Top sites for beginners

[Diver2019]

Just got my OW certificate in Tulamben. Would like to see the world (making bucket list...)! Of course, Tulamben is good and we plan to go back again.

Please suggest other sites for beginners with less concerns of current, rough sea/wind, freezing cold water, visibility, depth, etc. Must have: abundant sealife, easy access from shore or short boat ride. Last but not least important: Affordable!

Most top sites don't meet those requirements. For example

Into the deep: World's 50 best dive sites | CNN Travel

Any information is appreciated.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Roatan, Honduras from West End village

Koh Tao, Thailand (not my favorite diving but the island is beautiful) the diving is easy so a good place to start as a beginner as you work your way up to other sites in the world

 

[GrafCanuck]

Have been to most of the Caribbean islands and would rank Bonaire as the best for divers, and particularly beginner and novice divers. Shore diving, good viz, abundant animal life, active reefs and plenty of dive shops are but a few reasons I would recommend Bonaire over the other islands. Curacao would be #2 on my list. Haven't been to the Pacific to comment.

 

[Ministryofgiraffes]

Could you elaborate on ‘affordable’? Based on all of the above criteria, you might want to keep your eye on liveaboards for price drops. I did a 10 day last minute several years ago and pound for pound the 43 dives in 10 days were the best value dives I’ve probably ever done and it was great for a guy on the boat with me who had just punched his open water.

 

[bowlofpetunias]

I see you are from Calif. The dive park at Catalina Island is a great shore dive with lots of life, interesting terrain. It has stairs going down into the entry point. Be careful to follow the posted information about which side to use for entry/exit and not blocking the stairs as this can create problems for other divers. Not sure exactly where you are at but that would be topof my list of suggestions to meet your criteria. "Surf entries" can be fairly challenging.. I think LaJolla Shores was the best place to try to master that skill.

A little further afield Florida has some great shore diving sites. I am sure you could find some locals on here who could give you suggestions and maybe even be willing to guide/dive with you.

I am lucky to have great "Basic diving" here in Sydney year round with amazing life. Lots of people dream of going to the GBR and Sydney is IMHO an underappreciated dive destination. I won't complain too much that we don't have to compete with thousands of tourists at our dites

 

[happy-diver]

Dubai mall aquarium, the right ratio of people for American vacationers

cool vis, calm, no current, temp comfy, not deep, walk in entry and a few fishes

but not affordable

but there are MORE

 

[Diver2019]

Could you elaborate on ‘affordable’? Based on all of the above criteria, you might want to keep your eye on liveaboards for price drops. I did a 10 day last minute several years ago and pound for pound the 43 dives in 10 days were the best value dives I’ve probably ever done and it was great for a guy on the boat with me who had just punched his open water.

I mean the cost per dive. For example, in California it's about $120 per dive while in Tulamben it's about $20. I figure other travel costs are more or less proportional to dive cost.

Would you mind sharing what liveaboards and where it was?

 

[Diver2019]

Have been to most of the Caribbean islands and would rank Bonaire as the best for divers, and particularly beginner and novice divers. Shore diving, good viz, abundant animal life, active reefs and plenty of dive shops are but a few reasons I would recommend Bonaire over the other islands. Curacao would be #2 on my list. Haven't been to the Pacific to comment.

How about Aruba? ABC has been on my list for many years but just too far. Similar time and more expensive than flying to Southeast Asia. But definitely will try. I have been snorkelling in many places of Caribbean, Roatan, Caye Caulker, St Lucia, St. Thomas, Cozumel. Didn't feel as good as in Hawaii big island. Of course that's just snorkelling.

 

[GrafCanuck]

Pass on Aruba for diving. Go to Aruba for the beaches, casinos and other touristy stuff.

I have been to Bonaire and Curacao multiple times and recommend either. Was in Bonaire just 2 weeks ago. Bonaire truly is the Diver's Island while Curacao is more of a blend of diving and typical touristy stuff. Curacao is much more European vs. Bonaire. Shore diving is excellent on both islands. More shore diving choices in Bonaire. Both great for beginners. Reasonable dive prices compared to most other Caribbean islands that I have visited. Reefs and animal life is good on either island.

 

[Ministryofgiraffes]

I mean the cost per dive. For example, in California it's about $120 per dive while in Tulamben it's about $20. I figure other travel costs are more or less proportional to dive cost.

Would you mind sharing what liveaboards and where it was?

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