Spring Break 2009-Bahamas?

[Rockhound76]

Planning a faimily trip for Spring Break. Two non-divers (wife and 13yr. old), two divers (me and the 15yr. old. He has about 60 ocean dives).

We looked at Costa Rica, but friends who came back did not enjoy the diving. We were thinking of Grand Cayman again (we loved Dive Tech) or Bonaire (Divi was fine to visit again), but my wife suggested going to the Bahamas for a change of pace. None of us have ever been to that side of the Caribean.

There are direct flights to Nassau from Houston, where we live. Can somone recommend local dive ops? Stuart's Cove, perhaps? My son likes wrecks and sharks, btw. We'd rather avoid cattle boats full of sand crawlers, if you know what I mean.

Recommend any good places to stay? The Atlantis looks nice (and pricey), but I wanted to look at alternatives. Keep in mind my wife will have to be occupied while we are diving. The 13yr. old is low maintainance

[drako]

I have not dove Nassau, only Freeport. My girlfriend has been all up and down the Caribbean and says Nassau is nicer. However she has never dove any of it. I just got back from Freeport and dove with Grand Bahama Scuba. They were great and knowledgeable. It was only our group of 10 people and one day we had two more. Fred has had a hand in most of the wrecks in the area and always gives you a little history lesson with each one (if you go dive the duncan!). When we did the shark dive we didnt even have to feed them. They just were all over of the place, not aggressive just curious. Anyways if you want to know more just ask.

[scubarobin]

If you don't want cattleboat diving, skip Nassau.
Do the non-divers like to snorkel and hang out on beach? Maybe you can talk them into doing the Aquacat liveaboard! Lots of topside activities for non-divers. It is sorta a cross between a cruise and a liveaboard. Check out these videos on YouTube:
YouTube - Join Oceanblue Divers on the Aqua Cat in the Bahamas! Part 1

YouTube - Aqua Cat Cruises, Chapter 2 Part 2

YouTube - Aqua Cat Cruises, Chapter 3 Part 3

YouTube - Aqua Cat Cruises, Chapter 4 Part 4

i think this looks like great fun for a family trip, and with the cost of hotels, food, taxis, in Bahamas, it is probably about the same price!

[mwhities]

I'll be there on a cruise in March 09 (Spring break) Carnival Glory. I'm booked with Diving St. Thomas Virgin Islands Diving St. Thomas Wreck Diving USVI Snorkeling Scuba Diving Vacations St. Thomas Virgin Islands Scuba & Snorkel Equipment Rentals - Admiralty Dive Center for two tank afternoon dives.

Tue Mar 17 St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 10:00am 8:00pm

If you are around then, call them up and schedule for the same day/dive. I'll probably need a dive buddy.

Michael