Need help picking next dive destination, TX to ??

[2Coconuts]

We live in San Antonio, TX. We normally dive in Cozumel and are looking to try something new. Based on airline rates some of the best prices are to Belize, Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Bonaire. We are open to feedback and other destinations ex. Panama, Turks & Caicos, Dominica...with airfare in mind. We can fly out of San Antonio, Austin or Houston. Looking to go in mid October, we enjoy top side activities as well as diving. We are not party people but like to experience the local culture and food. Some other things that would help: how far are the dive sites, boat or shore dive? Weather in October? Thanks!

 

[tadeotadeo]

You may want to check out San Andres or Old Providence Islands You can get to San Andres from Houston thru Panama, not sure about the prices from Houston but worth checking into. If you are into culture the extra flight/expense to Old Providence is well worth it. There is a lot of shore diving in San Andres but only one person offers it as far as I know. Other than that all the dive sites from a boat are short probable average 15 minutes but it really depends on who you are diving with and where you are diving. All the sites are around the 8 mile long island. There are a few shore dive in Old Providence but the best ones are from the boat and they are all 5 to 10 minutes boat ride to the sites.
October has minimal rain, is HOT and usually not much breeze, but the best water clarity can be found at this time also. Top side activities in San Andres is mostly beach, water activities, shopping, casino, loads of restaurants. In Old Providence, trekking to the peak, horseback riding, cultural experience, fresh food with many local restaurants, Kayak.
Ciao
Tad

 

[2Coconuts]

Thanks for the info tadeotadeo, we will definately look into it more...

 

[diversteve]

You might look at Roatan. Good diving, a couple hour flight from Houston - fly on CO and you're on the ground by noon.

There's some shore diving but most is a short boat ride away. On either side of the island. Not sure about weather in October but ask in the Bay Islands forum if you're interested. One side of the island seems to be diveable all year. There's some local Garifuna culture and all sorts of quiet accommodations - just stay out of the middle of the West End...lol. It's also extremely reasonable to stay and eat there. And quite a few local restaurants in the West End/West Bay area. There's also other, more isolated areas of the island - the East End in particular. We only dive but there's ziplines, hiking, kayaking a couple of gardens and other nature activities also. Kind of a commercial site but they list a lot of options: http://www.roatanisland.net/tindex.htm Downside - lots of bugs...and the possibility of Malaria.

We recently went to Turks/Caicos - on a liveaboard but had almost 2 days in Providenciales. It's not cheap there - anytime you see Gucci next to a Rolex dealer (Grace Bay) that's the high rent area....lol. Other parts of the island we drove through seemed more reasonable. A crew member told me that every single thing is imported so costs reflect that.

 

[2Coconuts]

Yes, through some research we are quickly learning that everything is just a wee bit more expensive on Turks and Caicos...beautiful looking island though. We are still giving it a look. We have been giving Roatan a really hard look...looks like some great diving, reasonable rental rates and airfare. Just a question about Roatan in terms of geography....we have looked at places in the West End/West Bay area as well as a few near Sandy Bay and a few more on the other side of Sandy Bay...anyone know how difficult or easy it is to get around on the island? If we were to stay in/near Sandy Bay or beyond would it be quite a drive to get to the dive boat/dive sites everyday?

 

[tadeotadeo]

Thanks for the info tadeotadeo, we will definately look into it more...

Feel free to contact me if you need any more info
Ciao

 

[requiembell]

Take a good hard look at Bonaire. We go often and the diving is wonderful. The topside life is very laid back ... to the point that a highpoint of the day will be lunch followed by dinner. It seems as if there are unlimited shore diving possibilities and getting around the tiny island is a breeze. The locals don't panhandle for money or try to pressure you into anything. It is a nice alternative to Cozumel with less current to deal with.