Family vacation suggestions

[Mike126]

We are looking to take a family vacation in June to someplace where I can dive my twin teenage boys and my wife can snorkel and do other activities. Currently we have reservations for Beeches at T&C. While it looks very nice it is a little pricey (about $1300/day for the 4 of us all inclusive).

I was looking for suggestions for a reasonably priced trip either in the islands or keys. We are not Disney people but do like clean and newer hotels. Our normal vacation spot is the Outer Banks NC.

Thanks, Mike


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[drrich2]

Here's a big question. Do you expect your wife to snorkel at the same site you guys dive? Due to depth, it's often not practical for divers and snorkelers to be out together at the same place. Not saying it never happens, but it'd reduce your options.

I was diving out of Key Largo in September. Main thing I'd say about that, which was a lot of fun, is that moon jellyfish frequented the first 5 feet or so of water on a number of divers. Common enough to make pulling myself by line to re-board was kinda like slow motion dodge ball at times (I learned I could shove them away with a fin; I'm told you can do it by hand, mashing down on their bells).

Richard.

 

[Mike126]

Here's a big question. Do you expect your wife to snorkel at the same site you guys dive? Due to depth, it's often not practical for divers and snorkelers to be out together at the same place. Not saying it never happens, but it'd reduce your options.

I was diving out of Key Largo in September. Main thing I'd say about that, which was a lot of fun, is that moon jellyfish frequented the first 5 feet or so of water on a number of divers. Common enough to make pulling myself by line to re-board was kinda like slow motion dodge ball at times (I learned I could shove them away with a fin; I'm told you can do it by hand, mashing down on their bells).

Richard.

Richard - The ideal situation would be that we could dive/snorkle together but I realize that is likely not going to be the case and we are ok with it.

To further explain what we'd look for in a vacation is a place where my kids and my wife can do non diving activities like kayaking, sailing and beach time and where I can do a few dives while there. While we do like Beaches in terms of cleanliness and that all activities and food is included we have started to think it may be too resorty for our tastes and spending over $9k on a week is more than we'd like to spend.

 

[diversteve]

Some posssible alternatives - you'll have to alacarte meals and diving but these should all be cheaper than Beaches:

since you mentioned sailing:
Mango Bay Resort ? Caribbean Vacation, Beach Resort, Villa Rentals, Virgin Gorda
British Virgin Islands villas | Tortola Resort :: Long Bay Beach Club

these three all have on-site diving:
Lions Dive & Beach Resort voor een heerlijke vakantie! - can buy meal plans
Welcome to Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino - full AI
Marriott Curacao Beach Resort & Emerald Casino | Piscadera Bay - nice property

Many public beaches on Curacao are also excellent dive sites. You'll need a car.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Either SouthEast Florida/Ft. Lauderdale area. Lauderdale By The Sea is the most well known beach dive site and has a snorkel trail. yes, you could beach dive and snorkel at the same time. Plenty of hotels to choose from. Not sure about all inclusive though. Next stop would be the keys. Lots of shallow diving. You could both go out with the same outfit, one boat is snorkeling, one diving.. Some of the smaller boats might do both.
As far as shore based activities, you can do all you mentioned at either location.

 

[cardzard]

To bad you got to go in June, the ScubaBoard Invasion has everything and more you could want.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/sc...aboard-invasion-2014-roatan-package-deal.html

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

^^^ Invasion is awesome!

 

[robint]

I think Anthony's Key in Roatan would be good for your family. Rooms are more rustic than Beaches resorts, but I think you would enjoy all the activities. Look it up.

 

[diversteve]

We are not Disney people but do like clean and newer hotels.

newer is a stretch for AKR IMO.

Maybe Barefoot Cay or Media Luna or that newer community on the south side - the one with the big man made lagoon. I've seen some nice looking house rentals in there.