3 Months of Diving - Where would you go?

[nereas]

I would go to Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Besides scuba, there are many other activities as well, such as hiking, volcanoes, caves, horseback riding, snorkeling, spinner dolphins, surfing, etc. at Kona.

Regarding price, Mexico would be half as much as Hawaii, although you would need to cover a lot of territory in Mexico to find the same various activities that are in Kona.

Everything else outside of the USA is at least twice as expensive as Hawaii.

If you go to your local Barnes & Noble, etc., you can find travel guides that describe local facilities. And your local scuba store should have guides for various locations on scuba. You would need to surf the websites of the various dive boats, guides, and hotels to ascertain current prices, etc.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

How about the ABC Islands. I would split the time between Bonaire and Curcao. Prices are reasonable and the diving is great. Lots of good places to eat, Not too much for big long beaches though. In Bonaire we paid $150 a week for unlimited Nitrox (Air was $125) then shore dive. I think the time you are looking for is the low season so it shouldn't be crowded.

Good luck and have a great time.

edited for spelling

 

[peterbj7]

You forgot to mention cleaning boat bottoms.

 

[Blackrock]

Look up the PPD, Philippine Paradise Divers if you are interested.

Dennis -Do you by chance know the website for PPD? I did a google search but didn't come up with anything on the first few pages of results.

 

[Hank49]

PPD is a forum right here on Scubaboard. Go to "forums" and scroll down to the locations. SE Asia and the subforum Philippine Paradise Divers.

 

[sandboader73]

We are from eugene and were wondering about the same places. We like to plan ahead so our trip won't be until jan2009. If you don't mind will you let us know the best deal on the air flight.Thanx

 

[drbill]

I spent three months backpacking and diving around the Pacific (SE Asia, Australia/NZ, Fiji, Cook Islands, Tahiti) all for $4,500 including all airfare, accommodations and meals, beer, diving, rental gear, gifts, etc. Of course this was in 2001 before the plummeting dollar, but airfare packages for such travel are still in the $2,000 range at some of the air consolidators. PM me if you want to know about the one I used.

 

[tadeotadeo]

Hard to get to but cheap living, plenty of diving and safe
Old Providence and Santa Catalina

The last natural refuge in The Caribbean


Seemingly lost in place and time,
blissfully bypassed by frantic mass tourism and resort development,
the islands of Old Providence and its sister island, Santa Catalina, are a cherished paradise of beauty, tranquility and authenticity.
Old Providence and Santa Catalina are the epitome of pristine,
unspoiled,
authentic Caribbean life.

The diving is the island's major attraction, boasting the world’s third largest reef eco-system and the Caribbean’s second largest. These 100 square miles of reefs surrounding Old Providence are the nucleus of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve consisting of 10% of the Caribbean.
The dry tropical rain forest,
deep sea fishing,
hiking,
horseback riding
and beach combing all vie for second position.
For anyone seeking more than that, this destination is not it.
No five star hotels, in fact, no stars.
No casino,
no nightclub,
no nothing.
And therein lies its charm and beauty.
Here is one place where the absence of amenities allows the visitor to get to know this charming island’s natural beauty and its people.

 

[dashark]

I would go to Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Besides scuba, there are many other activities as well, such as hiking, volcanoes, caves, horseback riding, snorkeling, spinner dolphins, surfing, etc. at Kona.

Regarding price, Mexico would be half as much as Hawaii, although you would need to cover a lot of territory in Mexico to find the same various activities that are in Kona.

Everything else outside of the USA is at least twice as expensive as Hawaii.

If you go to your local Barnes & Noble, etc., you can find travel guides that describe local facilities. And your local scuba store should have guides for various locations on scuba. You would need to surf the websites of the various dive boats, guides, and hotels to ascertain current prices, etc.

I would agree. The diving isn't real cheap, but, it is offset by a lot of good shorediving.With 3 months to kill, you will need a lot of options. The Big Island has soo much to see topside.
you also have the opportunity to island hop and do some diving on the other islands. i have always wanted to go to kauai and get out to nihau. Hit and miss trip with weather, but, you have three months.
Not to mention a side trip to maui, and molokai......
I don't know what your travel experiences are, but, 3 months can be a long time for some folks to be in a third world country. Remaining in the states has its advantages....
Whatever your choice I only have one thing to say:

LUCKY.....

 

[Kupu]

Without hesitation, I recommend spending time in the Philippines and/or Indonesia. Great people and great diving, 3 months will only ripple the surface of the possibilities.