Soon to be "brand new" divers...looking for dive vacation advice

[AquaExplorer]

Hello everyone!

My wife and I are scheduled to get SCUBA certified in the next two months. After that we would like to do a SCUBA vacation.

This is a celebration of my wife graduation with her MBA, and a nice getaway.

We live in Atlanta, GA and would not mind either the Keys, the Caribbean, or someplace like that. While we are not concerned about being as cheap as possible, we are not looking for a "money is no object" vacation either.

So what places are real good for brand new divers? She LOVES fishies, and coral reefs, and stuff like that.

 

[DeputyDan]

Since you are new divers I would suggest either the keys (All boat diving) or Bonaire (Combination of boat diving and shore diving).

My first ever dive trip was to the Keys Second ever dive trip was to Bonaire. Both offer different things both are excellent for beginners!

 

[BDSC]

I'd second Bonaire. I was there in February for like the 8th time and it was great. Easy diving but very good diving with good vis and little current. It can be a very relaxing vacation because with all the shore diving, you can dive on your own schedule and do as much or as little diving as you want. Good food and restaurants around and many places to stay ranging from budget accomodations to some really nice fully furnished condos.

I think you would really enjoy it there and you can fly direct from Atlanta on Delta with a decent flight schedule.

Just my thoughts.

 

[diver 85]

Hello everyone!

My wife and I are scheduled to get SCUBA certified in the next two months. After that we would like to do a SCUBA vacation.

This is a celebration of my wife graduation with her MBA, and a nice getaway.

We live in Atlanta, GA and would not mind either the Keys, the Caribbean, or someplace like that. While we are not concerned about being as cheap as possible, we are not looking for a "money is no object" vacation either.

So what places are real good for brand new divers? She LOVES fishies, and coral reefs, and stuff like that.

I would suggest Little Cayman--in particular LC Beach Resort...Bloody Bay Wall is 2nd to NONE---only took wife & I 22+ years to find it...You'll NOT be disappointed.....

Below is my picture site---click it &

Pictures by GEAUXtiger - Photobucket
look down the left hand side(albums part) & click on my Little Cayman pics, all have LC in their album titles...good luck---ya'll have picked the best sport on this earth----IMHO.....

 

[cappyjon431]

Consider diving in Bocas del Toro, Panama. I have dived almost everywhere in the Caribbean, and I can honestly say there is nowhere easier to dive for "new" divers. We have very healthy coral reefs, lots of tropical fish, 81-84 degree water temps all year round, flat calm seas, and no currents. While some may say I'm biased because I own a dive shop here, the truth is that you could go with any of the three dive operators here on the island and have an incredible dive vacation. The top side attractions are beautiful as well, as we have pristine rainforests, beautiful white sand beaches, and a very diverse cultural mix. English is widely spoken, and the U.S. dollar is the only currency in circulation. Check out Bocas.com for more info on this beautiful area.

 

[mikeyjoe]

We stayed at Cozumel Palace last July for two weeks - loved the resort and the diving.

Palace Resorts - Welcome to the Official Site


I dove with Aqua Safaris and they were a very good operator.

I just got an email from the Palace that they now include one two tank dive per day with AS in their rates.

You can read reviews on both the resort and AS on tripadvisor.com

 

[robint]

Hello everyone!

My wife and I are scheduled to get SCUBA certified in the next two months. After that we would like to do a SCUBA vacation.

This is a celebration of my wife graduation with her MBA, and a nice getaway.

We live in Atlanta, GA and would not mind either the Keys, the Caribbean, or someplace like that. While we are not concerned about being as cheap as possible, we are not looking for a "money is no object" vacation either.

So what places are real good for brand new divers? She LOVES fishies, and coral reefs, and stuff like that.

If I were you, I would start with some websites to get an idea of what there is to do, prices, etc. and you can research airfare on your own.
Caradonna Dive Adventures - Dive Travel and Vacations
Bay Adventures :: Dive Adventures and Island Vacations :: 888.599.3483
are both good reputable dive travel specialists.

Bonaire is great, but I don't know if it is best for newbie certified divers. It is a dive destination for dive-aholics who want to do nothing but dive. If that is you, look into it. Not much else to do there but dive dive dive.
Belize is a great place to go if you want topside activities as well as diving, and no fancy resorts. Lots of jungle tours, mayan ruin tours, etc. in addition to diving.
Roatan is a great place to go for new divers or experienced divers and the all-inclusives there are a great value. I highly recommend Welcome to CoCo View Resort
Cozumel is the least expensive place to go. You can find cheap to moderate prices. Both dive travel specialists have excellent deals there. Check out Cozumel Scuba Diving at Scuba Club Cozumel Dive Resort and Scuba Cozumel Dive Shop That is where we will be next week!
Another great option I can recommend to you is doing a liveaboard, the Nekton, out of Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas Medio reef. We did it last year and thought it was fantastic. You can see my videos on my website below my signature. Easy diving, 4-5 dives per day, no gear to carry, excellent food and fun.
Nekton Cruises > Home

robin

 

[AquaExplorer]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the advice.

My wife is a rather gung-ho girl, but I do know that DIVE!DIVE!DIVE! is NOT what she will want to do, at least that is my belief after being married to her for 10 years! We also love to just lounge, sail, hike, see sites, etc. We did 10 days in Costa Rica last year and LOVED it.

Thanks again for the ideas and links!

 

[dvrliz1]

Tdager,

Then Bonaire will be PERFECT for you all! There is sailing available, mangrove kayaking, guided hiking tours, land sailing, hanging at at the windsurfing and kite surfing beaches and watch them, and lots more!!! Let me know your wants (budget, on or off water, etc) and I can recommend places for you. Delta flies direct from Atlanta too!

Liz

 

[cappyjon431]

I would second the suggestion of diving with Nekton. There is no better way to get LOTS of diving experience in a relatively short period of time. Many of the itineraries (especially the NW Bahamas Itinerary) are perfect for new divers. They also do a limited number of shore excursions and offer sea kayaking as well.