Scuba diving and family vacations are not as mutually exclusive as you might think. While you may be too advanced a diver to take kids under water with you, you do not necessarily need an army of grandparents or babysitters to enjoy the underwater beauties. Some of the world's best scuba diving destinations offer kids' programs and infant care, which will allow you to enjoy excellent diving totally guilt-free. Here are some great scuba diving locations with family-friendly resorts that will let you combine the thrill of scuba diving with the excitement of a family vacation.
1. Belize
The warm Caribbean waters of Belize are one of the most acclaimed scuba diving destinations. Here, you can swim alongside nurse sharks and stingrays in Shark Ray Alley, take a look at the diverse marine life while gliding through the Barrier Reef, or explore Belize's famous Blue Hole, a perfectly circular limestone sinkhole more than 400 feet deep. Besides excellent diving conditions and beaches, Belize also has family-friendly "jungle lodges" with trials in rain forest and eco-tours. A number of all-inclusive vacation packages offer outdoors adventures for families.
2. Cancun
Cancun provides you with the advantage of diving at the second largest barrier reef in the world. The crystal clear, turquoise waters of Mexico often exceed 200 feet of superbly clear visibility and pride themselves with an immense abundance of the sea life.
Several resorts in the Hotel Zone on a 14-mile stretch of beach offer attractive family packages. The Avalon Grand Cancun, for instance, offers 'Wild Things Kids Club' with day activities for children. Furthermore, interesting day-trips to the Mayan ruins, snorkeling lagoons, or eco-parks are also available.
3. Grand Turk , Turks & Caicos
The islands of Turk's and Caicos in the Caribbean are a true divers' paradise. Thanks to government determination to protect its valuable natural environment, untouched reefs, dunes and drop-offs are awaiting under the water. The cost of the diving tours skyrockets when the tourist season hits peak (mid-December to mid-April). Therefore, it's best to plan your trip between April and July as the water gets unbearably hot afterwards.
Besides extremely popular snorkeling and scuba diving, an amazing array of activities guarantees a great family-beach-vacation experience. Some of the unconventional activities include deep-sea fishing, bird-watching, island style bone fishing, horseback riding, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, whale-watching, or parasailing. While some of these activities are adults-only, others are offered through programs specifically designed for children.
4. Cayman Islands
The clear and warm waters of the Cayman Islands account for an excellent diving locations. The peak tourist time in the Caymans ranges from Mid-December through mid-April. Besides numerous possibilities for adult divers, there are also interesting diving programs for children. The Cayman Sea Camp for example offers daily diving activities for children and teens of all age groups. Furthermore, the islands provide unique heritage attractions such as the Cayman Turtle Farm, or other outdoor attractions such as biking, horseback riding or golfing.
5. Bonaire
The marine park of the Bonaire waters offers the divers a wonderful sight of an unspoiled underwater ecosystem. The best time to indulge into the diving pleasures in the Caribbean waters of Bonaire is between September and December, as the sea is the calmest at that time.
A Bonaire vacation can easily become an amazing family-beach-vacation spot with great family-friendly resorts. A good example could be the Harbor Village Beach Club, which offers Kids Snorkel and Sea Life program. During the classroom and water sessions, children at the age of 7 and up can experience a hands-on discovery of fish, corals, and sea creatures, learn about the marine environment, capture plankton and observe it under the microscope, make sea-art, and play water games.
