I have an opportunity to take a short dive trip in September. There are a number of parameters making the site selection a little more complex than usual. I'd like to solicit ideas that fit these parameters:
1. 5 nights. Possibly 6, but probably 5
2. I'm Leaving from Baltimore/Washington area, meeting buddy in Miami, then going to destination
3. We will probably have to leave on a Saturday, but return on a Thursday
4. Buddy does not like to go deep - shore dives would be ideal
5. One person needs full equipment rental, one does not
6. Funds are not unlimited
At first Bonaire seemed like it would be ideal, but after researching the flight times and costs, I don't think I can make the scheduling work. Having such a short time, I don't want to spend the bulk of 2 days getting to/from the destination.
The best place I've found so far is been St. Croix. It's quick and easy to get there from Miami - Cane Bay seems to have good shore diving and boat diving. I've researched shore or mixed shore/boat destinations in other close areas like Bahamas, BVI, other USVI, T&C, but haven't found much yet. Key Largo is another possibility, though most of the trips I've done there have been mixed deep/shallow, there's no shore diving, and it's not quite as exotic as an island.
Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. And, yes, I know late September is the perfect time for Hurricanes to ruin everything. I may actually get trip insurance this time instead of rolling the dice like I usually do.
Thanks
1. 5 nights. Possibly 6, but probably 5
2. I'm Leaving from Baltimore/Washington area, meeting buddy in Miami, then going to destination
3. We will probably have to leave on a Saturday, but return on a Thursday
4. Buddy does not like to go deep - shore dives would be ideal
5. One person needs full equipment rental, one does not
6. Funds are not unlimited
At first Bonaire seemed like it would be ideal, but after researching the flight times and costs, I don't think I can make the scheduling work. Having such a short time, I don't want to spend the bulk of 2 days getting to/from the destination.
The best place I've found so far is been St. Croix. It's quick and easy to get there from Miami - Cane Bay seems to have good shore diving and boat diving. I've researched shore or mixed shore/boat destinations in other close areas like Bahamas, BVI, other USVI, T&C, but haven't found much yet. Key Largo is another possibility, though most of the trips I've done there have been mixed deep/shallow, there's no shore diving, and it's not quite as exotic as an island.
Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. And, yes, I know late September is the perfect time for Hurricanes to ruin everything. I may actually get trip insurance this time instead of rolling the dice like I usually do.
Thanks