Need liveaboard suggestions

[Scuba_Smitty]

Hi,

I'm an AOW with approx 20 dives under my belt and I'm trying to find a nice dive location that would be within my capabilities. I would like to take a liveaboard somewhere with large pelagics and an abundance of marine life. I'm having trouble finding a good spot because the most of the ones I have come across are only recommended for more advanced divers. I don't really have any other critera other than wanting to find the very best site I can.

I would love to dive Galapagos, however I know that would probably be irresponsible given my experience level. I do feel extremely comfortable in the water, but I don't have much experience with strong currents. Are there some nice destinations that can deliver a similar experience to Galapagos without quite as hazardous currents? Or maybe a destination with sites that offer a wide range of difficulty levels that would allow me to gradually test my limits during the trip and then just sit out on a few of the more advanced dives?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[scubadada]

You could consider Turks & Caicos. Some of the diving is deeper wall diving but not much current, generally quite easy. Lots of sharks, usual Caribbean life, nice walls

 

[Scuba_Smitty]

You could consider Turks & Caicos. Some of the diving is deeper wall diving but not much current, generally quite easy. Lots of sharks, usual Caribbean life, nice walls

Thanks for the advice! Are large schools of sharks very common there or more scattered sightings? I've been seeing pictures of large schools of hammerheads at various sites, which is extremely intriguing to me. Diving with whale sharks is also way up on my list too.

 

[GetDownScuba]

Had 5 silkies swimming below me on my last deco stop.

 

[Scuba_Smitty]

Had 5 silkies swimming below me on my last deco stop.

Turks & Caicos?

 

[GetDownScuba]

Sorry, yup. West Caicos. I was land based so the ride out and back was fairly long. Liveaboard would be a nice option.

 

[KeithG]

You could consider Turks & Caicos. Some of the diving is deeper wall diving but not much current, generally quite easy. Lots of sharks, usual Caribbean life, nice walls

At just 20 dives I would suggest Belize before T&C simply due to the shallower depths not severely restricting your bottom time.

You will see reef sharks at both places.

 

[KeithG]

Thanks for the advice! Are large schools of sharks very common there or more scattered sightings? I've been seeing pictures of large schools of hammerheads at various sites, which is extremely intriguing to me. Diving with whale sharks is also way up on my list too.

No large schools of sharks any place I have been in the Caribbean.

 

[Scuba_Smitty]

No large schools of sharks any place I have been in the Caribbean.

Any non-caribbean locations that would fit the bill for schooling sharks and/or whale sharks?

 

[scubadada]

Thanks for the advice! Are large schools of sharks very common there or more scattered sightings? I've been seeing pictures of large schools of hammerheads at various sites, which is extremely intriguing to me. Diving with whale sharks is also way up on my list too.

Mostly individuals and small groups in T&C. Large schools of hammerheads I've seen in Red Sea, Cocos, Galapagos. Here are a pair that swam with us for quite a while in and out of the cut in the reef at Boat Cove, West Caicos