Where to go mid-november (from the UK, warm waters, low-budget)

[iSTRONG]

Hi,

I'm having troubles finding what i want.
My wife & I are looking to do 2 weeks of diving end-november/start of december. We're both AOW qualified with about 150 dives. We're both in our early 30's.

We've dived Bunaken/Lembeh (indonesia), Sharm-el-sheik, Pemba (Tanzania).

What we're looking for:
- Somewhere fairly cheap to flight to from the UK.
- Warm waters (my wife gets cold even in 22 degrees celcius waters )
- Cheap diving + good value accomodation
- Quality diving (pelagics would be a bonus, but would be happy with just nice reefs). We've been to nice places so far so don't want anything less than top sites.
- Friendly place. Do like the backpacker vibe!

Things we don't really care for:
- overland activities / nice beach / hotel swimming pool. We're here to dive & that's pretty much all we gonna do. 3-4 dives per day every day.
- luxuries.


We did 3 weeks in Bunaken / Sulawesi with Twofish Divers & that was pretty much the perfect holiday. Something like that would be awesome.

Your suggestions are very welcome. Thank you.

 

[300bar]

Marsa alam Red sea.

 

[iSTRONG]

Thanks 300bar,

I actually considered Marsa Alam but got a bit worried by what this site (scuba diving Marsa Alam, Red Sea, dive site directory) said: "A 3mm wetsuit or even a shortie will be appropriate in the summer months but from November through to April a 5mm is necessary and you may even need a hood and gloves."

Maybe I'm being too difficult.

 

[robint]

Check out Bonaire...
European vibe but nobody but divers/snorkelers. It is the shore diving capital of the world! You can dive 24/7 there, lots of funky little hotels and condos, relaxed atmosphere.

Info Bonaire - The Bonaire Information Site - The Most Current and Up-To-Date Information
Bonaire: The official tourism website of Bonaire
Welcome to the Buddy Dive Resort website
The Bonaire WebCams - Welcome!
my videos: Bonaire on Vimeo
Golden Reef Inn Resort--Home

 

[300bar]

Thanks 300bar,

I actually considered Marsa Alam but got a bit worried by what this site (scuba diving Marsa Alam, Red Sea, dive site directory) said: "A 3mm wetsuit or even a shortie will be appropriate in the summer months but from November through to April a 5mm is necessary and you may even need a hood and gloves."

Maybe I'm being too difficult.

Don't see why you would be "difficult"
I dive a 7mm in mid summer in the RedSea,I like to be WARM.

 

[Interceptor121]

I would recommend Thailand. There's now a low cost airline leaving from stansted for Phuket via KL
you can get few liveaboarf options as well as resort based in the true backpacker destination

 

[scubadada]

Grand Cayman/Little Cayman
Providenciales, T&C
Cozumel
Bonaire
Curacao

 

[bayswaterbabe]

Grand Cayman/Little Cayman
Providenciales, T&C
Cozumel
Bonaire
Curacao

I'm afraid flying to the above destinations from the UK is very expensive. There are no cheap packages either. You guys living in the US of A are very fortunate when it comes to choices of great diving destinations, in warm locations, close to home and at very affordable prices too.

 

[iSTRONG]

I'm afraid flying to the above destinations from the UK is very expensive. There are no cheap packages either. You guys living in the US of A are very fortunate when it comes to choices of great diving destinations, in warm locations, close to home and at very affordable prices too.

Ya, that's very true. I can't find flights at less than £750pp for Bonaire for example.
Marsa Alam, I've found £560pp for flights AND accomodation in 5* half-board.

Think I'm gonna go Marsa Alam & buy a couple of 7mm semi-dry suits

... this looks so tempting... especially with the £400 off offer: http://www.regal-diving.co.uk/home/?m=destinations&destid=7&resortid=32&hotelid=213
Might have to put it on the credit card

 

[iSTRONG]

just found it for £1895 through aquatours... how can i not go?
Someone please give me a reason not to blow £1895