I'm wanting to dive but I am poor!

[hbhobby]

I am wanting to go on a (warm) dive vacation but I am poor (ok and cheap too) but I would like some thoughts on the best place to go and get a dive vacation for about a week near the end of the year that is the lowest cost overall, package+airline. I have found many "deals" but half of the equasion is cost prohibitive, either resort is too expensive or the airline fars are. so what is the best all around deal out there? Iam in arizona. also what is the best travel agency to go through?

 

[*dave*]

As long as you aren't lazy, in addition to being cheap and poor, you should be able to find something that will fit your budget in Mexico.

 

[drbill]

Back in 2001 I used Air Brokers Intl. to get airfare that took me to Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Fiji and Tahibit all for $1,600. Then I spent nearly three months backpacking and diving in those countries. My TOTAL expenses for that period including lodging, meals, diving, gifts, etc (including the airfare) was $4,500. Of course I did that by staying in guest houses, hostels and inexpensive accommodations and eating at the local restaurants rather than the westernized ones many go to.

 

[crd_kats]

The least expensive place I can think of would be Playa del Carmen or Cozumel, MX. Airfare from AZ shouldn't be that bad. Continually check with Travelocity and Expedia. Call your credit card and see if you have mileage you can redeem. All inclusive resorts are the best way to go when you want to dive, dive, dive... but I would also check eBay for timeshare condo's. You can gather a group of diver friends and split the cost on that. Most hole in the wall (locals) restaurants are dirt cheap to eat at too.

Hope this was helpful for you.

.

 

[crd_kats]

As long as you aren't lazy, in addition to being cheap and poor, you should be able to find something that will fit your budget in Mexico.

You're just so wrong, Dave.

 

[paddler3d]

I don't know about air fare, but the Blackbeard cruises are real affordable. With tip and all you're looking at probably $1200 for everything, not including air fare.

 

[robint]

I am wanting to go on a (warm) dive vacation but I am poor (ok and cheap too) but I would like some thoughts on the best place to go and get a dive vacation for about a week near the end of the year that is the lowest cost overall, package+airline. I have found many "deals" but half of the equasion is cost prohibitive, either resort is too expensive or the airline fars are. so what is the best all around deal out there? Iam in arizona. also what is the best travel agency to go through?

A few things -

From Arizona, your cheapest place to dive is California. Water is cold but 7mm and hood work fine from July-Oct for most people. The diving is fantastic, too. You can do day-boats and stay in local hotels, or do the overnight trips on liveaboards. Some liveaboards let you sleep on the boat the night before (what we always do) which saves money. The boats only have bunkbeds and a shared bathroom, but for a few days most people don't mind.
I have some videos here: California, Channel Islands on Vimeo

If you want a warm water vacation, look at Cozumel or Roatan. Both can be very cost effective. Cozumel trips are less $$ overall, but Roatan has some all-inclusives with 3-5 dives per day so you really get your money's worth.
some good DIVE travel agencies:
Bay Adventures
Caradonna Dive Adventures
Island Dreams Travel scuba

For Cozumel, you can get good deals directly through the dive shops for hotel and diving packages, you would have to book airfare yourself.

Another place to consider is Bonaire, but airfare getting there is the highest part of trip. Otherwise you can dive 24/7 there so it works out to great diving trip if all you want to do is dive.

Another inexpensive place to go is South Florida. Diving from Ft. Lauderdale up to W. Palm Beach OR down in Keys. Lots and lots of good info and links down in the Florida Forum here on Scubaboard.

Near the end of the year ????????? ----- bad time to go almost anywhere in Caribbean (Oct-Jan). It is the rainy season, so prices are cheap, but you can get blown out and no diving, too.

robin

 

[lmorin]

Here's a different approach. Drive to Cabo San Lucas and dive there. Here's a one week dive/accommodation package for $850. I don't know anything about the diving off Cabo San Lucas, the dive op linked or the hotel, but you may find this approach will fit your budget requirements.

 

[robint]

Here's a different approach. Drive to Cabo San Lucas and dive there. Here's a one week dive/accommodation package for $850. I don't know anything about the diving off Cabo San Lucas, the dive op linked or the hotel, but you may find this approach will fit your budget requirements.

I wouldn't even try to drive down there, it is farther than you think. I would fly down. You can get in some great diving near Cabo, in La Paz - Club Cantamar, Baja California
diving is best from july-november, also a chance to see whale sharks and hammerheads there in oct-nov.

 

[diversteve]

Drive to San Carlos (Guaymas) stay at the Best Western or Los Jitos ($36/nt.) Or get an apt. at Ocean View for $45nt.

Cook/Eat locally and the most expensive part will be the diving out to San Pedro with Gary's Dive Shop or El Mar.

Although you can also do some local shorediving - Martini or Lalo Coves are places I've heard mentioned - El Mar rents tanks.

Can't get much cheaper than that from here. In the summer the water is warm.