Recommendations for Winter dive trip

[KSDeepDiver]

It looks as though Grenada currently is requiring up to 2 days or 7 days of quarantine depending on vax status, so unless that changes, wasting 2 of the 6 possible days of diving having to quarantine doesn’t seem like a smart use of money. We can always push the trip back another year (anniversary trip).

so, with that being said, what other islands have must see diving? Here is what our parameters are;

would love to have tec diving options. However, if tec diving isn’t an viable option, diving rec style with doubles works too. (I’m an air hog lol) I enjoy lion fish harvesting, wreck diving and whatnot the most. Boat or shore diving doesn’t matter either.

we would also need activities or a resort with fun activities for a non Diver. Would prefer a romantic stay option too. Would also prefer a nice sand entry island like Bonaire (which is an option) over a rock entry island like Cuba (which really wasn’t a fun time. Incredibly informative but not a place I’d like to go back).

we are not opposed to anywhere as long as it isn’t cold and snowy as she loves the beach and the heat.

so, what say you?

 

[arew+4]

CURACAO!

 

[KSDeepDiver]

CURACAO!

What reasons?

 

[arew+4]

There are lots of shore diving option from beautiful sandy beaches that have amenities like snack bars and lounge chairs to full scale restaurants. Any dive can be tech of your have the gear the gas and the time. There is one large wreck that I know of and probably a few other reach able by boat. Top side there is much to do. Downtown night life options including casinos if you like. You can stay in town or out west in the sticks, somewhat better diving out that way but longer commute to the finer things. Playa Porto Marie ( picture at top) has a really nice beach, nice reef, and restaurant, you do a dive she gets ocean side massage, you have dinner and drinks and watch the sunser.



Also, not a marine park do I think you can bag the lionfish. Check with a local shop first.

 

[mcohen1021]

Liveaboard. Straight from the airport to the boat.

 

[johnnyscience]

From my research, a lot of the southeast Florida area, Keys, Bahamas etc are better for diving in the summer time.

So is Curacao really nice enough to dive in the winter time to make it a worth while destination during the cold months?

Are there any other really nice islands that are worth reef diving in the winter time?

 

[Damselfish]

From my research, a lot of the southeast Florida area, Keys, Bahamas etc are better for diving in the summer time.

So is Curacao really nice enough to dive in the winter time to make it a worth while destination during the cold months?

Are there any other really nice islands that are worth reef diving in the winter time?

Really most of the Caribbean is pretty nice all year round, though occasional winter storms esp Jan-Feb can muck things up. On average I’d say you’re more likely to have those further north. Cayman seems to get blown out a fair amount, as does Coz. But it could be nice too and doesn’t stop anyone from vacationing and diving in those places year round.

Curacao is way south and generally nice for diving all year round. It’s out of the main tropical storm zone so not affected by those too often. And along with other southerly islands less affected by winter storms.

 

[johnnyscience]

Ok that's good info, thank you!

Is there good reef diving in Curacao?

Warm water, shallow reef diving is really all that I'm interested in.

Living in Cleveland, Ohio, it would be nice to have a really nice warm weather get away during the cold winter months that has good reef diving.

Also highly considering St. Croix as it's in the same region and doesn't require a passport and is great for reef diving.

 

[arew+4]

I think you would enjoy Curacao, but don't take my word for it look at some of the threads on Curacao. Weather and dive conditions were perfect during our stay, water temp 82-84, air temp highs in the upper 80s always breezy never oppressively humid, except for the hike up the mountain that was brutally hot and humid. Get there early like before 8:00am.