Where to go in the world ?

[Scarletpig]

Hi, I am new. my job is winding down in December and I’m thinking of liveaboard, browsing different destinations but the world is big. I feel I could use experienced divers’ opinions.

Last time I went on a livaboard trip was almost 20 years ago in Australia as a kid diver so it almost doesn’t count. I have sort of switched to free diving since then and haven’t been scuba diving much lately. just here and there when I go free diving, I throw in one day of scuba, etc.

This time, I thought of doing a scuba diving trip to see different ocean i haven’t seen. With liveabord i can freedive too in between. I dove mostly in Japan, Hawaii, Australia, and Thailand. Haven’t been to Caribbean, Europe side, or other Asian destinations.

First destination came up to me was Belize. Looks like a good destination to go on a ship. I then thought of Red Sea but I hate cold water (and that’s why I don’t dive where I live) so maybe not now. I’m now looking at Indonesia, too. There are so many destinations I haven’t been. A famous photographer I dove with in Japan (Okinawa) told me that he thinks the ocean there is the best but I have to see it myself.

What else,, I’m traveling solo, so does that mean they will match me up with another roommate? What else, I care more about colors and beautiful scenery more than watching big animals. I love swimming with wild dolphins thou.

So, I am considering
-Belize
-Indonesia
-Red sea (but maybe I’ll wait till summer)

While there is pretty much only Agressor for Belize, I was overwhelmed by the choice of operators in Indonesia and I’m not sure how to choose. I’m also all ears about other destinations. I also want to hear your best diving spot regardless the season so I’ll add it to my bucket list.

I’ve been postponing visiting world diving destinations for a lomg time (because I’ve been happy with Hawaii and japan) but im now very motivated to visit different spots in the next few years (or more).

Thank you in advance.

 

[chris kippax]

The Arenui
13 day greater Raja Ampat itinerary in January
You will not regret it. People cried when we had to get off

 

[chillyinCanada]

The Arenui
13 day greater Raja Ampat itinerary in January
You will not regret it. People cried when we had to get off

That is certainly an itinerary that I can get behind but pricey.

@Scarletpig, Raja Ampat really is incredible and yes, you can sign up as a single and will be assigned a roommate. You might get lucky though and end up on a trip that doesn't have a roomie for you. Then you get the room to yourself with no single supplement.

 

[chris kippax]

That is certainly an itinerary that I can get behind but pricey.

@Scarletpig, Raja Ampat really is incredible and yes, you can sign up as a single and will be assigned a roommate. You might get lucky though and end up on a trip that doesn't have a roomie for you. Then you get the room to yourself with no single supplement.

It is pricey but I do not regret the money one bit and I made memories that I will always cherish.

 

[chillyinCanada]

It is pricey but I do not regret the money one bit and I made memories that I will always cherish.

Please, I'm not criticizing. I'd love it but it's outside of my price tolerance, that is all.

I love diving Raja Ampat and have been 3 times, first on Dewi Nusantara and the last two times on a much more humble boat that I quite enjoy. The diving has been the same/similar.

 

[Dan]

I've been to Raja Ampat 7x. The 8th time will be in 2 months: Raja Ampat 14-25 Jan 2020 with Amira $837 off

I think there is one spot left to share a cabin with a female, if you are interested.

 

[Dan]

Here is another option with 10% off: Gathering a group for Cocos with Argo on 10-20 September 2020

We still have 3 spots available.

 

[PatW]

It depends on what you want to see.

If you want to see sharks, that is one list.... Jupiter, FL, the Bahamas, FIJI, And so on.

For wrecks, there is another list... Key Largo, east coast of FL, Scapa Flow, the Great Lakes...

Muck diving is the Blue Hero Bridge, the Lembah Straits.

Diverse coral reefs would be the coral triangle... Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea and the Solomons. Rajat Ampat is a prime example but Komodo is good and the right sites of the Philippines.

There are some dive sites where manta rays come in at cleaning stations. Hawaii has a good manta ray dive sites.

The Red Sea is interesting because it has a considerable number of endemic species.

Belize is good. I have dived Turneffe. Lighthouse reef the atoll that is farther out has really good diving and it has a couple of eco resorts which seems to mean no AC and more basic accommodations. If that is not an issue, the diving is really good there.

 

[Dan]

I'm chartering Dolphin Dream to dive with Tiger Sharks in Tiger Beach, Bahamas for $2100 / diver ($800 off) if anyone is interested too.

Tiger Shark Expedition 31 Oct - 6 Nov, 2020

 

[Scarletpig]

Please, I'm not criticizing. I'd love it but it's outside of my price tolerance, that is all.

I love diving Raja Ampat and have been 3 times, first on Dewi Nusantara and the last two times on a much more humble boat that I quite enjoy. The diving has been the same/similar.

Thank you for your input. While I’m not necessarily looking to do a budget travel, I’m more with you on the boat choice. Do you have recommendation for the operators in Raja Amoat besides Dewi among the ones you’ve been to or heard of ?