where would you go feb 2009?

[fishome25]

okay winter is almost over time to plan next winters trip. where should i go this time. I've been to Bahamas, Bonaire, Australia, and Philippines. I would go back to the Philippines b/c of the great diving and good value. but I'd like to try something new. how is wakatobi that time of the year?

[lottie]

I'm being biased and would say the caribbean..

yeah, i know you've already said that you've done the Bahamas and Bonaire, but there are other islands in the caribbean that have great diving as well - and don't start with the letter B .

What about a trip around Saba and Statia (Eustatius), Aruba or Curacao, Dominica or Guadeloupe. What about the Grenadines (loads of islands, loads of wrecks!!) and...dare I say it....St Lucia

[BamaCaveDiver]

Have you considered Grenada? Late in the year it is gorgeous hanging from a canopy in the sky (even at night); I have always wanted to go back to see what it looks like from an aquatic view point.

[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

[Papa Bear]

Have you considered Grenada? Late in the year it is gorgeous hanging from a canopy in the sky (even at night); I have always wanted to go back to see what it looks like from an aquatic view point.

Hell of a way to get a vacation! LOL I bet it would be a different point of view and not as many Cubans around, unless you count the cigars!