Excluding airfaire getting there, what is the least expensive country to visit & tour with the best diving?

Question

I just got into scuba diving, and also ran into some serious budget issues this year. Too bad i picked an expensive sport :) But anyway would love to hear about some inexpensive countries to visit, low cost of living but have great diving. Thanks!

Answer 1

As well as the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia also have world class, super cheap diving.

You can do a 4 day liveaboard trip in Thailand's Similan Islands for around $500 US all inclusive of scuba gear, food, accommodation and taxes.

You can dive in Malaysia's Perhentian Islands for around $30 a dive, less if you do multiple dives. It's a similar price for diving at Koh Tao in Thailand too.

The Similan Islands is definitely the place to go though if you can spare the time for a liveaboard

Answer 2

Mexico. Some of the best coral diving is off Cozmel. EXCELLENT prices. They are still recovering from Hurricane Wilma, but check on their progress. I recommend El Cid la Ceiba (sp?) as a great place for divers to stay.

The tour to Chichen Itza is not expensive (love the pyramids). Took a family of five and spent less than $2000 for the week!

Answer 3

OK, you asked for cheapest....... it's Cuba, hands down...... take American money, stay inland at sleazy hotel for $6 per night, take a 25 cent cab ride to the beach, eat all day for $2. Travel via The Bahama's...... air bus rates vary, but should cost you less than $250 most seasons. There are many good diving areas on southwest side of the island. HINT: stay away from Havanah.

Answer 4

I have to say the Philippines. Being a Filipino, I have observed most of our goods and services are much cheaper than in other countries. There are efforts to promote scuba diving here as well.

Answer 5

Syria in the Middle east very butiful and poor where you can get a great food & Services for nothing............