Where to go with family?

[scuba41girl]

We are planning a dive vacation for x-mas week. I want someplace nice with alot of diving at 40ft. I have a newly certified 10yr old. My 13 year old is AOW. I also want a good hotel with lots of kid activities. I was thinking maybe Anthony's Key. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[robint]

that is a really good place to go with your kids - lots to do when not diving!
The only other places i can think of that would have enough to keep a 10yr old and 13yr old happy is Hawaii or Belize. Grand Cayman maybe too but it is expensive.

But Xmas week is the most expensive time to go anywhere and many resorts may be completely booked up already. You should make your decision as quickly as possible!!

 

[scuba41girl]

Anthony's Key is booked so I will take any other suggestions. Thanks

 

[robint]

yeah, getting something at this late date for Xmas week is rough. I would check out Hawaii and Belize. Just depends on which is cheaper right now. Good luck!

 

[RICHinNC]

With your 40 foot requirement...I would say Bonaire. But I have no kids so couldnt answer that part. Maybe Herman knows more about that ref Bonaire. If he doesnt jump on here.....get hold of DivrLiz. She owns a place there and might be able to steer you the right direction.

 

[HappyFunBoater]

How about a Western Caribbean cruise? We took a 10 day cruise over Xmas and New Years last year. Excellent!

The only problem is that the three times we dove (Cayman, Cozumel, Belize) they took us to 100ft, which is too deep for your kids. You could probably arrange to have your own DM. Or you could book your own dive excursion but you have to be careful to make sure either boat (cruise ship or dive boat) don't leave without you if you're late.

 

[shakeybrainsurgeon]

How about Aruba? Weather is always good, flights are generally plentiful, diving is fairly easy, several nice wrecks at less tha 50 feet. We stay at Tierra del Sol, a resort community on the golf course north of Palm Beach. a little expensive, but roomy and most villas have their own pool. The places are gorgeous with full kitchens. With a family, the money we saved by eating in most days more than offset the difference between a three bedroom villa and one or two hotel rooms. I dive with Red Sail Scuba out of the Hyatt, their boats are brand new (like less than a year).

 

[Willar]

I am wondering the same thing... where to take the family diving?

My short list so far:
Bonaire, I've been there, good snorkle & diving, poor beaches & shopping for the wife.
Anthony's Key
Bahamas

 

[smittyCT]

What about COCO View in Roatan Islands Honduras, unlimited shore dives, 2 and 3 tank boat dives, wreck right off shore at about 60'. Three meals a day and cheap 1200 pp dbl occupancy. I also just got back from beaches Turks and Caicos, all inclusive meals drinks equipment free 2 tank and 1 tank dives, night dives, trips to West Caicos. Tons of stuff for the kids to do, 3 huge pools, lg pirate ship water park. Most dives averaged 60' but plenty to see at 40'. Large reef sharks, rays, and turtles, tons of Barracuda, ample amounts of fish and corals. PM me if you want Ill send you some pics, like I said I just got back on Sat, and would certainly go back. Hope this helps

 

[Willar]

Yeah, Anthony's Key or COCO View in Roatan, Honduras look good.

I've considered Beaches resorts but I'm not too crazy about the waterpark stuff. I'd rather the kids do other things and I'm afraid they'd play at the waterpark all day. We can do that in Illinois! But I have heard good things about Beaches T&C and Beaches Negril.