amw5g
Contributor
We are trying to figure out where to go for a December 2014 (~20th-30th) dive trip. We're focusing on the warm Southeast Asia and Pacific, but that's about as far as we've gotten. I have an estimated budget pulled together, if that's relevant.
Primary goals include someplace off the beaten path, diver-centric, eco-friendly. You know, something really indicative of the people and their culture . Preferably land-based because one of us gets sea-sick and we're unsure how well alive-a-board would play out. We're open to being convinced that a live-a-board is workable. We don't really go in for nightlife or drinking, so that kind of topside activity isn't a priority. While we have about a hundred dives under our belts, we're not looking for negative entries or super fast current. Backrolls and drift dives are fine, however. Short boat rides would be a plus (<1hr), again due to the sea-sickness. Our preference is shallower dives for the enhanced color and longer bottom time, but are AOW/EAN certified with experience down to 30m. Big animals would be great- particularly mantas and sharks. Small dive groups (6-8) suit us well, however we always make use of any guides/DMs that are provided.
We've been looking at:
Yap- mantas and mandarin fish! But all the videos I've seen make the coral look in poor health; is that the case? Is the ETG casino/hotel moving forward- we won't go if construction will be underway. Really hard to get there from our location in Florida, but we could make it work with some teeth gritting.
Palau- not sure what to think of Palau, other than it does get many good recommendations. Travel could be just as touchy as Yap.
Andamans- the missus is big on this one and the prices are very compelling. No commercial fishing and unspoilt by human hands suggests pristine conditions. Coral bleaching sounds pretty grim down to 15m. Boat rides could be long, but if it the reward is great, could be worth it. What is the opportunity for big animals here during December?
Fiji- I like the sound of Raviravi; sharks seem likely but not much else big-animal-wise.
We visited the Maldives a few years back (Vilamendhoo) and really enjoyed that. The remoteness, the beauty, the food, the excitement of a seaplane. Vila had a great house reef, but if we did it again, we'd probably opt for more boat dives. No whale sharks on our visit , but one manta that we got to snorkel with serendipitously during a surface interval. We'd like to recreate some of that excitement and awesome beauty on our next trip.
Your thoughts and suggestions are much appreciated as we continue to research.
Primary goals include someplace off the beaten path, diver-centric, eco-friendly. You know, something really indicative of the people and their culture . Preferably land-based because one of us gets sea-sick and we're unsure how well alive-a-board would play out. We're open to being convinced that a live-a-board is workable. We don't really go in for nightlife or drinking, so that kind of topside activity isn't a priority. While we have about a hundred dives under our belts, we're not looking for negative entries or super fast current. Backrolls and drift dives are fine, however. Short boat rides would be a plus (<1hr), again due to the sea-sickness. Our preference is shallower dives for the enhanced color and longer bottom time, but are AOW/EAN certified with experience down to 30m. Big animals would be great- particularly mantas and sharks. Small dive groups (6-8) suit us well, however we always make use of any guides/DMs that are provided.
We've been looking at:
Yap- mantas and mandarin fish! But all the videos I've seen make the coral look in poor health; is that the case? Is the ETG casino/hotel moving forward- we won't go if construction will be underway. Really hard to get there from our location in Florida, but we could make it work with some teeth gritting.
Palau- not sure what to think of Palau, other than it does get many good recommendations. Travel could be just as touchy as Yap.
Andamans- the missus is big on this one and the prices are very compelling. No commercial fishing and unspoilt by human hands suggests pristine conditions. Coral bleaching sounds pretty grim down to 15m. Boat rides could be long, but if it the reward is great, could be worth it. What is the opportunity for big animals here during December?
Fiji- I like the sound of Raviravi; sharks seem likely but not much else big-animal-wise.
We visited the Maldives a few years back (Vilamendhoo) and really enjoyed that. The remoteness, the beauty, the food, the excitement of a seaplane. Vila had a great house reef, but if we did it again, we'd probably opt for more boat dives. No whale sharks on our visit , but one manta that we got to snorkel with serendipitously during a surface interval. We'd like to recreate some of that excitement and awesome beauty on our next trip.
Your thoughts and suggestions are much appreciated as we continue to research.