South Pacific or Caribbean dive trip ideas

[nexion]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for ideas for places to go in July to experience some amazing dive sites for 3 weeks. I'd prefer it to be a place that would be fun enough to be interesting to visit for things other than diving as well. Possibly rent a room from the locals near a beach that has a dive shop I'd walk to each morning for a 2-tank dive. I have my own gear, so just need tanks and a boat.

I've been to Cozumel and Riviera Maya, which were both amazing. Although a shorter flight would be preferable (I'm flying from California), I have a slight preference for the South Pacific for increased variety.

Any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated. If you've done a similar trip and blogged about it, send me the link and I'll gladly read about your adventures.

Thanks in advance

 

[KathyV]

Cabo San Lucas (Sea if Cortez) would be a shorter flight for you and there are lots of fun things to do as well as good diving.

 

[cbm32]

From San Fran ..... Fiji is the place for you to go.

Jump on VRBO or one of those sites and find a place to rent in Savusavu or Teveuni. Three weeks is enough time to really get a feel for the place and you wont be sorry you made the trip.

 

[drrich2]

I'm not saying it's your best option, and I've not been, so I'm just asking...have you been following any of the threads talking about Dominica? It's not a quick trip to get to, but the lush natural topside is an attraction to some.

Speaking of which, what 'more than diving' do you want to do? Is it exploring jungles & ancient ruins, mingling with an alien culture, zip lining, deep sea fishing, what is it you want to do?

Richard.

 

[cbm32]

"alien culture"? Is he going on a live aboard trip on the starship Enterprise??

 

[nexion]

For the local non-diving activities, I like your suggestions, Richard! Mingling with the locals, ziplining, exploring jungles.. all of that. Fishing.. possibly!

Do you guys know dive shops at these destinations that have deals for divers with their own gear who are also buying many dives at a time? The place I was at in Riviera Maya charged me $500 for 16-20 boat dives ($25/dive), which was awesome.

 

[drrich2]

"alien culture"? Is he going on a live aboard trip on the starship Enterprise??

Alien is relative; a more politically 'correct' person would likely refer to it as 'exotic,' 'unique' or some such. I'm thinking things like a foreign language in a region where most don't know English, a more shame-based vs. a more guilt-based moral-orientation, crapping in a hole in the floor, sharply divided gender roles, castes, primitive villages without electricity, etc...

Some people actively seek out the more alien experiences, and some people avoid them like the plague (similar to a sentiment one poster elsewhere summed up as 'If I can't pronounce it, I ain't going there'). Either one is fine; just know which one you are.

Richard.

 

[Doc]

Alien is relative;

I got me some of those.

Please define "amazing" , while you're at it.

(between "awesome" and "fabulous", just to the left of "remarkable" ?)