How to
choose your dive destination
1. What is
your certification level and experience?
Choose a location that is right for you. Some
locations cater to novice divers, others to the
more advanced, and many accomodate all levels.
Don't get caught on the wrong end of the
spectrum.
2. What do
you want out of your dive vacation?
Do you want to spend as much time as possible
underwater? Do you want to take in some topside
attractions? Or maybe you are seeking a happy
medium. You should consider these questions when
planning.
3. Will you
be doing any training on vacation?
If you are planning to complete your open water
training, or to take an advanced or specialty
course, you should check on the agency
affiliations and availability with the operator
you are going to use.
4. What
accomodations are available?
Are you looking for a campsite or the Taj Mahal?
Or do you just want a place that is cozy and
comfortable? Do your homework and get what you
want.
5. Are you
on a budget?
If you answered yes to the Taj Mahal, skip this
part. If on the other hand you are like most of
us, you must stay within a certain budget for
vacations. Plan carefully and intelligently and
you can stay within your means.
Take your time, talk with those who have been to
the location you are interested in. Ask lots of
questions and do not hesitate to call dive
operators and hotels for more specific
information.
Some common questions to ask are listed below to
help you along. Some will matter to you, some
will not, and still others will just be nice to
know. This is not a definitive list but
something to help you get started
- What kind of accomodations are available and
what are they like?
- What type of dive boats does the operator have
and how many divers do they carry?
- Are there medical facilities nearby, and how
far is the nearest recompression chamber?
- What kind of air fill system is used and is
the air quality checked?
- What brands and types of equipment can be
bought, rented and serviced?
- Are the dives guided or independently planned
with a buddy?
- What are the diving depths at this location?
- What is the visibility and water temperature
for the time of year you are visiting?
- What should you expect to see on your dives?
- Are instructors available for a class you
would like to complete?
- Are camera and/or video equipment available
for rent?
- Is photo processing available?
- Do the boats carry oxygen and first aid kits?
- Are there specific policies concerning the use
of dive computers?
- Is nitrox available?
- How far is the hotel from the dive boat?
- How long are the boat rides to the sites?
- When is the best time of year to viit this
location?
In addition to planning your travel, you should
determine what you will need to take with you.
Make a list (and check it twice) of dive
equipment, spare parts, tickets, reservation
confirmations, clothes and other personal items.
By carefully planning your dive vacation, you
will have that extra assurance that you are
getting the best value and most enjoyment out of
those diving dollars. It may sound like a lot of
legwork, but it is actually a lot of fun. So
what are you waiting for? Start planning!!!
