Keys or Somewhere Else for Jr. Open Water Vacation?

[handben]

I am planning a vacation for next June (2008) for 1 experienced diver and 3 novice divers. My wife and son (will be 10) will do their check-out dives, so depth cannot be more than 40 feet. I will also be diving with my 12 year old daughter so we could go a little deeper (60 feet). We are trying to plan a vacation that will offer good diving for beginners with these depth restrictions. I think that the Keys (specifically Key Largo) may be the best/cheapest option, but would like to consider other options. I am considering the Yucatan between Playa del Carmen and Tulum with maybe a cenote with my daughter. Any thoughts on good dive areas for novice/Jr. divers? Thanks for the help that I've seen on so many other threads and hope for here as well. Ben

 

[DeputyDan]

I think the keys are an excellent choice.

It was the first salt water plance I took my kids to dive.

Many - many excellent dives under 40 feet

 

[ReefHound]

I second the Keys as an excellent choice. Most reefs are 20 to 30 feet with usually minimal current.

 

[scubajb]

A ton of shallow dives with a lot of life and things to see... Call Capt. Gary!!!

 

[Speargirl]

I am planning a vacation for next June (2008) for 1 experienced diver and 3 novice divers. My wife and son (will be 10) will do their check-out dives, so depth cannot be more than 40 feet. I will also be diving with my 12 year old daughter so we could go a little deeper (60 feet). We are trying to plan a vacation that will offer good diving for beginners with these depth restrictions. I think that the Keys (specifically Key Largo) may be the best/cheapest option, but would like to consider other options. I am considering the Yucatan between Playa del Carmen and Tulum with maybe a cenote with my daughter. Any thoughts on good dive areas for novice/Jr. divers? Thanks for the help that I've seen on so many other threads and hope for here as well. Ben

You could plan your vacation for July 11th we have the SB Invasion FL Keys during that time and you could save on not only your diving but your lodging The dive op always sets up deep dives as well as reef dives everyday twice a day and maybe they will have a night dive this coming July.

 

[herman]

Welcome to the board.
Another option is Bonaire. It can be done reasonably if you know where to shop. The diving is easy and there is plenty to see for the novice diver. I rarely go deeper than 40 ft, thats where most of the good stuff is anyway. I would suggest you find a couple of other experienced divers to join you. Diving with 3 new divers can be a handful, having someone you trust to share the load with will be a godsend. It will make everyones trip a lot more enjoyable.

 

[handben]

Thanks guys for the input so far. Speargirl, if all goes well with the June trip then I will hope to be in Bonaire around July 12th with my wife. I think it would be a great place for her to get in some great but easy dives. The kids will be in camp and we will be able to dive together for a week. I am leaning towards the keys, but love hearing other folks perspectives. And Herman, thanks for the welcome. I mostly have been lurking the last few months. (I suspect that there are a lot more lurkers than posters here). Most questions seem to already have been discussed in detail. But there haven't been so many on Jr. Open Water divers, hence the post. I'll try to keep posting though, it's fun!

 

[pickens_46929]

Key Largo is pretty good. Minimal current, lots to see and shallow. Beginner's dream really.

Alternatively, Crystal River area is also pretty good. Fresh water vs. Salt water. Shallow depths and lots of variety. Rainbow River, Blue Grotto, Devil's Den, Manatee's... all provide some unique experiences in that area.

 

[ReefHound]

Difference is the springs will be 70 degrees and require a wetsuit and the Keys will be mid 80's in June.

 

[TennInstr]

For the money the Keys are the definite best choice. Absolutely great for beginners and if you like you can arrange more advanced dives for yourself. Largo and Islamorada are like diving in an aquarium.