Something different In the Caribbean??

[AZ_Zoner]

My wife and I are looking for some place different. We have been diving for over twenty five years and have been to many places. Cozumel, Bonaire, Roatan, Caymans Brac, Belize, Bahamas, Florida Keys. Many place multiple times.

I have been looking for some place new and just can’t settle on a place. We’ve looked at Grand Turk, Ambergris but feel they may be similar to where we’ve been. I’ve read threads for days now and haven’t been able to dial in a place. It’s a toss up on our favorite place. Bonaire, Light House Reef Resort Belize, or Cayman Brac.

We don’t need a lot of night life. We don’t need a dive crew, just a boat and captain to get us to the spots. Dive sites are important to us. We’ve seen a lot and we want a place that will impress us. A wreck or two would be nice. Top side attractions would be nice too. We hike, bike and my wife loves to shop. Maybe off the beaten path? We don't mind a taking a few days to get to a place.

We’re trying to go around the end of Feb.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks for any info

Craig

 

[smatterchu]

Well, first let me say that I haven't been here yet, but it's on the top of our short list...it just seems so different from the touristy vacation sites...

Actually, we have a timeshare exchange set up for 2008 where we will stay in St. Maarten so we can boat over and stay at Saba for a few days. DH discovered it in a travel book, and we can't wait to see it.

http://www.seasaba.com/MainPages/WhySaba.htm

f you're looking for a franchised resort, casinos, shopping malls and direct flights from every major city, Saba is not for you. Instead click here for the CHA website to locate one of those Caribbean islands. Instead, if you're looking for a unique experience on an island where 50 tourists is a busy week, hiking and relaxing are considered things to do and there's world class diving, read on!

©John Magor​

​

Don't take our word
Read "what the experts say" about Saba's Marine Environment​

Although the little island of Saba is considered a remote, exotic destination it is by no means "third world". Saba is old fashioned but not impoverished or considered a risk destination. ​

Saba, an exotic alternative within your reach​

Saba proudly declares itself "The Unspoiled Queen" referring to her unspoiled nature and inhabitants. The best way to describe this unique island with only 1400 people is to list our "have nots". Saba has no crime, no high rises, no traffic or traffic lights, no pesty insects, no crowds, no fast food restaurants, no casinos, no cruise ships. Oh, and we almost forgot, no beaches. Instead Saba's guests enjoy a choice of small, family-run hotels and private cottages within quaint villages among friendly locals. Diving is conducted under the auspices of the Saba Marine Park, a model park recognized for its success in protecting the marine environment. A six-man hyperbaric facility is located at our Fort Bay Harbor only 10-15 minutes from most dive sites. Topside Saba is protected by the Saba Conservation Foundation with only a small percentage of the island 'developed' for residential and commercial needs. Ten to fifteen restaurants offer an array of cuisine from outdoor barbeques to fine dining, all at reasonable prices. Saba even has an ATM, decent cell phone coverage, its own ISP, and even a "high speed" internet cafe. Considering Saba for a family trip? Our new webpage "Are Your Kids Ready to Dive?" addresses the issues of kids learning to dive but also a broader question of things for kids to do while you're diving...

 

[MaresMan1]

AZ,

I know how you feel as my wife and I are running into the same issues.

However, one place you left off of your list is St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Check in at Dive St.Vincent and talk to Bill Tewes (Toos), he will definately show you guys a good time.

Diving is really good and you can choose from a number of sites in the Grenadines if you don't mind a short sail, see some old pirates sites or muck dive with tiny creatures. Beautiful flora and fauna above and below the surface.

Top side offers some really nice sites also (Falls of Baliene, Mesapotamia Valley for hiking and wild volcanic black beaches).

Good luck in your search, diving and vacation.

www.divestvincent.com

Dive Smart; Dive Safe
Enjoy the ride
MM1

 

[H2Andy]

hmmm... how about Saba or Tobago?

 

[Dave Zimmerly]

...Dominica?

Dave (aka "Squirt")

 

[Doc]

Top side attractions would be nice too. We hike, bike and my wife loves to shop. Maybe off the beaten path?

Mutualy exclusive to better diving.

Unsure of your post wording. If you haven't been to Bonaire, go now.

I agree with Andy, Tobago is the shiznits. :14: (at least as far as places go that don't require a float plane)

 

[hlcdlc]

Not a lot to do topside, but the BVI is wonderful, easy diving. Great reefs, some cool wrecks (and of course the RMS Rhone). VERY uncommercial.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

[/QUOTE]A wreck or two would be nice. Top side attractions would be nice too. We hike, bike and my wife loves to shop

Give Aruba a look. Most of the diving is wreck diving. There is a ton of shopping on the island and you could do a different tour of something everyday for about 2 weeks.
There are a couple of small dive op's that only take a maximum of 5 divers out at a time. I always go with nativedivers. divearuba is also very well liked on this board

 

[AZ_Zoner]

Wow, Thanks for all the quick responces everyone, You have given us a several places to research.

Thanks again

Craig

 

[trigfunctions]

I'll second Saba and Dominica. They are both incredible.