Hello everybody,

I’m a college student trying to go on a dive-specific trip. I’ve gone on vacations with the family and managed to squeeze in a dive or two, but I need more (no one else in my family dives). I was hoping that I would get some feedback from this community of divers to help me find a nice dive resort that I could meet other divers and go on some unforgettable dives. I looked at "Captain Don’s Habitat" in Bonaire, and although it looks perfect, I’ve read some not-so-great reviews about it. Have you been anywhere that was amazing and still somewhat not ridiculously expensive (I’m willing to spend good money, but I am a college student)? I’m also interested in live-aboard trips and anything exciting. I just need more dives! Please share your past experiences.

Thank you all and happy diving,

Chris

Comments

ilovealtoclef - 8/28/2009 11:15 AM Hi Chris, I’m in exactly the same boat as you (no pun intended). I am also a college student who wants to get more dives in, the only diver in my family, and would like to go on an inexpensive and worthwhile trip during my winter break, but I do not have a buddy, and have I not found a place either. So if you are interested in trying to schedule a trip, let me know!

Flamingo - 8/15/2009 5:03 PM I would suggest Curacao rather than Bonaire. Since you are traveling alone or at least a single diver, finding dive buddy’s at one of the Curacao resorts is easy. You have the option of staying on the East side of the island, which has more of a night life, bars, dancing, music or you can stay on the West end, which is more secluded and has more dive sites. You can shore dive all day long, night dive at numerous operations, drift dive, and boat dive. When you reserve your dive package, just let them know you are single and they will hook you up. Here are some suggestions: http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/ABC/Curacao/index.htm http://www.habitatcuracaoresort.com/ http://www.oceanencounterswest.com/ http://www.the-dive-bus.com/ http://www.lionsdive.com/ http://www.curacaosunshine.com/ http://www.allwestcuracao.com/ ~

Jango - 8/07/2009 6:52 PM Well, I WAS going to go with Fosters but changed my mind after seeing their boats on their website. They are huge so they haul lots of noobs. I decided to go with Nick Buckley with Red Baron instead. I was trying to save some money but I don’t think I’d be satified with lot of other divers around. Nick’s boats carry 8 max and over the years have read on various scuba forums that he comes highly recommended.

m_grieco - 8/06/2009 3:54 PM I know of a great deal right now to the Red Sea (diving out of Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt). The airfare is a bit high (about $850 round trip I can get out of Newark, NJ) andthe accomodation is cheap...$360 USD, includes airport transfers, 7 night stay, 5 days of diving, 2 boat dives per day, and daily breakfast. I was there in March/April and had a blast. My wife gave me permission to go back without her...I just need a buddy, that’s the stipulation...if you’re seriously interested let me know as we’d need to book it ASAP as the deal is only good for August. No sweat though...last time I wen there I booked the trip only two weeks prior to my departure date, so it is totally do-able. Mike

Jango - 8/05/2009 5:08 PM Check out a cruise ship. My wife and I are going on the Carnival Valor sailing on 9/27 to 10/4. It’s a seven day to Grand Caymen - I’m diving with the ship there with Foster’s. Roatan is next, followed by Belize. Good diving there but I’m going to do some shore stuff there. Cozumel is next and I’m diving with Deep Blue who I dove with in the past for four days. They are a class act. The ship has instructors on board I think and their own gear if you book through them. There won’t be a herd of kids that time of year and since it’s during hurricane season it’s cheaper. If there is a hurricane in the area they just avoid it and go elsewhere. There are lots of singles on the ships too and loads of fun.  :)

LatitudeAdjustment - 8/04/2009 7:36 AM Chris, most resorts will charge you extra for traveling single and at most resorts when you get off the boat most divers go off and do their own thing. Your best bet to meet others may be a liveaboard, Nekton has some good deals and they won’t charge you extra if you are willing to share a room but more than likely you won’t have a roommate and being bigger boats there will be more possible new friends on board. Another option would be SingleDivers.com, the wench has her blond moments and she isn’t cheaper dispite what she says but it is a fun group to travel with and after a few trips you’ll have new friends and won’t be asking this :) Ray