help me choose a nov. dive destination!

[scren]

I have a week of vacation that i need to use this november, and i want to make a dive vacation out of it. I am a new diver (19 dives total: in wpb, brazil, pr & catalina), and since none of my dive buddies can take a trip right now, it looks like i will be solo. I need to go somewhere in relatively close proximity to NY, and relatively inexpensive. I had been looking into roatan, but wanted to get some input about this and other locations before I made definite plans.

Any thoughts about Honduras or any other carribbean locations would be greatly appreciated! I don't need anything fancy, I just want to go somewhere I can experience great diving, relax on the beach, and maybe do some exploring when i am not diving. I'd rather not have to rent a car.

oh, and i have already been to belize, and plan on cozumel in dec/jan, so i'm looking for locations other than these!

Thanks for your advice!

 

[Doc]

I have a week of vacation that i need to use this novemberQUOTE]

November is a good time to get off peak rates. Some bargains to be found!

I like Roatan, it sure fits the bill in terms of diving value for the dollar. Not much exploring available and not much beach relaxin, but the diving is superior- if you go slowly and look for the little critters.

Other great places to check out would include Bonaire... not as inexpensive, but at that time of year, you may do well.

I like your idea of not driving- I recommend against it- I know and understand the laws that include liability and responsibility throughout the Caribbean and Central America- this is something you only want an academic understanding of! Take a hired car!

 

[ChrisA]

I say it only half joking: "California". BUtyou say you've been to Catalina so youv'e already been here. There are also a few low cost areas in Mexico's Baja California

I have a week of vacation that i need to use this november, and i want to make a dive vacation out of it. I am a new diver (19 dives total: in wpb, brazil, pr & catalina), and since none of my dive buddies can take a trip right now, it looks like i will be solo. I need to go somewhere in relatively close proximity to NY, and relatively inexpensive. I had been looking into roatan, but wanted to get some input about this and other locations before I made definite plans.


Thanks for your advice!

 

[Scuba65]

Try the Bahamas....it's fairly cheap right now, and i hear it's really good diving there. I'll be going there myself at the end of Nov.

 

[Scuba_John]

I would agree with RoatanMan, good prices, great diving,and lots of time to soak up the sun.

 

[Doc]

Try the Bahamas....it's fairly cheap right now, and i hear it's really good diving there. I'll be going there myself at the end of Nov.

The 'good diving' in the Bahamas is a deffinition fraught with arguably true variations.

There is inexpensive travel, safe and easily accessed day dive ops on the two larger islands (Nassau and Grand Bahama), home of the better known dive centers.

The "out islands" are more expensive to get to, have no casinos or night life (by comparison) and the diving is much less environmentaly worn- not nearly as as solicitous of newbie divers, but for the experienced and discerning diver, a far 'better' dive environment.

The Bahamas are a large country.

 

[ScubaLuke]

I have a week of vacation that i need to use this november, and i want to make a dive vacation out of it....

Have you thought about doing a live-aboard? You might look at the Nekton and Aquacat in the Bahamas. I’ve done the Nekton boats several times and like ‘em. I haven't done the Aquacat yet but I have some friends that did and they were real happy with their trip.

Check out:
http://www.nektoncruises.com/
http://www.aquacatcruises.com/

When comparing prices remember that the cost of the trip includes lodging, diving, and food.

Luke

 

[cxg31s]

Since you're already going to Coz, I "tritto" the vote on Roatan--hotels there have very reasonable single supplements, if any, and eats/drinks are still relatively inexpensive. You could choose from any of the "dive resorts" or go for one of the smaller places close to town. There's not much to explore, but the island is very pretty and fun to look around. There are tours available through the larger resorts--jungle canopy tour, island tour, a hiking tour in the mountains on the mainland, etc. There are clubs and bars in town or you can spend your post dive time in a hammock. You can do as much or as little as you want....

A lot of the larger resorts are running fall specials right now. It all depends on your budget, what you want to do and what kind of place you want to stay at. Good luck in making your decision!

 

[dvrliz1]

Definitely BONAIRE!!!! BonairePros offers a FANTASTIC airfare from Newark, JFK..$359 Round Trip.

 

[scren]

thanks for all the great input-- i just reserved a week in roatan, at akr! i can't wait. it was a tough decision between resorts there, but akr had the availability and price i was looking for, and i am very excited about their dolphin program, since i have been a dolphin fanatic as long as i can remember! i was actually surprised by how many places are fully booked during the "off season"....

i will definitely hit bonaire someday in the near future!

i will be at akr from 11/13-11/20, in case anyone else will be-- i need a dive buddy, since i'll be travelling alone!