Recommendations for trip wanted

[stas]

Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I would like to take a trip either in the last week of this year, or in the first week of 2007. We are both students so price is an issue. We would like to spend about half the time diving and half the time on above water activities (horseback riding, atv's, and similar touristy things). We would like reasonably warm water (mid 70s and up). Can anyone recommend some options (including hotel/operators if you know of good ones).
Thanks, Stas

 

[RJP]

Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I would like to take a trip either in the last week of this year, or in the first week of 2007. We are both students so price is an issue. We would like to spend about half the time diving and half the time on above water activities (horseback riding, atv's, and similar touristy things). We would like reasonably warm water (mid 70s and up). Can anyone recommend some options (including hotel/operators if you know of good ones).
Thanks, Stas

If price is an issue your are REALLY going at the wrong time of year!

Being a student I'm sure you're stuck from a scheduling standpoint but it is THE MOST EXPENSIVE two weeks of the year.

That said, the Dominican Republic is a good value/price ratio.

 

[WOODMAN]

RJP has a real point, but aside from that, why not try Cozumel? It has always been one of my backup destinations for cheap diving, and there is always something topside to satisfy nearly every taste. If you do your homework and do not succumb to the pricy areas that dangle out in front of you, you can find accomodations and food fairly cheaply also. Although, your time frame is gonna make this rough. Good luck! Woody

 

[smokey braden]

stas,
would roatan be a consideration?
anthony's key resort offers horse back riding.
i took my family there for a week.
everyone including non-divers had a good time.
regards,

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

Actually I do a boys dive trip every year in January and the prices are pretty low. It is off peak because its after Christmas and before February Break. As to a location Cozumel is probably your best bet for value.

 

[sasscuba]

If price is an issue your are REALLY going at the wrong time of year!

Being a student I'm sure you're stuck from a scheduling standpoint but it is THE MOST EXPENSIVE two weeks of the year.

That said, the Dominican Republic is a good value/price ratio.

Cozumel...easy to get to and very affordable. I would not recommend Dominican Republic to anyone......

 

[Mantasscareme]

Both Grand Cayman and the Big Island of Hawaii fit the bill (Big Island is better for land stuff, Grand Cayman is a flat island, not much interesting terrain). They're both on the expensive side though. I recommend Jack's Diving Locker for the Big Island. Ocean Frontiers on Grand Cayman offers the best diving, but they're on the back side of the island, away from most of the activities.