Intensive Caribbean diving - where?

[theriel]

Hello,
I have been wondering - what is the best place to go to easily average min. 3-4 dives per day? Holidays being short, I would like to make good use out of them!

I am currently thinking about Curacao, Belize, Bonaire, maybe Little Cayman, Roatan. I am travelling without a buddy so being able to easily find some person to dive with at any time of the day would be appreciated...

Do you know any particular places/diving operations which would enable it? Oh, and presence of nice critters (I'm not interested in reefs as much) would also be a nice bonus...

Thank you for your opinion!

Best,
Theriel

[diver 85]

Roatan-Fantasy Island(or even Cocoview--same shore dive) can easily get 4 per day in there---3 boat dives plus the nitely shore dive....Remember doing that in '93 for 6 days & flew out the next day @ ~9:30 AM...

[DeputyDan]

CoCo View Resort Roatan Scuba Roatan Diving located in Roatan, Honduras diving, scuba and snorkeling. (http://www.cocoviewresort.com/)

You can do six a day here if you are up to it.

I recommend this over Bonaire for you since you are travelling alone.
Others may disagree but finding a buddy on Bonaire is a little bit hit or miss.
You may find one right off or it may take a day or two.

If you were traveling with a buddy, I would say Bonaire

[Damselfish]

Are you looking for some boat dives (where it's not usually a problem to get an instabuddy or hang with the DM), or mostly shore dives?

Have you considered a liveaboard?

[robint]

Ditto.... Cocoview Resort, Roatan. You can do the 4 boat dives and also a night shore dive easily every day. CoCo View Resort Roatan (http://www.cocoviewresort.com) It is an all-inclusive with meals planned around the boat dives, so you get out of the water, walk into the Clubhouse and eat, then go right back and dive again. It is the closest thing to a liveaboard. Worth every penny, too. It is not fancy, but I really like that. The resort is small, only 26 rooms, so it fills up waaaay ahead of time so if you are interested, check with them and get a deposit on a room. If you are traveling alone, you will have zero problem getting a buddy. The boats are assigned for the week, and everyone on each boat become close and will shore dive together, too. Very very very nice dive resort, made by divers, for divers!

Bonaire..... Buddy Dive Resort is where we are returning in April, you can easily get in 4 dives per day since it is the Shore Diving Capital of the World. Watch my videos.

Any Liveaboard in the Caribbean is going to give you 4-5 dives per day. They are a bit more $$ than the other two I mentioned, but you can get to more remote sites than day boats can't access, so diving is more pristine.

BTW --- we don't go anywhere to dive that we can't do 3+ dives per day. The only exception is NC, where the boat rides are very long and since the wrecks are so deep, you need a 2 hour surface interval between dives, so 2 a day is the norm.

robin:D

[dkktsunami]

Little Cayman Beach Resort, Bonaire, CoCo View in Roatan, Honduras.

[theriel]

OK, let me now add a little complication:
Is there any place among the aforementioned where I could rent a twinset with isolation manifold? (I mean, just the tanks with hardware)

Best,
Theriel

[RoatanMan]

OK, let me now add a little complication:
Is there any place among the aforementioned where I could rent a twinset with isolation manifold? (I mean, just the tanks with hardware)

Best,
Theriel

Doubtful. Why?

Most dive-ops gear their boat-based dives to a maximum of 1 hour BT. This is so everyone gets back onboard and gets appropriate SI for the next dive. Most Caribbean dive-ops aren't set up to carry such rigs securely on their boats.

I (have wanted and) can see how a doubles rig might be just the thing for a shore-dive opportunity.


Intensive Caribbean diving...what is the best place to go to easily average min. 3-4 dives per day?..

That would be quite a BT on twins. There are select operations that do have that capability, but you simply aren't going to get "intensive diving" that you mentioned.

I know they're not providing such gear at Roatan's CoCoView- which is the place to go other than a liveaboard. 5 a day is easy, 6 if you must;)

Bring a sling and rent (or bring) another simple reg (only) set. Most ops have 65's and such, or carry a slung 80.

[theriel]

RotanMan - thank you for your reply.

Just to clarify: I am not looking to use twinset to prolong the dives. I just want to practice diving on a twinset while being there. When I was diving in Red Sea, I was given a twinset + single cylinder for boat dives. I would finish together with my single-tank buddy, then top up twinset with the single cylinder (if necessary) and go for another dive. This is the same thing which I would like to do here... if possible.

[robint]

RotanMan - thank you for your reply.

Just to clarify: I am not looking to use twinset to prolong the dives. I just want to practice diving on a twinset while being there. When I was diving in Red Sea, I was given a twinset + single cylinder for boat dives. I would finish together with my single-tank buddy, then top up twinset with the single cylinder (if necessary) and go for another dive. This is the same thing which I would like to do here... if possible.

Probably not, primarily for liability issues but also because there is no need to dive doubles. Recreational diving at these places, both CCV and Bonaire, you get unlimited tanks for diving in your package so you come up between dives and just grab another tank there at resort. On the boat dives at CCV, they put 2 tanks on the boat per person and switch out your tank during the surface interval. And as I said before, for shore diving there at CCV or Roatan, you just walk to dock, grab a tank, and get in water. :D

If you really want to do training with doubles, I would suggest going to a destination just for the training.

robin:D

[theriel]

OK, so it seems like I will stick with intensive diving and leave training for some other day ;).

If any of you had some other recommendations than CoCoView Roatan and Buddy Dive Resort - it would be highly appreciated! :)

Best,
Theriel

[diversteve]

I was also asked if I needed a buddy twice on Bonaire - once at Habitat and once at Bari Reef - while waiting for my buddy. If you fly on the CO red-eye from IAH, I'd guess a high percentage of people on the plane would be divers. We met two groups and planned to meet up with both to dive later in the week - never did. Since the de-facto dive vehicle on Bonaire is a 4dr. truck, many people don't mind if you join them if asked.

[RJP]

Pick any resort you want on Bonaire... and dive, dive, dive.

I like Plaza Resort personally, but everyone recommends their own favorite... and everyone is right!

[theriel]

OK, Bonaire it is then :).

Am I correct in saying that basic package with Buddy Dive costs $1600-2000 for 7 days? Ehhh I hate travelling single - they will always charge you more than anybody else -...-. If I read their rates correctly, a couple will pay $1000 per person...

Do you know where I could find a buddy? :D. He/She doesn't have to dive ;p.

[diversteve]

Check our forum for anyone who will be there the same week you are.
ABC Islands - ScubaBoard (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/abc-islands/)

Also post on bonairetalk.com - I see buddy requests in the Diving forum regularly.

[diver 85]

OK, let me now add a little complication:
Is there any place among the aforementioned where I could rent a twinset with isolation manifold? (I mean, just the tanks with hardware)

Best,
Theriel


Good luck on that one-----these places are all 'close' to the US & they're heard of lawsuits......

[diversteve]

OK, let me now add a little complication:
Is there any place among the aforementioned where I could rent a twinset with isolation manifold? (I mean, just the tanks with hardwareContact Walt at Rec Tek. IDK if he'll rent them if you're not diving with him though. $20 day for a DIN set. Rec Tek Scuba Bonaire - Equipment rentals - rebreather, deco, DIN, reg, doubles (http://www.rectekscuba.com/gearrentals.html)

[herman]

OK, let me now add a little complication:
Is there any place among the aforementioned where I could rent a twinset with isolation manifold? (I mean, just the tanks with hardware)

Best,
Theriel

If you want doubles then Rectec on Bonaire is an option, Walt rents tech gear. Rec Tek Scuba Bonaire - Equipment rentals - rebreather, deco, DIN, reg, doubles (http://www.rectekscuba.com/gearrentals.html#tanks)
IMO, the best option would be to take a travel doubles harness and dive independent doubles. That would eliminate the need to rent banded doubles, just use the standard 63s or 80s. The cost of buying the bands would be saved pretty quickly if you consider the cost renting banded doubles. Your biggest problem is finding someone to dive with. Shore dives at either Roatan or Bonarie are your best option there.

[herman]

Forgot, one of the best places I have found to find a Bonaire buddy is on the Bonaire board. I have done that several times. Worth a shot. Bonaire Talk - The place to discuss everything and anything about Bonaire! (http://www.bonairetalk.com)

[robint]

OK, Bonaire it is then :).

Am I correct in saying that basic package with Buddy Dive costs $1600-2000 for 7 days? Ehhh I hate travelling single - they will always charge you more than anybody else -...-. If I read their rates correctly, a couple will pay $1000 per person...

Do you know where I could find a buddy? :D. He/She doesn't have to dive ;p.

you don't have to stay at Buddy's, but we like it there as there is a free breakfast buffet, drive through tank station, and truck is all included in the "Dive and Drive Package". You can book through any Dive travel agency, too.
Best of Bonaire - Scuba Diving Packages (http://www.divetrip.com/bonaire.htm)

other places there have ala carte options, fancier resorts (like the Plaza, Den Laman) or very basic options (Carib Inn, Golden Reef, Wannadive, ...).
check out:
Info Bonaire - The Bonaire Information Site (http://www.bonaireinfo.com)
Wannadive Bonaire (http://www.wannadive.com)
http://www.goldenreefinn.com/packages.html
Bruce Bowker's Carib Inn (http://www.caribinn.com)
Welcome to Dive Friends Bonaire (http://www.dive-friends-bonaire.com/)
as well as the Bonaire Talk website, herman mentioned.

robin:D

[WOODMAN]

If any of you had some other recommendations than CoCoView Roatan and Buddy Dive Resort - it would be highly appreciated! :)

If you are still open to other places than Bonaire, why don't you give my review on Reef House Resort on Roatan a look? 3 boat dives a day, all the (excellent!) shore diving you want, and all inclusive to boot, for a very nice price. What's not to like? Mike, the owner, even found 100 cf tanks for me, and they are pretty scarce on Roatan. It's not quite as cheap as Fantasy Island, but the food is light years better. Just a thought... Woody

[Karel]

You are welcome.

[tarponchik]

If you are still open to other places than Bonaire, why don't you give my review on Reef House Resort on Roatan a look? 3 boat dives a day, all the (excellent!) shore diving you want, and all inclusive to boot, for a very nice price. What's not to like? Mike, the owner, even found 100 cf tanks for me, and they are pretty scarce on Roatan. It's not quite as cheap as Fantasy Island, but the food is light years better. Just a thought... Woody
Now that you mentioned it, can you give a link to your report or provide more details on the shore diving at RHR here?

[robint]

Now that you mentioned it, can you give a link to your report or provide more details on the shore diving at RHR here?

go to the Bay Island Forum here on SB, and do a search on "Reef House", I know there are several trip reports posted there in the past couple of years.
Bay Islands - ScubaBoard (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bay-islands/)



robin:D

[theriel]

Hmmmm how much worse than Bonaire is Roatan? It seem to be very friendly price-wise but is the quality of diving (Including any chance of seeing bigger critters) much worse?

Also, what do you think about Little Cayman?

I am asking about alternatives mostly because it has turned out that Bonaire flights have gone up to over $1200... Hmmm, Galapagos is cheaper...

//added:
I have just discovered that there are cheap and common flights Curacao-Bonaire... and flying to Curacao from USA is much cheaper. Sweet.

[RJP]

//added:
I have just discovered that there are cheap and common flights Curacao-Bonaire... and flying to Curacao from USA is much cheaper. Sweet.

You could just do Curacao instead if you like.

[theriel]

You could just do Curacao instead if you like.

Hmmm nobody seems to have mentioned it as a good place for intensive diving by a solo traveller?

[RJP]

Hmmm nobody seems to have mentioned it as a good place for intensive diving by a solo traveller?

Not as much so as Bonaire.

What about a liveaboard? 5 dives a day, 15 potential buddies.

[theriel]

Hmmm, yeah, this probably would be the most convenient option, but unfortunately $3000 is at the moment out of the budget...

As I am new to Caribbean diving - do you usually book directly with airlines and diving operators (e.g. Buddy Dive) or is it worth contacting some (which?) tour operator?

[RJP]

Hmmm, yeah, this probably would be the most convenient option, but unfortunately $3000 is at the moment out of the budget...



No need to spend $3000. Just booked T&C Explorer for $1595.

I book all my dive travel through Syd Fisch at The Scuba Connection (http://www.TSCscuba.com), which has a full-service dive travel agency.

[diversteve]

As Roantanman often posts (paraphrasing) - "Roatan is all about the small stuff"

The same could be said for Curacao and Bonaire. For big pelagics, Cayman, Turks & Caicos or the Bahamas are much more likely. To find a buddy I'd focus on one of the AI's on Roatan, Bonaire or Cayman. There's really only one or two dive focused AI's on Curacao - Habitat and Lions Dive, all the rest are resorts with diving so it might be harder to find a buddy - the diving is a lot more spread out also. You could do some boat dives with Ocean Encounters and shore dives with the DiveBus but it's not cheaper that way. Some of the smaller Bahama dive resorts - Small Hope Bay Lodge etc. are pretty dive focused.

My group books everything ourselves. Most dive resorts have online booking options or an 800#. Or a preferred dive travel agency.

Almost all flight options can be found here - Matrix - ITA Software (http://matrix.itasoftware.com/) - they provide the database for most of the online travel portals. Pick your flights then book with an airline or local travel agent.

American just pulled out of both Expedia and Orbitz this month due to booking fee issues so look at AA.com also - they do a lot of Caribbean flights.

If you don't want to book the trip yourself - Dive Travel agents: Caradonna (http://www.caradonna.com/) or Bay Adventures (http://www.bayadventures.com/).

Personally I've always found it the same or cheaper to book direct. I also often call - once I was offered a free upgrade to a 2BR oceanview condo from the condo agent, my (at the time) dive travel agent didn't know about it.

[diversteve]

No need to spend $3000. Just booked T&C Explorer for $1595.
:cool2: It's a great deal with the discount. We did it last May.

[theriel]

Thank you both A LOT for all your help!

If you happened to be in Manhattan - send me a message, free beer/lunch guaranteed ;).

//edited for spelling mistake ;p.

[RJP]

send me a massage...



You want happy ending Joe?

http://www.hideawayinn.com/upload/male%20full%20body%20massage.jpg

:shocked2:

[theriel]

Your honour, that was just an innocent spelling mistake! ;p.

[robint]

Another option, that is inexpensive and can get you 3-4 dives per day is a package in Cozumel. SOME dive ops, like Dive Paradise, have cheap 3-boat dives per day. Stay at Barracuda hotel and being solo won't be an issue. It is oceanfront and walk to town for dinner.
Dive Paradise, Cozumel MX - Dive Packages (http://diveparadise.com/packages.htm)
look for airfare flying directly into Cozumel, too.

Papa Hogs in Cozumel also has some cheap packages and 3-tank boat dives.
Papa Hogs Scuba Emporium of Cozumel - Mexico (http://www.papahogs.com)


robin:D

[theriel]

Great, got a cheap flight to Bonaire! Now, just let me keep the exact flight route to myself...

[RJP]

Great, got a cheap flight to Bonaire! Now, just let me keep the exact flight route to myself...

Your secret is safe with us!

[Rythmmaker]

If you haven't yet booked your hotel - check with Harry at Tropical Divers - they put me up in a nice apartment, provided a truck and unlimited nitrox fills, plus a guide for our first dives and I only paid about $750 pp for the week. There was a slight upcharge (not much) for a single traveler, but they also have some smaller hotel rooms available for less. I really liked the staff there at TD and since you will be shore diving from a pickup truck - it doesn't matter that you are a block from the waterfront.

[jlbdiver]

Roatan, you can dive your brains out there. 3 Boat dives and unlimited shore diving at Fantasy Island. Go for it.

[BurhanMuntasser]

Curacao is the best place for unlimited EASY shore diving with LOTS of different locations!! I usually rent a truck and start diving at location no. 1 on the Map (Alice in Wonderland) and work my way down the coast. Easy diving, easy entry from shore, pristine water, etc.). Porto Marie deserves a full day (3 dives at least) since it has 3 different reefs right next to each other with lots of very pretty scenery sunbathing on the beach.

Curacao is very easy to go to from Miami on American. I have only been there 13 time so far.

[NCDiver]

I have several trips planned and you would be welcome. Small friendly group, buddy not required. check out North Carolina Diver Scuba Diving & Travel (http://www.ncdiver.com)