Where to get cert'ed? Long weekend-DCA to...? Not CZM, GCM, LC, BON

[Hoyden]

I would recommend Key Largo - it is hard to beat the diving there for variety... plenty of wrecks and reefs. I did my staff IDC course at Rainbow Reef and found their operation to be top notch. If you really want an op with a smaller boat, you could go with Quiescence. They run a nice 6-pack and offer small group and private instruction.

I don't think that you can go wrong either way in Key Largo.

Jackie

 

[KathyV]

For a long weekend, Florida sounds like an easy trip and a good choice.

For a long dive weekend I think you'd want to avoid any place that can be a bit complicated to reach, so as not to spend too much of your limited time on travel and to reduce the risk of delays.

Another spot to consider is the Cayman Brac Beach Resort. It's easy to fly directly from DCA to GCM and then a short half-hour hop over to CYB. It's all-inclusive with very good food, so you'll just have to concentrate on diving and getting the certifications done.

Right now Cayman Airways is offering $78 roundtrip fares from GCM to the sister islands, but I am not sure if you have to book their MIA to GCM special to get that price? That wouldn't work for you.

"Through-fares from the Sister Islands are available for an additional US$77.50 per roundtrip."
Wow! Cayman Airways Miami fares are now super low!

The CBBR resort is safe and clean and very similar to LCBR (CB is a bit nicer IMO, but I haven't seen the new renovations at LC yet) but CBBR has the same boats and dive op. So it's an easy "turnkey" trip to a lovely AI resort, with an excellent dive op, and very good diving. What's not to like?

CBBR were recently advertising specials for 7 nights, so ask what kind of deal they could give you for 3 people for a long weekend including 2 certifications. Call the booking agent directly, to see what's available, don't rely on their automated, online booking system.

Scuba Dive Packages at Cayman Brac Beach Resort

Wherever you decide to go, be sure that you make arrangements with the dive shop in advance regarding the certifications, to confirm that they will have staff available.

Happy Father's Day!

 

[KathyV]

You mentioned that Little Cayman is booked up, since you'd like a condo did you ask about the nearby condos that Clearly Cayman manages and that include access to the resort and dive op?
The Club at Little Cayman

The Brac Scuba Shack also has condo packages for diving:
https://www.bracscubashack.com/about-us/accommodations

 

[ReadyDiverOne]

@KathyV, thanks much, we’ll have one non-diver so may need more to do than Little and Brac offer.

 

[KathyV]

@KathyV, thanks much, we’ll have one non-diver so may need more to do than Little and Brac offer.

Well, that does make a difference! What kind of things does the non-diver like to do on vacation?

But since it is only a long weekend and not a full week then CBBR might work. There is a gorgeous infinity pool at CBBR and a nice, small spa where you can get massages and spa services. There is a small exercise room and a tennis court, and a nature preserve right across the road; so if the non-diver just wants to relax it might be okay. Just an idea, good luck!

 

[Trailboss123]

@KathyV, thanks much, we’ll have one non-diver so may need more to do than Little and Brac offer.

If you have 1 non-diver, then CocoView in Roatan (previously mentioned) is definitely out. Great place for diving or dive instruction, but no place for a non-diver for many reasons.

 

[chillyinCanada]

If you have 1 non-diver, then CocoView in Roatan (previously mentioned) is definitely out. Great place for diving or dive instruction, but no place for a non-diver for many reasons.

Not sure it would be doable in any event. Don't think they could get flights to suit.

 

[Trailboss123]

Not sure it would be doable in any event. Don't think they could get flights to suit.

True-- I was going to mention that also and then got distracted by something and hit post- LOL!

 

[KathyV]

Even Key Largo isn't the most exciting destination for a non-diver. It may have changed a lot since the last time we were there, but my memory is of a quiet island with a national park and a lot of water sports and a few restaurants. Other areas of southern Florida (Fort Lauderdale or Key West) might hold more interest for a non-diver.

@ReadyDiverOne mentioned that the family is going to Bonaire in August and I'm thinking that it isn't an ideal destination for a non-diver either. They do get a few cruise ships there so there are some restaurants and shops, but it's a small, sleepy place that is almost totally focused on diving. Okay there is a national park, the Donkey preserve, and a small casino, and the slave huts are interesting - but there's not much else - some salt mounds and windmills. There isn't even much beach on Bonaire because the reefs start so close to shore. I think that Curacao is a better destination for a mix of divers and non-divers than Bonaire, just my opinion.

I don't know how easy it is for the OP to get to St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands from DC for a long weekend, but there are quite a few topside activities available that might be attractive to a non-diver. There is also decent diving and the Fredricksted Pier is one of the best shore diving (and snorkeling) sites that we have experienced.

OP, you should ask @drrich2 for advice because he has done some vacation dive trips with non-diving family members.

 

[Trailboss123]

Based on your stated criteria and where you are flying from, I would fly down to Fort Lauderdale and look for a hotel, airbnb or VRBO in the West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach area for an extended weekend to get the daughters OW certified and if you have a non-diver in the group, there are plenty of excellent beach, restaurant and world class shopping options to keep them busy. Just pick a place to stay with a swimming pool. Lots of good dive operators in that area to get the Open Water cert dives done. Many of us here can recommend.