Need some suggestions~~~

[julegib]

We are trying to plan a scuba trip for sometime next year and wanted to get some opinions. We are looking at Bonair, Curacao, Aruba, Bahamas, or Maui. Any feedback???

 

[dlndavid]

If you can get to Bonaire, my vote would be for there. They are supposed to have some of the best shore diving around. But all of your choices aren't bad.

 

[DiveMaven]

Caribbean and Hawaii diving are two totally different things. In Hawaii, you'll find only hard corals and no soft sponges. The Caribbean is full of soft coral and soft sponges. I think of Maui as a "hardscape" and the Caribbean as a "softscape".

Although I've never been to Bonaire, I've heard that is the place to go....so of your choices, I'd do Bonaire. Of course, I go to Maui at least once a year, so going there is always a given for me.

 

[del_mo]

Have you considered the Florida Keys?

 

[herman]

Bonaire and Curacao are both nice places. I have dove Bonaire many times and did my first trip to Curacao in July. Bonaire is a lot smaller, harder to get to and does not have much for the non diver or divers who want nightlife and shopping. Curacao offers a lot more of the latter. I liked Curacao but I still much prefer Bonaire. I like small local type places and go to dive,eat and sleep. I have dove Grand Bahamma, The Keys, Cozumel, Curacao and Bonaire. I rate them in this order: Bonaire, Curacao, The Keys, Cozumel and Grand Bahamma.

 

[Doc]

We are trying to plan a scuba trip for sometime next year and wanted to get some opinions. We are looking at Bonair, Curacao, Aruba, Bahamas, or Maui. Any feedback???

Of the list, I would pick Bonaire. Easy access to diving, shore diving, fun restaurants, un-crowded and not a lot of non-divers.

The out-islands of the Bahamas (X-Nasaua-GBI) hold a great allure but are best done by liveaboard. Cat, Andros, Eluthra, San Salvador, Long, etc.

 

[striker]

Definitely recommend Bonaire over Curacao. Spent a week on each island Nov/Dec 2004. Bonaire is made for diving, both shore and boat. Curacao can be a hassle to get around, and to get to the sites. The locals on Bonaire appreciate the benefit diving has on their economy and tend to respect the reef/land more. Some of the sites in Curacao had lots of trash!

 

[ScubaSarus]

I'de check out Scuba Diving magazine. Almost every issue rates travel locations and almost all of what you mentioned.

 

[Doc]

I'de check out Scuba Diving magazine. Almost every issue rates travel locations and almost all of what you mentioned.

With the added benefit that they are not swayed by advertiser dollars. Very upright and accurate.

 

[caymaniac]

It depends what your expectations are for diving. I've been to all on your list except Curacao.

Are you looking to have a Shark experience=Bahamas
Are you looking to have a Manta experience=Maui (not gauranteed)
Are you looking to have some diving, but nightlife and beaches are just as important=Aruba
Are you looking to have some easy shore diving + you are really interested in macro photography and some of the best reef diving anywhere in the Caribbean then=Bonaire.
Are you looking for a trip to include the most to do topside then=Maui

Each Island is like comparing a pear or an orange, which is best?