Looking for a relatively inexpensive dive getaway to the South

[boxinchef]

My wife and I are looking to take a one week dive vacation in the Caribbean leaving from Toronto (Pearson YYZ) around Feb 1 09. I'm going back to school upon return so finances are going to be a little tight. We'd love an all inclusive (but understand on a budget that may not be possible), but would settle for a kitchenette in our room and a nearby grocery. We've done quite a few destinations now and are yet to see a shark, that is also high on our list of preferances. We are looking to spend in the neighborhood of $3000 total (Airfare, accomodation, diving). Can anyone recommend a destination that would suit our needs. I've seen Bonair for about $5k and Curacao for about $4K. Roatan was in our price range but the reviews I've read about the accomodations, dive team, and state of the reef there have made me a bit leary. (Correct me if I'm getting the wrong impression...)

Thank you!

 

[idivetrain]

Well, I might just have the trip for you. It is a live a board trip to the Bahamas with Lost Island Voyages. It is an all inclusive dive package where you will live on a 65 foot sailboat. The cost of the boat is $1690.00 pp. Airfare, crew tip, and one night hotel stay are the only other costs you will have. I have booked this boat from Jan 4 to Jan 13. I know that this is a little bit before you were wanting to go, but this trip is going to be excellent. The boat includes all your diving, regular air (nitrox is extra), all your food and all drinks alcoholic and non alcoholic. We will be diving 5 different islands in the bahamas and having a good time. You can check out the boat at lostislandvoyages.com. All bookings for this trip have to go thru my dive store as I have chartered the boat for the week. Please contact me if you have any other questions. You can email me directly at divingbunny @ msn.com.
Thanks and good luck to you
Shelly

 

[Doc]

We are looking to spend in the neighborhood of $3000 total (Airfare, accomodation, diving). Roatan was in our price range but the reviews I've read about the accomodations, dive team, and state of the reef there have made me a bit leary. (Correct me if I'm getting the wrong impression...)

I'm not sure what you read or where you read it, but as with all island destinations, various dive ops offer varying qualities. I haven't seen much on SCUBABoard that is very negative. Reefs look good to me.

Not my favorite place, but Fantasy Island pretty well gives way the store with regular charters out of Toronto.

The cost of the boat is $1690.00 pp. Airfare, crew tip, and one night hotel stay are the only other costs you will have.

Looks like any of the overnight rooms they show would be $125 ± but more importantly, what departure port do you sail out of, Lucaya/Freeport or Nassau? Air fare price would have to be figured to and from there.

They also offer other sailing dates: lostislandvoyages.com

The Bahamas can be quite a bargain, and as idevertrain's trip will show- once you get out and away from Nassau and Grand Bahama, the out islands are very receptive to visitors and the diving gets better and better the further out you go.

Something to consider: Fly to one of the out islands like Andros or even the fabled San Salvador and charter through a day dive op there while living on the cheap as best as you might. The real problem with 'better diving' is that it is further down the supply line, so goods and services get more and more expensive the better the diving gets.

Canadian? Why not look into Cuba?

 

[Geofish Dive in Playa]

Well Playa Del Carmen, Mexico which is located in the Mexican Caribbean is an unbelievably beautiful spot for vacationing and most definitely diving. As far as sharks go, we just saw 4 bull sharks on our first dive of the day last Friday. It is now shark season here in this part of the Caribbean and we know where to find them. If you want I can put together a package price for the amount of dives you would like to do and try and find you a nice, clean, but reasonably prices accomodation (there are many to choose from here). Are you opposed to hostels or hotels? You can check out my shops website @ Geofish Dive - Scuba Diving, Snorkeling & PADI Instruction in Playa del Carmen & Cozumel, Mexico. I hope you find what you are looking for and if you would like any answers to any questions you can shoot us an email through our website or just send me a PM on here. Thanks and best of luck to you.

 

[tadeotadeo]

I an pretty sure Air Canada fly’s direct to San Andres Island in the winter months not sure on the rates but I can get to a dive package and accommodations in San Andres for 8 days 7 nights, 6 double dives for right at $700 per person that would also include breakfast. If you could get the flight for under 1000 each you would be close to your budget.
ciao
Tad

 

[jbjclj]

Travelocity has great deals if you choose flight and hotel. For example, 1 week, air included for 2 at Fiesta Americana all inclusive is $2800 (diving not included)