Hi all! Im planning a dive trip for my 50th birthday in April. My wife does not dive and we have found that the best vacations are when we can snorkel right at the property we are staying at. That way, she can snorkel while I dive, and we can spend time snorkeling together without having to always make arrangements and pay to be taken by boat to a good spot... we have stayed at El Presidente in Cozumel and have checked out Anse Chastenet in St. Lucia ($$$$!!) , and know that there are places that fit the description throughout the Carribean... If anyone knows of any beautiful/romantic type places that have a nice beach and an offshore reef within swimming distance, wed really appreciate hearing about it.... Thanks so much, and happy (and safe) diving to all!
Snorkeling at the Hotel/resort
- Thread starter mgoode
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First, welcome to the board.
From what you've said, I'm sure you'll hear a lot of calls for Bonaire. I'll leave it to those who know the island better to provide suggestions for a resort.
From what you've said, I'm sure you'll hear a lot of calls for Bonaire. I'll leave it to those who know the island better to provide suggestions for a resort.
Say mgoode,
From what you have said I would Grand Cayman or Bonaire.
What you asked for is all at Bonaire, except for the beaches, then there are good beaches in Cayman but you will have to locate a resort that has tanks there, or drive to a shop where you can dive and snorkle. Should not be a prob.
Ron
From what you have said I would Grand Cayman or Bonaire.
What you asked for is all at Bonaire, except for the beaches, then there are good beaches in Cayman but you will have to locate a resort that has tanks there, or drive to a shop where you can dive and snorkle. Should not be a prob.
Ron
Bonaire...best shore diving and snorkling to be had. It's a lovely island with great people. There are nice reefs almost at the shore line, lots of fish and other marine life right at the dock. Some of my best photos were taken under the dive dock. Prices aren't bad either. I find find the prices for restaurants about on par with here in Raleigh, NC. (cheap to expensive / pizza to lobster)There are a lot of on the water resorts there that provide on site diving and snorkling. The Plaza, Harbor Village, Captain Don's and Buddy Dive come to mind (we have stayed at Buddy the last 2 years, 3 in June!!!!) www.Buddydive.com also try www.infobonaire.com
There only 2 "down" sides to Bonaire in my opinion. If you are looking for a lot of "touristy" things like tons of shops and casinos, there aren't many- fine with me, I go to dive. There are plenty of places to eat and a lot of nice places to stay. The island is NOT tropical, no lust green vegatation, it is a desert. Lots of cactus and lizzards but it has a beauty of it's own that I like. Much like the southwest deserts I understand.
There only 2 "down" sides to Bonaire in my opinion. If you are looking for a lot of "touristy" things like tons of shops and casinos, there aren't many- fine with me, I go to dive. There are plenty of places to eat and a lot of nice places to stay. The island is NOT tropical, no lust green vegatation, it is a desert. Lots of cactus and lizzards but it has a beauty of it's own that I like. Much like the southwest deserts I understand.
Herman
I agree with you about Bonaire... its a wonderful island... we may end up going back but were hoping for a new experience... its my 50th in April and my wife no longer dives (just snorkels) and were hoping to find a nice place that has snorkeling right off the property... thanks for your thoughts and have a great time at Buddys!
m
I agree with you about Bonaire... its a wonderful island... we may end up going back but were hoping for a new experience... its my 50th in April and my wife no longer dives (just snorkels) and were hoping to find a nice place that has snorkeling right off the property... thanks for your thoughts and have a great time at Buddys!
m
scottbeach
Contributor
I would have to vote for Cayman. There are just a ton of GREAT dive spots accessible to snorkelers and scuba divers alike. Trying to think of some of the hotels on reefs... Westin Casuarin on SMB has Governor's Reef. Just up the beach is Cemetery Reef. Morritts Tortuga has great reef-life on the property.
For us, the best way to go was to grab a Jeep and shore-dive yourself silly. The best snorkel/scuba combo we found was an area right downtown called Eden's Rock/Paradise Reef/Devil's Grotto.... three great dive sites together in 15 - 45 feet of water, spanning about 300 yards horizontally and 60 yards the other way. There are at least two dive shops with access to the area, which is cordoned off from boat traffic.
If you want a good view of the reefs, go to www.d-log.com and look at the schematics of dive sites.
For us, the best way to go was to grab a Jeep and shore-dive yourself silly. The best snorkel/scuba combo we found was an area right downtown called Eden's Rock/Paradise Reef/Devil's Grotto.... three great dive sites together in 15 - 45 feet of water, spanning about 300 yards horizontally and 60 yards the other way. There are at least two dive shops with access to the area, which is cordoned off from boat traffic.
If you want a good view of the reefs, go to www.d-log.com and look at the schematics of dive sites.
Hey Scott
thanks for the tips... we loved Cemetary Reef for snorkeling when we were there some years ago... were down to a pretty short list... Bonaire, Grand Cayman and St. Lucia... need to decide pretty soon. We crossed Ambergris Caye off the list (at least for this year) but are still open to peoples stories and experiences...
thanks again,
Mike
PS: crazy like a fox, right?
thanks for the tips... we loved Cemetary Reef for snorkeling when we were there some years ago... were down to a pretty short list... Bonaire, Grand Cayman and St. Lucia... need to decide pretty soon. We crossed Ambergris Caye off the list (at least for this year) but are still open to peoples stories and experiences...
thanks again,
Mike
PS: crazy like a fox, right?
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