Question Looking for Suggestions for Dive Trip: Non-Diver Friendly and Caribbean/Central American

[Patrick Star]

Thank you all, again, for your thoughtful suggestions. Especially drrich2, who is as thorough as the day is long!

Our wives are not shoppers (my friend and I are truly blessed!). They are interested in some snorkeling and some good beaches. My wife can lay in the sun and read like nobody's business. They may want to do the occasional hike/walk, see some interesting local attractions.

At this point, we are probably leaning toward Curacao, but staying toward the western region for the "getting away from it" rustic feel.

 

[arew+4]

Look into coral estates, it's about halfway between the city and westpunt

 

[glennster]

Thank you all, again, for your thoughtful suggestions. Especially drrich2, who is as thorough as the day is long!

Our wives are not shoppers (my friend and I are truly blessed!). They are interested in some snorkeling and some good beaches. My wife can lay in the sun and read like nobody's business. They may want to do the occasional hike/walk, see some interesting local attractions.

At this point, we are probably leaning toward Curacao, but staying toward the western region for the "getting away from it" rustic feel.

we stayed in westpunt at marizul dive resort in a vrbo. we dove with go west divers. they have a great shore dive right of the dock at the dive shop and there is shore diving right at marizul on curacao. we rented a car at d and d car rental, they are near the airport and pick you up. they have gps units in the cars that have tons of things to do already programed. if you are getting a condo, after you get your car get groceries in town before heading to west punt.

 

[Patrick Star]

My buddy's wife suggested the Sandals Resort. Not my cup of tea, but that may be what she is thinking...

 

[living4experiences]

If you choose Curacao, from recent personal experience, I would not recommend the Sunscape Resort.

 

[Patrick Star]

If you choose Curacao, from recent personal experience, I would not recommend the Sunscape Resort.

"Casino" and "unlimited alcohol included" had already made me think this was not the vibe I wanted. Your comment cinches it. Thank you.

 

[Scratch_Monkey]

If you do go back to Roatan, you can stay on West Bay Beach and go diving with one of those diver operators. The snorkeling right in front of Grand Roatan is easy and super convenient. In addition, I'm pretty sure the Grand Roatan has a nice spa now so that becomes an option. If you like shops, restaurants, and nightlife, stay at a place in the West End and dive with one of those outfits.

Anthony's Key has a good reputation but I think it's kind of isolated. There are a LOT of other good dive outfits in Roatan with easier (walking) access to other things.

If you want a Caribbean vacation that has "some" diving, look at Placencia, Belize. It's on the mainland so land excursions are super easy. For example, Mayan ruins, cave tubing, jungle adventures, etc... The diving is not bad but you do need to go out on a boat for a bit. When I was there, we stayed at Robert's Grove and it was nice. The boat took both snorkelers and divers out at the same time. The snorkelers were dropped off on this really small, cute island (basically a sand bar with some palm trees and an outhouse) and they snorkeled off the island while the boat took the divers to the reef. We did our surface interval on that island as well.

However, if you want to dive a lot, maybe Placencia is not the best place to go....