Hi guys!
I have some time before I am going to Guatemala for christmas. Currently I am in Costa Rica, and I was wondering about going to Honduras and the Bay Islands to take the PADI-certification and do some diving (I've never done it before). As I understand, diving in December isnt so great here. Is that correct? If so, how bad is it? Would it be a waste?
Any input is appreciated!
Audun.
Edited by: audunrosslund
Hey, I changed the title, because I might just add this:
I am travelling in SE Asia from march-may. Would it be better to wait and do the certification here? Can I find somewhere cheaper than on Bay Islands? Would the visibility and overall experience be better than taking it in Honduras in Dec?
"Last I checked Se Asia was more expensive than Bay Islands,"
Koh Tao in Thailand is in quite a few ways, including pricing, comparable to the Bay islands.
One can not compare SE Asia to the Bay Islands, just as one can not compare Koh Tao to Central America diving. Maybe compare SE Asia to Central America, or Koh Tao to Bay Islands?
Thanks for the answers! I am heading for Honduras tomorrow, so already decided to get the PADI there. But I am sure I will dive once I get to SE Asia as well. How can you describe the difference?
I dont think its fair to compare SE Asia to Central America, there are really are too many factors to consider.
Good for you on deciding on Bay Islands. I was just there in May for OW Advanced $300, and really enjoyed the diving, the scene, and the professional nature of all outfits, both at Roatan and Utila. Its is the second longest reef in the world off Bay Islands, one the best classrooms there is in the world, and with free lodging with a course for $300, you cant beat it. I originally got my OW Padi in Manzanillo Costa Rica on caribe side in 2001 for $300.
I normally go to Costa Rica to surf over the last 10 years, and but have made 5 trips to Thailand and SE Asia. Thailand's culture is far exotic than Central America, in fact most of SE Asia is as well, both food, culture and lifestyle. Its also much safer overall in SE Asia, especially at night, you do have to be very careful in Central America at night overall.
The best diving for me was the Similllian Islands off Phuket, its all protected, and Liveboard only, this some of the prettiest coral and large schools of fish I have ever scene, I just floated with current, its was surreal. Its also one the few Liveboard areas of the world, thats rather cheap in the scheme of things, 2 days and 1 night is a lot fo great diving on some excellent huge boats with top notch service, So take advantage of the relatively inexpensive Liveboard options when in Phuket area. They all depart from Ko Lak 15 KM north, its a nice small seaside village that been rebuilt as it ocean front was wiped out in the Tsumani. You take a fast boat from there to the Liveboards.
After Central America, SE Asia will be a cakewalk, this main issues you have to worry about in SE ASia is scams and tour rip offs, so avoid touristy places, dont talk or buy anything from anyone selling tours on the streets, always try to do some homework, talk to other travelers, and ask the guesthouse and or walk around the town to inquire. Vietnam is minefield, and KSR in Bangkok. You will get lot more bang for the buck in SE Asia, lodging is all good under $20 for the most part, and the food is yum yum and diverse for pennies, and transport logistics cheap and more timely.
I dove in Vietnam off Nha Trang, its so so, nothing special. Cambodia I have not hit the beaches there, with so much to see and do in Angkor Wat/Siem Reap/Tonel Sap.
Have fun in Guatemala, was there for Xmas in Antigua last year, and Atitlan for New years, a really nice time.