Older Divers looking for Re-entry Vacation

[drewh1]

My partner and I are both now over 70 and haven't dived for 5 years since moving to New Mexico. I have a ton of diving experience, she has less.

We are looking for recommendations for a vacation spot to get back into diving in a very mellow and relaxing way. We definitely do not want to do multiple dives every day, no drift dives (Cozumel), maybe easy entry shore dives. We have both dived Roatan, Belize, Cozumel and some other places. I have done a lot of California coast cold water diving and spear fishing but don't want to put 14 mil on anymore.

I was thinking maybe the Keys or Cabo Pulmo, though I am not familiar with best places, times to dive.

Anyway, recommendations including best times of year would be appreciated.

thanks,

Drew.

 

[profmason]

Keys, Caymans or Curaçao. These have some shore activities in addition to diving. I would push you to reconsider Cozumel and pick an opp that will take you to mellow spots. Cabo Pulmo is very rustic and all there is to do is dive / beach walk.

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

Bonaire.

Or....if you can live without the shore diving and want super easy "concierge" service, try Little Cayman Beach Resort.

 

[drewh1]

Thanks for the recommendations - we were thinking of Little Cayman as a possibility.

We travel to Baja and would really like to visit Cabo Pulmo - can anyone recommend a dive concern there and best times of year.

 

[uncfnp]

I agree with both Little Cayman and Bonaire. But for Bonaire I would definitely recommend staying at a dive resort with a good house reef and dive shop on site.

 

[BoltSnap]

Not LC, Bonaire or Curacao!!

 

[Altamira]

I would go to Curacao (1st choice for boat or shore dives) or Bonaire (if you stick to boat dives), and Grand Cayman (3rd choice if boat diving, and higher prices are OK with you). I am at the far north end of 70, and while I like boat diving in Bonaire, shore diving there can be sporty with a good possibility of a damaged ankle or worse. Curacao's reefs are similar to Bonaire's, but the shore entries in Curacao are generally gentle sloping sand in sheltered coves. Much easier on 70 year old joints. Top side entertainment, activities, and beaches are also much better in Curacao IMO. Welcome back to diving.

 

[BoltSnap]

Bonaire, shore diving there can be sporty with a good possibility of a damaged ankle or worse. Curacao's reefs are similar to Bonaire's, but the shore entries in Curacao are generally gentle sloping sand in sheltered coves.

Agree 100%. I have visited Bonaire four times and Curacao thirteen times. Although not all sites in Bonaire are difficult, most are reasonable; however, Curacao is generally far easier.

 

[drewh1]

Curacao looks ideal for us actually. II would definitely like to slide into some warm water and get a chance to re-acclimate. Only challenge is the flights from New Mexico are dreadful (20-24 hours not including trip to airport). We do have friends in San Francisco, so we might plan on flying there and staying a day or two before hopping on American Airlines. From there it is only 10 or 11 hours so much more reasonable.

Is there any time of year (besides hurricane season) that is not good to go.

 

[tursiops]

Curacao looks ideal for us actually. II would definitely like to slide into some warm water and get a chance to re-acclimate. Only challenge is the flights from New Mexico are dreadful (20-24 hours not including trip to airport). We do have friends in San Francisco, so we might plan on flying there and staying a day or two before hopping on American Airlines. From there it is only 10 or 11 hours so much more reasonable.

Is there any time of year (besides hurricane season) that is not good to go.

Curacao (and Bonaire) are in the far southern Caribbean; almost all hurricanes pass well to the north. If you want warm water, go July-Nov...right in the hurricane season.