My girlfriend (now fiance) and I plan to take our honeymoon in November 2010. We have done 2 liveaboards together and want to do another one for our honeymoon. One requirement is that the destination also have fun ground activities.
We're looking for a 4-7 day dive, nice ameneties, at under $2500 pp.
We're coming from California. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.
I am a bit confused about what you are asking. You say a liveaboard but then you request "ground" activities. Are you asking about land-based diving or are you asking about a liveaboard where you can spend a few days afterwards doing land-based activities?
Most liveaboards, at least in Caribbean, are 7 days and at sea with no time on land, or at least no more than an afternoon on a beach doing a picnic. A few exceptions are Aquacat, as others mentioned, in Bahamas where they take small tours on some of the uninhabited islands instead of some dives. I think the Nekton and Blackbeards (both in Bahamas, also) do an afternoon or night in town one night but other than that are out at sea. The Explorer Ventures does a trip to Saba/St. Kitts where I think they have an opportunity to go ashore at some of the islands, but that is based on how many people who want to participate. I think someone here on SB did a trip report last year and loved the trip, but they never did get on any of the land tours as most people didn't want to miss dives.
If I were going on a liveaboard for my honeymoon, in November, for under $2500pp - I would pick the
Kona Aggressor. Then stay on the island for 2-3 days afterwards to visit the rainforest/waterfalls and also Volcano's National Park. (We spent a week in Kona land-based diving and only one day doing topside. We wished we had spent more time topside as it was so fantastic!)
November is a bad month for the Caribbean as it is the end of hurricane season, but is still the rainy season for most areas. Weather can be hit or miss - sunny and calm for days then ugly and rainy for days. There is no guarantee either way what you will get. If I was going to take the risk with the weather, I would pick
Belize Aggressor as there are so many topside activities to do for several days after the dive week was over. Price might be pushing your limit though. The
Aquacat in Bahamas looks like a really fun trip, too, but not alot to do topside other than kayak or walk around on small islands.
There is a Forum farther down on SB just for liveaboard questions. You might want to post there.
