Recommendation for good diving destination in December-January

[aschmid1978]

Dear all,

I am planning to use my vacation to learn scuba. For different reasons the only time of year when the vacation is possible is the time between end of december and beginning of january.


Could you please kindly recommend me the diving spots which are attractive during this time of year and are suitable for the beginners.


Thanks you very much and best regards,
Andre Schmid

 

[cooperscuba]

Hi Andre

There are lots of locations that are attractive at that time of the year.

Where are you based?

 

[diversteve]

Any budget or travel restrictions?

In order to optimize your diving time in that short time span, you might want to sign up for e-learning thru a local dive shop first and complete it before you go. Then you can just do the required openwater referral certification dives at the destination. It typically only takes 4-5 dives over 2 days that way to be fully certified. Better than sitting in a classroom on vacation...

PADI is one option but most dive certification agencies now offer some version of it. https://www.padi.com/elearning-scuba-registration/default.aspx

 

[DivemasterDennis]

Florida Keys, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, and just about anywhere in the Caribbean are all great in December and January. More information on budget and point of departure will help me and other narrow down our recommendations.
DivemasterDennis

 

[mikeycanuk]

We are doing Grand Turk over Christmas/NewYrs this year. Did Salt Cay&Provo last year. Great times and great diving.


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[XS-NRG]

I've been to Australia and the Caribbean in January. Both were excellent. I always think you should get your cert before you go anywhere. Take the course online if you have to, do the pool sessions locally because all you need is a swimming pool then get a referral to do check outs abroad in nice warm water. You want to spend your time diving and relaxing on holiday not taking courses inside a classroom while it's nice and sunny outside. Less stress too I found. I got cert'd at home before Australia and was glad I did. I got there showed my card hopped on a boat and went diving. It was sweet!

 

[highdesert]

Personally I think anywhere in south Florida/northern Caribbean is risky weatherwise in December or January. I'd suggest Bonaire for more dependable weather then.

 

[T.C.]

Go to Bonaire, Stay at Buddy Dive; and follow DiverSteve's advice.

Do the coursework and pool dives before you go, and get a referral letter for the open water dives (make sure to call the resort to ensure they'll accept your referral letter) You'll get to dive more. Even better, try to get fully certified before you go. Even more dive time! Have fun!

 

[dmoore19]

@achmidt1978,

If you fill out your profile people will be able to tell where you are from and offer some great advise if you help by giving some information.

Where do you live?
What is your budget?
What things do you require? (all inclusive, hotel, condo)
Do you expect nightlife?
Would you want to do things on land as well as diving?
Is it just you or do you have a buddy?

There are dozens of options and hundreds of places to go depending on what you want.

I have really enjoyed Cozumel, Roatan, and Grand Cayman in December. Haven't had any real weather problems but there is always a chance that a storm might spoil a day or 2 of diving. I have been lucky but haven't lost diving days in December. I did lose 2 days to a hurricane in Roatan but that was in August. Never been to Bonaire but that might be a place I will try some day.