Seeking Advice...

[MelonnyRae]

My fiance just got scuba certified and we're traveling to Belize in June. His birthday is coming up and I would like to buy him a reasonably priced dive. I don't know how to go about it or what I need to buy, and I didn't want to ask him because I want it to be a surprise. We're going to be staying in San Ignacio. Any suggestions?
Thank you so much!

 

[rawls]

I would contact the resort you will be going to and they can probably give you all the information you will need as far as contacts, prices...Belize is a popular dive destination, so I'm sure the resort is very informed on dive packages or, at least, contact info. Also go to the section on this board relating to resort travel. Good luck and have a great time on your trip...I'm envious

 

[spectrum]

Don't make it a last minute surprise though. He should be sure to have his C-card and he will probably want to have his personal gear with him, at least his mask. If you book a particular dive make them aware of his experience level.

Have fun and I hope you get in the water too.

Pete

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Since he's new, make sure they have all of the necessary dive gear, such as a BC (buoyancy compensator) and regulator, available for rent. Given that you're going to Belize, that shouldn't be an issue at all. They should have everything he needs.

I'd also agree with spectrum. You can surprise him, but not at the last minute. He'll need to make sure he brings along some key items such as his certification card, insurance info and any personal equipment he's purchased, if any.

 

[AaronR103]

I suggest the Blue Hole. Belize is known for it. When I went I made the mistake of going in the off-season (late summer) so it was hard to get a good dive charter. I was also staying on the mainland. I think the Cayes would have been much better and made it easier to get more dives in. In addition to diving you should go check out the Mayan ruins, particularly the ones at La Manai. We even made a day trip down to Guatemala to see Tikal, an amazing experience (but then I'm an archaeology buff). There is also a trip that takes ou tubing through some of the river caves in the rainforest, a hell of a lot of fun.

A

 

[DandyDon]

I suggest the Blue Hole. Belize is known for it. When I went I made the mistake of going in the off-season (late summer) so it was hard to get a good dive charter. I was also staying on the mainland. I think the Cayes would have been much better and made it easier to get more dives in. In addition to diving you should go check out the Mayan ruins, particularly the ones at La Manai. We even made a day trip down to Guatemala to see Tikal, an amazing experience (but then I'm an archaeology buff). There is also a trip that takes ou tubing through some of the river caves in the rainforest, a hell of a lot of fun.

A

:11: He's just certified - has no business doing the Blue Hole. That is not at all a good Newbie dive, and you shouldn't have been down there on that "trust me" dive either. Besides, I doubt that they want to be apart for a whole day of vacation.

Your other ideas are nice.

 

[AaronR103]

:11: He's just certified - has no business doing the Blue Hole. That is not at all a good Newbie dive, and you shouldn't have been down there on that "trust me" dive either. Besides, I doubt that they want to be apart for a whole day of vacation.

Your other ideas are nice.

Good point. The Blue Hole would not be a good newbie dive. Also, be wary of the DMs down there. When I went there was 1 DM for 8 divers, some brandnew, on an 80' wall dive with the bottom at 350.

DandyDon, exactly why should I have not done the Blue Hole either?

A

 

[Hank49]

San Ignacio is about as far from the sea as you can get in Belize. You're looking at a whole day to do a dive. You'll have to leave early to get to Belize City and maybe go out with Sea Sports or one of the shops in the city. Belize City is close to Turneffe..relative to Caulker and Ambergris....maybe 40 minutes out to the Elbow, which is a really nice dive. You may be able to go along and snorkel too.

 

[DandyDon]

Good point. The Blue Hole would not be a good newbie dive. Also, be wary of the DMs down there. When I went there was 1 DM for 8 divers, some brandnew, on an 80' wall dive with the bottom at 350.

DandyDon, exactly why should I have not done the Blue Hole either?

A

My mistake - misread your dive experience, sorry. I do think it is a dive only for divers with significant experience below 100 feet, but you may well have that.

You turned at 80 ft? You didn't go to the cave...?

 

[TheRedHead]

Make sure he has a passport. You can't enter Belize without one.