Reccomendations between Costa Rica,Dominica or Grenada

[tarheeldiver]

I'm trying to decide between these 3 for a trip next October, what is great about each and how would the diving be in October at each? Also what is the best way to reach each from the US.
thanks,
greg

[rach]

I'm not sure about Costa Rica because I've not been there, but I currently live in Dominica and just got back from Grenada, so here goes:

Dominica:
To get here, take an American flight to PR...there's a direct flight from there to here on the American Eagle (or if you're on a really tight budget and want a true Caribbean experience, fly LIAT from PR to Antigua to Dominica...it's about $120 cheaper per ticket). You'll more than likely fly in to Melville, which is located on the Northeast part of the island...here's where you make your choice--if you stay down south, you've got a 2+ hour drive from the airport...if you stay north it's about a 45 min drive (either way, bring your dramamine!) Honestly, up north there are lots of great dive sights, but you'll want to take a day to dive down south to do the "classics" (scott's head, champagne, etc.)...South you'll be closer to more of the waterfalls, but up north has a nice quiet feel...Dominica is great because you'll never be bored--whether you want to hike, ride horses in the rainforest, or lay on the beach drinking kubuli after coming up from a dive, you've got it all!

Grenada:
To get here, I honestly don't know if American Eagle has a direct flight from PR, but you can always fly LIAT through Antigua...The airport isn't far from St. George's (the capital) but the island isn't as ruggedly beautiful as Dominica. Grenada has a lot more of the modern day conveniences (something that probably doesn't matter for someone who is staying in a hotel for a week, but being here over a year I'd cherish it!) and the white sand beaches from the postcards. The diving is different here--lower vis and a strong(er) current (Dominica has nil) and I don't think the reef is as healthy, but then again you'll be doing a lot of wrecks there anyway. Grenada has one set of waterfalls and a Friday night fish fry (Dominica has a Friday night rib fest), so there's still stuff to do topside!

Coming in October could be a good or a bad thing for either one of the Leeward Islands--technically the Hurricane Season doesn't end until Nov 1, but our visit to Grenada wasn't bad last month (it rained one day). Dominica was fairly rainy last month, but it's all a matter of fate!

So I guess I'm pretty unbiased between the two--I think the diving is better in Dominica, but Grenada has the pretty beach...it's all up to your agenda!

[gibson1525]

depends on what you're looking for. i've never been to costa rica so i'll leave that out. the diving in dominica is definitely better than grenada. there's more fish and much better coral. grenada has much better wrecks (they are nonexistent in dominica). the chance of a hurricane in oct. is slim but if you're worried about it then go to grenada because it's below the hurricane belt. dominica has the advantages of a less developed island (waterfalls, nature hikes, and just a slower pace) while grenada is more developed if you enjoy the comforts of everyday life.

so i guess if you're looking for better diving, definitely dominica, it's some of the best around.

[tarheeldiver]

Sounds like Dominica is leading so far keep the info coming!
thanks
greg

[gibson1525]

not that this is a total representation of what you'll see, but here's a few pics i found of grenada and dominica.

Grenada-

Flamingo Tongue


Not the best pic, but that's us on the bow of the Bianca C

Lots of wrecks there if that's your thing
Dominica-

school of about 25 squid

some of the biggest barrel sponges i've ever seen at dangleben's pinnacle

flying gunard


champagne, a must do if you make it to dominica

[tarheeldiver]

Thanks Gibson for the pics I think Dominica is probably going to be our pick but still have plenty of time to decide where did you stay there and dive with?
thanks greg

[dimitrimj]

Haven't been to Grenada, but Costa Rica was amazing. We did all the 'land' adventures; canopy tours, whitewater, rainforest tours, hot mineral springs, volcano tours. The diving wasn't superb, but any time in salt water is not a bad time!
Was in Dominica in April, before the Hurricane. Was amazing diving. The reefs are in great shape, and there is a ton to do topside.

[rach]

for people to stay with in dominica, i would recommend either ft. young or anchorage....both nice places down south (never actually spent the night at either because we've got an apartment) i still would advise a trip up north, if only to do pole to pole (a great dive site up here!)...

oh, and take an afternoon to go to titou gorge and emerald pool as well--very cool topside activities!

[gibson1525]

Originally Posted by rach

for people to stay with in dominica, i would recommend either ft. young or anchorage....both nice places down south (never actually spent the night at either because we've got an apartment) i still would advise a trip up north, if only to do pole to pole (a great dive site up here!)...

oh, and take an afternoon to go to titou gorge and emerald pool as well--very cool topside activities!

i agree. those are 2 of the nicer places to stay. i've stayed and dove with anchorage several times and they have a great operation. i don't believe ft. young has a dive operation but i think most of their guests use dive dominica, i've never dove with them but i've heard lots of good things about them as well.

a trip up to the north side i think is definitely worth it. maybe rent a car and do a couple of the waterfalls up north and then head to cabrits dive shop. they offer a sunset and night dive. maybe 5 finger rock or douglas bay point for the first dive and then definitely pole to pole for the night dive.


here's a few topside pics-definitely don't pass up some of the waterfalls. tituo gorge is a must.


View from the fort at Cabrits (the 'pole to pole' dive site is under the peer at the bottom of the pic)


Emerald Pool


Bense River

[rach]

Originally Posted by dimitrimj

Was in Dominica in April, before the Hurricane.

and just so you know, the hurricane didn't affect us long term at all--a couple of trees went down back in august, but everything is still as beautiful as ever!


syndicate fall



hike up to morne diablotin...it's a full afternoon, but a fun hike!