Family Vacation Recommendations

[Mike126]

I'm starting to plan out our 2007 beach vacation and need some advice. I'm the only one in the family that dives. My twin boys are 7 and love the beach as does my wife. I'd like to go someplace where I can get a few dives in and the family can enjoy the beach. I've recently returned to diving so I'm looking for beginner to intermediate dives.

We live in Northern VA and usually go to the Outerbanks NC. I've never dived there so that may be an option. We are also looking at Florida or Bahamas. If we go to the Bahamas or Florida it would probably be in the late spring (May over Memorial Day).

So my criteria is:
- Family friendly
- Good beaches
- Not overly expensive
- Resort/hotel with good service and clean
- Decent diving for a beginner/intermediate
- Opportunity for snorkeling would be great

Thanks, Mike

 

[del_mo]

Fort Lauderdale. Has everything you listed.

 

[Mike126]

Thanks Del Mo.

Anyone have any recommendations on beach front hotels that are nice in Ft. L?

 

[RV]

I'd go north of Ft. Lauderdale to Pomino (spelling may be wrong) .. the best beaches are in the gulf though.. actual sand not crushed shells. Destin area is very nice...

 

[Mike126]

Hoggie - How's the diving on the Gulf side? I've heard good and bad.

 

[herman]

If you want to go out of the country, Curacao is a good option. Fairly easy to get to, AA to Miami and then to Curacao. Good beaches, snorkling, food, the water is safe to drink and some really great easy diving.

 

[RV]

Hoggie - How's the diving on the Gulf side? I've heard good and bad.

I've seen it good and bad.. one day 100' vis,, another 30'...

 

[moneysavr]

Hi Mike,
Florida is your answer,SE coast for sure,
My boys have been going with me for years and our now 7 year old just ask when do we head down!
a rental may work for you vs hotel, West Palm Beach to Ft.Lauderdale is good diving .
Bahamas have the same Gulf Stream,less the excess air fair higher costs and transportation limitations -not to slam the Bahamas as we go often it cost allot for a family!
I dive on the South end of Palm Beach county out of a hamlet called Boynton Beach Oh by the way that sports a Great sand beach and beautiful park and parking that lots of folks don't know is there! Ocean front park,and the Boynton inlet park for fishing and RR aand Ocean ridge has a free parking park next door no need to pay parking fee of $10.00 as it the one we use.
We do a week rental near by can had at great rates,The marina has several good dive opps and I dive with Splashdown divers as they have always been great to me with a neat clean boat and great staff.
How I work it is do the A.M. dive get back and do lunch and hit WPB and do like the tour at H . Flagler museum one day,Lion Safari trip one day, a trip and river front boat tour of Ft.Lauderdale one day. as the kids do the pool and wife relaxes then we do the other stuff,one day ussaly is a blow out so you get some quality family time in!
Hey by the way the diving is GREAT! tons more life on the reefs vs other dive areas, Drift dives are a blast and easy! Its in the USA! its close! the food and drink is good, and Florida divers rock! Friendly and helpful!
Hey have fun,
Dive safe,
Brad

 

[Mike126]

Brad - thanks for the advice. I'll check into rentals in the WPB area. I think my wife might prefer staying on the beach or 1 block away so she and the kids have very easy access.

Herman - Personally, I like the idea of Curacao. Although it might be a little too much adventure with the kids. Maybe in a couple of years.

Mike

 

[moneysavr]

a few links and we do have a few we love to stay at off water, nice pools,gated,and kids love that home cooking or BBQ vs eating out and having to be good kids!
http://www.a1vacations.com/Palm-Beach-Area/s/250/fa/find.squery
http://villas2000.com/
http://www.vacationhomes.com/othersite.cfm?other_site=http://www.city-oasis.com&p=16820
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/east-coast#2680
http://www.palmbeachfl.com/default.aspx
http://www.splashdowndivers.com/
Have a great trip,and do plan a head, out of country trips are great less the kids,but Florida has so much to do and see and such simple things like a day at the beach that cost nothing can be the best of times.
And I have learned with a Non diving wife that as long as Mama is happy we all are happy!
Dive safe,
Brad