New to everything (diving, forum, scubaboard) and need your help :)

[Patito]

Hello everyone!

as the title mention I'm (almost) new to everything, truth is I'm not even a diver... yet. Which is why I'm writing you.
Long story short I live in New York and I want to pass my open water + advanced open water certification. I already did several dives but only as initiation, never a long running course. I have around 10 days ahead of me during which I'd like to pass these certifications (anytime between mid-October and end of November). I can go almost anywhere in the Carribeans and Central America (Belize, Honduras, etc.). I have several questions:
- one guy told me that the certifications themselves were costing around the same amount of money wherever I pass them. I thought it was related to the cost of living: a certification in Honduras will cost much less than one in Miami. Is this true?
- therefore, he told me that the most expensive part of my trip would be the flight and the accomodation. Do you guys confirm?
- if so, what can you recommend as a nice diving spot for newbies to obtain my open water and advanced open water?
- I checked several spots on the web and found Utila (Honduras), Turks and Caikos (I've been there in Grand Turk) and Belize as nice spots. I'm sure there are tons of them and would like to have your reco.

Feel free to ask me any questions if you need further info.
Thanks a lot.
Cheerio

Patito

 

[floridanewbe]

You should find which certification agency you want. Say you go PADI ( i recommend) the written books part will be the same everwhere you can even do this on line elearning before your trip.Decide on your destination purley on where you want to dive and see as long as they are PADI and accept your on line books. The area that seems cheaper when you travel is the advanced part look into what five you want to do (2 of these must be nav and deep) you will learn more as you do your OW but you will want nitrox