Which Sandals Resort has the best scuba diving?

[balimeri]

I've wanted a Sandals honeymoon for as long as I can remember, and while I'm aware Sandals Resorts aren't known for their especially good diving, I love scuba diving and I'm glad there will still be that option (though it will be completely different from an actual scuba diving vacation - this I know). I'm still a new diver but I've enjoyed multiple dives in beautiful Papua New Guinea, near Madang area, which was absolutely 100% beautiful. Scuba diving in just a tanktop and shorts, perfectly clear water, gentle currents, lots of wildlife, barely any garbage... I've never been to the Caribbean, so I was wondering if any of you scuba diving veterans can give me tips about any of the diving sites near the following Sandals Resorts:

Bahamas
1) Emerald Bay
2) Bahamian

Antigua
3) Grande Antigua

St. Lucia
4) Grande St. Lucian
5) La Toc
6) Halcyon Beach

Jamaica
7) Whitehouse
8) Royal Plantation
9) Royal Caribbean
10) Negril
11) Montego Bay
12) Grande Riviera
13) Carlyle

I've been hearing the scuba diving in Jamaica is negligent - out of all the Jamaican resorts, which one offers the best scuba diving? I also hear St. Lucia scuba diving is pretty good - the best out of all the Sandals? Which of these locations would be a little chilly for scuba diving, say, around May?

Thanks for any information you guys have to offer!

 

[Doc]

I can't give specific comparisons. I don't think that anyone with your South Pacific log book and dive history has been to more than one Sandals- so I think that any "comparisons" that you might get should be tempered accordingly.

I did once speak with one of their corporate SCUBA program managers and she described the dives as 30 minutes BT and appropriate for both Discover Scuba as well as OW Certs on same boat.

Enjoy your honeymoon, there are other things to do besides SCUBA dive.

 

[fda483]

Hi

Have been to #1, 3, and 5. None of those or for that matter none on that list can compare to the places you have been diving period. That said, we always have a blast at Sandals. Loved Emerald Bay and Antigua. The water and beach at EBR is outstanding. The night life and restaurants at Antigua are a little better than Emerald Bay. In either case if you can swing it get a butler room. The service is awesome, while Sandals wont admit it they definitely cater to guests who spring for the butler rooms.

As for the diving Sandals caters to the casual vacation diver. That is fine as long as it matches your expectations. Most gusts dive once or twice a year and have limited skills. So all dived are lead and have limited bottom time. But its always fine to get wet. Enjoy your honeymoon. If you have any specific questions drop me a note.

Joe

 

[ScubaSteve1962]

I've never been to Sandals but I've been in the vicinity of one in Ochos Rios, and Negril. Negril was better. The Bahamas would probably be your best bet to see a lot of sea life.

 

[Ravzie]

I have only been to Emerald. It was a lovely resort. Their focus is not diving and if you are expecting a dive vacation, you may be disappointed. But if you want a very nice beach resort vacation and maybe do a dive or two, then you would be very happy there. The whole personal butler thing they have going on is pretty cool! Ours were awesome and were worth the tips we gave at the end.

 

[mikeycanuk]

Any Beaches or Sandals is not going to cater to serious divers. You are there to other things that will lead from a Sandals vacation to a Beaches one forever after.....


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[CanadianTravelAgent]

I'd be happy to help you play your Sandals Honeymoon. I am a Sandals Certified Specialist and I love this line of resorts because they really do go above and beyond to ensure that the clients are happy! As others have pointed out, you don't go to a Sandals for a diving vacation, but if you've already decided to go, the benefit of having some diving included is amazing.

In the Sandals chain, I would say the best diving would be Emerald Bay or St. Lucia. I would skip Jamaica if diving is of interest to you.

Something else to consider would be Beaches Turks and Caicos. They do a lot of honeymoon trips even though it is a family resort (owned by Sandals and pretty much works the same way except there are all ages there). There are lots of areas where you can enjoy peace and quiet. Tons of restaurants. Amazing food. Amazing beach and great diving (if you like sharks especially). The downfall is the boat ride can be a little long and the walls start around 50 - 60 feet so you'll want to get your advanced diver certification before going.

Any of these locations would have nice water temperatures in May. Of course, the further south you go the warmer it will be!

Let me know if I can be of any assistance to you!

Christy

 

[Michael Samdahl]

Samdahl’s Bahamas has been the best and the dive boat is right on property. Everyone who has been to 8 or more sandals say it can’t be better than here. Look at our blue hole dive!

 

[ibj40]

We got married at the Couples Negril in 2003, and dove during our trip. We've been back 2008, 2013, and 2015 and will be returning this December.

Clearly can't say anything about Sandals as a resort, but can certainly endorse Negril as a dive destination out of those locations you listed.

 

[diversteve]

this thread was so Six years ago...