recommended dive islands

[snowdrenched]

In need of some recommendations - we (one adult & one thirteen year old) have dived in Bonaire, the Caymans, Cozumel - now considering Turks & Caicos (but where?) because its within relative easy reach of Toronto. Have heard of St Eustachius, but not sure what is our best bet. We like off-the-beaten track...

 

[DivemasterDennis]

St. Eustachius, aka Statia, is certainly off the beaten track, and the diving is excellent.
DivemasterDennis

 

[diversteve]

For Turks/Caicos there's primarily 4 options.

Provo - Providenciales - like a smaller version of Grand Cayman with better beaches (believe it) and the same great wall diving. I've been to both and would give a slight edge to T/C diving at the more remote locations. Pricey like GC also...

Grand Turk - there's a wall that's shore accessible and several dive operations. One dive resort (Bohio). It's a smaller quieter island except the cruise port is there.

There's a way to dive one of the other cays also - I want to say it's South Caicos but I don't remember the details. That would really be off the beaten path - there's only a few hundred? people on the island. The Meridian Club on Pine Cay also offers diving but it's from Provo.

The last option would be the T/C Explorer or Aggressor liveaboards. They both leave from Provo and dive areas that day boats only infrequently get to. Our trip started off Provo, then went to West Caicos(uninhabited) and French Cay (tiny and uninhabited) The best diving all week was off French Cay. With thanks to Mike Southard - what to expect on Explorer: Saudio's Trip Reports

Off the beaten path you might look at Saba also. You fly into St. Maarten then catch a local flight over. It's quite a thrill landing - they use STOL aircraft. In the same general area is Nevis/St. Kitts. also - I've never been there but it's supposed to be good diving. I believe most diving in that area is smaller stuff typically.

Utila is kind of off the beaten path also. Good diving and in the spring months you can snorkel with Whalesharks.

 

[Bryan Cunningham]

Hi Snow Drenched

I am a dive specialist working for TravelPath in Oakville/Burlington. I lived in various islands around the Caribbean for 12 years, recently moved to Canada. You can take a look at my website for some ideas, Photos of Jardines de la Reina by Carlos Surez - HOME, or email me on bryan@travelpath.com

I don't sell rack dive trips, but tailor trips to meet individuals personal needs. Your best destinations depends on many factors. You will find a brief form on my site that will help me best suggest where to go.

Hope to be of service. I do not charge any fees for my advice at the moment.

Bryan Cunningham
Photos of Jardines de la Reina by Carlos Surez - HOME

 

[DivingNole]

An island not mentioned frequently is Bequia. It's definitely off the beaten path and was a wonderful island to spend the week on. From the US, I flew to Barbados and caught SVG Air over to Bequia. There are no big "resorts" to speak of but options to suit a variety of budget. Not powder white sand beaches, but beautiful nonetheless. And I really enjoyed the diving with Dive Bequia, hunting out the small stuff.

 

[itempleton]

As previously mentioned Saba is a good option from Toronto. Your best bet is probably Toronto to St. Martin via WestJet and then on to Saba via Winnair.

 

[chillyinCanada]

I've got to second Bequia!! Sweet sweet diving there. I never expected delivery like that and have never seen so many juvie spotted drums before anywhere!!

 

[DeputyDan]

I would not recommend Saba for a 13 year old.
When they are 17-18 go for it but not now.
The diving is too deep.

With the T&C in your sights I would definitely look at Grand Turk.

DD

 

[itempleton]

I would not recommend Saba for a 13 year old.
When they are 17-18 go for it but not now.
The diving is too deep.
DD

Good point. Save Saba for later.

 

[LiquidDivingAdventure]

My favorite at the moment, besides Little Cayman Beach Resort, is Jungle Bay on Dominica. It's not just a dive specific place but hikes, etc. Called the Nature Island, there is a reason...beautiful. Great spa.

Not sure I'd recommend Utila as there is not much for a 13 year old to do and the no-see-ums make it hard to use the beach.

If you were considering a liveaboard, the Explorer fleet has some specials in the T&C. The Juliet is also a cool boat a bit less expensive.