:06: Hi everyone. This is my first post. Im excited to be here and to get advice from some experienced and well traveled divers. I think Ive narrowed down the choices to these three, but let me know if anyone has other suggestions.
About me:
Sadly, I havent been diving in over 10 years. Ill be taking a refresher course before I go anywhere.
Ill be traveling solo.
I dont own any gear; Ill have to rent.
Im not rich. Looking to spend under US$3,500 total on a 7-10 day trip in Dec., Jan., or Feb., flying out of NJ.
What Im looking for:
Great reef diving (not so interested in the big fishies)
2 or 3 dives a day, with maybe a night dive or two
A package deal with simple accommodations (Id rather spend the $$ on diving than a fancy place to stay)
Hiking in between dives (I've heard good things about Dominica but not sure about the other two)
Someplace that isn't overrun with tourists
I dont care about:
Fancy accommodations
Gourmet food
Nice beaches (although one day on the beach might be nice)
My questions:
Whats the best diving/hiking combo?
Which place will have the best weather?
Would I have a hard time finding a buddy to dive with in any of these places?
Would I be able to afford Bonaire, and would the diving there spoil me for the other places?
Will the money I save by diving in Roatan (as opposed to the other two) just get eaten by higher airfare costs?
Any advice, specific or general, is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for helping me decide.
BR
About me:
Sadly, I havent been diving in over 10 years. Ill be taking a refresher course before I go anywhere.
Ill be traveling solo.
I dont own any gear; Ill have to rent.
Im not rich. Looking to spend under US$3,500 total on a 7-10 day trip in Dec., Jan., or Feb., flying out of NJ.
What Im looking for:
Great reef diving (not so interested in the big fishies)
2 or 3 dives a day, with maybe a night dive or two
A package deal with simple accommodations (Id rather spend the $$ on diving than a fancy place to stay)
Hiking in between dives (I've heard good things about Dominica but not sure about the other two)
Someplace that isn't overrun with tourists
I dont care about:
Fancy accommodations
Gourmet food
Nice beaches (although one day on the beach might be nice)
My questions:
Whats the best diving/hiking combo?
Which place will have the best weather?
Would I have a hard time finding a buddy to dive with in any of these places?
Would I be able to afford Bonaire, and would the diving there spoil me for the other places?
Will the money I save by diving in Roatan (as opposed to the other two) just get eaten by higher airfare costs?
Any advice, specific or general, is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for helping me decide.
BR