No idea where to go

[newdiver3]

Hey everyone
Every year my whole family usually goes to Akumal Mexico but this year I can't go because I started college and cant miss a whole week, and no one can go in March during my spring break. So my parents gave me the option of going somewhere else. I have been certified for about a year now, but this past August was my first real dive trip and I went to akumal. They said we could go back but I think I am going to take the opportunity to go somewhere else.
Now, I have no idea where to go. There are so many places in the Caribbean and I hear so many different things. My dad also dives but my mom doesnt. As long as she has a nice beach, she's fine. I am very comfortable with the dive masters in akumal because I have known them for years so I am a little nervous diving with someone else. So I want somewhere with a good reputation, not too challenging of diving but still really good, and within moderate price range.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[Natasha]

If you can afford the flight to Bonaire, I really think the diving is just right for you. If you need something closer, The Bahamas also has very nice reefs, and the flight will be cheaper. Have you already dove the Florida Keys? If not, you may also want to consider that.
Have fun!

 

[newdiver3]

I have been thinking about Bonaire, but how are the beaches. I mean my mom wont really be doing anything but laying on the beach, but I'll feel bad if I pick a place that doesnt have a nice beach.
Is Bonaire one of those places where its expensive to go but cheap diving? Like would it be a really expensive trip?

 

[smokey braden]

newdiver3,
bonaire.
your mom might like the plaza resort.
they have a nice beach.
i've stayed there with my family.
everyone had a good time.

toucan divers is the house op.

natasha has stayed there.
maybe she can add some comments.
regards,

 

[seadoggirl]

Fortuna Beach, Freeport Bahamas was nice for my family. I dive with a bubby but my parents (non-divers) went fishing, spent time on the beach, shopping in town, etc. Everyone was happy, the diving was wonderful and convenient and it was fairly cheap.

 

[scubaaaronh]

I have to third Bonaire. There are a few beaches Plaza is nice we stayed there last. Nice beach chairs towles tiki bar. also right off the beach is the pool. There is a nice reef right out front to shore dive. There is also Pink beach. We went there a couple times. Eden Beach resort also has a nice beach area. If you dont want to stay right on the water there are cheaper places to stay but with what you are asking for i think Plaza would be best. Here is a link to their site: http://www.plazaresortbonaire.com/
Our next trip we are staying at Golden Reef Inn, it is off the ocean but a pretty good value. When we stayed at plaza it was like 2100.00 for the room truck and unlimited shore diving. We had one of the more expensive room with a kitchen. We just booked our flight and resort last month for June 07 and air ran us through continental 814.00 each(dont use Air Jamaica or American I personally had a miserable time with AJ and know people that did with AA) Golden reef inn for two weeks in june with the dive and drive package was just over 2 grand.

As far as cost with the packages you can get a rental truck unlimited shore diving and the room, it varies by resort and what you want. But the diving is virtually free. Just pull up to a tank station where you are staying load the tanks you need for the day and off you go. I know you can hire a dive master if it would make you more comfortable for a small fee i think with wanna dive it was like thirty or forty bucks for two dives. I could be wrong i was just looking at their site and i dont see it on there any more. You could choose a place you like and email them some of your questions. As far as boat dives i wouldn't book them in advance i would wait till i got there as a boat dive with toucan at plaza was like 25 bucks. Hope this helps.

 

[Doc]

As long as she has a nice beach, she's fine.....not too challenging of diving but still really good, and within moderate price range.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

Bonaire has perfect beaches.

"not too challenging of diving" ?

Well, Bonaire is known for shore diving. That would be shore diving without a DM and usually a surf entry over iron shore.

It is a couple of notches up on the challenge list. Most people survive to tell the tale.

 

[shakeybrainsurgeon]

I like Aruba. A little more cosmopolitan than Bonaire for the non-diver, also has great beaches and great casinos. Diving can be challenging or super-easy. I attend medical meetings there, going to meetings in the am and doing a quick one-tank dive every afternoon. I have been on one-tank dives that left the dock at 2:30 and returned at 4 PM ... a quick trip out, a one hour dive on a shallow wreck like the Antilla or pedernalis, and a quick trip back. When you travel with your (non-diving) family, it is easy to justify this minimal time investment each day to get in some diving.

Aruba, like the other ABC islands, has incredibly predictable weather and sea conditions, unlike the Keys or even the bahamas. Moreover, customs there is easy and, unlike the caymans, you re-enter the United States in Aruba, thus cutting down on the anxiety of missing tight flight connections stateside.

And it also has some fabulous golf courses, if you are into that sort of thing. The best place on Aruba to stay is the tierra del sol, a country club with vacation villas. It was the only place I have ever stayed in that looked better when I got there than it does on the website. Each villa has its own pool and, while not cheap, they are not that much more expensive than a premium hotel. Also, with a full kitchen, my family saves about 100 bucks or more each day eating breakfast and lunch, and an occasional dinner, in and not dining out all the time.

Just don't mention the name natalie holloway to anyone...

 

[del_mo]

How about Florida? Palm Beach to Ft. Lauderdale. Great beaches and way underrated diving. Lot's of critters to see, and a lot of 'em are big!

 

[Natasha]

Is Bonaire one of those places where its expensive to go but cheap diving? Like would it be a really expensive trip?

I don't know what you consider expensive. Depending on the time of year you go to Bonaire ( right now is the cheapest) you can get some good prices.

Most of Bonaire does offer unlimited shore diving. So, you can dive your brains out..so to speak.

Also if you feel you are a bit too new to shore dive on your own..you can hire a DM to go with you a few times until you feel more comfortable. I have done this many times, in Cozumel, and St. Lucia..and the Bahamas. It's usually 40.00 for the DM but as low as 6.00 for a tank of air to shore dive.