where to go diving?

[herman]

First welcome to the boad.
My suggestions would be the Fla Keys, Bahamas, Curacao (just got back- trip report on the board- do a search) or Cozumel. Bonaire is great but somewhat more difficult to get to. A better description of what you are looking for would help us narrow it down a little. You want a lot of nightlife or just to dive like crazy? Big animals or wrecks?

 

[rpodos]

Hi twothumbs, I'm new here too, and also live in New York City. I dive a lot, and also have ease of access as an issue.

For absolutely direct flights and easy access to really good diving, I'd say Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Provo in the TCI are your best bets.

That said, the secondary airports I'd look at would be Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Aguadilla (PR), Nassau, and Barbados... there's decent dives in all those places. More importantly, open yourself up to using those airports plus San Juan as gateways; it is really not that big a deal to transfer to a puddlejumper and thus have access to the many more intersting smaller islands out there.

For instance, I'm setting up a trip to Grand Turk in TCI through Ft. Lauderdale, and on the way back am going to jump over to Bimini a bit (I think). A bit of extra travel, but worth it!

 

[puntacanapeter]

If you're going to Punta Cana - the only really good diving is at Isla Catalina. You'll also find a mix of levels needed. Your Dad can dive the wrecks while you do the wall. There's also the aquarium (diving with rays and sharks) that's fun for beginning divers. Check out http://www.puntacana-information-guide.com for more info.