Recommend me a trip as a new diver

[FreqFlier]

Most of abovementioned placed are for divers with at least few dozens of dives.
Sandals?

 

[DreadnoughtNH]

Patty does a Buoyancy class that's worth attending, (she's the owner of the PADI shop); I attended it both times I was there. The shop's small, but has just about anything you'd need in it.

Her class needs to be recorded and submitted as a 'standard' for teaching buoyancy. It's short, fun, extremely educational, and you can put the tips/tricks into effect immediately in the front yard. I've been to CCV 4 times, and repeat the class each time; I always take away something new.

 

[rhwestfall]

Curacao and shore diving with the Dive Bus!

 

[Tadpole Frogfish]

Most of abovementioned placed are for divers with at least few dozens of dives.
Sandals?

Cuba.

Sandals is only for honeymooners contemplating throwing children in their pool for some bubblemaking.

 

[drrich2]

If you are new to traveling outside the U.S., I'd suggest joining a dive group trip, such as might be organized by a local dive shop. Turquoise Bay Resort in Roatan is a popular destination for those, or has been in the past, and it gets good reviews. I enjoyed CocoView Resort, as others have.

I'm going to post some links to old trip reports and research notes on some destinations that've been mentioned.

CocoView Trip Report May 2021 - Trip Report - CocoView Resort May 8-15, 2021

My Research Notes from planning a Roatan Trip - My Research Notes from Planning Roatan Trip

My Research Notes for Bonaire - My Research Note For Bonaire

8 Day Trip Report: Sand Dollar, Dive Friends

2022 Trip Report Bonaire Trip Report - V.I.P. Divers/Aqua Viva Suites

Curacao Trip Research Notes

Curacao Trip Report with SB Surge Jan. 2019

Tres Pelicanos & Casa Mexicana, Cozumel Sept. 2018 Report - Tres Pelicanos/Casa Mexican Trip Report Sept. 2018

My Research Notes from Planning Cozumel Trip - My Research Notes from Planning Cozumel Trip

Any of the 3 Cayman Islands could be good.

Richard.

 

[drrich2]

Sandals is only for honeymooners contemplating throwing children in their pool for some bubblemaking.

Sandals has a minimum age (I think 16?); their sibling organization for families is Beaches.

In past discussion on the forum, I got the impression Sandals tended toward rather short dives (not sure how location specific that is), and it didn't sound like something I'd pick. When I looked at their packages in the past, I considered them quite expensive (I don't drink alcohol, so less value for me). If Sandals is of interest, be sure to read some trip reports on the specific location you're interested in so you know what you're getting into. I've never been, just trying to sum up from what others have shared. A forum Search for 'Sandals' ought to get your first hand accounts.

 

[FreqFlier]

Sandals is only for honeymooners contemplating throwing children in their pool for some bubblemaking

Sandals is adults only.

It is not a great "diving" resort, but quite a few of my friends loved it. Laid back, DM included dives, great equipment, top notch boats. Technically speaking, prefect for newbies. IMHO

 

[Mychelle]

Definitely agree with Roatan and Bonaire. I went to Cozumel shortly after certifying. I had a great time. Regardless of where you choose, definitely be upfront and honest about your skill/comfort level.

If renting gear, be sure to check it out thoroughly.

 

[Joaz Banbeck]

I second the recommendation that you NOT try a liveaboard yet. You are bound to have problems as a beginner, and you don't want to be the guy trapped on a boat with a bunch of people who think - with some justification - that you are too inexperienced to be their buddy.
If you stick to day trips, you can often buddy up with the DM, or at least have the DM watch over you.

I also second the recommendation for Cozumel. They have some very easy dives, drifting along at 40 feet. There are two good things about this for a beginner:
1) When you are drifting, there is one less thing to do - no significant swimming - and you can focus more on buoyancy and air usage and all the other technical practices that will make you a safe diver.
2) Much of the diving can be done above 60 feet, so you can do an emergency ascent if you have to. ( This is a last-ditch action. It spoils the dive for other people, and thus it is only slighty preferable to drowning. )

Budget notes about Cozumel: Fly direct if you can afford it. Dive with Aldora if you can.
Often it is cheaper to fly into Cancun, stay in/near Playa del Carmen, and take the ferry across to dive with non-Aldora dive ops.