Kid's first dive trip - where to take them?

[margocavis]

Hello!
My kids have finally gotten to the age that they are both certified divers (10 & 12 years old). But since they are still fairly young - there are limitations on their diving. I am looking for a good place where they can both dive, but since my youngest is 10 - there is a 40 foot depth limit for him and a 60 foot depth limit for my 12 year old.

So, I am thinking someplace with plenty of good shore diving would be best. We would also want it to be a place where we wouldn't have to worry about them staying behind at the hotel at times - if they don't feel like diving. I would also really like to find someplace fairly basic & affordable - since the airfare prices are pretty high right now.

Any suggestions of places in the US or Caribbean would be greatly appreciated!!!

Margo

 

[Doc]

So, I am thinking someplace with plenty of good shore diving would be best.

Bonaire.

We would also want it to be a place where we wouldn't have to worry about them staying behind at the hotel at times - if they don't feel like diving.

Ahh, the stuff that gives the shivers to Gretta Van Susteren.


I would also really like to find someplace fairly basic & affordable - since the airfare prices are pretty high right now.

Any suggestions of places in the US or Caribbean would be greatly appreciated!!!

Fort Lauderdale down to The Keys?

Margo

I would suggest Freeport Lucaya or Nassau (Stuart Cove) if you take shore diving out of the equation.

Understand that "shore diving" might not be the gentle walk in from the beach that you are picturing. Shore diving is an acquired skill and in Bonaire, it might be beyond the physical capabilities of most 10 and 12 years olds. The waves and the walking surface can be pretty challenging.

The best, simple, easy breezy shore dive in the Caribbean is at CoCoView in Roatan, but kids are not on their menu. Though Margo- if they take their diving as seriously as you do, they could dive there and stay in the Beach Houses. Roatan might be a disqualifier for the following reason...

I take families to dive quite often. With little kids in tow, I always put heavy emphasis on places that have excellent medical facilities or immediate evacuation flights to the states. Little ones have very little resilience to common intestinal maladies. It narrows the list down considerably to the major islands of the Bahamas and Cayman.

 

[robint]

I have 2 suggestions for you - Key Largo or Maui. Shallower diving is possible from boats and they are used to Jr. divers. Shore diving is not the best for kids as the gear is heavy and one crashing wave could knock them for a loop! However, Maui does have lots of shore diving and you can hire a DM to take you on the shore dives which would be best if you do them.

 

[Pirate Lady]

I would have to agree with Key Largo, not just because I'm here, but the diving here is shallow and good for young people. I myself have a 15 year old and he has no problem diving from the boats here, he just started 2 years ago.
For the Bahamas, Stuart Cove's. Good shallow diving and more.

 

[Madvelazquez]

You can also check out kidseacamp.com. My nephew got certified last year in Cayman Islands. This year we are going to Honduras, kids have two tank dives and adults get to dive with the adults. Kids are supervised until 3 p.m. with all sorts of activities.

 

[cappyjon431]

I won't plug my own operation because there are a few excellent operators in my area, but I've found Bocas del Toro, Panama to be the best "easy" diving in the Caribbean. Because most of the dive sites are protected by islands, there are never any big waves to contend with nor any currents to battle. There are many shallow sites available that still offer tons to see. Most sites are accessible by a 10 minute (or less) boat ride. Some of the sites are so close you can get a ride back to town for the surface intervals. It's also cheap compared to many Caribbean destinations ($50/two tank dive) and crime is virtually non-existant.

 

[margocavis]

I would have to agree with Key Largo, not just because I'm here, but the diving here is shallow and good for young people. I myself have a 15 year old and he has no problem diving from the boats here, he just started 2 years ago.
For the Bahamas, Stuart Cove's. Good shallow diving and more.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! So far the only diving experience my kids have had has been slightly difficult - cold water, thick suits, hoods, gloves, etc. - since we are in MN. But the shore entries are not difficult, since the lakes they have been to are not too wavy or rocky. That said - I want this trip to be easy and fun for them. I don't want to test their limits too much on this first family "dive vacation".

So, I am thinking Key Largo or Bahamas. Airfare is pretty reasonable to both. I have not been diving in either of those places yet, so I am not familiar with any specific dive operations there. I have heard of Stuart Cove in the Bahamas. Any recommendations for Key Largo?

FYI - Both of my boys would LOVE the diving at Coco View in Roatan! Especially that nice little wreck - "Prince Albert". I have been there & it would be perfect - if they accepted kids. But that is a little more than I am looking to spend right now also. BTW - I do have a dive friend who ended up breaking his leg there & the hospital was pretty scary. He did get a big old-fashioned plaster cast for $12 though...

Margo

Margo Cavis

 

[scubamom3483]

With out a doubt Bonaire, easy, safe and just pure fun jump off the dock diving at Buddy Dive resor. small wreck and great reefs with sea horses, tarpin and some times wild dolphins come through. perfect for the whole family. Also Grand Cayman. I have been diving with my daughter age 11 and son age 13 for a year now and they love both destinations. I also very much think AKR in Roatan is awesome and lots of other cool stuff to do on these destinations too. Ever try Blow carting in Bonaire. a go cart with a windsurfer sail on it blowing down a salt flat at 20 nots is a blast.
Margo

 

[DeputyDan]

My first dive trip with my kids was to Key Largo. Its everything you are looking for in newbie diving. Only caveat - no DM in the water with you. But that should not be an issue you don't have to stray 100's of yards from the boat!

My second dive trip with my kids was to Bonaire.

Both locales are excellent - Both will work for your needs.

You should not expect your kids to want to do four/five dives a day.

Go with two/three and see how it goes!

Send me a PM if questions - My kids were 12 and 14 on their first trip!

 

[Jerseybeachdiver]

My sixteen year old son and I just dove the Living Seas at EPCOT in Disney. It may be a good alternative. We both enjoyed it, you are diving in the second largest aquarium with tropical fish, green turtles and sandbar sharks. Disney supplies all your gear, you just show up with your C-cards. Max depth is 23' and there is unlimited vis.