Scuba Diving on a budget

[ricsut]

Hi Folks:

I just took up scuba diving within the last two years (40+ dives so far). I recently returned from Roatan where the diving was not only very satisfactory, but also incredibly inexpensive. My question is this: Is there a list or survey anywhere of other inexpensive but exotic places to go diving? I've heard Thailand is very good that way. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Ricsut (who loves diving, but must limit himself to what his income allows)

 

[LavaSurfer]

Hi Folks:

I just took up scuba diving within the last two years (40+ dives so far). I recently returned from Roatan where the diving was not only very satisfactory, but also incredibly inexpensive. My question is this: Is there a list or survey anywhere of other inexpensive but exotic places to go diving? I've heard Thailand is very good that way. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Ricsut (who loves diving, but must limit himself to what his income allows)

Roatan is awesome, did you check out Utila?
Maybe Hawaii. I rent tanks at $10/day with unlimited refills in Kona

 

[MaxBottomtime]

You live in one of the best dive destinations in the world. A drysuit would be a lot cheaper than a trip.

 

[fnfalman]

You live in one of the best dive destinations in the world. A drysuit would be a lot cheaper than a trip.

I second that.

 

[ligersandtions]

You live in one of the best dive destinations in the world. A drysuit would be a lot cheaper than a trip.

Agreed! Dive locally....you have some fantastic diving up there!

 

[HisLovelyBride]

I agree as do many of the others, dive locally. I was certified in Hawaii and have gone back a few times in the two years since being certified. However, if I waited for warm water, I wouldn't get wet very often. My wonderful husband bought me a drysuit and we dive at least once a month or more. Sure I like the exotic tropical waters, but I never cease to be amazed at the color and diversity of cold water.

 

[newman_diver]

You live in one of the best dive destinations in the world. A drysuit would be a lot cheaper than a trip.

Amen to that. We do have some pretty fantastic diving up here. Sometimes I have to kick myself when I get "bored" of diving here

 

[HisLovelyBride]

Frankly, I would love the opportunity to dive the northwest. It would be a dive destination for me, everbit as much as any tropical location.

By the way, my profile pic is me in my drysuit at Catalina Island's Casino Dive Park. The water was about 58* on that dive.

 

[vladimir]

I have maybe a hundred dives in Thailand, most of them off day boats out of Phuket, and they have not been particularly cheap. My liveaboard dives in Thailand, while cheaper on a per-dive basis, also have not been particularly cheap, but I don't seek out the low-cost operator, either. I have had the same experience in Malaysia and Indonesia--the diving I have done has not been particularly cheap, although it wouldn't surprise me to hear that others have found cheap diving in those places. What can be inexpensive is lodging; depending on your tastes, you can probably find accommodation in Southeast Asia to suit almost any budget. You may want to ask the question in the Phillipines forum--those guys are active local divers and can give you guidance on the costs there, which are pretty reasonable, I think.

 

[LavaSurfer]

I have to admit, if I lived in the Northwest I would get a lot more use out of my drysuit. The quarries can only get you so far. Consider yourself lucky