New diver... where should I go?

[schmidt01]

I just got certified as an open water diver this summer and I'm planning a trip to the Caribbean next fall to go diving. Where do you think is the best place for beginners to dive? I want to go somewhere where the visibility is good and the currents aren't very strong. Any suggestions?

[Tech Diver]

There are lots of places to go in the Carribean, but I feel that Grand Cayman has much to offer. The reefs are in excellent condition, the visibility is supurb and there are a great variety of reef configurations (spur-groove, mini wall, tunnels, heads, etc.). The Western side, called seven-mile beach, is where most of the hotels are located. It has very calm waters because it is on the leeward side of the island. If you are up to handling some surge and a bit of rough surface waves, the South side offers some pristine sites with huge elk-horn acropora formations.

[billsreef]

To Reef Central

I'm also a fan of the Caymans. There is good diving that ranges from easy beginner to more advanced wall diving. In between dives, plenty to do topside as well

[schmidt01]

I've always wanted to go to Grand Cayman. My husband is leaning towards Cozumel though... have any of you been there? Would you recommened the Caymans over Cozumel?

[billsreef]

Cozumel is good, but the currents are strong. The diving there is all drift diving, i.e. you just go along with current as they are too strong to swim against. It's a great dive location, but better done after you've gained some experience

[schmidt01]

I read in my diving magazine that most of the dive sites in Cozumel were drift dives but my husband didn't think the currents there were strong. Looks like we'll be leaving Cozumel for a future dive vacation. Thanks for your input... I'll start looking into the Caymans.

[billsreef]

The currents at Cozumel are definitely strong. It's fun drift diving, but you need to watch for upwelling and downwelling currents that have gotten divers there in serious trouble.

[schmidt01]

Yikes! Good to know! Thanks!

[jreefer113]

ive been to roatan, its an island off the coast of honduras. the diving was amazing and the best part was that you could literally walk to the water from your room and swim to a huge wall and dive for hours. they also took you out on the boats.

[jreefer113]

you also might want to consider florida. the southern east coast of florida is as tropical as the carribean and since you just got certified it might be a good idea to get some more dives under your belt before you drop a bunch on a carribean trip only to get there and have trouble.

[schmidt01]

Thanks for the suggestions... maybe Florida is the way to go... at least for the first trip.

[Shock130]

Ive only snorkled in the Caymans, im planning on getting certified for scuba soon, but the snorkleing in the caymans was amazing, it is the single thing that made me fall in love with saltwater and want to start a tank

[billsreef]

[welcome]

When you get certified, go back

[Wryknow]

Cozumel is my favorite. The water pretty consistenetly good and calm with excellent visibilty and a nice current for drift diving. There's lots of good stuff to do on the island too.

Bonaire is great diving too and there are lots of nice reefs really close to the shore. There's not nearly as much to do on the island though.

[ejrabekoff]

The British Virgin Islands are amazing. Great fish, beautiful reefs, and clesr water. Cozumel would also be great.

[ejrabekoff]

The British Virgin Islands are amazing. Great fish, beautiful reefs, and clesr water. Cozumel would also be great.

[ejrabekoff]

Accidnetally clicked post twice. My bad.

[schmidt01]

Thanks for all of your suggestions... it looks like I've got a lot of research to do!