New York Liveaboard?

[Basheirt]

For those of us very new to diving, and who'd prefer not to spend $1000 to fly somewhere, are there any liveaboards that sail out of New York, New Jersey, etc that are worth anything?

I'd love to go on the Bonaire trip (through SB) but I'm finding airfares to double my price.

Living in PA, I'm pretty land-locked and would love to be able to find an interesting/fun dive experience for my son and me (both new to diving with our OW certs).

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Wookie]

The John Jack is usually a tech diving boat that does overnight trips, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it a liveaboard, but they do have accommodations. I don't know if Capt Rich is doing any overnight trips to novice diving areas. But it doesn't cost a grand to get to a liveaboard, there are plenty in the USA including mine that will get you to exceptional diving without a huge airfare. There are a number of liveaboards that depart the East coast of Florida for the Bahamas, I'm in Key West, the Ultimate Getaway is in Fort Myers, Fling is in Freeport, Texas (south of Houston), etc. Last time I checked, air from New Jersey to FLL is running $250 or so round trip if you plan ahead a little.

 

[Capt Scotty]

Here is a whole list of options.http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/li...3592-liveaboard-dive-boats-based-florida.html As Frank said airfare to south Florida is cheap if you shop around.

 

[ScubaSteve]

For those of us very new to diving, and who'd prefer not to spend $1000 to fly somewhere, are there any liveaboards that sail out of New York, New Jersey, etc that are worth anything?

I'd love to go on the Bonaire trip (through SB) but I'm finding airfares to double my price.

Living in PA, I'm pretty land-locked and would love to be able to find an interesting/fun dive experience for my son and me (both new to diving with our OW certs).

Thanks,
Jeff

If I was in your shoes, I would consider driving south to decent diving. Or even North to decent diving. Go somewhere, find a cheap place to stay, dive, sight see and enjoy yourself. I am nowhere near the ocean (not like your situation) so my options are more limited. I have decent freshwater options with the St. Lawrence (as do you) but some of the diving on the East coast is most enjoyable. Consider it as an option.....

 

[queennyac]

Jeff - since you and your son are relatively new open water certified divers - IMHO going South to dive in warm, clear water is a much better option than diving up here in the N.E. - at least till you both get a little more diving experience - the Juliet leaves out of Miami and mostly goes to the Bahamas - not bad at all air-fare wise......and for the price you get lots of dives during the week - Good Luck - Rosemary

 

[Shasta_man]

BTW, we'd all PREFER not to spend the grand, either.