New to this board

[billthediver]

I'd like to start by saying Hi to all of the regulars. I've been on a couple of Cozumel boards for a few years and got tired of all of the same questions, So I thought I would try something different. Also getting a little tired of the diving in Coz. Well except for Punta Sur.
Anyway, I would like some opinions on dive vacations that can be close to the cost of a Cozumel dive vacation? My wife don't dive, so there would have to be a beach for her.
Also, to stay tuned up, where are some of your favorite local spots.

[DeepDiverBob]

I have heard Bonaire is a great spot. I havent been there yet, but am going there in August. A friend of mine dove there, and his wife is a non-diver, and she has a good time there as well.

As far as local, I am not picky. If its deep enough for my computer to switch on, I'll jump in.

[nauifins73]

Hi and welcome to MWD. My favorite Carribean sites are Cayman Brac and Ambergis Caye. Locally I have only dove Beaver but hope to change that this summer

[juls64]

Hi Bill-

Welcome to the board!

I think a very affordable trip would be to Chicago, Illinois. You could find a charter out of Burnham Harbor in scenic downtown Chicago. While you dive, your wife can enjoy Oak Street Beach or her choice of several other Chicago Public Beaches. If you were to choose some comfortable accomodations, such as Chicago's very own Drake Hotel, your wife will find her walk to the beach is a relaxing stroll across the street and a short stretch of walkway. She may even be able to accompany you on the boat one evening for one of the sunset cruises. She can indulge herself during the open bar cruise while you opt for a night dive in front of Navy Pier.
There is plenty to occupy the two of you during the surface interval. In addition to the comfortable accomodations at many of our superior hotels (wink,wink) there is the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, The Shedd Aquarium and Art Institute among others. If you visit during the summer, perhaps you could take in a game with our World Series Champion White Sox or the "Oh My Gosh What Have They Done To Wrigley Field Now" Chicago Cubs.

If this is not quite what you had in mind, I'm sure there will be plenty of other suggestions! No matter the destination, Welcome to the Board!

[Atlaua]

Also getting a little tired of the diving in Coz. Well except for Punta Sur.
Anyway, I would like some opinions on dive vacations that can be close to the cost of a Cozumel dive vacation?

There is the rub. I go back to Cozumel year after year because of that, it's darn cheap and it's great diving. Would I like variety? Yes, but can I get better diving for less $$$...nope.

Coz is so cheap for what you get. Great food,, great diving, short flight.

As others have mentioned, Bonaire sounds great...haven't been yet but it's still a little more cash and a lot more travel time (big deal for me with an 18 month old).

Closest I've come is Puerto Rico. I went 2 years ago...thing is I went where the diving is best and the diving was great....not Coz but great. Thing is there where the diving is good, the shore activities are not. The town I was in shut down during the week. Had to drive 40min-1hr to eat dinner every night and the hotel was....well lets just say bug infested is the nicest thing I can say. Dive op was fantastic but still...

Another option is the Mexico/Quintana Roo mainland. Went to Akumal last year and while it's not Coz on dining it has it's own charm. Ocean diving is definatly not Coz but the Cenote's were fantastic. A good option.

If you find a cheap destination that even gets close to Coz on dining and price, let me know...I'll be planning my next trip!

Welcome to the board.

James


I see you used to work for West End...what are you doing now??

[theskull]

Hi Bill,

You might consider the Upper Keys in Florida or Cancun Mexico for a low-cost trip with great diving and surface interval activities as well.

For local tune-ups you may want to wait until July/August so you can do some of the local dives in a 3mm wetsuit. That time of year you can make some dives in 80F water at Cerulean Springs, Table Rock Lake, and even Mermet Springs if you stay very shallow. And of course Rolla, which is close and cheap, and pretty interesting for your first dozen or so dives there.

Come out and join us some time,

theskull

[scubajoe]

Welcome to the board!
Ambergris Cay Belize is good. The diving is not quite as good as Coz but the beaches are better and it is much more laid back. No high pressure vendors or taxi cabs. Actually no cars, the coke truck is a John Deer!
Utila would be a great choice too.

Joe

[steve2281]

Hi Bill, welcome to the board. For some local tune-ups, just watch this board; there should be several opportunities in the coming months.

As others have pointed out, it's going to be hard to beat Coz for the quality of dives per $$$. Don't rule out south FL for a vacation destination. The upper Keys has some good diving, but IMHO not that great for a non-diver looking for a beach. FLL is a good choice for a diver/non-diver trip, though the diving isn't as good as in the Keys, again MHO. So much water, so little time!!!

Enjoy the board. steve

[scububa]

Welcome to the board. My non-local experience is limited to Coz. I am too new to this to be bored with it.

Most of the "local" scene has been advised. Of course, I like Table Rock. You also have Norfork and Bull Shoals. I have dove Norfork, but not Bull Shoals, which I'd like to add to my list this year. Chicago and the GL are also on my short list.

If you are cavern certified you have Roubidoux at Waynesville.

There are some other quarry opportunities (like the KC area), but I'll let someone who knows them speak up.

Jim

[MgicTwnger]

Welcome to the board!

As has been said, locally you have Mermet, Haigh, and Perl. Oh, and some of the best wreck diving in the world in lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes. Get a drysuit and join the fun.
Some one mentioned the lack of beaches in the upper Keys. Not strictly true, although most are man-made. I did a week in Tavernier last December with my non-diving wife and she was quite happy with the little beach at the motel, not to mention the shopping, especially in Key Largo.

[scubado]

I still enjoy Coz but understand the desire to try something new. I've been to Belize twice (Ambergris and Caye Caulker) and would love to go again. Unfortunately, the airfare is quite a bit higher than Coz (at least the last time I checked). I've been to the Keys a ton and like it but there isn't much beach life. I like diving in So. FL (Boynton Beach) area. You can stay in Delray Beach or Lauderdale by the Sea and I think both of you would be happy. In terms of local diving, I do like Cerulean during the summer as it's warm and you can go to Mermet if you like deep, dark and cold.

[theskull]

. . . and you can go to Mermet if you like deep, dark and cold.

YEAH! I LOVE deep dark and cold.

Especially deep.
And dark.
And cold.

Mermet is very doable in a 7mm wetsuit w/ hood & gloves in the Summer.
But so very much better with a dry suit. :)

theskull

[billthediver]

Wow, looks like a great board. Lot's of info. I guess Coz is the best deal for the money, Has anyone been to St. Croix. A guy at work is trying to sell me on it, he has a relative that has a shop there. Locally, I do want to try mermet. a friend got cert there last year and made it sound pretty nice.
When I used to work at Bonne Terre Mine, I got a chance to dive with alot of people that also dove the Great Lakes. I've heard all of the stories about the great shipwrecks.
Diving in Chicago don't sound all that bad either, maybe I'll get a chance to watch the Cardinals beat the Cubs while I'm there. wink wink