Finding the Best Place for Open Water Scuba Certification on Your Vacation
Choosing the perfect location to earn your open water scuba certification during a vacation is a decision that depends on several factors. Whether you live on the East or West coast of the United States, have a limited budget, or prefer certain types of diving experiences, there are numerous options available to you. This article aims to guide you through the process of selecting the best vacation dive site for your scuba certification journey.
Factors Influencing Your Choice
The decision of where to do your open water scuba certification should be a well-thought-out process. Consider your location, budget, and the length of your vacation. Additionally, think about your physical fitness and any specific diving preferences you may have. Here are some key considerations:
Location: Where you live can greatly influence the options available to you. For Americans living in the eastern half of the 48 contiguous states, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula or Bonaire offer excellent options for warm, clear waters with minimal current and easy shore entry. For those living in the western half, Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles provides an ideal choice. Budget: Consider the costs associated with dive trips, including flights, accommodations, and dive gear. Baja California offers the most cost-effective option compared to Hawaii or Pacific island nations like Fiji and Tahiti. Physical Fitness: Cold water diving requires additional warm clothing, such as a 7mm wetsuit or diving suit. Make sure you are physically prepared for the conditions you will encounter. Diving Preferences: Some diver sites specialize in certain types of diving, such as drift dives or night diving. Choose a location that aligns with your diving goals.Top Vacation Dive Sites for Open Water Scuba Certification
Let’s explore some of the top vacation dive sites for open water scuba certification:
Catalina Island, California
For those living west of the Rockies, Catalina Island is an excellent choice. It offers cold water diving but with warmest water temperatures in the mid to high 60s or even low 70s. The water around Catalina is relatively still, with few waves and currents. The beginner-friendly shore dive site at Casino Point features cement steps and guardrails leading directly into the water, making it easy for new divers. The steep underwater slope ensures that you won’t get lost, and the abundance of kelp provides a vibrant underwater landscape punctuated by bright orange Garibaldi perch. Despite the relative shallowness of the island’s bottom, Catalina is particularly well-suited for boat diving. However, to reach the bottom, you might need to wear a 7mm wetsuit or diving suit. The best time to go is September-October when the diving conditions are ideal.
Baja California, Mexico
Baja California provides another cost-effective option for those on a budget. It is less expensive than Hawaii and offers similar diving sites and conditions. Baja’s most popular dive sites include Cabo San Lucas, which has plenty of easy diving, a range of dive shops, and is warm during the warm season. Be aware that Baja and Hawaii can get colder in the winter, with water temperatures in the low 70s. For Baja, a 5mm full wetsuit is recommended, and most dive shops provide 3mm shorties for rent.
Pemuteran Bay, Bali, Indonesia
For a warmer and richer underwater experience, consider Pemuteran Bay on Bali’s northwestern corner. The warm, clear waters, easy shore diving, and nearby boat diving make it an ideal choice. Pemuteran Bay offers diverse dive operators, including those that cater to German and Japanese divers. Sea Rovers, a dive operator owned by a British named Paul Turley, offers high-quality Western-style boats with powerful twin outboards, making the experience both comfortable and exciting. My friend highly praised both the diving and the quality of instruction at Pemuteran Bay.
The Philippines
The Philippines provide another viable and cost-effective alternative to Indonesia. Cebu City, with over a million residents, is the most convenient entry point, boasting terrific diving, a large number of dive operators, and the added bonus of Kasai Village for those with more budget to spare. Make sure to include a night dive in your training, as it can enhance your experience significantly, especially during a full moon.
Conclusion
No matter your choice, ensure that you plan your scuba certification trip well in advance, as it can greatly enhance your experience. I learned this the hard way by waiting until I was 51 years old. My wife and I started together, and our relationship benefited from sharing this adventure. While it was less adventurous than when we were younger, it was still a significant milestone in our lives. Don’t wait as you did; make your certification trip a memorable part of your vacation.