Our World Underwater

[jjach]

This past weekend I went to the annual dive show in Chicago. All the usual vendors are there showing their stuff, plus reps from different dive destinations from around the world. Last year we found a great deal for Fantasy Island, that's what convinced us to book our trip there. This year no one from FI. There were no great deals that we found. So where to go this spring? FI still looks good, lots of bang for the buck. Interested to see all of the improvements. Saba looked inviting and of coarse Bonaire. Air fare is the real killer this year, prices seem to be about 5 to 6 hundred higher than what we paid last year. Time to bite the bullet and make a decision soon.
OK enough complaining about prices, back to researching our options.

 

[georoc01]

Obviously airfare is a big deal, but there are some great deals on lodging and diving in the west end if you look around. We stayed at a B&B last year for $400 for the week and 10 dive packages for around $250, so you can book for $900 diving, lodging and breakfast in May.

 

[Sloeber]

I still haven't made it to this show. Last year I was in Roatan during it, this year I was occupied at home with work. One of these years...

Flights to Cozumel are usually atrractively priced in comparison to the rest of the Caribbean...

I've usually found deals with Cozumel to be the lowest price bottom dollar of an entire trip. But the majority of Coz lacks shore diving. So if you are the do 2-3 boat dives/day then kick back type, Coz is usually as cheap as it gets (not including backpacker type accomodations). If you are the 4-5 dives/day type diver, the cost per dive lowers considerably for places like Bonaire, or the few places in Roatan/Utila which have shore diving. That, for me, has always won out in the long run. Even with a few hundred dollars more in airfare, it's cheaper for somewhere I can do double the diving.

JMO

 

[BettyfromToronto]

Just back from FI and they are working hard at all the improvements. Saw new changes every day. I know they are not offering the prices like last fall but it's a much better product now. Worth the extra $$$.

Agree airfare is the killer. Especially for us from Toronto who want to fly direct and are held captive by Sunwing.

 

[Indian Valley Scuba]

Drive to Newark Betty, and save big bucks from there. We have quite a contingent that joins us from your neighborhood and that is what they usually do. Might be worth checking out!