Hi everyone,
I have lurked here occasionally, but this is my first post. My husband and I along with our 2 sons (ages 16 and 19) are interested in a vacation for August. We are all certified divers, but 3 of the 4 of us are novices - thus, looking for warm, clear, easy dives where we can see a lot without too much difficulty. In addition, while we will likely do 2-3 days of diving (and a couple may do more), we are interested in a vacation with other activity options as well - don't want a "just dive" spot. We love good food and wine, hiking, nice beach, and general fun and exploration. I prefer moderate to upscale accommodations - it doesn't have to be ultra-deluxe, but I do like nice.
In some combination, we have have done some diving and/or snorkeling in Islamorada, Bonaire, Belize (Ambergris), Santorini, and the BVI's. I have also been to Grand Cayman and Cozumel/Riviera Maya area. I am willing to consider the Keys or Caribbean or Mexico again, but would also like to consider some other options, especially as August falls within Hurricane season there. Maybe Caymans? Maybe Turks and Caicos? Others?
We love to travel and explore and we like to visit new places. I think something super exotic will be outside of our time and budget (like Indonesia/Malaysia/Maldives....), but we are open to all ideas. We have never been to Hawaii and thought that might be a good option, BUT I don't know anything about diving there. What island(s) do you all suggest for great family diving? Is Hawaii a good choice?
We fly out of the DC area (Dulles 1st choice but also Reagan or BWI possible).
I hope that is enough info to guide you in making some suggestions for both destination and possibly accommodation and/or outfitter. Thanks in advance for any assistance you may be able to provide!
I have lurked here occasionally, but this is my first post. My husband and I along with our 2 sons (ages 16 and 19) are interested in a vacation for August. We are all certified divers, but 3 of the 4 of us are novices - thus, looking for warm, clear, easy dives where we can see a lot without too much difficulty. In addition, while we will likely do 2-3 days of diving (and a couple may do more), we are interested in a vacation with other activity options as well - don't want a "just dive" spot. We love good food and wine, hiking, nice beach, and general fun and exploration. I prefer moderate to upscale accommodations - it doesn't have to be ultra-deluxe, but I do like nice.
In some combination, we have have done some diving and/or snorkeling in Islamorada, Bonaire, Belize (Ambergris), Santorini, and the BVI's. I have also been to Grand Cayman and Cozumel/Riviera Maya area. I am willing to consider the Keys or Caribbean or Mexico again, but would also like to consider some other options, especially as August falls within Hurricane season there. Maybe Caymans? Maybe Turks and Caicos? Others?
We love to travel and explore and we like to visit new places. I think something super exotic will be outside of our time and budget (like Indonesia/Malaysia/Maldives....), but we are open to all ideas. We have never been to Hawaii and thought that might be a good option, BUT I don't know anything about diving there. What island(s) do you all suggest for great family diving? Is Hawaii a good choice?
We fly out of the DC area (Dulles 1st choice but also Reagan or BWI possible).
I hope that is enough info to guide you in making some suggestions for both destination and possibly accommodation and/or outfitter. Thanks in advance for any assistance you may be able to provide!