Where to go for 1st. dive trip?

[DepthJunkie]

I need some help picking my 1st. destination. Let me give you some background so that the choice will be perfect.

1) I am newly certified(14 logged dives, all in cold water). So I am looking for something that will not be too intense and an operation that is suited for all degrees of ability.
2) Wife is not a diver, so I will need some entertainment for her while I'm diving(beach massages by tanned,buff locals not an option, unless female DM's are equally attractive).
3) Would like to do some sight-seeing during shore time.
4) Would like eventful nightlife, learn some native cultures maybe, and a romantic resort and atmosphere.

I need this to go really well so that I can convince her that she will not be bored and I can go to the other locations.

Thanks

Any other ideas welcomed.

 

[robint]

Of your choices... I vote Cozumel but I would stick to an all-inclusive resort for your wife's needs. Take a day to go over to the Mainland to tour the ruins at Tulum and Coba or Chichen Itza for some Mayan culture.

robint

edit: I would go to Caradonna Dive Adventures - Dive Travel and Vacations or Caribbean Dive Island Vacations at Bay Adventures to look for nice package deals. They will also have hotel/resorts listed for you to show the wifey for approval.

 

[bubbles3d]

The only issue w/ Cozumel is that it is all drift diving. If your buoyancy is very good there should not be a problem.

 

[joedacor]

Hi Depth Junkie
Looking at your requirement for your Dive trip- if you have 10 or more days may be you wants to consider Tioman Islands, Malaysia, since They Visit Year. do check out tioman

 

[-hh]

I need some help picking my 1st. destination. Let me give you some background so that the choice will be perfect.

1) I am newly certified(14 logged dives, all in cold water). So I am looking for something that will not be too intense and an operation that is suited for all degrees of ability.

I'd stay away from drift diving (Cozumel), as its better for you to learn how to not bump coral without a current before adding in that additional complexity.

2) Wife is not a diver, so I will need some entertainment for her while I'm diving(beach massages by tanned,buff locals not an option, unless female DM's are equally attractive).

With a non-diver spouse, what I've learned is that it is important to be back by lunchtime. Getting back at 1-2pm isn't a good way to make points, unless this is a typical lunch hour for the two of you.

3) Would like to do some sight-seeing during shore time.

Also decide for yourself if this includes shopping, or is more nature-oriented, etc. This will help you to decide if you're going to go for an 'urban' type setting (Coz) or 'countryside' (Little Cayman)

4) Would like eventful nightlife, learn some native cultures maybe, and a romantic resort and atmosphere.

Are you willing to miss the prepaid dive the next morning because you have a hangover and are moving slow from being out late the night before? :11doh: I'm not suggesting that this isn't a good thing, but its easy to overdo. In general, to really experience the local, you're going to need to get off the resort's property. Some destinations this is easy, others a bit harder. Sometimes its easiest done with a rental car, other times the local taxi's are the way to go.


-hh

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Since you are such a new diver I voted for Grand Cayman. The diving is easier there. There is definitely more to do on Cozumel, especially when considering excursions over to the Riviera Maya.

 

[johnny_bravo]

None of those...go to Bonaire!

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[robint]

None of those...go to Bonaire!

Cheers.

-J.-

I agree that Bonaire is better than any of this other options, but with a non-diving spouse on her first trip with a diver........ ugghhh, Bonaire would probably kill any future chances of a dive trip! Cozumel at a fancy all-inclusive is a good way to ease her into the dive trip thing!!

 

[DeputyDan]

None of those -

It depends on who you are going with! This is very important

If on your own my vote would be Key Largo. Many reasons why I would chose this.

It's not my favorite locale but for your situation it would be my choice.

 

[del_mo]

What DeputyDan says. Key Largo has much to offer. Shallow reefs so you'll have long dives. Deeper intact wrecks that you might need to hire a divemaster to escort you, but well worth the extra cost.

If Florida interests you, Ft. Lauderdale/Pompano Beach offers more great diving.

People who haven't dove Florida don't know what they are missing.