where would you go feb 2009?

[Bill22]

As you said Philippines is a great value I hope to be making my third trip there later this year. You said somewhere different though

I think Thailand would be a great choice too. I made a trip there in November 2006 for Loi Krathong. I went to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand where I attended Thai Massage school for two weeks. Also did the usual sightseeing, temples, elephant rides in the jungle, muay thai bouts... A very cool place to take a vacation No diving on that trip, but I still had a great time. I'll dive the next time I go. Here are a few links to get you started:

http://www.diveadventuresasia.com/index.htm
http://www.seadragondivecenter.com/index.htm http://www.scubacat.com/en/general_information/ http://www.southsiamdivers.com/
http://www.sea-bees.com/eng/index.htm http://www.divecentrepattaya.com/

[h2odragon1]

Return to the Philippines.
If you've been to one of the following, go to one of the others.
Puerto Galera; Anilao; Malapascua; Moalboal; Mactan; Cabilao; Panglao; Dumagete; Palawan; Culasi; Subic.
Diving in the Philippines is varied and you can always find something new. I was just in the Philippines, and picked up a magazine with and article written by Scotty Tuason, he has been diving in Anilao since 1977 and was recently introduced to a 'new' area in Anilao, he was surprised when he dove this area for the first time. You too can find somewhere 'new' to dive.
Go to the Philippines.

[Bill22]

Return to the Philippines.
If you've been to one of the following, go to one of the others.
Puerto Galera; Anilao; Malapascua; Moalboal; Mactan; Cabilao; Panglao; Dumagete; Palawan; Culasi; Subic.
Diving in the Philippines is varied and you can always find something new. I was just in the Philippines, and picked up a magazine with and article written by Scotty Tuason, he has been diving in Anilao since 1977 and was recently introduced to a 'new' area in Anilao, he was surprised when he dove this area for the first time. You too can find somewhere 'new' to dive.
Go to the Philippines.

This is what I would personally do. Not to many places that you will get better value for your money. I only mentioned Thailand because they wanted to go someplace different.

Even though I haven't been diving in Thailand yet, I'll most likely be going to the Philippines again before I go to Thailand. I'll need at least three more trips to have seen most of the major diving spots there. I'm talking 2-3 weeks each time. I'm thinking about doing 4 weeks there next year. Thats in addition to the 3 1/2 weeks I've already done and the 2-3 weeks I'll do later this year.

Most people could spend all their yearly vacation time there over a period of years and still not see it all. I doubt I'll really have the chance to thoroughly explore the Philippines unless I move there

The problem with the Philippines I always say is that there are just to MANY great places to dive!

[bottlefish]

Andaman Islands off Thailand are well worth a visit in Feb, as are the Maldives.

Also, the east coast of South Africa, Aliwal Shoals and Proteus Banks, combined with a trip up to Momzambique?

I was out in Sudan Red Sea this Feb, some of the best diving I've done - very healthy coral with loads of reef fish, and plenty of shark encounters as well (schooling hammerheads, balck tip, greys, reef sharks and potential for oceanics and tigers). The water's a bit cooler, around 24 degrees, but still worth it (there's a brief trip report and link to photos here Sudan Trip Report and Photos - ScubaMagazine.net Forum)

[Quero]

If you are looking for a new destination where there is great diving and good value, come to Thailand. Every single February and March I try to get to the Similans/Surins in Thailand's Andaman Sea. This is the time of year that the big animals make their appearance. The water is flat, the skies are clear, and Thailand is a waking dream.

Q.

PS You are aware that Wakatobi is far from inexpensive, right? Having said that, it's fantastic diving nonetheless!

[fishome25]

thanks for the replies. I think I will prob end up back in the Philippines or maybe Thailand. If I did atlantic it would be Bonaire or Belize, but the the atlantic reefs kind of bore me

[Quero]

I think I will prob end up back in the Philippines or maybe Thailand.

If you end up coming this way, give me a shout!

[littlemermaid]

thanks for the replies. I think I will prob end up back in the Philippines or maybe Thailand. If I did atlantic it would be Bonaire or Belize, but the the atlantic reefs kind of bore me

hi there! if you're ever intersted in going to Belize, check out www.islamarisolresort.com. great rates for all inclusive packages, including 2-3 dives per day. in the spring, they also do whaleshark dives. you should definately experience it. if you have any questions, please feel free to write me.
good luck in your travel plans!