jonance
11-26-2006, 04:00 PM
Hi,
I am a relatively new diver, having only logged 5 dives...all in the Mayan Riviera of the Yucatan. Two of them were cenote dives, and the other open ocean dives. I enjoyed both and considered them pretty fantastic, at least with my small sample size and nothing to compare to besides lots of carribean snorkeling when i was much younger.
Anyhow, I have a friend who is a longtime diver (although it has been a long time since he has been) and we are planning a trip with him, his wife, and my wife and I. I am in the precarious position of trying to find a place that has good (even great) diving for us...but also has a nice "downtown" type area with bars, restaurants, and shopping...preferably within walking distance or at least close by.
I have stayed from everywhere to a bed/breakfast in Turks/Caicos for my honeymoon (before i dove unfortunately) to All Inclusives in Mexico...so we are willing to look into either renting a condo and car or going AI again. If we are going to buy our own food/drinks, a reasonable prices area would be preferable.
Anyhow, I am hoping that some of you all have suggestions of which islands might be desireable for this type of vacation. I've looked into the DR b/c of the cost and many AI's, but the diving seems poor at best. I would appreciate any feedback on which islands offer a good mix of diving and nightlife/shopping...where we can be near both. Also, if you want to recommend specific resorts, areas, or condos I would appreciate it. I like to do alot of research before choosing a destination, especially when you got to please the ladies
Thanks in advance for your responses...hope to get alot of feedback.
John Stewart
Louisville, KY
I am a relatively new diver, having only logged 5 dives...all in the Mayan Riviera of the Yucatan. Two of them were cenote dives, and the other open ocean dives. I enjoyed both and considered them pretty fantastic, at least with my small sample size and nothing to compare to besides lots of carribean snorkeling when i was much younger.
Anyhow, I have a friend who is a longtime diver (although it has been a long time since he has been) and we are planning a trip with him, his wife, and my wife and I. I am in the precarious position of trying to find a place that has good (even great) diving for us...but also has a nice "downtown" type area with bars, restaurants, and shopping...preferably within walking distance or at least close by.
I have stayed from everywhere to a bed/breakfast in Turks/Caicos for my honeymoon (before i dove unfortunately) to All Inclusives in Mexico...so we are willing to look into either renting a condo and car or going AI again. If we are going to buy our own food/drinks, a reasonable prices area would be preferable.
Anyhow, I am hoping that some of you all have suggestions of which islands might be desireable for this type of vacation. I've looked into the DR b/c of the cost and many AI's, but the diving seems poor at best. I would appreciate any feedback on which islands offer a good mix of diving and nightlife/shopping...where we can be near both. Also, if you want to recommend specific resorts, areas, or condos I would appreciate it. I like to do alot of research before choosing a destination, especially when you got to please the ladies
Thanks in advance for your responses...hope to get alot of feedback.
John Stewart
Louisville, KY