All Inclusive Caribbean Scuba Diving - No Wallet Needed
There are many places that are all inclusive in the Caribbean with scuba diving. They can be great money savers and party starters.
My husband and I have been to many all inclusives in the Caribbean. It all started when we got married in Antigua. We chose an all inclusive so everyone would know the cost up front. And no one would have to worry about who bought the last round of drinks!
Well, we got a great group price and 70 of our friends and family flew down for the wedding. It was a week long open bar reception. Talk about fun.
Everyone had such a good time, I now have to plan a big group trip every other February (plus smaller group trips in between).
I am now in the process of planning our February 2008 group trip (the 8th for the group). And, yes, it will be to an all inclusive in the Caribbean that has scuba diving. Sometimes it pays to be the planner! (Update: We went to the Mexican Riviera and did some scuba diving in Mexico. Click on the link to read our dive trip report.)
While my husband and I prefer renting a house or staying in a smaller hotel if we travel by ourselves, we prefer the all inclusives when we travel with a big group.
From our experiences, this is our list of pros and cons of staying at an all inclusive in the Caribbean with scuba diving:
Pros
Don't have to worry about money while you are there
Usually cheaper than purchasing everything separately
Stress free: No decisions to make about where to go for drinks, dinner or diving
Usually a party atmosphere (can be a con too)
Security
Activities and entertainment are included (sometimes diving is included also)
Cons
Usually big resorts; grounds and dive boats can be crowded (ever have to go out at 6 am to reserve a lounge on the beach?)
No incentive to leave the resort and experience the local culture
Have unexpected expense of going out if you don't like the food and/or drink
Service is sometimes lacking since tips are already included (we always tip anyway, even if the policy is supposedly not to
Not all islands have all inclusives, so island choice is limited
You just have to decide what is most important for you. For instance, if you like smaller resorts and small dive groups, than an all inclusive in the Caribbean with scuba diving may not be for you.
Most all inclusives include non-motorized water sports in the package. While most resorts offer scuba diving, you usually have to pay extra for it. Many times, though, scuba diving resort courses are included.
Two chains we stayed at that included scuba diving in the price were Beaches and Breezes Curacao.
If you pay for your diving at the resort, our experience has been that prices are pretty much market prices. If you do multiple dives you can usually get a discount, but that is typically the case for non-resort dive shops too.
Popular All Inclusive Destinations
Probably the most popular places (or at least those with the most resort choices) for all inclusive in the Caribbean with scuba diving are:
We've been to all of them and the Yucatan offers the best diving in our opinion. The first time we dove in the Dominican Republic, it was pretty horrendous. So on our recent trip to the DR, we had no intention of diving.
A friend we were with, however, went diving and said it was pretty good. We went out the next day and it was much better than expected. Not great, but good. We were glad we went out.
While I didn't scuba dive in Jamaica, my husband did. Where he dove, he said it was overfished and all his dives were pretty much disappointing.
While I'm sure these spots have some very good diving, we didn't get to experience it.
In addition to the above islands, we have also stayed at an all inclusive in the Caribbean with scuba diving in Antigua, Aruba,Curacao, Cozumel and the Bahamas. Of the all inclusives, Cozumel wins as far as diving.
High End/Low End
There is an all inclusive in the Caribbean with scuba diving to fit every budget. We've done a range of prices on our trips. You just have to decide what you want.
What's more important to you? Would you rather have gourmet food and premium drinks or would you be happy with lower end offerings and more money in your wallet? The answer can be different for each trip.
Whichever you choose, go with an open mind. It's amazing how many people want Ritz-Carlton level service while paying Holiday Inn level prices. Sometimes I read reviews of the places we've been and find it hard to believe we stayed at the same place. Just my 2 cents (again).
No matter where you go and which level of service you choose, it is hard not to have a good time at an all inclusive in the Caribbean that has scuba diving. So pick a place, pack your scuba gear for flying and get going!
