Caribbean Scuba Vacation Information
Prices:
The Carribbean is greatly affected by high and low season price variations. The time you choose to go may mean up to a 40% difference in price. During the high season it is also very difficult to find available lodging unless you have planned far in advance.
-- The high season is the most expensive time of year and runs from December 15 through April 15. Holiday weeks are especially bad and should be avoided if possible. Prices generally are highest in December, and begin to decrease in January. My recommendation during the high season would be to find a live aboard charter boat that will provide a bed and food plus diving. These are a great way to avoid the crowds and the prices of high season.
-- The low season is the rest of the year, but you must be careful when planning during this period. The hurricane season is late summer, so if you are planing to make a summer trip, make it early (typically before August is best.) You can find geat deals during the low season, and in the Caribbean, there really isn't any difference in temperature between the seasons, so don't let that affect your decision.
Weather:
The air temperature in the Caribbean barely changes over the course of the year. It remains a balmy tropical climate throughout. The water temperature is always great, fed by the gulf stream coming up from south america. Water temperature generally remains around 80-85 degrees, essentially eliminating the need for a wetsuit. Skin diving is great here and is my personal favorite method of diving.
Hurricanes will be the biggest weather concern, but if planned correctly, will have little effect on your vacation. The hurricane season is offically designated as June through November, although the biggest threat is during August to October. Unless you can find a vacation package with weather insurance, it is best to avoid these months. The Southern caribbean is not usually affected by hurricanes, so a trip to Tobago, Aruba, or the north coast of South America should be fine during this season.
What you'll see underwater:
The Caribbean has some of the best diving in the world. The warm water offers unlimited visibility and spectacular reefs. The coral is extremely healthy (although in the early months of the year there may be some hurricane damage to the coral). And you will see all types of colorful tropical fish. Diving in the Caribbean is literally like being in a fish tank. There are some incredible underwater walls to dive, created by the nature of the islands down there. Many places have a shelf around 40 feet and a drop off to more than 1000 feet. There are also almost unlimited wrecks in the Caribbean, and while most are in deeper water, they are still diveable. I would recommend diving at least one wreck while there, it is one of the most fun Scuba experiences you can have.
Resources:
In addition to the assistance you can recieve on our resources page, hese links will help you to plan a Scuba vacation specifically in the Caribbean.
Sandals and Beaches Resorts: