This article is part of the Beginners Guide to Scuba Diving
Many scuba divers find that the only time they really get a chance to dive is on holiday. Either they live in a location where diving is not available year-round or other things get in the way of diving. So we spend our lunch hour at work surfing the net looking for inspiration for where to go on a dive vacation.
For many people trying to decide where to take a scuba diving vacation is a huge task, divers can reduce those choices to only include places to dive. If the diver is traveling with a non-diving companion or with a family, some locations might not be appropriate. With the proper planning, you can still get your scuba diving vacation while the others are still getting their own wonderful vacation, it is planning and priorities.
Scuba Diving Vacation at a Dive Resort
A scuba diving vacation does not have to be at a dive resort, however, it can make things easier. Not just for you but for any non-divers as well. Many top diving locations are top vacation locations as well. The dive resorts in these locations will be catering to those not diving as well. While you are out diving, the others can be enjoying the spa. Many resorts are set up to do two-morning dives and two-afternoon dives. Few divers will want to do four dives a day every day, so there is time for other activities. Staying at the dive resort means less travel time between your hotel room and the boat and back again. You will also feel more comfortable leaving your gear at the dive center, even if you are not going to dive the next day.
When looking at a dive resort, separate the two functions between the diving and the resort. Evaluate each element to see if it meets your needs. You do not want to select a resort based on the dive center and not see that the resort itself is not to your liking. The other way around as well, the resort might be great but the dive center is in name only. Weigh which of the two evaluations is more important to you If you are diving with family it may be 60% resort / 40% diving, however, whatever you feel is the proper weight.
This same process can be done where the resort and dive centers are separate locations. In this case, you need to factor in travel times.
Scuba Diving Vacation – Liveaboard style
Many new divers might be intrigued by the thought of taking a liveaboard vacation. The thoughts of a full day of nothing but diving, your own little world away from cell phones and emails, Thousands of stars each night, and the company of other divers do have an appeal. However, they often set those dreams aside thinking they need to be expert divers to join a liveaboard. While that may be true for a few locations, it is not the general rule. Remote locations like Osprey Reef in the Coral Seas off the coast of Australia or the north islands of Galapagos islands are open to experienced divers only. However, most other liveaboard locations are an excellent opportunity for novice divers to improve their diving skills. You may even be surprised to hear that many liveaboards do Open Water Diver certifications and referrals. Adding in an advanced course or specialty is a good option as well.
While a few decades ago liveaboards were converted fishing vessels with cramped spaces, today’s liveaboard offers vessels that have been custom-built for a scuba diving vacation. Similar to the range of services offered by dive resorts, you can find liveaboards that appeal to budget and luxury travel. Four or five dives a day are common with ample food. Some of the liveaboards are so proud of the creations of their onboard chef, they will post the planned menu on their website.
The standard sailing is generally a week but you will find that in some locations this can be broken down into 3 or 4-day segments. Some liveaboards offer shorter sailing of just a few days. There are even a few that stay out for extended periods and guests are shuttled by service boats or helicopters.
When you are first comparing the cost of a liveaboard to a dive resort, remember that almost all of your expenses are included in the liveaboard’s fare. On a liveaboard, you get out of the water, dry off and have your meal. Dinner is casual and there is seating for everyone. No need to search for a restaurant or wait an hour to be seated. After dinner, watch the stars from a hot tub with no light pollution around to ruin the view.
Image waking up in the morning, walking a few meters to the dive brief, gear up with your buddy and giant step off the back of the boat as the sun is just teasing the sky with light. You will not find that at a resort.
Scuba Diving Vacation – Cruising
The Whitsunday Island group in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is considered by many as the sailing capital of the world. Sailing enthusiasts from around the world will come here to enjoy the islands and coral cays that make up this area, discovered by James Cook. He even commented on the perfect conditions and vast safe anchorages. Sailing and motor vessels of all sizes are available for charter. You can charter a vessel without a crew, or with one. Many will join a sailing on what is called a partial charter and sail around the area. The area has few liveaboards, however. While sailing or cruising is the focus you can arrange to have dive equipment brought onboard. Another option is to have a dive boat pick you up from the yacht you are on. The Whitsundays is not the only place this is done, as some locations in the Caribbean also have these arrangements. This is perfect if a travel companion does not want to stay on a liveaboard.
Travel Insurance for the Scuba Diver
This was mentioned when we talked about DCI, but it bears being mentioned again. Any time you dive you need to be covered by dive insurance. A DCI event can give you medical bills higher than the cost of a condominium. While DCI is the primary focus in discussions about dive insurance, DCI makes up just a small percentage of the situations that lead to a medical need. Health insurance often does not cover cases while scuba diving even if it is not caused by diving. Most liveaboards and many dive resorts will make it a requirement to dive with them. If you do not often dive, then you might consider a short-term policy.
Travel insurance is equally important and more frequently used. You or your family can become sick or injured outside of diving. Many times it can require a medical evacuation, which can run into tens of thousands of dollars. The travel insurance will cover other items besides medical. Missed flights, missing luggage, and a host of other coverage. Please make sure that when you make your reservations, your insurance is in place.
Your first dive vacation will likely not be the last. So start planning.
Click here for more articles in the Beginners Guide to Scuba Diving
Brought To You By
Our Beginners Guide to Scuba Diving is brought to you by Pearl Fleet. Pearl Fleet invites you to embark on their exquisitely crafted yachts for the finest diving experience the world has to offer. From purposefully designed diving itineraries to high-class amenities, Pearl Fleet’s immersive getaways allow you to indulge in your passion as you journey to world-class diving destinations. You can find out more at pearlfleet.org.