SMac

Hi – I'm traveling solo in November to Southern Florida and want to take a 4-5 day trip to one of the Caribbean islands. To be honest, I've never been to any of the islands so wouldn't know where to go. I'd like the option of something to do – snorkeling, perhaps get my dive certificate, or other water activities. Explore a bit.
I know last year I was in South Florida, one (or maybe more) or the island resorts offered free air and 5 night free at that time of year. Still trying to remember who that was.
Anyway, any of you suggestions would be very welcome!
Thanks in advance.

NeoPatrick

If a resort is offering free flight and 5 free nights, it sounds like a very hard sell time share! Be wary.

If I were mostly interested in getting my dive certificate, I'd probably just go stay at Key Largo in Florida Keys. Isn't Bonaire one of the best for diving though?

Sorry, not much of a Caribbean expert myself.

virginia

neo, i believe it's pay for 4 get one free.

if you want a dive cert take the course on line using the PADI sight then do the water test portion while on the island.

cancun is a quick flt from mia. very good diving & snorkeling plus tons more activities. consider anyplace from cancun south to playa del carmen. quite a few resorts offer a "resort course" meaning a short class then you get to dive to no more than 30 feet. look at locogringo.com for info on resorts, condos, to dos, etc

grand cayman is just as quick from mia and has outstanding diving. not as much to do as mexico but easier to negotiate. seven mile beach is gorgeous with soft white sand that stays cool to touch.

you might want trip insurance for nov travel, but i guess s fla is not much different in that respect.
mex will be much less $ than caymans to stay & eat.

suze

Getting a dive certificate is a pretty specific requirement and will definitely influence which island you'd want to choose. Are you sure that's going to work with only a 4-5 day trip?

SMac

Thanks for the replies so far. I've been to Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, to Key Largo and Key West. For a bit of background, I'll be in Miami for four nights and had originally wanted to go to Belize for 4 to 6 nights, but the cost is starting to get up there. I've never been go the Caribbean and thought the proximity to Miami would make it a good candidate. But I don't want to be bored.

Of course, Mexico may be the best option considering budget and activities. I suppose I can save Belize for a trip on it's own and stay bit longer to make it worthwhile.

KVR

If you truly want diving look at Cozumel. I would suggest you complete all the requirements in your home town and then just do the open water requirement with you get to Cozumel. Saves time, hassle and money. There are several hotels that cater just to divers.

Based on your comments, Costa Rica would fit for exploring and activities. Several things to see and do there if you are willing to move location every 2 - 3 days. Maybe not so much for a 4 - 5 night trip though.

You might consider Puerto Rico. Explore San Juan and the rainforest. Lots of things to see and do on land for a 4 - 5 night stay. Good dining and bar options also. Easy to get to from Miami and no customs and immigration hassels. Good option for a single traveler.

SMac

I never considered Puerto Rico. I'll take a closer look. Thanks!

blamona

For only 4-5 days, you should be certified before you go, or have everything but open water dive ready to go, if not, it will take up your whole trip, and doesn't really matter where you go.

Great diving:

Bonaire (which you know)
Caymans (expensive, grgeous beach, not much exploring)
Turks and Caicos (expensive, one of the best beaches in the world, quiet no exploring)
Virgin islands (stunning scenery, great diving, closer to expensive side)
Andros in Bahamas (might be one of your best bets)
Belize (still considered Caribbean, best diving in world along w/Bonaire, budget friendly, okay beaches)
Roatan in Honduras (good all around, terrific diving, budget friendly)
San Salvador in Bahamas (Club Med, stunning beach, nice diving, 7 night minimum, offers free air from Ft. luaderdale, nothing else to do other than Club Med stuff, AI, excellent food)

I remember seeing free air from Nassau plus 5th nights free to some of the Out Islands of Bahamas, but not many have good diving. You might be able to get that for Andros or San Salvador from Nassau, but you still pay to get to Nassau

Free air from Barbados and 5 th nights free are usually offered to Palm Island in St. Vincent and Grenadines. 5 nights will only give you 3 days there. Gorgeous scenery, Palm Island is AL, but not much to do, diving okay.

Tell us your actual budget, that helps. Just saying budget friendly doesn't let us know what budget friendly means to you.

If you go not certified, it will eat up all your time and other activities won't matter.

The above islands are much quieter than Cancun and Playa. Cozumel was recommended, it's similar to Playa.

Keep in mind November is still hurricane season (as it is still in Fla) so consider travel insurance just in case too.