Places to be left alone while diving warm water?

[Cthippo]

It's the middle of winter and I don't think it's been above freezing outside in days here! Strangely enough, that turns one's thoughts to warm tropical waters and possible future destintions.

Where are the best places to go for warm water diving where you can just rent gear and go solo dive off the shore without a guide or a boat? Bonus if they are also good for snorkeling.

Looking mostly US west coast (so probably San Diego), but are there other options?

 

[scubadada]

Winter starts Dec 21. Ha, we're going to Bonaire for 2 weeks on Dec 6 I frequently dive solo from shore.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Or East coast, South Florida has great beach diving, including the famous Blue Heron Bridge which also has easy snorkeling. Very shallow so good buoyancy is key

 

[Tracy]

I'm sure there are places, but I'm not terribly familiar with West Coast diving.
What you described is Bonaire.
Rent gear and go dive, unlimited amount, wherever and whenever you want.

 

[RIHappyDiver]

Only one catch with Bonaire. I’m not sure anyone will rent you a pony without a Solo/Self Reliant cert. @scubadada may be able to address that better.

Erik

 

[Rob9876]

Or East coast, South Florida has great beach diving, including the famous Blue Heron Bridge which also has easy snorkeling. Very shallow so good buoyancy is key

BHB is a great dive. Only somewhat downside is that it is a once-a-day, tide-dependent dive. Are there good shore dives around SE Florida that are not tide-dependent?

Edit: There's always Bonaire and Curacao, and slightly closer (maybe) USVI St. Croix, if OP wants/needs to stick with U.S. territory.

 

[Boarderguy]

Hawaii works decent enough.

 

[scubadada]

Only one catch with Bonaire. I’m not sure anyone will rent you a pony without a Solo/Self Reliant cert. @scubadada may be able to address that better.

Erik

I do have SDI Solo since 2013. I do not dive with a pony in Bonaire, I'm bad.

Hour and a half on Bari Reef

 

[CT-Rich]

Bonaire will probably be cheaper than most places in the US.

 

[Cthippo]

I guess you could get two 80s and make one a pony...