Looking to spread my wings...

[uncfnp]

Hey guys. Apologies for another "where should I go next" thread but I have such specific criteria I would appreciate some knowledgable divers at least pointing me in the right direction. Also we are in the very preliminary stages so travel dates are wide open at present but thinking 2018.

I am looking for a trip outside the Caribbean and something different from our usually reef dives. But because I dive a very conservative profile it needs to be dives that are not deep for an extended time. Ideal would be ops that would allow me to ascend independently if needed so I do not limit others dive time and or at least will allow me a long safety stop. Nitrox availability is a must and the option of an O2 deco bottle would be wonderful but now I know I am probably asking too much.

Other criteria: water temp greater then 72 to 74, no more then one stop flight from NC with less then 12 travel time. If a liveaboard it can't be the equivalent of camping at sea (Eric's requirement)

We are looking at the Sorocco liveaboards, specially the Nautilus Belle Ami but don't know enough about it to know if it fits my dive restrictions. Not interested in speciality shark/cage dives.

Thanks for any and all help.

Lisa

 

[Diver0001]

Have you considered diving on the Pacific coast of Mexico?

At certain times of the year that can be really interesting. I don't have a lot of experience over there but I've dived from Puerto Escondido before and really enjoyed that.

It's not at all like the Gulf side so make sure you look into it first to see if you'll see the kinds of things you want.

R..

 

[uncfnp]

Have you considered diving on the Pacific coast of Mexico?

At certain times of the year that can be really interesting. I don't have a lot of experience over there but I've dived from Puerto Escondido before and really enjoyed that.

It's not at all like the Gulf side so make sure you look into it first to see if you'll see the kinds of things you want.

R..

Also considering something like the Channel Islands out of California to dive the kelp forests. The dive independence would allow me to taylor my dive to my specific needs but the LOB's I have seen are probably too casual for Eric.

 

[scubadada]

Hi Lisa,

I was going to suggest the Red Sea, but, 2 connections and way more than 12 hours. Too bad, it could otherwise be perfect for you

 

[uncfnp]

Hi Lisa,

I was going to suggest the Red Sea, but, 2 connections and way more than 12 hours. Too bad, it could otherwise be perfect for you

I am going to do the Red Sea one day but it took me years to talk Eric into Cozumel. I think if the world ever calms down I will get him there but it would probably be with a group. Its on my bucket list.

And I am not opposed to travel without Eric. But not this trip.

 

[Trailboss123]

I am a big advocate of the Channel Islands, but rarely will the water temps meet your stated criteria. September/October in the Southern Channel islands can get into the low 70's occasionally. I like your idea of the Socorro's and the Nautilus Belle Amie.

 

[Diver0001]

Egypt is one of my favorite places to dive. I would think if you took a Liveaboard out of Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh you would be fine. That said, I've given it a pass for the last 2 years myself. Some of my friends are still going there but the situation isn't overly calm at the moment.

Are the Canary Islands within your realm of consideration? Big game there, I hear.

R..

 

[The Chairman]

We are looking at the Sorocco liveaboards, specially the Nautilus Belle Ami but don't know enough about it to know if it fits my dive restrictions.

I've been there and it does... and its doesn't. Depths can be quite deep, but you can stay shallow and still have a ball. There are a number of dives where getting to the 'bottom' would be problematic, anyway!

​

 

[Wookie]

I may be running the Belle Amie in August, for cage diving season. Sorry, I'd be on it next week, but I have another gig.

 

[Damselfish]

Hawaii might be a option, a bit over your 12 hours but could come close. Very different than the Caribbean, more rocky reefs and some hard corals, different critters and good chances for some big stuff. And of course cool sights on land too. Better if you have more than a week. The Kona Aggressor might be worth looking into. I don't recall the diving being especially deep on average. And of course there are a variety or land based boat or shore diving options too.