Where to go? First "real" diving

[spartanws6]

Well it is finally time for me to start planning this out. I am looking for advice to let me start with the details.

I got certified about 9 months ago and now have my "specialty diver" cert through SSI. Just under 20 dives with 2 specialty courses. The reason I say this is my first "real" experience is because every dive has been in Lake Mead just outside of vegas. Although it is a great training location (deep, wrecks, cold, crappy vis, etc) I am really looking forward to doing some warm water diving where I can actually see something There are a few stipulations though....
I am doing this on a budget and by myself. That is why I am looking within the United States. I know this severly limits my options but..... I don't really have a choice. So, this pretty much leaves me with Cali, Fla as far as I can tell... but once again this is why I am asking for advice. Will plan on doing this sometime near the end of May. Let me know if you all have any questions that can help you narrow this down. Thx again from a brand new diver that has caught the passion

 

[pigletfish]

I recommend Hawaii -- good marine life, warm water, great viz. Also lots of topside activities. The flight is not too long from Las Vegas, and airfare should be relatively inexpensive. Hawaii can be quite cheap, esp. if you stay in a condo rather than a hotel. (Look on sites like www.vrbo.com and www.cyberrentals.com). I have been to the Big Island and Kauai -- I particularly recommend the BI, with its fantastic manta ray night dive and its active volcanoes. There is an excellent series of Hawaiian guidebooks (the "revealed" seeries with the blue covers) -- reading through them will help you to decide which island seems best suited to your overall interests and personality. Happy planning!

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

No brainer. . .go to Cozumel. You will thank me and be hooked for life!

 

[SterlingDiver]

No brainer. . .go to Cozumel. You will thank me and be hooked for life!

should also be cheaper than anywhere in States if done right. Search the threads here on the board for practical ways to do it for less money.

Good Diving,

Dave

 

[kevink]

States may not be the cheapest trip. You are buying your hotel, food, and boat with US Dollars. Look at the total cost of everything when planning the trip, flights to food.

Coz can be an option. Bonaire is nice since you are not buying a boat every day, but it is an ugly hop from the western US.

 

[spartanws6]

wow! Great tips everybody! I appreciate the heads up on looking at condo rentals as another option. I had no idea they were that much cheaper!

I will check the boards for any other tips to save some cash, but please let me know if there are any other hints and tricks that you'all know of. thx again for the info

 

[hermosadive]

Since you only live in Las Vegas, dive your car to Los Angeles. If you are a student (or a young adult) you can stay in places like the youth hostel in Hermosa Beach for about $35/night. That puts you within a 15min - 2 hour drive of some of the best beach diving around. As well, you can jump on a few day boat and check out the Channel Island, etc. Even spend a couple days at Catalina.

Cozumel is great, but don't forget what lies a short drive away.