Jamaica or Cancun?

[carolyncanoe]

I am thinking of going to either Jamaica or Cancun for about 10 days hopefully in early May. Does anyone know what the scuba diving is like in Jamaica? I heard from one person I met that it is now mostly rocky and has been damaged. I was favoring Jamaica as it does have a variety of things to also do. I am also looking for some other folks who also might want to join me in some scuba diving during this time.

Carolyn

 

[Lisa0825]

I haven't been to Jamaica and can't comment on the diving, but I can tell you that I have two friends who went and really did not like Jamaica. If you plan to spend all of your time on the resort property, I have heard the reorts are quite nice. But Jamaica itself very poor, and not safe to go exploring on your own off the premesis.

Apologies to any fans of Jamaica out there... just reporting on my friends' trips.

If it's nightlife you want, Cancun has a lot, and you could take a diving tour to Cozumel right across the ferry. Personally, I WAY prefer Cozumel to Cancun. Too many testosterone-crazed teen drunken teenagers running around in Cancun!LOL

 

[Spratman]

A friend of mine told me the same thing about Jamaica. We go every year to Cancun, and as long as you stay away from Spring Break times, it's nice as well. By May, all the restaurants and shops should be back in business.

What about all those testosterone-craze divers out there?

 

[baydive20]

Jamicia is safe if you get a local to tour you around as we did back in July. Diving is not so great. Cozumel is the best bet. or stay in Playa del Carmen. That's a nice area where the ferry goes over to Cozumel.

 

[aliltexgal]

Went to Jamaica last year for 10 days. Diving OK, not the best. The resort was wonderful. Beach was beautiful. Worst part is we felt stuck at the resort. The poverty there is extensive and overwhelming. HUGE drug use. Everyone was trying to sell us something and very insistent, attempting to push it right into your hands. And it is not legal there and you can get busted.... Town areas very depressing... like I said cannot go anywhere that you are not being surrounded by someone trying to sell you something very aggressively. If you are taken for tour to shop it is to tourist trap and expensive just for the ride. I think about $20pp. Of course this was my only experiance. I would love to find a simple area where you could get a hut or room on the beach and just lounge in the sun.
Been to Cozumel often... love the diving!

 

[morayp]

If I had to choose between Cancun and Jamaica and diving quality had anything to do with my decision, I would choose...Cozumel!

 

[del_mo]

I just returned from Runaway Bay, Jamaica. Got in 9 dives. I won't speak for other dive locations on Jamaica, but I bet it would be safe to think they are all in about the same condition.

We did 90 fsw max first dives and 50 fsw max second dives. The 50 fsw were marred by less than good viz because of surge. The 90 fsw dives were better.

The coral was in very poor condition. We did see a variety of sea life - turtle, spotted ray, spotted eel, clearner shrimp (three), squid/cuddle fish (seven), crabs (two), a bug, lizzard fish (three), puffers (two), a million squirrel fish. The biggest fish we saw were Bermuda Chubs. The sponges were colorful and that made a big difference. But the reefs where fished out and all but dead.

I chose the resort because of free diving. We wouldn't go back for the diving.

 

[mike_s]

I spent a week in Jamacia a couple years ago. I'd been told the same thing. That the diving was not good. I found this to be the exception. I thought the diving was fairly decent. Now it wasn't as good as other locations by any means, but the reefs were in decent shape and nice assortment of tish. Not as many fish as you'd find in a Marine sanctuary in the Keys though for example.

I think it also depends on where you dive in Jamacia as to how good it might be. we dove near Negril and I'd dive there again. But I've heard diving near Ocho Rios is no where as good.

As for Jamacia being dangerous? yep it's dangerous, but it's also very safe. Most of the resorts are "compounds" and are all-inclusive so you hardly leave. The country is very poverty stricken but it's still fun to get out and see the local countryside and things to do. Most resorts have resort run tours daily that go places. As long as you're on one of their tours, you have nothing to worry about. Most of the violence is in Kingston anyway, which is the far side of the island and is not a tourist area. About the worst thing you'll have happen to you there is someone might mention something to you to see if you're interested in some drugs. When they see you're not, they move on. But this happens in all caribbean dstinations, not just Jamacia.

My only suggestion is that if you're going on a trip for the sole purpose of diving, neither Cancun or Jamacia is the best choice. If you're going on a trip for a vacation and diving is secondary, either place will be fine.

 

[mermaid8773]

I love Jamaica.....just my favorite island down here......

18 times in 2 years and counting. Drove the island with 2 other ladies and had NO problems.

Lots of weed around, but, what do you expect? It's Jamaica!

Not to mention.....you get the most bang for the buck there.

If you want info, let me know.....PM me or email to Alix@secretretreats.com . I can get you all-inclusive adults only for about $85 a night or so. Airfare from major cities can be had (usually) at about $125 r/t. Not bad!

I can also set you up with a personal guide if you like, for your safety, if you feel it is an issue.

Love it, love it, love it!

I would try south shore diving, myself, as it is much more pristine.

Big Hugs~

Alix

 

[Willar]

I dive Negril each June and find it very nice. I've seen more turtles here than Bimini or Bonaire. The fish aren't as thick as Bonaire or as large as Bimini, but the reefs around Negril are in good shape and there are a variety of interesting sites. My favorites are The Arches with wonderful overhangs and swim-throughs, and The Throne Room. There are also several nice walls.

Sandals, Beaches, Hedonism, and Grand Lido brands all dive this area. You can also book some very economical local places and obtain dive services locally from 3 operators. I recommend SunDivers at Point Village Resort.

The surface interval at Negril is great fun with plenty of dining, dancing, nightlife, and adventure sites for entertainment. I'll keep going there for a good mix of fun and diving. I'll go elsewhere if the sole purpose is fabulous diving.