2-3 Weeks in July, and where?

Hi,

Here's my dilemma. (It's not really a dilemma, it's quite a nice thing to have.) I've got about 2-3 weeks to spend in July, maybe into the first week of August. I'd like to go someplace sunny and warm, good diving but not too commercial. And not too far away; I live in Seattle.

Now as for good diving, I'm looking for little critters (macro and super macro), lots of colors, maybe some wide angle. Someplace where there aren't too many tourists, and I'm not too keen on rushed tourist or beginner kind of diving. I'm looking for a quiet place where I can read my book in the evening, have long and good and unhurried dives, and meet some good people.

Any suggestions? I was looking into Honduras, thought about the Cayman Islands, or perhaps Bermuda. Not sure about SE Asia as this is quite a ways and timezones away.

If you have a place to recommend, please do let me know :-)

Thanks, Jens

Hi,

 

Here's my dilemma. (It's not really a dilemma, it's quite a nice thing to have.) I've got about 2-3 weeks to spend in July, maybe into the first week of August. I'd like to go someplace sunny and warm, good diving but not too commercial. And not too far away; I live in Seattle.

 

Now as for good diving, I'm looking for little critters (macro and super macro), lots of colors, maybe some wide angle. Someplace where there aren't too many tourists, and I'm not too keen on rushed tourist or beginner kind of diving. I'm looking for a quiet place where I can read my book in the evening, have long and good and unhurried dives, and meet some good people.

 

Any suggestions? I was looking into Honduras, thought about the Cayman Islands, or perhaps Bermuda. Not sure about SE Asia as this is quite a ways and timezones away.

 

If you have a place to recommend, please do let me know :-)

Thanks, Jens

Jens,

I would recommend the Phillipines. The weather might not be the best, but with macro, it shouldn't matter too much. The flight isn't bad. I have flown from Seattle to Manila twice with a 3 hour layover in tokyo both times (delta). It works out great. I don't know if you have ever been to SE Asia, but once you go, you will want to do all your dive trips there. With 2-3 weeks it would be perfect.

This is not touristy diving. The guides, are there to find you photo subjects, not to babysit. On average our dives were 70 minutes, with some 90 minutes. Looking at your website and seeing some of your macro shots, I think you would love it!

I have been to both Honduras and All the Cayman's they are both typical carib destinations......Trust me you won't regret going to the philippines. The people are great, the diving is some of the best in the world. I can recommend both Anilao ( 2 1/2 hour drive from Manila) and Dumaguete (1 hour flight). In fact, I just got back from Lembeh, and while it was great, I think Anilao was just as good, with a shorter flight. If you did Anilao, you could also do Puerto Gallero in the same trip. you would just need to take a ferry. Cost would be almost the same as going to the carib.....I went to Bonaire in November, and it was the only place I ever have been to twice, and totally regret it. I could have done the philippines for about the same cost. won't make that mistake again.

Dustin

I second the Philippines, and especially Anilao. I spent 10 days there in May and had amazing time with macro. But it's nothing but diving. No nght life. We never left our resort. I stayed at Crystal Blue with a group from UW Photo Guide.

With as much time as you have, unless you're a real hard core macro photog, spending some time in Puerto Galera is probably a good idea. Depends on what you want other than diving.

PM me if you want any more info.

Harry

PS> I would not even consider anything in the Caribbean.

Come to St. Croix! Very few tourists, loads of great adventures to be had. We have plenty of great macro shooting. The person above who says they would not even consider the Caribbean clearly has not dove in Frederiksted!

Recommend Lembeh Straits in Indonesia. The best macro in the world and there are several good resorts to stay at: KBR, Kaswari and others. Only been to the Philippines once for a 8 day stay at Dumagetti and another 8 at Puerta Gallera but thought Lembeh had more to shoot and have been there only 3 or 4 times. Would love to go back.

Steve

I totally agree that Lembeh Straits has great macro, but I also think Anilao is at least as good.

But your experience at either is dependent on how good your guide is.

Elmer

Put in my vote for Puerta Galera -- but stay at El Galleon.

Northern Phils like Luzon and Mindoro in July-August? well, I would hesitate recommanding the place without heavily warning about the risks of typhoons in that period. Visayas places like Moalboal or Duma would still be ok (entry airport is Cebu City).

Otherwise Bali is easy to get to and absolutely rocks for macro/supermacro (Secret bay, Puri Jati,Tulamben, Seraya, Padang Bai area).

Of course there's Lembeh & Bangka a little further away, then furthermore Maumere, Alor.

"I totally agree that Lembeh Straits has great macro, but I also think Anilao is at least as good."

You ain't seen Ambon yet! (unfortunately off season)