taz22
Contributor
herman once bubbled...
That being said, if you want the best first diving experience then go to Bonaire.
I think that the term "best diving experience' is very subjective. Certainly, if you want to join the ranks of people who dive often, you should complete your course locally as suggested.
As for diving experience, there are many wonderful dives all over the world. My personal favourites are the Keystorm and the Muskie, both located in the St. Lawrence River. The Muskie has a resident 8ft long Sturgeon that is a site to see. Key Largo and the Speigel Grove offer a unqiue dive also, My suggestion is to learn locally and that will make your warm water diving even more special in the future. Too many people that I know that did their dives in the Carribean don't want to dive up north in the summer which is a real shame. Keep in mind that the St. Lawrence River is only a 6 hour drive from New York City and offers a nice way to beat the summer heat of the City during those really hot and humid spells. What better way to spend a summer vacation that experiencing the best fresh water diving in the world so close to your front door.
As always, just my .03 cents worth.