What is the best and cheapest place to dive in Caribbean for high school grads?

[Harmonyhallresorts]

Come see us in ST.Vincent. The first week in July is Carnival. The 2nd biggest in the Caribbean. no-one knows about St.Vincent so the reefs are thriving, the exchange rate is in your favor, and the vibe is a perfect mix of old and new. Diving, dancing in the streets and more all at incredibly affordable rates. Contact us directly and ask us how we can help you save on airfare as well. You'll never forget or regret the Grenadines once it gets into your blood. Shore dives all over as well. With such easy access you damn near dive all day long.

 

[robint]

Cozumel is probably the least expensive place to go - diving and food are waaaaay cheaper than other destinations as a whole.
Look at travel packages with one of the Dive Travel specialists at Caradonna or IslandDreams, same packages just different companies. I have used both with great results.
Cheap packages with Hotel Cozumel or Barracuda hotel, both using Dive Paradise for the diving portion. Don't get the all-inclusive packages though, walk to town for cheap food.

stay away from Grand Cayman (expensive!!!).

 

[Lorenzoid]

I totally second whoever said Utila, Honduras. Except for a few outlying resorts, the main town is very much geared toward young backpacker types who pass through while doing their gap year trips around the world and such. I haven't been there in a few years, but cheap rooms in fleabag guest houses could be found. I remember the cockroaches fondly.

Also consider Caye Caulker, Belize. It, too, is a staple on the backpacker circuit, with many cheap places to stay.

 

[Oldbear]

... I would be thinking Utila, Roatan, maybe Cozumel...QUOTE]


I have been to all three and depending upon your budget, planning level, commitment to comfort, expectations, each could be a viable choice. Before asking about a place to dive in the Caribbean in general, sit down with your group and define what your expecations are, amount of diving vs other activities, budget and time limits are and how soon you want to go. Once you have decided on these parameters, you will get better feedback to your primary question...where to go.

Right now Utila stands out as a place for a graduation trip due to the night life and age demographics of the island. But Roatan and Cozumel can be exciting as well, especially if you want more diving over nightlife.

Again...all three of these can make great destinations for a graduation trip of a lifetime.

 

[FuzzyMelton]

Try Bonaire! Plaza Resort or Buddy dive.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Try Bonaire! Plaza Resort or Buddy dive.

For a couple of 18 year-olds traveling on a budget?!

Utila, Honduras, hands down.

 

[Bryan Cunningham]

The best deal for you depends on where you are flying out of, and WHEN do you plan on going. You can combine diving with pre packaged holidays and save yourself a fortune. For example, out of Toronto between January and April, Roatan is a really good deal. I have just put together a trip including flights, taxes, hotel, all food and drinks and a 5 day diving package for $1000. BUT IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU LEAVE FROM AND WHEN.

Cayman is NOT a budget dive destination. Nore is Turks and Caicos or the Bahamas.

---------- Post added June 8th, 2013 at 10:57 AM ----------

There is one very good budget option in the Bahamas. Blackbeards cruises. They have a week liveaboard including diving for around $1000. But its NOT luxuary.

 

[DeputyDan]

Bryan has a good point based on the OP budget about Blackbeard's

 

[heydn62]

I've taken week long trips to Grand Cayman (twice) and Cozumel (twice). Cozumel is cheaper, but don't completely write off Grand Cayman if Shore diving is a viable option. Lodging and food is much more expensive, but there are so many places you can do really good shore dives and if you are OK with that, you can save a lot on the cost of your dives. The diving is good both places, but very different and you can't shore dive a reef from Cozumel.

I'm sure I spent more in Grand Cayman than in Cozumel, but now that I'm a little more familiar with the Island, I think I could do a trip there and get in 12-15 (or more) dives for about the same cost.

If you plan to go out at night, that's where you'll blow your budget in GC a lot quicker the Cozumel. But if you shop at the markets and stay in, it's do-able.

Man, I wish I had been diving when I was 18. Have fun where ever you go.

 

[hibby76]

The diving in Cozumel is great however it is boat diving which is going to add to your costs. As I recall you could do 3 days of boat dives for $350 or so with everything included. (I like "Dive with Martin"). There's Sr. Frogs for nightlife which is pretty happening during spring break time. Food and other things are pretty inexpensive after that. Flights are easy to find directly to Coz or to Cancun then get there on your own (Bus+ferry)

Haven't been, but perhaps Bonaire would be something to consider because once you get there the shore diving is quite good. Especially cheap if you pack your own gear.