each
Coz - went once, it was fun, but from the west coast it's just a long trip to get there. Takes a day of flying essentially. The town itself is a cruise ship town, so be prepared for that. Diving is very nice, water very blue and very clear. I stayed at Casa Mexicana (in town, nice hotel) and dove with Christi at BlueXTSea (great op)

Baja - Been to Loreto twice, sleepy and laid back, may want something more. The diving can be so so or fantastic, that's what I like about the Sea of Cortez. You might see whales and hammerheads and sea lions (well, you'll see sea lions at Islotes), or you might see Cortez angelfish. You couldn't pay me to go to Cabo, I spent enough time with drunk gringos in college. Easy to get to

Baja liveaboards, Don Jose or Solmar are it, unless the Nautiilus Explorer ($$$$) is in town

Big Island - Haven't been, but been to Maui a bunch and Kauai, diving is good, if you go during whale season (now) you 'll hear them, might see them. Diving is expensive though. Easy to gt to

 

[Teamcasa]

Thanks Chris. I'm would like to avoid a whole day traveling. The Big Island is looking better and better.

Jim, I found it on Google Earth. Look like a terrific place!

Dave

 

[orangelion03]

Have you considered Maui? Lots of diving there! I do a lot of shore diving with a couple of boat trips thrown in. Great night shore dive sites. Last trip we stayed in Napili, right on the beach. Short boat trip to Lanai caverns...Molokini wall dive...a few wrecks...

 

[Teamcasa]

I'm not too interested in the heavy tourists spots - but Maui is moving up on the list!

Dave