Hello from retired and ready to dive - Indianola, WA and Belize resident

[SandyBelize]

Hello from a water lover who is finally pursuing diving. So far, I have dived off the coasts of Seattle Area, Southeast Spain, Akumal Mexico and Belize, the later of which is my home 1/2 the year.

For the last 8 years, I believed that my ear problem would prevent me from diving. But with the help from an ear specialist and very slow decents - I can dive! What a great day it was just a few months ago when I tried diving again and no problems!

I like warm water and travel. This September, I am off on a 40-day trip to Australia, New Zealand and Tonga - all on a modest-budget. A friend, who snorkels, and I will be on a 3 night live-aboard. For it, we depart from Cairns. I will complete my advanced certification on board.

WOW - I'm going to the Great Barrier Reef! I am so excited about the trip that I wanted to join Scuba Board. In hope to find out all that I can about diving at Tonga and Queensland. Input is welcome.

Other info: Age 62
Occupation: retired nurse, owner/manager of a vacation rental located in Placencia Village, Belize - Decked Out House.

 

[Pro Dive USA]

That is all outstanding! We wish we were going on your trip!!! Can you tell us a bit about living in Belize as an American? When is the best season to dive with Whale Sharks?

 

[DandyDon]

Howdy and Welcome to SB...!

Also try the link in my Sig.

Click Forums on the bar above, look at all the various forums, and try some - especially your local forum. Check in often...!

don

 

[SandyBelize]

Hi Pro Dive,

The best time to dive off the shores of Placencia in order to see whale sharks are:

March through June from three days before full moon to nearly quarter moon during each of those months. March can be very iffy, especially if the full moon occurs early in the month. There are no guarantees that a diver will see them but in the months of April and May and chances are fairly good. June is good also, and a better time for seeing whales than early March.

I own a vacation rental house that has had many very excited diver guests who have seen whale sharks. Yet, I have not see one myself due to lack of enough dive experience. Most Placencia dive shops require whale shark divers to be either be fairly experienced or have an advanced open water certification. Thus, while in Australia I will be taking an advanced open water course. So this coming season I hope to be qualified to go on whale shark dives.

Listening to those excited guests has me excited too - I want to go whale shark diving too!

 

[Pro Dive USA]

Sandy:

PM us information on your vacation rental... We smell a whale shark trip to Belize in April or May brewing!!!!

P.S. If you ever need dive education and don't want to have to go to Australia to get it, check in with Steve at Journey's End. He is a truly excellent instructor!

P.P.S. Come see us next time you are in Florida!