Please help a fellow diver...

[Tamas]

...with picking out a nice little week long dive trip. :14:

I would like to look into heading down south for a little while (7-10 nights) and have narrowed the field down to 3 possible destinations.

a) South East Cuba (Santiago de Cuba area)
b) San Andreas, Columbia
c) Roatán, Honduras

What I am looking for in the trip is simple: great diving, good fun yet cheap. Would like to keep the trip to around $1500 mark. I am definitely not looking for a 5 star hotel where they pamper you to death but rather a cozy/comfy little place with good activities and diving. I don't care if there is no huge pool or activities for kids or a gourmet dining room, heck I would rather go into town and sample the local cuisine then eat at the same buffet day after day. All inclusive, sure but not a must, no need to get drunk nightly or eat til I cannot move.

Also a location where there is some other thing to do as well would be nice, visiting local historical sites, jungle tours, sightseeing, geological or whatnot. (ie: ruins, caves)

For diving I am looking for the good stuff, reefs, walls, nice coral, wrecks - no depth limit.

So if you have any experience or good info on the above destinations, please feel free to chime in and help out so I can finalize the trip.

So in short:
Time: first/second week of February 2006
Price: circa $1500CDN per person (+/- 20%)
Location: see choices above
Hotel: cozy and comfy instead of pampered
Diving: wrecks, reefs, corals, walls, fish of all sizes
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Awaiting your suggestions, recommendation and comments please based on your experience or information - don't be shy, tell me what you know! Better yet, if you have been to these places, please share your experience and details.

[Tamas]

Anyone? Surely some of you have gone diving at these 3 locations and would love to share your comments and experiences.

[webediving]

Try looking into Puerto Rico. I am an instructor form there and we have a web site www.technicaldivingpr.com. You can find a list of friends, Instructors that will help you set things up for free. Tell them Tony sent you.

Happy Diving :)
Tony Cerezo

[Tamas]

Thanks, I might just send them an email....so do tell, what is the diving like around the island?

[lilycat]

Cozumel? Florida?

[diveborg]

Being an American, I'm unfortunately locked out of Cuba diving, but based on a trip report from a friend, that is where I'd go. You can read the trip report yourself. It is on www.awoosh.com

[Tamas]

Cozumel? Florida?

No thanks, would like to venture instead to the selections above.

[Tamas]

Being an American, I'm unfortunately locked out of Cuba diving, but based on a trip report from a friend, that is where I'd go. You can read the trip report yourself. It is on www.awoosh.com (http://www.awoosh.com)

Thanks for that link, I think I will hit him up for a bit of info.

So anyone else out there that would care to share? I realize that a lot of you will not be able to comment on the Cuban part but I am sure a lot of you have been to San Andreas or Roatán, so I urge you to share.

[ronrosa]

I did 4 dives on San Andres this past November. Diving was ok, I wouldn't go out of my way to dive there.

[Tamas]

Calling all divers.....all divers please respond.

ronrosa :: why not? what was the issue?

[DeepBlueDivers]

Hi

I am from Utila, but from the 3 you suggest I would recommend Roatan, look at places like CoCo View.

[scubamickey]

I got your PM so I am answering your question here.

The diving in Cuba is fair. The boats are not allowed to venture more than a few miles off shore and what is there is good but not as good as other places. Also, Cuba is not cheap. Unlike South America, resorts in Cuba are moderate to expensive. I am not familiar with resort in the Santiago area, only in Trinidad and Varadero. But I do know that Cayo Coco is beautiful. If you are looking for spectacular diving at a cheap price I'd have to tell you to go to Roatan.

Even though I can go to Cuba legally, it's never on my travel plans as a diving destination. Only as a "gotta go see family before they die" kind of trips.

If you ever just want a relaxing beach vacation on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, then definitely go to Varadero Beach ( a couple hours north of Habana) or to Cayo Coco.

[diveborg]

Thanks for that link, I think I will hit him up for a bit of info.Actually, it is a "her". Judy writes well and is an even better photographer. She is well traveled and an all around really nice person.

[ronrosa]

Calling all divers.....all divers please respond.

ronrosa :: why not? what was the issue?

No issues or problems. Diving was ok. Animal life was a little low. I wouldn't go there for a dedicated dive vacation.

[RoatanMan]

Anyone? Surely some of you have gone diving at these 3 locations and would love to share your comments and experiences.

Lemmesseeee.... That's $1303.55 in "real" dollars ;)

What? Airfare + Lodging + Ground Transfers + Diving?

That's maybe why no one replied.

Example: CoCoView in Roatan- Air from Houston $700, 7 Nights, tranfers, food, unlimited diving (5x day) $850. $1550, don't know how much it would be from Canada. With what's included, don't know how you could do it cheaper. You get your wrecks, side tripe to ruins. Fish of all sizes? I suppose so, but heavily biased towards the macro. There's something out there besides Groupers, Sharks and Whales.

Just cant do what you asked for the dollars, that's all.

Utila would be cheaper if you are as flexible in accomodations as you suggest.

San Andres? If you think the Roatan airfare was high, buckle your seat belt.

King? This case is closed.

[Tamas]

Lemmesseeee.... That's $1303.55 in "real" dollars ;)

What? Airfare + Lodging + Ground Transfers + Diving?

That's maybe why no one replied.

Example: CoCoView in Roatan- Air from Houston $700, 7 Nights, tranfers, food, unlimited diving (5x day) $850. $1550, don't know how much it would be from Canada. With what's included, don't know how you could do it cheaper. You get your wrecks, side tripe to ruins. Fish of all sizes? I suppose so, but heavily biased towards the macro. There's something out there besides Groupers, Sharks and Whales.

Just cant do what you asked for the dollars, that's all.

Utila would be cheaper if you are as flexible in accomodations as you suggest.

San Andres? If you think the Roatan airfare was high, buckle your seat belt.

King? This case is closed.


Ok now we are talking!

BTW - the initial $1500 + 20% would be close to $1800CAN - which right now is very close to your "real money", heck almost at par.

I like the Roatan idea and will look into it, but I had to set a limit somewhere for the trip, and I figured the $1500 was a good starting point.

So Roatan, do tell......diving, temps, food, accomodations, to do (beside diving), did you mention ruins? Where?

Now what about Utila?

[RoatanMan]

Ok now we are talking!

BTW - the initial $1500 + 20% would be close to $1800CAN - which right now is very close to your "real money", heck almost at par.

I like the Roatan idea and will look into it, but I had to set a limit somewhere for the trip, and I figured the $1500 was a good starting point.

So Roatan, do tell......diving, temps, food, accomodations, to do (beside diving), did you mention ruins? Where?

Now what about Utila?

Roatan can be many things to many people. In reality, it offers little more than great macro critter diving.

I take my time off to dive seriously. I want bulk-pack cubic diving, I stay at CoCoView. It is no problem to get 5x a day. There's a placed 140' wreck 300 feet out in front, lying in 35-65fsw making it a perfect night dive orienation landmark.

I want my meals quick and simple, so I have more time to dive. CCV does this for me, amd it had always provided it better than any other AI resort on Roatan.

You may want some diversions, but undrestand that this is no Cozumel/Cancun set up. The decent restaurants are but three on the island, plus two very NorthAmerican style places. The West End offers lower rates, but be careful of the add ons!

Roatan has a Jungle Canopy Tour (zip line), a miniature gold course and two kinds of beer. Okay, maybe I'm a bit jaded having been there so many times, but honestly, it is no Disneyland... except when you are U/W!

Utila is a whole different kettle of fish. I'll let DeepBlueUtila take that one!

The ruins? Arrange for an inexpensive plane ride and spend an overnight in the "Ruinas" on the mainland.

Most of this is easily available here and on the net. I know that CCV will arrange it for you when you book.

BTW, You still have me corn-fused. If you want to do this for a max of $1800 US you should have no problem.

Anyone else? and bythe way- for $1800 you could do Bonaire. Also great diving and a little bit more topside (not much).

[Drew Sailbum]

OK San Andres, Colombia is my vote.

Meals out and about just don't get much cheaper. Nicest meal I had was at a place called The Gourmet Shop - lasagne, salad, a couple glasses of red wine, and tiramisu for dessert for less than $25USD. There apparently are a few places you could spend more on a meal there, but you'd have to try. Eating typical local fare, a nice lunch could be had for $4US.

Lots of duty free shopping in town if you are so inclined. There are scooter rentals to tour the island and there are a couple of sightseeing spots. The cave of legendary pirate Henry Morgan is there. Take a boat ride over to Johnny Caye for quiet relaxation. Or go see the old Baptist church, a landmark building that guided sailors for many years.

Diving. I thought the coral was beautifully healthy and quite a variety of fish life. Heck, I am a working dive instructor in Grand Cayman, and I thought the San Andres diving comparred very favorably underwater to what I see at home.

Getting there. Shouldn't be a killer. Ask around at the local travel agencies, but apparently there are charter flights non-stop from Toronto in the winter months. Probably cheaper and a lot faster than the Bay Islands to get there.

Hotels. Well I stayed at a place even more basic than what you described. Hotel Delfines seemed nice, or there are several properties under the Decameron name that should offer what you'd like.

Did my diving with San Andres Divers, and I'd highly recommend them again.

[spiderwebb1]

Try Cocoview Resort, Roatan. The staff and diving are excellent! The only thing is the place is probably booked up at this late a date. The resort is all inclusive and mainly adults only. The cost is around 900-1000 all inclusive. It includes 3 meals per day (no alcohol) and a boat dive with drop off at a wall and the same for the afternoon daily, with all the shore diving you could want.

[Allison Finch]

Why no Coz or Cayman? Been all over the caribbean and still like those. Coz is already diving, although the choice of resorts is limited right now. Good cenotes/caves are nearby as well as great ruins. The three Caymans is also nice. Coz is pretty cheap too.

[jaydub]

why not belize?

[tiburon72157]

First, its Colombia not Columbia. Stick to Roatan...of the three, it is the best equipped for diving, has better dive spots and is the least dangerous for foreign travelers.

[carolhd]

I would take Roatan off your list, we booked for two weeks about a month ago and had to split our time between two resorts in order to get a reservation for the first two weeks of February, it was completely sold out until April. Also, with flight, our two week trip is about 4500 US (we're from Ontario) and we are using air miles for most of our flights. This is a costly destination. Hope this is helpful.

[Tamas]

Cozumel? Florida?

Out of my budget based on internet pricing, and lot of resorts are not fully operational yet.

Florida - been there done that a few times, but if all else fails might go do Blackbeards again


why not belize?

Out of budget, dive packages start at $1300US + flight, not going to happen.


So far Cuba is the cheapest, so might stick to that.

[Tamas]

I would take Roatan off your list, we booked for two weeks about a month ago and had to split our time between two resorts in order to get a reservation for the first two weeks of February, it was completely sold out until April. Also, with flight, our two week trip is about 4500 US (we're from Ontario) and we are using air miles for most of our flights. This is a costly destination. Hope this is helpful.

Are you serious? When I spoke to Fantasy Island they a few days ago they said they had plenty spots open.

And 4500 is waaay to much!

[diverrick]

Go to Roatan. It is all you mention you wanted. and the diving cannot be any better IMHO

[penti]

Roatan : you don't have to go all inclusive !!

a night at Milka's on the West end is 8 dollars per pax. nice big double room with fan, shared big kitchen and bathroom (very clean, nice) for 2 rooms. Very nice place .
If you want a cheaper place, you have dorms at Valerie's for $5/day, but it's not worth the 3 dollars saved if you are not travelling solo.

If you cook once a day + breakfast and eat out once a day it will cost you about 7 - 10 more bucks per pax.

that makes about 15 to 20 dollars/person/day.

each dive is $20, so make your calculations !
if you absolutely want to do 5 dives/day everyday (which means you'll be diving all day long and nothing else) , then it's only gonna be slightly more expensive to stay in an all inclusive place such as Coco View. ( I'd say boycott Anthony's key, the only ones to feed the fishes... )

If, like I did, you want an average of 3 dives a day (with time to relax and take it easy a bit more), a week is going to cost you about $500 to $600 non all- inclusive (21 dives, nice place to stay, good food and a few soft drinks and beers every day).

Utila is cheaper. rooms as cheap as $3 per person, dives are $17.50. (I recommand staying at the Keys with captain Morgan's, very relaxed, nice place, friendly people, good snorkelling)

[Tamas]

Well since I cannot find some decent rates on travel + hotel (especially flights) that would fit into my budget I think I will have to expand my search a bit.

How about Costa Rica? Any comments on that? What is one to expect? Where is a good spot?

ps. Yes I know I keep changing my mind, but I never thought it would be this hard to find something decent?!

[spiderwebb1]

We returned from Costa Rica November 1 this year and had a decent trip. We dove on the Pacific side.See posting:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=121444

[Tamas]

We returned from Costa Rica November 1 this year and had a decent trip. We dove on the Pacific side.See posting:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=121444

Yes I saw you report, that is how I got the idea. Looks promising

[jneelycd]

Cuba's Isle of Youth is GREAT, but it's on the southWEST side.
CoCoView Roatan has the most return biz of the whole Carribean, except maybe, Cozumel. But it's not near as crowded.

[Jetwrench]

Sounds like Bonaire to me! If you kept it off your list for $ or whatever, you should reconsider your choices. Bonaire can be done on a budget.

Jet

[rockbeauty]

I would support everybody who suggested Roatan or Utila. Like Penti said (I suggest that to him before he went and he liked it as well apparently), you can go on Jewel caye from Utila by diving with captain morgan's, room with bath (cold water) 5$ per person, food cost about 4$ (lasagna, salad and beer), 2$ fro breakfast, 38$ for two dives...that's one of the cheapest deal in the world (with some other places in Asia) but it is a bit backpacker style (bed not that comfy and no charm to the room) but atmosphere is really nice.
In Roatan, I stayed at a higher range place (still low for a lot of people but not for me!!) which was pretty and nice, posada arco isis in west end 35$/night. Diving in Roatan was a little better than Utila I would say thoigh less chances to see whale shark (I saw one in Utila last april). Food is more expensive but you can manage to eat hamburgers or sandwiches if your not too difficult...your budget is very low by the way for two weeks of diving...I am cheap and I can never spend less than 2500 CAD for two weeks diving everyday...anyway, west end is nice and Jewel caye as well (though there is not a lot to do else there).
Fantasy island offer usually a week all include for about 590 U$ + taxes so that could fit your deal if you save on the second week...
If you are really interested in Belize, I think you could maybe manage to go there as well if you dive less and the flight is cheaper. I paid about the same for accomodation and food than Roatan but the diving was more expensive (discount if you have your equipment).

[HobokenDiveAddict]

I am going to echo Jetwrench and RoatanMan on this one. My girfriend and I just did 10 days on Bonaire and the grand total was about $2400 usd for the whole vacation. We could have actually paid less considering we paid for a boat dive package and didnt use most of our boat dives cause we loved the shore diving so much. We stayed at http://deepblueview.com/ and the place was great, the owners Esther and Menno were incredibly friendly and accomodating, and a car and really great breakfast were included. We didnt do much topside but we did go to Washington-Slagbaai National Park the day before we flew and it was a very cool (although long and hot--bring plenty of water) land tour. There is a casino as well but we didnt actually go to it. We liked it so much that we were going to head back to the Deep Blue View at the end of January but decided to try someplace different and head over to Grand Cayman instead, however we will be heading back some time in 2006. Hope this helps!

[Tamas]

I would love to do Bonaire, I do not have the $2400 for it, but the budget accommodations idea sounds ok.

But the biggest problem I run into is finding flights from Toronto down - heck most of the time just the flight is close to the $2k mark with 3-4 transfers along the way

[HobokenDiveAddict]

Just to clarify that was $2400 for both of us, not each but we got a MUCH better flight deal!

[whoahorse]

I read this thread and I am just about sold on Utila!!!

Thanks for all the replys to the poster, this thread really helped me!

Weezy

[spiderwebb1]

Try Happy Holiday Homes in Bonaire. The diving is with Photo Tours. You can check out their rates through http://bonairepros.com/bonaire_diving_rates.php. This includes the bungalow, truck and unlimited shore diving. The bungalows are very clean and nice. I feel you can't beat the prices, very reasonable.

[webediving]

Tamas,
Sorry been out for a while. Just got a dive report from the guys in PR yesterday. They went to Pargera(West side of the island) and vis. was 100+ ft and the wall dive was incredible. The conditions are excellent and the dive was $60.00 for two boat dive one @150 and the 2nd 70'. I will be in PR fot the week of Jan 6 to 22. If you are interested let us know. I sent an e-mail to let them know you might be calling.

T

[AZLAR]

roatan....Anthony's key resort

[Tamas]

Well it is settled and taken care of. We are heading to Bonaire for a week of bliss.....and the best part is that I managed to do it all for my original budget!!! :D Took a bit of work, calls, emails (thanks Liz) and hair pulling.....but we are going at the end of the month. Thanks to all of you that helped out and chimed in with suggestions.

Only 18 more sleeps :D

[buddydiver66]

Ever tried a live aboard? My family and I are going on the Nekton Rorqual out of Georgetown Cayman for a week of May 13th-20th of nothing but diving. It is all inclusive the only thing you have to bring is you, your gear and your drinks. We have a discounted price of $1855 per person which is a $400 savings since we reserved ten spots last month. We need at least one more person but can take two at that price. If you dont know about Nekton dive cruises give it a look at www.nektoncruises.com. If want more info give me an email at matt99gators@yahoo.com.

[Tamas]

Just got in from Bonaire about 45 minutes ago.....will have a full trip report tomorrow of the good and the *bad*!