Best spot for first time SCUBA
Apr 3rd, 2016, 12:20 PM
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Best spot for first time SCUBA
I'm conquering my fear at some point! Where is the best spot to SCUBA in Australia and the Pacific? Planning a trip for early 2017 and everything might revolve around that. Would love to hear from any SCUBA pros. Thanks!
Apr 3rd, 2016, 12:26 PM
#2
Not a pro, but spouse really enjoyed his diving at Cod Hole:
http://www.divethereef.com/CodHole.asp
Cold water though.
http://www.divethereef.com/CodHole.asp
Cold water though.
Apr 4th, 2016, 04:21 AM
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Fiji is a great place for new and apprehensive divers with beautiful dives for a wide range of abilities. Plus excellent land/sea activities, hotels, resorts for the other 90% of the day. (from a technical instructor)
Apr 5th, 2016, 09:23 AM
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Melnq8, thank you! It looks promising. I have another favor to ask please! Do you mind asking spouse why he liked it? Was it the fishes/clarity? How far down does it get as you mentioned cold? I'm a little torn because on the one hand I want to see a lot of fish but on the other I'm a little scared and grossed out if they touch me or anything like that. It's so silly!!
NoFlyZone, is there a particular spot in Fiji? That's killing 2 birds!
As an instructor, any other places? Have you been to Palawan? Thanks!
I am not yet certified just a total beginner.
NoFlyZone, is there a particular spot in Fiji? That's killing 2 birds!
As an instructor, any other places? Have you been to Palawan? Thanks! I am not yet certified just a total beginner.
Apr 5th, 2016, 02:13 PM
#6
tanabanana -
He took a live aboard trip with Mike Ball out of Cairns. but it was years ago, so not sure if they're still around.
Correction - the water was cool, not cold, it was similar to diving in Hawaii, but warmer than California and Western Australia if that helps.
As to why - well, it's the Great Barrier Reef! How can a diver pass that up?
His all time favorite place to dive is in the Maldives - he's dived there annually for the past 15 years or so.
Funnily enough, he didn't dive in Australia once in the seven years we lived there - we lived in Western Australia and the water was too cold for his tastes - that, and the hungry great whites put him off.
He took a live aboard trip with Mike Ball out of Cairns. but it was years ago, so not sure if they're still around.
Correction - the water was cool, not cold, it was similar to diving in Hawaii, but warmer than California and Western Australia if that helps.
As to why - well, it's the Great Barrier Reef! How can a diver pass that up?
His all time favorite place to dive is in the Maldives - he's dived there annually for the past 15 years or so.
Funnily enough, he didn't dive in Australia once in the seven years we lived there - we lived in Western Australia and the water was too cold for his tastes - that, and the hungry great whites put him off.
Apr 5th, 2016, 06:21 PM
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If you are not a certified diver, then you could still experience scuba diving on an introductory dive, also known as a discover scuba dive. You'd be given some basic instruction before diving in accompanied by a scuba instructor. You wouldn't be able to dive as deep as a certified diver.
Have you snorkeled before?
Your other options are: to get certified before you leave for your trip to Australia or Fiji or Palawan or wherever to scuba dive; or to get a open water referral, meaning you'd do the theory and pool/confined water work close to home and then do the open water portion on your trip; or you could do the entire open water scuba certification course on your trip to Australia. You should do more research, have a look at this link for a start:
http://scuba.about.com/od/scuba101/p...r-Referral.htm
Maybe NoFlyZone, a technical instructor, can fill in with more details about your various options.
If getting certified in Australia, you might also need to visit a doctor to get a medical report, as there are certain conditions that could make diving more difficult or dangerous for you. Read this page thoroughly:
http://www.prodivecairns.com/5daylearntodive
Melnq8 mentioned a live aboard trip to GBR. This means you'd be on the boat for three days or more. It's a more expensive option than a day trip out to the reef, so you should research this as well. Mike Ball is still around:
http://www.mikeball.com/expeditions/
I did a live aboard out the GBR with Pro Dive based in Cairns.
You mentioned early 2017 as the time for your trip. Cyclone season is from 1 November and 30 April. Doesn't mean you can't dive, it's just something you should be aware of.
http://www.divethereef.com/Guides/SeasonsC.asp
Palawan is one of the most beautiful places I've been to, but I don't know if I'd go there just to dive. My husband and I both scuba dived when we were there many years ago and enjoyed it. We stayed at an El Nido Resort, and there were plenty of other things to do, such as kayak.
What kind of budget do you have for your trip? Because scuba diving can be expensive, especially if you go on a live aboard.
Have you snorkeled before?
Your other options are: to get certified before you leave for your trip to Australia or Fiji or Palawan or wherever to scuba dive; or to get a open water referral, meaning you'd do the theory and pool/confined water work close to home and then do the open water portion on your trip; or you could do the entire open water scuba certification course on your trip to Australia. You should do more research, have a look at this link for a start:
http://scuba.about.com/od/scuba101/p...r-Referral.htm
Maybe NoFlyZone, a technical instructor, can fill in with more details about your various options.
If getting certified in Australia, you might also need to visit a doctor to get a medical report, as there are certain conditions that could make diving more difficult or dangerous for you. Read this page thoroughly:
http://www.prodivecairns.com/5daylearntodive
Melnq8 mentioned a live aboard trip to GBR. This means you'd be on the boat for three days or more. It's a more expensive option than a day trip out to the reef, so you should research this as well. Mike Ball is still around:
http://www.mikeball.com/expeditions/
I did a live aboard out the GBR with Pro Dive based in Cairns.
You mentioned early 2017 as the time for your trip. Cyclone season is from 1 November and 30 April. Doesn't mean you can't dive, it's just something you should be aware of.
http://www.divethereef.com/Guides/SeasonsC.asp
Palawan is one of the most beautiful places I've been to, but I don't know if I'd go there just to dive. My husband and I both scuba dived when we were there many years ago and enjoyed it. We stayed at an El Nido Resort, and there were plenty of other things to do, such as kayak.
What kind of budget do you have for your trip? Because scuba diving can be expensive, especially if you go on a live aboard.
Apr 6th, 2016, 05:04 AM
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I've never been to Philippines (but will be in 3 weeks!) so cannot advise on Palawan.
Diamantina brings up a good question: are you already certified? If not, my advice is get certified at home before traveling. So many reasons for this, the main one is combining a moderately difficult course with holiday is stressful and many people come away with a sour taste. Get certified competently at home, then go enjoy the holiday and diving. You can always do that diving with a divemaster or instructor if you are still uncomfortable.
As to Fiji, almost anywhere but away from Nadi and Suva. Also, as an apprehensive beginner, stay away from the Soma Soma Strait.
If you are in the US I would advise holding off on the Pacific and go to a gorgeously beautiful place like the Bahamas. Beautiful, easy, shallow diving with great dive operations. Would be a super place to develop confidence before tackling places like the Soma Soma. Other excellent, closer, options are Roatan, Dominica, Anguilla. or even Key Largo.
Diamantina brings up a good question: are you already certified? If not, my advice is get certified at home before traveling. So many reasons for this, the main one is combining a moderately difficult course with holiday is stressful and many people come away with a sour taste. Get certified competently at home, then go enjoy the holiday and diving. You can always do that diving with a divemaster or instructor if you are still uncomfortable.
As to Fiji, almost anywhere but away from Nadi and Suva. Also, as an apprehensive beginner, stay away from the Soma Soma Strait.
If you are in the US I would advise holding off on the Pacific and go to a gorgeously beautiful place like the Bahamas. Beautiful, easy, shallow diving with great dive operations. Would be a super place to develop confidence before tackling places like the Soma Soma. Other excellent, closer, options are Roatan, Dominica, Anguilla. or even Key Largo.
Apr 23rd, 2016, 10:16 AM
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Since other tread I started asking about Great Barrier Reef revealed that this is no longer a great place to dive - any Pacific suggestions for trip for my husband (just him and dive friend). Both certified for decades - plus taking various refresher courses. They are both in great shape but in their 60s. Not especially fond of wreck diving. They want about 4 days of diving, possibly a liveaboard, and not big on nightlife or other adventures. A chair with a view and a beer kind of guys. Starting point in Boston.
Since other tread I started asking about Great Barrier Reef revealed that this is no longer a great place to dive - any Pacific suggestions for trip for my husband (just him and dive friend). Both certified for decades - plus taking various refresher courses. They are both in great shape but in their 60s. Not especially fond of wreck diving. They want about 4 days of diving, possibly a liveaboard, and not big on nightlife or other adventures. A chair with a view and a beer kind of guys. Starting point in Boston.
Apr 30th, 2016, 08:46 AM
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TanaB, Others have asked with no reply.....are you a certified diver? If not, you may have difficulty with some operators. While you can do a "discover SCUBA" course at a resort, you won't be going out on a live aboard. It's a very limiting experience to introduce people to SCUBA so they can decide to get certified.
SCUBA is not a sport to be taken lightly. It can be dangerous...even life threatening under the wrong set of circumstances. Not only can you endanger yourself, you will put at risk your dive buddy or dive master if they have to assist you. If you are serious about SCUBA, take a class at a local dive shop. If you are good at it, get certified.....at least do the certification up to the open water part which you may be able to do on holiday. This is customary in the Caribbean.
If you just want to see cool fish, learn to snorkel. It's easier, cheaper and safer. French Polynesia is an amazing location with crystal clear water and shallow reefs teaming with sea life. We spent three weeks sailing in FP.....snorkeling and diving the reefs. I found it to be much more accessible than AU's Great Barrier Reef. While the GBR is stunning, it is also more than an hours boat ride from land. Unless you are on a live aboard or one of the high end islands near the GBR, it's a lot of expensive, time consuming trekking back and forth.
SCUBA is not a sport to be taken lightly. It can be dangerous...even life threatening under the wrong set of circumstances. Not only can you endanger yourself, you will put at risk your dive buddy or dive master if they have to assist you. If you are serious about SCUBA, take a class at a local dive shop. If you are good at it, get certified.....at least do the certification up to the open water part which you may be able to do on holiday. This is customary in the Caribbean.
If you just want to see cool fish, learn to snorkel. It's easier, cheaper and safer. French Polynesia is an amazing location with crystal clear water and shallow reefs teaming with sea life. We spent three weeks sailing in FP.....snorkeling and diving the reefs. I found it to be much more accessible than AU's Great Barrier Reef. While the GBR is stunning, it is also more than an hours boat ride from land. Unless you are on a live aboard or one of the high end islands near the GBR, it's a lot of expensive, time consuming trekking back and forth.
May 3rd, 2016, 10:15 AM
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Ahh sorry sorry for not getting back sooner! I did mention I'm not certified, and for sure will take lessons and all the beginner stuff before I get to the main event. Thank you so much for your replies I also like the idea of the live aboard but having a weak stomach for waves and iffy motions I will most likely regret that so it'll be in and out same day. I'm definitely interested to see colorful fishes, corals, anything that won't eat me (!!). I do not take it lightly at al and have this deep fascination and fear of the ocean so it's not just the fish, it's more just being down there in the dark. Will I have a flashlight stuck in my head?
My husband is going to London in October and he looks like he could be dragged to Greece too
''' any light Scuba insight there?
My husband is going to London in October and he looks like he could be dragged to Greece too
''' any light Scuba insight there?
May 3rd, 2016, 04:21 PM
#15
Have you not seen any films/ video clips of scuba divers exploring?
As others have said, the attraction is the clarity & light in which to see fish/coral/marine flora / unless one is wreck/cave diving - which you will most certainly not be doing. Newly certified Open Water divers may do night dives - but they are by no means compulsory for the base level qualification, and optional on live-aboards.
One more thing: unless you are just doing the "resort dive" introductory session to allow you to dive with a qualified instructor - PADI & other recognized certifications require a multi day instruction of theory & practical to obtain the base "Open Water" qualification. It's not a matter of rocking up this morning, spending 10 minutes in a pool with a reg & tank & being let loose.
All reputable dive boats have sufficient instructors and ensure everyone dives with a competent dive-buddy.
As others have said, the attraction is the clarity & light in which to see fish/coral/marine flora / unless one is wreck/cave diving - which you will most certainly not be doing. Newly certified Open Water divers may do night dives - but they are by no means compulsory for the base level qualification, and optional on live-aboards.
One more thing: unless you are just doing the "resort dive" introductory session to allow you to dive with a qualified instructor - PADI & other recognized certifications require a multi day instruction of theory & practical to obtain the base "Open Water" qualification. It's not a matter of rocking up this morning, spending 10 minutes in a pool with a reg & tank & being let loose.
All reputable dive boats have sufficient instructors and ensure everyone dives with a competent dive-buddy.
May 4th, 2016, 12:39 PM
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With an "iffy stomach for waves and motion" are you sure SCUBA is your sport? There is a lot of rock and roll boat rides to get to reefs, then some serious bobbing in the water while you wait to be picked up after a dive. Some divers even hurl into their regulators under water if the seas are rough. That's a tough go when you're using it to breathe. It's not all pretty fishies and colorful coral. If all you want is to see the fish, try snorkeling. It's spectacular and easy.
May 5th, 2016, 11:52 AM
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Thank you! I'm looking at courses to get certified in the late summer. SCUBA is definitely not my sport but you never know. The point is just to try and if I'm into it great I'll do it again but want to do it right at the destination. I don't underestimate practice and experience so I was wondering if they can pair me with an instructor as my scuba buddy. Certainly I wouldn't want to dive tandem with a fellow beginner who I'd have to rescue while trying not to drown myself. I'm not interested in snorkeling at all. Thank you!
May 5th, 2016, 04:03 PM
#18
Right - well you will have to find someone doing resort or beginners' short dives.
Check with the operator of your choice, because not all dive boats have surplus instructors for one-on-one supervision.
Check with the operator of your choice, because not all dive boats have surplus instructors for one-on-one supervision.
May 5th, 2016, 06:13 PM
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I'm not sure why you are so against snorkeling on the reef, I've done both and I am happy to snorkel as it's not deep and you see lots of coral and fish
Certainly give scuba diving a go, the introductory dives are very good and very safe. The problem with diving is when things go wrong, would you panic and are you are a confident swimmer to begin with
Certainly give scuba diving a go, the introductory dives are very good and very safe. The problem with diving is when things go wrong, would you panic and are you are a confident swimmer to begin with
May 9th, 2016, 12:50 PM
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Hi,
I have been only to Hawaii in regards to the Pacific. But I can compare those trip to Maldives, Red Sea, Philippines, Mexico, Tursk and Caicos and Florida, where I used to dive from the shore or liveaboard as well.
I cant forget a couple of dives in Hawaii, especially Molokini outer wall drift dive.
There is Kona Aggressor boat over there - https://divebooker.com/kona-aggressor-haz103
I highly recommend them!
I have been only to Hawaii in regards to the Pacific. But I can compare those trip to Maldives, Red Sea, Philippines, Mexico, Tursk and Caicos and Florida, where I used to dive from the shore or liveaboard as well.
I cant forget a couple of dives in Hawaii, especially Molokini outer wall drift dive.
There is Kona Aggressor boat over there - https://divebooker.com/kona-aggressor-haz103
I highly recommend them!
