Where to dive in Dec/Jan flying from Spain?

[Thanshin]

I'm lost. I thought jumping from one regional forum to the other I'd find teh answer but the world is just a bit too big.

I'm trying to find a diving destination for the first weeks of january but I live in Spain, so close means cold.

My only two diving trips have been Koh-Tao and the last Coz Invasion (The next place will already lack the amazing people, so the diving has to be incredible. )
Australia/new zealand is just too far and expensive.

I've considered:
- Bonaire (No organized dives. I don't think I have enough experience to dive just with a buddy and find the interesting things.)
- Dominican Republic (Bayahibe is the place to go?)
- Turks & Caicos (?)
- Madagascar (!?)
- Red sea (cold)

Where would you go if you could go anywhere, in january, starting from Europe?

 

[jameseg]

If it was me, I'd do a liveabaord in the Maldives, assuming flights weren't prohibitively expensive. It's not exactly close, but compared to me in the middle of the US, you're already half way there! And it sounds like you're willing to travel a ways.

I know there's direct flights there from London. Maybe from Barcelona or Madrid too?

BTW, of the places on your list, I've only been to Turks & Caicos. Fantastic diving. Recommend a liveaboard if you can swing it, as I didn't think the island itself (Providenciales) had a ton going on.

James

 

[ElChe]

If I'd be so lucky to live in Spain I'd go to the Canary Islands. OK, the water is only 19-20 degrees but many things to see and do there- even under water. Another possible destination is Egypt, it's close, cheap and the water can be 21-23 degrees in January.

 

[Thanshin]

If it was me, I'd do a liveabaord in the Maldives

I will investigate if it's possible to do a 4-5 days liveaboard and then at least see the islands themselves.

Turks & Caicos. Fantastic diving. Recommend a liveaboard if you can swing it, as I didn't think the island itself (Providenciales) had a ton going on.

The only thing that doesn't convince me of liveaboards is that I don't know if I'd be able to sleep in a small boat (I've slept in a cruiser but I don't think it's the same.) and it would be pretty nasty to spend $4000+ (with wife) to then have a bad experience because of the liveaboard itself.

i.e.: I think it's risky to try a liveaboard so far without having tried it in the red sea in summer, or something like that.

If I'd be so lucky to live in Spain I'd go to the Canary Islands. OK, the water is only 19-20 degrees

Hmm I didn't even think of the Canary Islands. 19-20 means 5mm full suit? (As I said, my slim diving experience is Koh-tao or Coz, so I've only used the 5mm for very few dives in the Spanish coast in summer.)

Egypt, it's close, cheap and the water can be 21-23 degrees in January.

I also discarded Red sea because of the imagined cold. I'll investigate water temps.

 

[ScubaSteve1962]

Does your wife dive, if not try one of the Couples Resorts in Jamaica, or Sandals in Jamaica or the Bahamas, I think there are others in the Carribean. They are all inclusive which includes dives and are organized.

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[ElChe]

I also discarded Red sea because of the imagined cold. I'll investigate water temps.

I use to dive in much colder waters so 20 degrees is warm for me. But if you can travel to exotic destinations I think you'll enjoy warmer waters more. My friends use to go to the Maldives in the winter because of the larger animals and some recommends Philippines as well. You can go to the Canaries or the Red Sea when they're really warm in the summer.

 

[Layla]

What are you on ... Liveaboards are very comfortable
Don't in any way think that you will not be able to sleep!

My agency, in the UK, is Scuba Travel
they have liveaboards in the Maldives, and I will recomed them above any other agency I know
I will send you a message with their email
You can buy the boat spot off them and the flights yourself

The only thing that doesn't convince me of liveaboards is that I don't know if I'd be able to sleep in a small boat (I've slept in a cruiser but I don't think it's the same.)

i.e.: I think it's risky to try a liveaboard so far without having tried it in the red sea in summer, or something like that.

 

[Thanshin]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Liveaboard in Maldives it is. I'll leave the closest locations for summer.

 

[Doc]

(Maldives) I will investigate if it's possible to do a 4-5 days liveaboard and then at least see the islands themselves.

Partial week stays on liveaboards are quite the norm in the Maldives. There is very little "to see" on the islands, otherwise. Some very lovely, posh resorts, however. The main gateway town of Male is not high on the "must see" list, either. If we travel to the Maldives from the US, I recommend stopping instead in London or Dubai for "something other than SCUBA".

What are you on ... Liveaboards are very comfortable
Don't in any way think that you will not be able to sleep!

My agency, in the UK, is Scuba Travel
they have liveaboards in the Maldives,

So, you and/or the Agency are guaranteeing that?

 

[mselenaous]

Thanshin, you will be missed at the next Coz Invasion :grouphug:. But if you are up for it, Rockin in Roatan, Sept 15-22th.