Where in the World???

[r_gibson]

So the spouse and I are in the beginning stages of planning a dive trip and we're having difficulty trying to figure out just where in the world to go....so I thought I'd ask! Here's what we're thinking:

-NOT the Caribbean, we've all but exhausted that list. Thinking more along the lines of Indian Ocean or South Pacific. (but not Yap or Palau, as those have already been crossed off as well)
-Could be liveabord or on island resort, we're not picky. (just want to stay away from any cattle-herding dive ops, ugh)
-Budget is pretty large for this one (yay!)
-No worries about planning for non-divers or beginning dives--we've been diving forever and it's just us on this trip
-Anytime of year is good, we're flexible on vacation if we can get the destination figured out early enough, should be able to plan time off accordingly.

I was beginning to look into a LOB in the Maldives...but there are just so many options out there that I'm not sure where to look for comparison. Any and all advice or recommendations would be great!

 

[ColoDale]

Try Fiji - did that one in Taveuni area. Great diving and topside.
We thought about French Polynesia but at the time decided on Fiji. The diving is apparently better around Rangiroa and Fakarava we understand. If budget is not a great concern then this would be an option as French Polynesia is more expensive.
Maldives and Seychelles have been on our list. Probably land based and there are alot of locations. We haven't narrowed it down yet.

 

[Darnold9999]

If you are looking at something where budget is not an issue have a look at Damai liveaboards in Raj Ampat. Spectacular diving and service that is above and beyond anything else. However you will pay for it. Not a place to go for big animals, this is reef, colour, macro and fish diving. Mantas are likely sharks not so much. I would combine this trip with a stop in Lembeh for four or five days either at the start or end of the liveaboard.

Lots of other options for Raj, but this is the boat I would choose if budget is not an issue.

 

[Doc]

If you're at the moment in your life where the maldives is a doable proposition- why not?

Maldives is pretty-much-so on the other side of the planet... assuming you are a North American.

Filling out your profile and telling us more about your dive history might expand your answers~ which, by the nature of your question will result in a huge post count (kind of like a belt-fed shotgun) and likely a thread which will never die. It is interesting that you have exhausted the Caribbean and just today joined SB with a first post. Welcome.

 

[robint]

Indonesia.... anything in Sulawesi area. Lembeh Resort, Kungkungan bay resort, Wakatobi resort.

look here:
http://www.caradonna.com/Scuba-Diving-Vacations/Indonesia.aspx

no need to do a liveaboard that area unless you want to do Raja Ampat.

 

[smellzlikefish]

What are you diving for? Big animals? Macro?? Wrecks??? Also, if budget isn't an issue, I'd like to suggest taking along a third person as a "guide."