Where to go?

[--tom--]

Another option could be to fly into Freeport, Bahamas and take a Blackbeard Cruise. It is literally like camping on a boat, but you will eat well and dive a lot. Flight from ATL <$500; Blackbeard ~$1000.

 

[catone]

Now that is a cool idea, I like it, lots of diving, great price, exactly when I'm off, just a perfect fit
I'm a bit concerned with the available space, apparently the size of the bed is 74x24" and I'm 6'4" and 230 lbs.

 

[CamG]

Greetings catone and welcome to Scuba Board! That is a great question that some really awesome opportunities are waiting out there.
I was really thinking Keys or Cavern in north FL depending on the weather.
I love having the option to go cavern / cave if you get blown out or just want a change of environment.
IMO I would get at least a cavern cert to give you that option because weather always changes and for me I like to have back up plans.

That would have been my advice till someone brought up the Blackbeard cruise!
I would go for it! I have heard that it can be a little less comfortable but awesome just the same.
My wife and I are ready to hit one of the live a boards on a upcoming trip.
I have been working toward my full cave certification so it has eaten most of my time and cash.
My #2 would be the Keys and shop around on the Florida Conch Divers site for a great deal.
I found a stinging deal last Jan. for a two tank out of Key Largo with spots available.
The simple rule is to start researching and then go for it.

With 2K I would stay local just because I did not have a buddy. I am a little buddy conscious about traveling outside the US with out at least a one buddy.
Just my advice though I am certain that others would disagree.
Adventure on the open sea would be to great of a lure for me! New people and lots of diving options! Sounds like a dream......ah!

Good luck, and have fun!
CamG Keep diving....Keep training....Keep learning!

 

[DandyDon]

Now that is a cool idea, I like it, lots of diving, great price, exactly when I'm off, just a perfect fit
I'm a bit concerned with the available space, apparently the size of the bed is 74x24" and I'm 6'4" and 230 lbs.

Wide bunks. Sleep diagonally.

 

[vladimir]

Wide bunks. Sleep diagonally.

24" is wide? I thought I was roughing it here with a queen-sized bed. I'd say let your feet hang over the end.

 

[DandyDon]

24" is wide? I thought I was roughing it here with a queen-sized bed. I'd say let your feet hang over the end.

There's a bulkhead at each end, no hanging over to it.

I did overpack and had to sleep with a bag. Don't take any clothes. Leave that bag locked up at the dock. Only one shower but they discourage using it. I felt sorry for all of those who had to do the Florida to Biminis crossing on top deck in rain gear back when they left out of there (they delayed the crossing 12 hours for rough seas but they were still bouncy), but a couple of days later I had a flu relapse. Their puking was over in 6 hours but my trips was ruined. No way I would get on one of those boats again, but a lot of people lover 'em.

 

[catone]

Greetings catone and welcome to Scuba Board! [...]
IMO I would get at least a cavern cert to give you that option because weather always changes and for me I like to have back up plans.

Good luck, and have fun!

Thank you!
I am 2 dives away from my Cavern cert, that should be done by the end of September.
Looking into geting the full cave cert in the near future

 

[catone]

There's a bulkhead at each end, no hanging over to it.

I think I read somewhere on SB that they have free beer on tap on board, that should help with sleeping in tight spaces.

 

[DandyDon]

I think I read somewhere on SB that they have free beer on tap on board, that should help with sleeping in tight spaces.

They do. When I was able to leave my bunk after a couple of days, I really wanted to rehydrate on milk but they'd let that compressor fail and poured it all overboard. The beer rechilled ok, but how much does one want to drink with 5 air dives/day? No Nitrox, unless they added that. There was one lady who flew from FL to the islands before joining her husband because she was too pregnant for the rough crossing, but she dived with him.

 

[Lee Taylor]

A few suggestions:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/gr...deo+-+scuba+diving+boynton+beach+florida.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/gr...os-video+-+diving+offshore+charleston+sc.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/gr...b-d351-photos+-+wilmington+nc+dive+boats.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/gr...a+club-d163-video-links+-+key+largo+dive.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/gr...+club-d70-express+watersports+scuba+boat.html