How much variety in Caribberan Dive Sites - will these destinations provide it

[dlwalke]

I'm relatively new to diving, got my basic OW a couple of years ago and my AOW last month. Have dove in West Palm Beach Area, the FL keys Keys, and P City. Am planning (fantasizing...whatever) about my next few yrs worth of vacations and am wondering how much variety there is (as a function of geography) in the greater Caribbean area and other sites comparably distant. Based largely on topside criteria (scenery, cuisine, affordability), my next few trips will probably be Tobago, Cozumel, St. Lucia and Baja. From a diving standpoint, will these destinations provide a pretty decent variety of underwater scenery, species, topography et cetera?

Thanks (and other suggestions welcome),
Dave

 

[DocVikingo]

I'm relatively new to diving, got my basic OW a couple of years ago and my AOW last month. Have dove in West Palm Beach Area, the FL keys Keys, and P City. Am planning (fantasizing...whatever) about my next few yrs worth of vacations and am wondering how much variety there is (as a function of geography) in the greater Caribbean area and other sites comparably distant. Based largely on topside criteria (scenery, cuisine, affordability), my next few trips will probably be Tobago, Cozumel, St. Lucia and Baja. From a diving standpoint, will these destinations provide a pretty decent variety of underwater scenery, species, topography et cetera?

Thanks (and other suggestions welcome),
Dave

Sweet selections, although I would substitute Little Cayman for St. Lucia. Also, when you say Baja, it's unclear if you mean Los Cabos or the La Paz area. For straight scuba, the later is definitely the way to go.

Have fun.

DocVikingo

 

[PapaBob]

IMHO punt Cozumel. Consider Grand Cayman if topside is a priority and try to get to the North side or East End for some dives. Its been a few years since I was in Aruba, but I found the diving surprisingly good and the nightlife great.

---Bob

 

[ronrosa]

IMHO punt Cozumel. Consider Grand Cayman if topside is a priority and try to get to the North side or East End for some dives. Its been a few years since I was in Aruba, but I found the diving surprisingly good and the nightlife great.

---Bob

Can't comment on Baja, St. Lucia or Tobago diving.

Been to Coz, Aruba and Grand Cayman.

Just got back from Aruba and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the diving. That being said, IMHO, for diving, it's nuts to drop Coz for Aruba. Not even close. Grand Cayman is closer, but I still think the diving edge goes to Coz. Affordability ? Coz wins hands down.

 

[dlwalke]

Sweet selections, although I would substitute Little Cayman for St. Lucia. Also, when you say Baja, it's unclear if you mean Los Cabos or the La Paz area. For straight scuba, the later is definitely the way to go.

Have fun.

DocVikingo

Thanks for the input. As far as Baja goes, I would be closer to La Paz. Actually, I would probably hang out in Mulege if there were any dive ops there. Part of the reason I had St. Lucia in there was that I have heard that it has some of the best food in the Caribbean, and I definitely enjoy eating different food on vacation. As for Cozumel, I would be visiting the wider area...including the 'Mayan Riviera'. I've been to some Mayan sites many years ago and would love to go back, and now would love to dive in some Cenotes as well. Plus, I have heard that it is very affordable. Will have to re-investigate the Caymans.

 

[DocVikingo]

Can't comment on Baja, St. Lucia or Tobago diving.

Been to Coz, Aruba and Grand Cayman.

Just got back from Aruba and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the diving. That being said, IMHO, for diving, it's nuts to drop Coz for Aruba. Not even close. Grand Cayman is closer, but I still think the diving edge goes to Coz. Affordability ? Coz wins hands down.

Ditto. IMHO Coz diving is head and shoulders above that on Aruba. On balance, Coz is more affordable as well and has some charm. Aruba has always struck me as Miami Beach with casinos.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[Perfect1]

Dave, You have picked some great dive locations. I would like to recommend a small placew but one of the best.......Saba. It has it all.