Best Travel Deals

Belize Dive Haven

Belize Dive Haven Resort & Marina is a scuba diving resort located some 30 miles from the mainland. The have 96 accommodations on the southern end of Turneffe Atoll.  It’s located on 47 acres of private land and a mere 22 miles from the Great Blue Hole. Rooms have a balcony with view and either a king or 2 queen beds with AC, in room refrigerator, TV, and available wifi. There is also 24/7 concierge service. Enjoy our blog article on Belize and Un-Belizable Diving and Adventure.

Belize Dive Haven Diving

There are over 50 nearby scuba diving sites on this section of the world’s 2nd largest barrier reef. In addition, there are some 500 species of fish, and 65 species of hard coral. Light House Reef is just to the east with dive sites such as the Aquarium, Eagle Ray Wall, and Tarpon Cave, to name a few. To the south of Belize Dive Haven is Glovers Reef with Manta Wall, Pinnacles, and Grouper Flats to name a few. Off Turneffe Atoll, Sayonara Wreck, The Elbow, and Deadman’s Cayes are a few of the local dive hot spots. You may see a pod of dolphins or a manatee in the middle of South Lagoon. More importantly, you have to comb Lindsey’s Back Porch or The Terrace for a glimpse of the rare white spotted toadfish.

Attractions and Activities

Belize Dive Haven is the home of the largest pool in the hemisphere; (260ft) long. They actually have two pools and a Jacuzzi. Did we mention pristine diving all around the island? Moreover, Nitrox is available at Belize Dive Haven. They also have paddle boards, kayaks, and a 300ft long dock if you decide to bring your yacht. At least bring as much dive gear as you can because supplies are limited on the island. Finally, you may wish to bring bug spray or DEET spray for the mosquitos if and when calm winds prevail. Fortunately, most of the time the soft breeze keeps bugs away.

Best Travel Deals

Bird Rock Beach Hotel

Bird Rock Beach Hotel is a scuba diving resort in Basseterre in St. Kitts in the Caribbean Sea. They have 46 accommodations. The resort suites and rooms are in 7 2-story buildings and all with ocean views. The 2nd floor units each have a private balcony. Furthermore, all rooms have Cable TV, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and 110v & 220v outlets. So, after a day of diving, you can take a bath or shower in your private bathroom. The Bird Rock Beach Hotel also offers free WiFi. Enjoy our article on The Cuttlefish; The Undisputed Master of Camouflage.

Bird Rock Beach Hotel Diving

Dive St. Kitts is the onsite scuba diving center. They have a 32ft long mono hull fast boat that can reach most local dive sites within 10 minutes. The boat is based in a private harbor and has showers and stowage lockers onsite too. Their 5-day dive packages offer daily 2-tank morning dives and at least 1 night dive. From Bird Rock Beach Hotel, they even pick up divers from the cruise port and all the hotels in Frigate Bay. The house reef is full of life from octopus, turtles, and occasional sea horses. You can either do this dive from shore or go farther out by boat. Some other popular dive sites include Bloody Bay, Paradise Reef, White House Bay, MV Talata, Corinthian, and the River Taw. Nags Head is a wonderful drift dive. The Caves off Nevis Island is worth the excursion.
What you will see is remnants from 400 years of war such as cannon balls, musket balls and coral encrusted anchors. So, there are also wrecks within the last 100 years, coral gardens, and pelagic fish freeways. January-March humpback whales visit here and March-May 6ft long female leatherback turtles come to shore and nest.

Attractions and Activities

Sunburst Restaurant at Bird Rock Beach Hotel offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From European to American and even West Indian influences, you will not leave hungry. Moreover, the hotel has all inclusive packages as well as other meal plan arrangements. Rocky’s Beach Bar & Grill is the place to go from the pool, private beach, or after a day full of diving and snorkeling. Besides sitting at the pool bar, or lounge chairs, or on the black, white, or golden sand beaches. You can visit the tour desk near the front desk and discover deep sea fishing or shopping in Basseterre. Above all, you have to visit the 38 acre Brimstone Fortress. Finally, prepare to take plenty of pictures of Vervet monkeys that French soldiers left here some 200 years ago, and have adapted to the laid back life style remarkably well.
Best Travel Deals

Small Hope Bay Lodge

Small Hope Bay Lodge is located on the scuba diving island of Andros in the Bahamas. The resort has 21 beachfront cottages. So, the 1 bedroom cottages have a private bathroom. The 2 bedroom cottages share a bathroom, but are perfect for families. Each cottage has ceiling fans, optional air conditioning, and complimentary water bottle. Small Hope Bay Lodge takes pride in the fact that there are no TVs, phones, or internet, just peaceful harmony with nature. We should also mention that Andros Barrier Reef is the 3rd largest reef in the world. Enjoy our blog article on Diving the Bahamas with Max Gilbert..

Small Hope Bay Lodge Diving

There are over 30 nearby scuba diving sites with other dive sites farther out or un-named. You can explore blue holes, reefs, coral gardens, wrecks, and walls. Diving begins at 1ft and gradually goes down to 80ft, or 6,000ft at selected sites. This means you have an excellent chance to see small colorful reef fish as well as large pelagics such as dolphins, mantas, or even whales. while at Small Hope Bay Lodge you may also see a shark or two from black reef tips, white tips, nurse, grays, lemons, bulls, and if you are lucky, even a glimpse of a tiger shark. Dive sites near Small Hope Bay Lodge include Conch Sound, Andros Wall, Blue Hole, Hole in the Wall, The Merian Wreck, Peter’s Place, & Skeebo’s Surprise. Farther south you may like to explore Labrynth, Pyramids, Gardens, and the Stargate Blue Hole.

Late January Groupers spawn at Andros Reef.

Attractions and Activities

At Small Hope Bay Lodge, you can have a continental or full style breakfast. Lunch and Dinner are buffet style and the fish and lobster are extremely fresh. They also have gluten free food available and they have a kid’s menu too. So, they have outside showers for your return from snorkeling. You can also go bike riding, kayaking, try paddle boarding, sail boating, geo-caching, or lounging in hammocks. Circling Captain Bill’s Blue Hole is another physical option. You may also like to visit the Andros Batik Factory and even try testing out your own design.

Best Travel Deals

Ocean Club

Ocean Club has 88 rooms and is located in the eastern end of Grace Bay on the scuba diving island of Providenciales in Turks & Caicos. It’s the perfect spot for those that wish to dive, but have access to golf, shops, stores, and restaurants. The sister resort Ocean Club West is just one mile west and near the heart of  Grace Bay. A complimentary shuttle bus will take you from Ocean Club to Ocean Club West so you can truly stay at one site while playing at the other. Both locations have Studio Suites, Junior Suites, 1, 2, 3 Bedroom Suites for a max of 8 guests. Room views include garden, ocean, or pool.
King beds, air conditioning, flat screen TV’s, a private balcony, cable TV, and washer and dryer are just a few of the amenities you may encounter while staying here. Enjoy our blog article on Turks & Caicos.

Ocean Club Diving

The resort recommends scuba diving with Dive Provo. So, they have 3 modern 36ft long dive boats including the Provo Conquest, Provo Crusader, and the Provo Challenger. Pre-paid transfers by Taxi are available for those not renting a car.  They typically do 2 one tank dives in the morning, seasonal one tank dives, and three tank scuba safari trips visiting dive sites such as The Amphitheater, Grand Canyon, Shark Hotel, and Coral Staircase. You can dive canyons, walls, pinnacles, and coral reefs. Some other popular dive sites you may wish to see while staying at Ocean Club include: Double D, Elephant Ear Canyon, Aquarium, Eagle Ray Pass, and The Crack.
Dive Provo offers rentals, multiple dive packages, day dives, private charters, and scuba dive training.  More importantly, they do open water referrals, refresher courses, and specialty courses. The Enriched Air/ Nitrox course is popular for those wishing to dive with Nitrox.

Activities and Attractions

Opus Wine Bar Grill with exquisite dining and seafood and The Cabana Bar & Grill with Caribbean flavor art at Ocean Club. The Solana with Asian influence and teppanyaki is at Ocean Club West. So, both resorts offer you a fitness center, and close by Spa facilities. You are also close to the Provo Golf club. Moreover, you can rent jet skis, or go windsurfing, parasailing, take a submarine ride, or try kayaks and hobie cats.
More importantly, there are several restaurants and shopping areas located nearby. You may wish to visit at the Regent Village, Saltmills Plaza, and Ports of Call shopping plaza. Finally, The Casablanca Casino is not that far away either.
Best Travel Deals

Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire

Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire is located on the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean Seas just east of Aruba and Curacao, and north of Venezuela. So, this scuba diving resort is just north of the airport and a 15-minute walk to downtown Kralendijk. The all-inclusive resort has 126 spaciously large rooms that range from Junior Suite Laguna, Junior Suite Poolside, Grand Suite Laguna, and Grand Suite Ocean. Accommodations come with Air conditioning, free WiFi, flat screen TV, Bath and/or shower, hairdryer, and a small fridge. Enjoy our blog article on Destination Spotlight: Bonaire.

Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire Diving

Toucan Diving is the onsite scuba diving center. They sell equipment and dive related items, rent equipment and Nitrox, and teach scuba dive courses from discover scuba, open water, and specialty courses. They have 3 dive boats: Purple Rain, Blue Moon, and Green Flash. So, they may take up to 13 divers per boat. Usually, they do three dives a day; two dives in the morning, and one in the afternoon, but they also offer night dives.

At Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire they also offer day packages for unlimited shore diving. 18 Palm is the house reef and a popular dive site. So, there are over 60 shore dive sites around the island to check out if you are going by 4×4 truck. 86 dive sites are available if you are traveling by boat. While staying at Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire could see up to 350 species of fish and 57 species of soft and hard coral. Some other popular dive sites include Klein Bonaire, Alice in Wonderland, and the Hilma Hooker.

Attractions and Activities

The Tipsy Seagull is the house restaurant at Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet style. The Coconut Crush Beach Bar is the place to be after a day of diving. The resort has a casino if you are in to poker tournaments during the week or Bingo on Sunday. Drinks are free here too, as long as you are playing. They also have a movie night on the beach. Beverly Bio Aesthetics. Furthermore, they have multi-functional rooms for 2-350 of your guests. Snorkeling, Volleyball, and lounging by the ocean are also favorite activities.

Bonaire National Marine Park was established in 1979, as a result, you’ll see generations of local fish and marine life. A pod of dolphins seems to circle the island at least once a day.

Best Travel Deals

Hotel Maitai Rangiroa

Hotel Maitai Rangiroa is a scuba diving resort in Rangiroa in French Polynesia. They have 34 guest accommodations. So, they have 18 Tapa Bungalows in the Gardens and 10 spacious Vini Bungalows with terraces. They also have 6 Lagoon Bungalows; a few steps away from the water’s edge. Furthermore, each room has AC, hair dryer, TV, and a mini-bar. Most rooms have a ceiling fan and desk and chair as well. Enjoy our article on Dive into Polynesia with Humpback Whales.

Hotel Maitai Rangiroa Diving

There are more than 4 scuba diving centers on the small 8-mile-long island of Avatoru. So, on the Tiputa Pass side, there is Rangiroa Diving Center, Tiputa Diving Center, and Rait Manta Club. On the other side of the islands is Avatoru Diving Center. Starting out, to know the dive sites here, is to know the lagoon. So, this area was a dormant volcano that sunk below the surface, but the surrounding fringing reef continued to grow. Slowly, deposits of sand turned into over 418 islets and 2 main inhabited islands and home to Hotel Maitai Rangiroa. Rangiroa is the largest Atoll in Polynesia, and the 2nd largest Atoll in the world. The ring of islands are somewhat shaped in the formation of a male Mahi Mahi fish.

The 2 largest passages between the large lagoon and the outer ocean are located near Hotel Maitai Rangiroa on the northern side of the atoll with Avatoru Pass on the west end of Avatoru Island, and Tiputa Pass on the eastern side of the island. These 2 passes comprise over 11 dive sites, depending on who is counting. Avatoru Pass is home to Avatoru Reef, The Little Pass, The Aquarium, and Makuta. Tiputa Pass includes The Windmill, The Corner, Shark’s Cave, The Big Blue, Hammerhead Mesa, The Canyons, & Motu Nuhi Nuhi.

You may see grey reef sharks, black tips, great hammerheads, silkies, manta rays, eagle rays, leopard rays, stingrays, trevally and turtles. Drift diving is big here, and depending on the tides you can drift dive into the aquamarine lagoon or out into the cobalt blue ocean.

Attractions and Activities

Hotel Maitai Rangiroa is home to the Blue Lagoon Restaurant & Bar, which serves Polynesian and French cuisine. The Mawake Bar is located in the tropical gardens. The resort has complimentary snorkeling and canoeing. Moreover, you can rent scooters, bicycles, electric cars, or regular cars to get around the small island. You can also go deep sea fishing, or lounge around the pool. So, you can also go kayaking or take a snorkeling drift tour. Finally, you have to visit the north west located blue lagoon and the south eastern pink sand beaches at least one time each.

Best Travel Deals

Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa

Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa is a scuba diving resort in Rangiroa in French Polynesia. They have 60 guest accommodations. So, they have Beach Bungalows to Villas with pools, family suites with pools, and Overwater Bungalows. Furthermore, each room has air conditioning, hair dryer, flat screen TV, a terrace with lounge chairs, and a mini-fridge. Enjoy our article on Dive into Polynesia with Humpback Whales.

Hotel Kia Ora Resort Diving

TopDive is the onsite scuba diving center. So, they typically do 1-2 tank dives in the morning and 1 tank dive in the afternoon. The use 3 semi-rigid boats to take you out to the dive sites. Above all, to know the dive sites here, is to know the lagoon. So, this area was a dormant volcano that sunk below the surface, but the surrounding fringing reef continued to grow. Slowly, deposits of sand turned into over 418 islets and 2 main inhabited islands, and home to Hotel Kia Ora Resort. Rangiroa is the largest Atoll in Polynesia, and the 2nd largest Atoll in the world. The ring of islands are somewhat shaped in the formation of a male Mahi Mali fish.

The 2 largest passages between the large lagoon and the outer ocean are located near Hotel Kia Ora Resort on the northern side of the atoll with Avatoru Pass on the west end of Avatoru Island, and Tiputa Pass on the eastern side of the island. These 2 passes comprise over 11 dive sites, depending on who is counting. Avatoru Pass is home to Avatoru Reef, The Little Pass, The Aquarium, and Makuta. Tiputa Pass includes The Windmill, The Corner, Shark’s Cave, The Big Blue, Hammerhead Mesa, The Canyons, & Motu Nuhi Nuhi.

You may see grey reef sharks, black tips, great hammerheads, silkies, manta rays, eagle rays, leopard rays, stingrays, trevally and turtles. Drift diving is big here, and depending on the tides you can drift dive into the aquamarine lagoon or out into the cobalt blue ocean.

Attractions and Activities

Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa is home to the Rairoa Restaurant which serves Polynesian and French cuisine. The Mikimiki bar overlooks the lagoon. This is also the home of the Poekura Spa and fitness center. Moreover, you can rent scooters, bicycles, electric cars, or regular cars to get around the small island. You can also jet ski or take a snorkeling drift tour. Finally, you have to visit the north west blue lagoon and the south eastern pink sand beaches at least one time each.

Best Travel Deals

Hotel Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora

Hotel Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora is a scuba diving resort in Tahiti. They have 74 accommodations. 13 Overwater Bungalows have a glass table where you can look down and view fish passing beneath you. They also have a private balcony. 13 Beach Bungalows are on the beach and literally feet away from the lagoon. There are 28 Garden View Rooms and 20 Ocean View Rooms where you can see the islands of Rauatea and Tahaa from your balcony. Room has a minibar, flat screen TV, bathroom with shower, ceiling fan, and air -conditioning. WiFi is available. Enjoy our blog article on Dive into Polynesia with Humpback Whales.

Hotel Maitai Polynesia Diving

Eleuthera Bora Diving Center is the closest scuba diving center. They offer free pick up and drop off. Equipment is complimentary and you can choose Nitrox or air. So, they typically do two dives in the morning and one in the afternoon. They do night dives on request and also do private charters out here in the Society Archipelago.

From the north east side of the reefs around Hotel Maitai Polynesia is the dive site Muri Muri. This is a great spot for seeing Napoleon wrasse. On the southeast end of the reefs is Tupitipiti. This dive site has caves, swim throughs, and overhangs. Other local dive sites include Anau, Haapiti, Toopua, Tupai Island, and Tapu. Teavanui Pass is known for drift diving over blue coral. Above all, you’ll experience slopes, tunnels, manta cleaning stations, and canyons.

Some of the sea creatures you may see while staying at Hotel Maitai Polynesia include Lemon sharks, gray sharks, black tips, white tips, and nurse sharks. So, eagle rays, bat rays, leopard rays, sting rays and mantas fill out the cartilaginous fish card section. Trigger fish, clown fish, leopard wrasse, scorpion fish, trevally, tunas and barracuda fill out the bonefish list. Turtles, large anemones, and corals add to the background. Whale watches begin August 1st to October 31st and dolphins are on display at a moment’s notice.

Attractions and Activities

Hotel Maitai Polynesia has 2 restaurants and 2 bars. So, the Haere Mai Restaurant offers French cuisine and Polynesian flavors. Moreover, one night a week they have a Polynesian BBQ buffet. The Tama’a Maitai is the casual beach cafe where you’ll find burgers and pizza. The Beach Bar is also quite popular here. Mainuia Bar is the main bar. So, for activities, plan on snorkeling canoeing, kayaking, deep sea fishing or going on a 4X4 Safari. Furthermore, you can also jet ski or go to the Spa. Matire Beach is a 5-10minute walk from Hotel Maitai Polynesia. Finally, we recommend that you bring your own snorkel gear as the reefs down on this side of Bora Bora such as Aquarium are quite popular with snorkel tours.

Best Travel Deals

Villablanca Garden Beach Hotel

Villablanca Garden Beach Hotel & Dive Resort is located on Cozumel Island, Mexico. This scuba diving resort is in a quiet area 2 miles from downtown San Miguel and 5 miles from the airport. The resort has 50 rooms and suits. So, the rooms come in Standard or Superior with garden or ocean views and balcony or terrace. Moreover, each room comes with a refrigerator, air conditioning, and ceiling fan. In addition, Villablanca has 2 villas and 1 Penthouse. Enjoy our blog article on Cozumel Mexico, Always a Top Dive Destination.

Villablanca Diving

There are four dive shops either onsite or 100ft from the Resort. Two D’s Diving and Tour Adventures, Phocea Mexico, Hogs Scuba Dive Emporium, Scuba Mau, and Dive Paradise. Dive Paradise has its dive center and operates the pier across the street (Quintana Roo C-1). So many dive shops, means plenty of opportunities to go scuba diving, however, they can all be quite busy when the cruise ships are in port so it’s best to book dives early in the day or later in the day when the cruise ships guests on shore are few and far between.

So, the majority of dives near Villablanca are drift dives. You merely descend underwater using your BC (buoyancy compensator). Next, drift along the reef. When finished drifting, use your BC to ascend. So, the boats follow the bubbles. They pick divers up once they surface. There are over 250 species of fish, and turtles, nurse sharks, stingrays to see. We think Palancar Reef should be on every diver’s bucket list.

Attractions and Activities

Villablanca has two restaurants. Nemo’s is a romantic restaurant with gourmet seafood and Continental cuisine. Las Adas has a bar and casual dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are several restaurants nearby as well. Hog Town Café is very popular for early breakfasts before diving. So, for activities you can go swimming in the pool or step into the Jacuzzi. They have tennis available too. The Mega stores, shopping malls, and other stores are 1 mile north of the resort.

Best Travel Deals

Occidental Grand Papagayo

Occidental Grand Papagayo is an all-inclusive adults only scuba diving resort in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. The resort has 163 rooms. So, you can choose between Deluxe, Deluxe Bay View, Deluxe Concierge, Deluxe Romance, and Premium Level Luxury. Air conditioning and free wifi are standard. Some higher end packages come with balconies, terraces and/or mini bars. Scuba diving is not part of the all-inclusive packages, but extra. Enjoy our blog article on Sea Turtle’s; The Godfathers of All Dive Magazines?

Occidental Grand Papagayo Diving

Rocket Frog Divers is the partner scuba diving center. They have a 36ft long ribbed inflatable boat “The Pacific Express”, with twin 300HP Yamaha engines. So, they do 2-3 tank dives out to some 20 dive sites. 16 in the Cat “Catalinas” islands and 4 in the Bat islands “Murcielagos”. The Bat islands are known for their bull sharks and the Cats are known for mantas, white tips, and nurse sharks. The dives start at around 40ft deep. Some of the local dive site names include Monkey Head, Punta Gorda, Whale Point, Virador, Tiburones, Shark Cave, Los Arcos, and El Argentino.

So, while staying at Occidental Grand Papagayo, plan on seeing harlequin shrimp, barracuda, turtles, and butterfly fish. From the surface you may see dolphins and devil rays jumping. So, they also have a 2-day trip where you can stay in a national park overnight. Furthermore, they have “learn to dive” courses and they are bi-lingual. Finally, ask about their new van for pickups and drop offs.

Attractions and Activities

So, for restaurants, Occidental Grand Papagayo has L’Buffet, The Italian, and D’Oriental. You can also enjoy burgers at the Snack Bar near the pool. Moreover, there is a Premium level lounge and club. There is a bar at the beach as well as a Lobby bar. The a la carte restaurants must have reservations made in advance. So, for activities, there is swimming in the two pools, kayaking and snorkeling at the beach. Tennis, volleyball and birding are also popular. Non-resort inclusive Horseback riding and fishing tours can also be arranged. Finally, at the spa they have rejuvenating treatments, mud and mineral wraps, and shiatsu massages.

At Occidental Grand Papagayo, every day is a perfect day for a couple’s retreat, wedding, honeymoon, or just whenever you want to escape from it all.

Maduro Memberships and Accreditations