Planning an "exotic destination" dive trip

[Doc]

...some wrecks....finding treasures and fossils....up to 100 feet ...

That was telling. You are used to diving near your home in South Carolina. I know what you meant when you said fossils. I have a few shark teeth right on my desk.

The Caribbean is a whole different deal. Don't leave home looking for the same old familiar stuff. Otherwise- why leave home?

There are very few wrecks in the Caribbean as compared to the SE coast of the US. They are more widely scattered, deeper, in more pieces, and most of the dived ones are intentionally placed "artificial reef" wrecks.

It is easy to go deep in the warm clear waters of the Caribbean, but most of the life is in the top 50'. Depth pushing is something most divers get past pretty quickly.

Do not go or select with any preconceived notions. If you do this correctly, your world is about to expand geometrically.

 

[AlabamaSusana]

Sunset House, Grand Cayman is great for quick trips. From the East Coast (we travel through Charlotte, NC) you can get there by early afternoon. We usually do a couple of shore dives (and the shore diving at Sunset House is quite good) right after we arrive. Then for the rest of the stay we do 2-tank boat dive in the morning followed by afternoon shore dives. The shore diving is great at several locations.

 

[tadeotadeo]

Mostly overlooked San Andres And Old Providence might be a destination you may want to look into. Some of the Caribbean best diving and healthiest reefs. Not many large animals. San Andres and Old Providence have a ship wreck, shallow reefs with numerous walls. San Andres has a wonderful “stingray city”. Old Providence is said to have one but I have yet to dive it.
Depending on your topside activity would recommend which Island to visit. If you are looking for unspoiled reefs, uncrowded boats, nature and a simple Caribbean lifestyle old Providence is your place. If you want a larger island, more people, nightlife, casinos, larger hotels San Andres is your place.
www.sanandres.com
www.oldprovidence.com.co
Ciao
Tad