Trip ideas needed January 10 departing Minneapolis
- Thread starter Candiru
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You won't find a better place than cayman brac. Unlimited shore diving and excellent boat diving. Round trip from dtw is $647 so Minneapolis should be similar. Contrary to everyone saying lc is superior diving I will respectively disagree. Most divers only see the west end dive sites . The south east is the most spectacular walls in the Caymans. Rent a house and cook your own meals and you've got the best vacation ever. Even days with swells you can get to the south wall it literally is just off shore. If you don't want to follow the cattle boats to LC and west brac you will score some epic dives. Any of the Caymans are awesome
We love Cayman Brac too; we have never rented a house or a condo but we have stayed at the Brac Reef Beach Resort twice and we've loved it - in fact we are going back again next month!
It's an all-inclusive but it's a small, diver dedicated resort. The food is the best I've had at an all-inclusive, really great. The people are nice and the diving is terrific. Reef Divers is the dive operation and they are terrific. They provide true valet diving so you don't spend the time schlepping heavy equipment.
Cayman Brac is a small, quiet island but there are some lovely topside things to do like watch the wildlife in the wetlands, visit the caves and bluffs, stop by Heritage House and watch local artisans at work. We always rent a car for day or two just to tour the island and visit off-resort areas. The BRBC also offers a nice spa that is not super expensive, a tennis court, and free bicycles for the use by the guests. There's not much night life on CB but the guests and staff gather round the bar and socialize in the evenings and bingo night is surprisingly a hoot!
If you prefer more topside activities and options and places to eat and night life, than Grand Cayman would be a better choice(but it will be crowded and expensive at that time of year - but so will every place in the Caribbean).
We usually like to spend a week on GC (away from the 7 mile beach and the crowds) and then go over to brac for the second week. The reef dives are better on brac and little cayman than GC IMO. I have never snorkeled or shore-dived on brac but I have had some nice shore-based dive/snorkel experiences on GC.
Reef FantaSeas is the booking agent that is used by BRBR and then can help you find the best flights too.
If you decide to go to Grand Cayman be sure to do your research to make sure you find the accommodations and dive operation that is best suited to your tastes.
Have fun!
It's an all-inclusive but it's a small, diver dedicated resort. The food is the best I've had at an all-inclusive, really great. The people are nice and the diving is terrific. Reef Divers is the dive operation and they are terrific. They provide true valet diving so you don't spend the time schlepping heavy equipment.
Cayman Brac is a small, quiet island but there are some lovely topside things to do like watch the wildlife in the wetlands, visit the caves and bluffs, stop by Heritage House and watch local artisans at work. We always rent a car for day or two just to tour the island and visit off-resort areas. The BRBC also offers a nice spa that is not super expensive, a tennis court, and free bicycles for the use by the guests. There's not much night life on CB but the guests and staff gather round the bar and socialize in the evenings and bingo night is surprisingly a hoot!
If you prefer more topside activities and options and places to eat and night life, than Grand Cayman would be a better choice(but it will be crowded and expensive at that time of year - but so will every place in the Caribbean).
We usually like to spend a week on GC (away from the 7 mile beach and the crowds) and then go over to brac for the second week. The reef dives are better on brac and little cayman than GC IMO. I have never snorkeled or shore-dived on brac but I have had some nice shore-based dive/snorkel experiences on GC.
Reef FantaSeas is the booking agent that is used by BRBR and then can help you find the best flights too.
If you decide to go to Grand Cayman be sure to do your research to make sure you find the accommodations and dive operation that is best suited to your tastes.
Have fun!
grantwiscour
Contributor
You might check out Guanaja in the Bay Islands or go further south to Tobago. Saba and Dominica are also on our short list for "next" vacation.
Guanaja!? Would so love to go there but if Utila is a pain to get to . . .heehee. but if any of you know a big boat owner that isn't coked out of his head, please do tell! !
---------- Post added September 26th, 2014 at 03:42 PM ----------
Candiru, how long have you got and approximate budget? Preferred style of accommodations?
---------- Post added September 26th, 2014 at 03:42 PM ----------
Candiru, how long have you got and approximate budget? Preferred style of accommodations?
We are looking for 6 nights seven days. Budget would be under 2000 per person with low priority placed on the lodgings, and high priority placed on the dive experience. For example the place we stay in cozumel is 75 a night total for three people with breakfast and shore diving.
---------- Post added September 26th, 2014 at 08:30 PM ----------
The rooms are simple with no tv. AC and hot showers are appreciated.
---------- Post added September 26th, 2014 at 08:30 PM ----------
The rooms are simple with no tv. AC and hot showers are appreciated.
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Clarity, please.
$2,000 per person per week, exclusive of airfare?
(it would be best to leave airfare out of any such shotgun question... You know what your origination city fares are like, you know what kind of direct flights are available, plus airfares fluctuate wildly due to phases of the Moon)
$2,000 per person per week, exclusive of airfare?
(it would be best to leave airfare out of any such shotgun question... You know what your origination city fares are like, you know what kind of direct flights are available, plus airfares fluctuate wildly due to phases of the Moon)
- Messages
- 10,954
- Reaction score
- 4,127
- # of dives
- None - Not Certified
Now let's think about what you want for that land package price of $1500.
How many dives per day and per week will you think is good?
Do you want night diving? How many?
Do you prefer shore diving access?
Do you want semi-fancy rooms with spa and somewhat upscale dining on premises?
Will you need off prem diversions? Shopping? Bars? Other restaurants?
Do you require a sandy beach?
Are you a photographer? Macro? Video?
With that, we'd be getting closer to giving you a real answer.
How many dives per day and per week will you think is good?
Do you want night diving? How many?
Do you prefer shore diving access?
Do you want semi-fancy rooms with spa and somewhat upscale dining on premises?
Will you need off prem diversions? Shopping? Bars? Other restaurants?
Do you require a sandy beach?
Are you a photographer? Macro? Video?
With that, we'd be getting closer to giving you a real answer.
January is the peak season in the Caribbean and it will very hard to find a great diving at a low price. Since the diving experience is your most important criteria, have you considered a liveaboard dive trip?
At first glance a liveaboard may seem expensive but most of them are all-inclusive and when you figure out the cost-per-dive they are usually much cheaper than a land-based dive trip with boat diving. Plus they usually dive the most pristine, less frequently visited sites.
The Caribbean Explorer offers a Saba and St. Kitts dive trip out of St. Martin that leaves on January 10. I doubt if you will be able to find a discount price in January, and the rate listed is higher than you are looking for, but it includes just about everything: accommodations, up to 5 dives per day including night dives, food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). And the diving is usually very easy, you just set up your gear one time, the crew refills your tank in place, and you just put it on and step off the boat at the next mooring.
The Explorer is a very good liveaboard operation and there is great diving around Saba - it is a beautiful and interesting island.
Saba, St. Kitts, St. Maarten - Caribbean Explorer II
On main and lower decks, each with private ensuite
$1,895
Plus: port/hotel, immigration and Marine Park fees of $115 and fuel surcharge payable on board; transfers.
Package includes:
7 nights/8 days aboard the vessel; up to 5 dives daily (weather permitting);
3 meals daily, except Friday’s evening meal; between-dive snacks; towels, linens, etc.; use of tanks, weights and weight belts; all air fills; alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages.
The Northeastern Caribbean is an intriguing area offering a blend of Dutch, British, French and native cultures on some of the most scenic islands of the Caribbean.
The vessel departs Saturday's from either St. Maarten or St. Kitts. Itineraries include 5 1/2 days of diving; 2 to 3 days within the Saba Marine Park, and 2 to 3 days at St. Kitts. 5 dives daily are normally offered, including night dives. The schedule also provides for up to 3 island tours during the week, there is ample time for our guests to explore forts, rainforests, duty-free shops and museums.
The Northeastern Caribbean itinerary, combining diving and optional island access, has always been unique within the liveaboard diving industry. As a dedicated dive liveaboard, all diving is done directly off of the vessel, using the expansive dive deck covering the aft third of the main deck. Each diver has his or her own dive gear bin; a large camera table, as well as rinse tanks, wetsuit drying racks, charging stations are available for all to use.
Nitrox is available; tanks are filled in place between each dive, so that there is never any need to disassemble your gear. If you are interested in touring the islands, other guests' can continue diving. We can also arrange additional time ashore to hike the rainforest-covered mountains, horseback ride on the beach, or even play golf, check with the crew when you board.
A variety of specialty course training is available aboard, if you are desiring to take a specific course with us, please let us know when making your reservation. Complete dive gear and computer rental are also available.
At first glance a liveaboard may seem expensive but most of them are all-inclusive and when you figure out the cost-per-dive they are usually much cheaper than a land-based dive trip with boat diving. Plus they usually dive the most pristine, less frequently visited sites.
The Caribbean Explorer offers a Saba and St. Kitts dive trip out of St. Martin that leaves on January 10. I doubt if you will be able to find a discount price in January, and the rate listed is higher than you are looking for, but it includes just about everything: accommodations, up to 5 dives per day including night dives, food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). And the diving is usually very easy, you just set up your gear one time, the crew refills your tank in place, and you just put it on and step off the boat at the next mooring.
The Explorer is a very good liveaboard operation and there is great diving around Saba - it is a beautiful and interesting island.
Saba, St. Kitts, St. Maarten - Caribbean Explorer II
On main and lower decks, each with private ensuite
$1,895
Plus: port/hotel, immigration and Marine Park fees of $115 and fuel surcharge payable on board; transfers.
Package includes:
7 nights/8 days aboard the vessel; up to 5 dives daily (weather permitting);
3 meals daily, except Friday’s evening meal; between-dive snacks; towels, linens, etc.; use of tanks, weights and weight belts; all air fills; alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages.
The Northeastern Caribbean is an intriguing area offering a blend of Dutch, British, French and native cultures on some of the most scenic islands of the Caribbean.
The vessel departs Saturday's from either St. Maarten or St. Kitts. Itineraries include 5 1/2 days of diving; 2 to 3 days within the Saba Marine Park, and 2 to 3 days at St. Kitts. 5 dives daily are normally offered, including night dives. The schedule also provides for up to 3 island tours during the week, there is ample time for our guests to explore forts, rainforests, duty-free shops and museums.
The Northeastern Caribbean itinerary, combining diving and optional island access, has always been unique within the liveaboard diving industry. As a dedicated dive liveaboard, all diving is done directly off of the vessel, using the expansive dive deck covering the aft third of the main deck. Each diver has his or her own dive gear bin; a large camera table, as well as rinse tanks, wetsuit drying racks, charging stations are available for all to use.
Nitrox is available; tanks are filled in place between each dive, so that there is never any need to disassemble your gear. If you are interested in touring the islands, other guests' can continue diving. We can also arrange additional time ashore to hike the rainforest-covered mountains, horseback ride on the beach, or even play golf, check with the crew when you board.
A variety of specialty course training is available aboard, if you are desiring to take a specific course with us, please let us know when making your reservation. Complete dive gear and computer rental are also available.
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