Have a new camera! Best shore diving end of July?

[WaterDance]

I have a new Sealife Camera and thought that it would be smart to learn how to use it on a trip where I wasn't holding up a dive master. That brings us to the question, what place in the Caribbean / Mexico has the best Shore diving? Is it still Bonaire? Looking to dive the last week of July.

Thanks!
WaterDance

 

[SailNaked]

Bonaire has about 27 miles of protected reef, you can photo as much as you want with no guide needed. I dont know if that is the best, but it certainly is great.

 

[jameseg]

I don't think you'll find too many people that woud disagree that Bonaire remains one of the top shore diving locations in the Caribbean/Mexico. I was there late last year and loved it. The other place that gets a lot of press for shore diving is Curacao, which apparently has easier shore entries and often cheaper flights (I haven't been there).

James

 

[diversteve]

What he said^^. And I have been to both. Best Scuba Diving Destinations: Shore Diving | Scuba Diving Magazine

Compare the entries here: Scuba Shore Diving Region: ABC Islands

Cheaper, shorter flights to Curacao also usually.

 

[WaterDance]

Thanks for the info! I actually have been to both Bonaire and Curacao, with mixed feelings on Bonaire. I wasn't happy with my accommodations, and though I wouldn't have thought that would make a difference with the diving, it really did.

 

[caribean-ted]

You have to be comfortable to enjoy your stay. You only dive a few hours of the day, and a good nights sleep is a must. Also on those days you cant dive, you need to have something to do, a resort that has lots to offer is a good start. I try to stick to the five star if I can. I research trip advisor a lot before I make a decision where to go and stay.

 

[diversteve]

I think one of the BC's are still the best. Second would be Grand Cayman followed by Cane Bay Wall off St. Croix.

a resort that has lots to offer is a good start. I try to stick to the five star if I can.

You've obviously never been to Bonaire...

 

[caribean-ted]

Its on my list and so is cayman islands, but Id like to do Roataan again. Was much more to see there.
I need a second job to pay for my addiction!!!

 

[WaterDance]

I think one of the BC's are still the best. Second would be Grand Cayman followed by Cane Bay Wall off St. Croix.

BC, sorry, is that British Columbia?
I dove Little Cayman a year ago in November and absolutely LOVED it. However, that was all boat diving. Is there good shore diving in Grand Cayman?


Waterdance

 

[Doc]

Its on my list and so is cayman islands, but Id like to do Roataan again. Was much more to see there.
I need a second job to pay for my addiction!!!

Bonaire comes to any diver's mind, but I would take the shore dive at Roatan's CCV/FI overall. The simplicity of just walking out of you room and falling in to a wreck and two nice walls. This shallow area gives some better divers 2 hr BT's. Incredible macro opportunities in a concentrated area.

Learn to use your camera at home in the pool ( or hot tub). Practice photographing pennies, your thumb, the lines on the lanes, any other small object. Learn to not fumble.

It is really not hard to stay with a group while photographing, as long as you aren't trying to learn your camera settings while on that dive. I have actually seen one idiot who had laminated copies of his camera manual and was flipping through them while he thrashed around a Seahorse that no one else could get near.