Help choosing a place to go?

I have posted in another thread and also am posting here. I am looking at booking my trip to the carib. for next year already and would like you to give some input. Everyone has their own opinion it seems on which place is the best. I am looking for a place that caters to having some fun when not diving as during my ten day stay I will dive about 4 days and relax the other 6. I need a good diving place with good vis.(at least 80ft) and also that has good shore diving for the days I can dive when I just feel like it. I will go in June or July or even Aug. if necessary. I would like some nightlife for dancing and fun and even some casino action if it is around. I want a place the hell away from teens and rowdies and we just got back from Cancun and I hate teens after my experience their. To many teens just spoils the fun. Money is not a concern as long as I keep my arms and legs. Where would I find a place like this. Thanks

Scotty have you had a look at Grand Cayman. The diving is great and because it is a little higher end, you don't find the teen element unless they are their with the parents but that keeps you a little calmer, at least it did when I was a teen.

There are some great night clubs and bars but sorry, no casinos

I think you will find some of the best shore dives arround with many spectacular wall dives accessible from shore if you know where to go. My favorites are Babaloon and the french quarter. If I remember correctly, the wall starts around 50ft or so

If you want some maps to these shore dives have a look at Cayman Offshore Diving Guide

check out the Rennaissance hotel on st thomas...with the chris sawyer dive shop...

and the westin resort on st john....

Rich once bubbled...
check out the Rennaissance hotel on st thomas...with the chris sawyer dive shop...

Click to expand...

I was originally certified by Chris Sawyer back in 91 and have stayed at that hotel and have dove with Chris Sawyer's operation at least 5 or 6 times...we've been there so often its hard to remember.

I would recommend both the hotel and the dive op 110%. Collectively, my dad, my two brothers, and I have probably logged close to 150 dives with those guys and never an issue.

Things I really like about them:

• Boats are small - approx. 6 passengers in a bigger than 6-pack boat
• If you are diving with them for the week and pre-arrange, they definitely try to put a plan together for you so that you don't just dive one side of the island (for instance)
• There are so many islands in and around there...there is always a leeward dive site to be found
• Very diverse diving...lots of reefs...if you get sick of reefs, motor out an hour to the BVI and dive the wreck of the RMS Rhone
• The staff is just great...ultra-courteous

The hotel...the same

Don't get me wrong, I love the Caymans and you'll never have a bad time there, but the Virgins...IMHO...too sweet!

PM if you have any questions.

Grand Cayman is a great place to go. But no casinos. If you want casino action Aruba has that.

Curacao has great diving plus casinos. Aruba diving not as good (although not bad) but has better nightlife than Curacao. Both places probably have fewer teens than Cancun. My preference is for Curacao, since the island has a bit more diversity than Aruba, and is not so touristy.

Scubamax