My Honeymoon ... best REEF to visit!?

[Burchoid]

I am getting married August 27th and leaving the next day for somewhere with a beach, a reef, and lots of sand!!

We will want to do a ton of snorkling and reef exploration ... but where should we go!? I think we have about $2500 to work with for two people and 5 days and I would like to stay within the western hemisphere.

I would like your guys's input on the best shallow water reef destinations!

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

[JnS]

go to the florida key

[Burchoid]

Florida keys? I was kinda itchin to get out of the US

[Irenicus]

I went to Jamaica a month ago and it was too windy for any diving or snorkeling. If I was certified in the US, I may have been able to dive, but I couldn't being "resort certified".

I think down in the carribean, it's the stormy season now.

[Brandon L]

Cozumel, Mexico

[oyam123]

Cozumel, Mexico........no need to think of any other place.

Well then....VEGAS! dive Mandalay Bay.

[Casey]

Mexico dont drink the water!

[wags]

Go somewhere not hit in the last few years by a hurricane.

Haven't been to the Keys since my open water certification. If all you are going to do is snorkel they might be the best bet since the reefs are shallower than other places in the Caribbean I have been to so therefore more stuff to see.

Have dove Cozumel at least 1 week a year over the last 12 years. They have no worthwhile snorkeling to speak of anymore so I would not suggest it if you were not going to be diving. Also, Cozumel is in the predicted path of Hurricane Emily...

Grand Cayman was hit hard last year from what I hear from someone who dove before and after the hurricane.

Belize diving was very good away from Ambergris Caye. I would suggest Lighthouse Reef or one of the more remote cayes. Besides, its your honeymoon so the more remote the better, right?

Roatan was very nice this spring, probably the best of the Caribbean diving I have done recently.

Tico Mike knows all about Costa Rica since he is a "regular" there.

[capt2000]

Negril, JA. Home away from home for me. Usually go in jan, aug and dec in the last 10 years only seen one tropical storm in aug but had a blast those two days! I may delay until sept. this year. For a honeymoon I highly recomend Swept Away: no tv no alarm clock great food and service. If you need to make a dive in the a.m. order coffee.

[Johnny B]

I was just in Abaco, Bahamas last April. The snorkeling there was really awesome, especially because everywhere you went you saw something different -- from rays, conchs on sand flats, to sea fans, tangs, and huge stony coral colonies in the Atlantic side. Also, it is so laid back down there, very relaxing. The people are kind also. I would go back in a heart beat!

[Burchoid]

Originally Posted by capt2000

Negril, JA. Home away from home for me. Usually go in jan, aug and dec in the last 10 years only seen one tropical storm in aug but had a blast those two days! I may delay until sept. this year. For a honeymoon I highly recomend Swept Away: no tv no alarm clock great food and service. If you need to make a dive in the a.m. order coffee.

Do they have good shallow water reefs??

Also, is it a no-no to grab somethin and try and bring it back with me? Any words of wisdom here? I could pack something up the day we are leaving... I don't want to destroy anything or grab something endagered though : \

[Irenicus]

When I was in Jamaica, they strongly discouraged it.

[Fahz]

Consider a Princess cruise to the caribbean one that hits Jamaica, Grand Caymans, etc. It's a real no brainer great for a honeymoon. You get to go snorkeling in a different place every day and they pamper you with great food and drink.

Fahz

[Loverotties]

The Best is the Great Barrier Reef.But that money wouldn't get you there.

[jules77]

I would say Hawaii but youd be pushing your budget unless you can find someplace reasonable to stay. I have heard they have excellent diving ops but did not partake personally but a great vacation spot for getting away from reality.