Why are scuba holiday packages so expensive?

[chris kippax]

The OP could indulge is some more local diving. I could spend several weeks a year diving the jetties of South Australia and the dives/memories would be comparable to an over seas holiday. Australia is a large place with a lot of good diving and if he thinks Bali is expensive than no one can help him. Wait til he researches PNG, Raja or Cocos

 

[Shasta_man]

Must have been one of them "millenials" we always hear so much about, but only for a few mins because the next thought enters their head. "Trip prices are ridiculously expensive!", but "in my 0-24 dives experience I know that I must only use the finest gear and will not tolerate anything less around me" and "I need this $1200 dive computer to be streamlined in the water", and if you guys are going to talk about the real value for more than 3 seconds, I am OUTTA HERE. Too hilarious.

 

[outofofficebrb]

Indonesia diving on a per tank basis is not as inexpensive as you would think despite your perception of the country. Think about how much per tank multiplied by 3 tanks plus the transfers and hotel you are getting with breakfast. It’s not outrageous at $200 but you can definitely get lower by piecing your own itinerary and picking your own accommodations, etc. even if dives are 40-50 per tank doing 3 per day will run you $120-150. That leaves $50-80 for breakfast and a hotel with transfers between each place. Not as bad of a deal as you think. You often get snacks and lunch on dayboats between tanks. You also get a divemaster/dive guide. It’s not just a water taxi. There’s a captain and the deck hands that get you out on the water and help you. If you want cheaper, consider the Philippines. You can get $25-30 dives per tank with nitrox and if you are willing to go for more basic (sometimes read: sketchier) shops and no nitrox, even less.

I did 6 nights, 4 dives a day, private round trip transfers to PG from Manila in Philippines, full
board in an ocean view room with AC and private bathroom with concierge diving and nitrox all week for $1200. Indonesia diving was more expensive on a per tank basis both liveaboard and land based. Sorry.

I think you will be disappointed to hear the prices for common diving packages in highly rated or well regarded dive destinations if you are having sticker shock now. prepare yourself!

 

[WetPup]

Crappy AUD exchange rate at the moment. Diving overseas isn't always so expensive. You gotta time it right.

Same applies for any overseas travel from Australia. Your timing is inconvenient, but you'll figure that out the longer you travel. It is what it is. You suck it up and pay it or you have a whinge, protest about how expensive it is, and don't go anywhere.