We just got back from St. John for the second time. We were certified in SCUBA and was wondering if there was another island as beautiful and the water so clear to go back in January. So far, i think i want to go back to St. John! Any input?

The best Caribbean diving can be found around Bonaire, Saba (be warned there are no beaches on this island) and throughout the British Virgin Islands (similar to what you found on St. John).

Try somewhere new. Grand Cayman has excellent diving and snorkeling.

for a very laid back scuba holiday check out http://www.smallhopebay.com in the Bahamas.
The diving in Bonaire and the Caymans is excellent. Also check out Belize.

Definitely consider the Caymans. Getting to Grand Cayman is pretty easy but many people don't explore much beyond Georgetown. The East End of Grand Cayman is quite accessible and features some outstanding diving!

St. Eustatius has great diving, as well, and can easily be combined with diving on Saba.

http://statiatourism.com/diving.html

http://sabatourism.com/diving.html

you might look at providenciales - provo - in turks and caicos. 7000' wall. crystal clear water. large percentage live corals. lots of dives besides the wall. small island. flat and scrubby. not much going on besides diving and snorkeling. super restaurants. you should def try a new island.

Ah Saba, I have such fond memories!!! Saba has some of the best diving in the world but as A Traveller said no beaches but quite an experiance being on the Island. I highly recommend it for a totally unique scuba vacation.

The Cayman Islands is known to have the best diving in the Caribbean.

I am not certified to dive yet,but did recently go to Grand Cayman.My husband and I are big snorkelers.Grand Cayman had the best snorkeling that we have come acrossed yet..with St John coming in second.

Water clarity in Grand Cayman is up to 100 feet. Cayman also has tons of hotels that cater to divers.The people are also very friendly in Grand Cayman.

Good luck!

Christie

Also consider Cozumel which has a world renown reef.

I second Cayman.... but I'd skip Cozumel if you are newly certified, it tends to be drift diving (currents) and not ideal for newly certified divers.

I second the BVI. My experience there was fantastic. Don't go to Anguilla to dive - virtually no fish and blah sealife...

Tom is correct. I did some research and it seems Cozumel has wonderful attractions but stronger currents mean its for the more experienced divers.

Thank you so much for all your responses. I will definately look into all of them. We are leaning more towards Bonaire or turks and caicos. Thanks again!!!

One thing to consider if you decide on T&C. If you stay at the AI Beaches resorts, they include 2 dives a day in the price.

Teton,
We are going to Bonaire & Aruba next winter. Friends say the scuba in Bonaire is excellent! I don't scuba but am snorkel crazy - can't wait!

But do yourself a favor and scuba at Cayman one of these days. The bad thing is -- Cayman scuba, snorkeling, and beaches spoils you for any other place so you keep going back.

LvSun, We are going to Bonaire for the first time 29 September. I hope your friends are right about the snorkeling as we have also heard good reports. Where are you staying? Be sure to do a trip report as I will. Owa

Owa, Have not booked yet. Also going to a convention in Aruba at the same time so trying to get all that info first.

Where are you staying?

Friends recommend the Sand Dollar Condos but I can't remember why they like them.

I want somewhere I can snorkel off the beach where I am staying. I need to get-to-it and check things out.

Please do a trip report. Thanks.

Out of this world, but down to earth

Our three days on Saba were delightful. It is unlike any other island that we have ever visited. (And we’ve been to just about all.) Everything about it was exhilarating…the roads, the sense of community, and the amazing vistas. And a couple of meals (and wine!) at the Gatehouse made it feel even more special after a day of touring and snooping. Lyliane and Michel Job are as special as the island. Five-Star kudos to you both! Friendly, warm, welcoming, and accommodating. This is a definite stop on a return visit to St. Martin…or better yet, a week’s stay at the Gatehouse Hotel/Villa.

We have been to Cozumel (Iberostar) several times, and love the diving there. We are big dive chickens with intermediate experience, and had no trouble there. Very casual, but serious dive shops. Easiest diving we've done.