Question Most versatile Caribbean destination?

[Cheizz]

I am researching possible dive destinations for a 10-12 day trip in May or June (2024 or 2025). Most likely, both divers and non-divers will join this trip.

So: which Caribbean island is the best option regarding the following must-haves:

1. Lots of wrecks and other (man-made) 'structures' (swim-throughs, canyons, walls) at recreational depths (<40m), not just reefs
2. Interesting landscape on land, i.e. volcano, jungle, mountains - not those flat, scrubby wind-swept planes with a palm tree every few miles
3. Interesting things to do (not just beach-going or ATV rides)

Shore diving that people can do on their own is a plus, but not a must-have.

Any suggestions in terms of destination? And even dive operations you can recommend?

 

[BoltSnap]

That's a tough one in the Caribbean.

 

[Cheizz]

Then let's rephrase: "The Caribbean island that best fits with those criteria."

 

[BoltSnap]

Florida is the most versatile with lots of what you want, even Disney and Universal are there

 

[Wibble]

Florida is the most versatile with lots of what you want, even Disney and Universal are there

And extremely expensive

 

[Cheizz]

I'll save Florida for some other time/project...

 

[Cheizz]

What about the Dominican Republic? Enough great diving, including quite a few wrecks, canyons, caverns, walls, and of course reefs. If we were to go at another time of year, there's also a large amount of whale activity...

On the island, enough great nature, jungle, mountains, history, culture.

 

[MidOH]

Dominican republic is great, if your #1 goal is to relax. Or eat.

I stayed at a nearby resort, walked over to Sea Pro for diving.

If youre looking for activities every day, its a bit weak. Diving is meh. But hey, its diving. Flying in was easy. Fine dining is dirt cheap. Best cigars in the world. Snorkeling was ok. I dont think anything I did there was awesome. But did get some rest.

Downside to the Dominican Republic: The customs girl is 15. With a chip on her shoulder. Absolute worthless person. If she burst into flames, I wouldnt even piss on her. And she's the gatekeeper for the whole island. Really made their country look bad. When she asks where youre going, just hand her your itenerary with all addresses written down. Because addresses there make no sense, and even though theres only 2 resorts on the whole island, nobody has ever heard of them, because they arent very smart.

Bus ride from airport to destination is slow. Taxi's lack gps. So your drivers cant find jack squat. Generally, everyone is incompetent. Be prepared to walk around locally for dining.

Dive shops, and restaraunts were the only people on the ball and professional. It was amatuer hour, with every single other person on the island.

 

[Cheizz]

@MidOH is there another Caribbean destination you would suggest, given our wishes?

 

[BoltSnap]

Dominican republic is great, if your #1 goal is to relax. Or eat.

I stayed at a nearby resort, walked over to Sea Pro for diving.

If youre looking for activities every day, its a bit weak. Diving is meh. But hey, its diving. Flying in was easy. Fine dining is dirt cheap. Best cigars in the world. Snorkeling was ok. I dont think anything I did there was awesome. But did get some rest.

Downside to the Dominican Republic: The customs girl is 15. With a chip on her shoulder. Absolute worthless person. If she burst into flames, I wouldnt even piss on her. And she's the gatekeeper for the whole island. Really made their country look bad. When she asks where youre going, just hand her your itenerary with all addresses written down. Because addresses there make no sense, and even though theres only 2 resorts on the whole island, nobody has ever heard of them, because they arent very smart.

Bus ride from airport to destination is slow. Taxi's lack gps. So your drivers cant find jack squat. Generally, everyone is incompetent. Be prepared to walk around locally for dining.

Dive shops, and restaraunts were the only people on the ball and professional. It was amatuer hour, with every single other person on the island.

Hahaha, I never wanted to go there before, but now most definitely absolutely huge emphatic red NO.