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Costa Maya and San Carlos, Mexico.
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For Asia, I'll agree that the Philippines is still under-rated, but I don't expect that to last too long. And I agree about East Timor, though I think it will be a while before it becomes popular. Bali is not so under-rated as it was 5 or 10 years ago, so I'd take that one off the list, but I'd add other Indon areas like Ambon (up and coming) and the Togians (barely on the radar), not forgetting the really overlooked Pulau Weh north of Sumatra.
Lots of people come to dive in Thailand with the backpackers going to the Gulf to stay in bamboo beach huts at islands like Koh Tao and the more discerning divers heading to the Similans and Surins in liveaboards, so I wouldn't say that those are under-rated, but I would say that other Thailand islands are hidden gems: Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe are personal favorites of mine.
Yes, Jill! I'd be pleased to help you out. I've got good connections with two different operators on Weh, one locally-run and one foreign-run. The locally-run one is a little less expensive, and the lodging on site is very basic, so when I dive with them, I stay in the town and go over for the day every day. The foreign-run one has better on-site accommodation, but is more expensive. Not much goes on there that's not scuba, but Indonesia is making plans to change that soon with a focus on yachting. There's no marina yet, but if you want to see Weh while it's still in a rather undeveloped phase, go now! Mentawai is best known for surfing. While there is some diving, it's not the big thing there. I only know of one resort that is serious about scuba in the Menatawai area--Aloita--and I have no first-hand experience at all about diving there.Quero - Yes! I'm flying into Medan for a few weeks this winter and plan on hitting Pulau Weh. Maybe try to get south to Mentawai. Any suggestions for me??
Yes, Jill! I'd be pleased to help you out. I've got good connections with two different operators on Weh, one locally-run and one foreign-run. The locally-run one is a little less expensive, and the lodging on site is very basic, so when I dive with them, I stay in the town and go over for the day every day. The foreign-run one has better on-site accommodation, but is more expensive. Not much goes on there that's not scuba, but Indonesia is making plans to change that soon with a focus on yachting. There's no marina yet, but if you want to see Weh while it's still in a rather undeveloped phase, go now! Mentawai is best known for surfing. While there is some diving, it's not the big thing there. I only know of one resort that is serious about scuba in the Menatawai area--Aloita--and I have no first-hand experience at all about diving there.