Diving Jamaica
 

My boyfriend and I are planning our first diving trip together to Jamaica in October. We've never been to Jamaica, and would like info on places to stay (all inclusives, pref) and diving sites, etc. (Strictly recreational diving) Thanks.

I am getting married in negril,jamaica the 3rd weekend of aug, and am interested in diving also, so will let you know. we are staying at one of the funjet all inclusive resorts.

Jamaica's really not the best of diving destinations/snorkeling,yes. There ae some incredible dives off Milk River Bath on the South Coast. Negril and the North Coast are only so-so. Port Antonio would probably be the best area for you.Check out DRAGON BAY or better yet, rent a villa on the Blue Lagoon or up at Goblin Hill.

Hey radgirl! Thanks and good luck!<BR>I've been looking at Negril quite a bit, and it looks really great....at least topside! Email me directly, if you would and let me know. L

Tivertonhouse, I really appreciate your comments. I've made lots of notes and am checking it out. Have you dived Honduras at all?

Laurie,<BR>My husband and I just returned from Couples Ocho Rios. My husband dove there a few times during our visit. The dive shop guys are the greatest you'll meet on the resort. It was my husband's first dive trip and he thoroughly enjoyed it! Any questions, email me. Amy

Too many no-see-ums there landside for me,Laurie...but if you a dive afficiando,save up for a min.3 week trip to The Seychelles in the Indian Ocean for both amazing water/land lifetime experience.

Hey there, Laurie! My husband and I went to Couples Negril when we got married in Sept '00. Its an AI and it was awesome! The staff is so friendly and the atmosphere was great! We both tried diving there for our first times also, and as nervous as I was (just trying to get used to breathing out of our mouths) once I was in, you couldnt get me out. Underwater, it was beautiful, however I was really expecting it to be more colorful than it was.(I watch too much of the Discovery Channel) There were coral reefs and tropical fish, it really was amazing. Another couple we met there spent their whole time diving, getting certified and taking classes. Her husband went night fishing and loved it. They had many stories to tell about all the wonderful things they saw. Also, they have an underwater camera and you can buy a copy of the tape for a souveneir, which we did. This resort has a swim-up bar and a piano bar that doesnt close until the last person leaves. Do not leave the resort though,at least not unless the hotel is providing an off-site excursion; the locals are like vultures. If you do go to Jamaica, you absolutely must go to Ricks cafe and watch some of the cliff divers (you can dive off too if you want, we did it was AWESOME!!!) GOOD LUCK

Hey Tivertonhouse,<BR>Thanks for your advice! We're booked at Goblin Hill for October! The more I read the happier I am. Even if the diving isn't all we want, I'm sure topside will meet our expectations. We're searching for our next dive location, and have certainly considered the Seychelles. Thanks again! Laurie

Hi Amy. Thank you for your comments.<BR>We're staying in Port Antonio in October. Can you tell me which dive sites your hubby visited? I wouldn't mind traveling a bit to get to something worthwhile. Thanks. <BR>Feel free to email me directly. L

Tiverton<BR>I understand Dragon Bay was bought by Sandals and is being converted...is it still open or will it be closed for a while during renovations?

We've just returned from Sandals Ocho Rios, I'm an experienced diver (300+ dives).<BR><BR>The staff and equipment provided were very good, unfortunately there was not a lot of (large)marine life. From what I saw there are too many fish traps and people spear fishing in the mornings to sustain any large fish population.<BR><BR>The water was crystal clear and the temperature at 27 metres was 26 degrees Centigrade.<BR><BR>Topside facilities and service at SOR were great though!<BR><BR>I hope this helps.

Dear S,<BR><BR>It is true. Sandals has purchased Dragon Bay. As of last week they aren't open, and my travel agent couldn't get any firm dates for re- opening. I was disappointed, but plan on checking it out when we're in Port Antonio in October. Will take notes, if you'd care to correspond after the first of November.

Dear David,<BR>Thanks for the dive comments! This is actually my first "real" dive, outside of certification. I'm looking forward to the experience. I'm glad we didn't plan this trip solely for the diving!<BR>Have you visited the BVI's???? We're already planning a dive trip, and there are SO many places!!! What about a live aboard? Ever done it? Sounds really great. Would love to hear any comments you may have.

Dear Laurie,<BR><BR>Unfortunately I haven't visited the BVI's.<BR><BR>I've dived in several different areas of the Philippines, Cebu, Puerto Galera and down into the Sulu Sea (Palawan) region, on a live aboard, looking for Japanese wrecks from WWII. The wall diving in Cebu is excellent and the other areas have marine life in abundance, the wrecks in Palawan were great.<BR><BR>I've also visited Egypt, diving from both a live aboard and land based from Hurghada, the marine life can also be great, depending on the sites dived.<BR><BR>Unfortunately, due to the current political situation, it would be wise to be cautious on your choice of country to dive in!<BR><BR>I hope you continue to dive and enjoy doing it, I would love to spend more time diving than I'm able to, and you meet some great people<BR><BR>

Dear David,<BR>WOW! I can't even imagine diving all those places. I hope to someday dive a wreck. It really appeals to me. And of course I hope to encounter dolphins somewhere. Thanks again for sharing, and best wishes for safe diving. L

October 7-11 brings the 39th international marlin tournament to Port Antonio so the town will be busy, especially the Chinese gambling halls where stakes soar high. Sorry to hear of Dragon Bay sale; it'll be 1st time Sandals is in area. (KIM, inevitably,will probably show up/lol) Go out to Boston Bay for jerk -- it originated here, and Long Bay<BR>for a great beach;find Derrick's for good 'rootsy' food.Vegans like the offerings at Mockingbird Hill, an eccentric hotel in the spirit of Porty -- drinks are better and far cheaper. The Rio Grande<BR>rafting trip, tho touristy, is def.worth it (hope they changed their tune from 'Yellow Bird' and serendade you with something by Buju Banton along the way...)Reitch and Somerset Falls, the Olde Taverne Coffee Estate also worth scoping out. I'll wave from the SOUTH Coast this October...P.S.Before you go,seek out the video with Denzel Washington,THE MIGHTY QUINN, shot in Porty...it's a very sweet place.

Dear Tivertonhouse:<BR>As if I wasn't already excited enough!!! We'll miss the marlin tourney, as we arrive in "Porty" 10/21.<BR>I'm taking notes from your email. Thanks! You're doing the South side? Where will you be?

Hi,Laurie--Will be at Horizon,Bluefields Bay/Belmont, then<BR>Unforgettable and La Casa Duna,Fort Charles/Treasure Beach then taking pix of a new villa over in Cardiff Hall -- but won't make it to Porty this trip.