The DIVER Travel Planner

CARIBBEAN/ATLANTIC
Bermuda
Marine life: Bermuda is the world's most northerly coral reef system. Tropical marine life is less diverse than in the Caribbean but includes brain and star coral, sponges, sea whips and fans. Overall there are an estimated 4500 species of marine life. With the Gulf Stream deserting Bermuda's seas in the winter only the heartiest of these varieties thrive.
Type of diving: Wrecks, wrecks and more wrecks - more than 350 of them in clear water and some as shallow as 10m. Dives to suit all grades.
Major diving areas: Sites all round Bermuda, which is made up of more than 130 islands.
Cost: Expensive.
Seasons/climate: Semi-tropical. High summer can see hot and humid days with water temperature as high as 30°C in August, but dropping to 18°C in December when the fickle Gulf Stream veers away. Plankton blooms can affect visibility in summer. Best diving is from March to November.
What to wear: Out of the water - the obligatory Bermuda shorts and light clothing in summer; but nights can be cool. In the water - thin wetsuit in summer, full 5mm or 7mm wetsuit in winter.
Hazards: Winds can affect diving, especially early in the season, stirring up visibility on shallow wreck sites.
Currency: The Bermuda dollar. US dollars are on a par and accepted everywhere.
Electricity supply: 110V.
Inoculations: None.
Visa required: No.
Getting there: Flights take 7 hours.
Tipping: Generally 15 per cent.
Information: Bermuda Tourism (0171 771 7001). Website - www.bermudatourism.org.
Tour operators include: Harlequin Worldwide.
Bahamas
Marine life: The Gulf Stream brings warm, nutrient-rich currents through the 700 islands which make up the Bahamas, and they swarm with marine life of all shapes and sizes. Rich coral reefs, astounding numbers of fish and enough sharks to last most divers a lifetime.
Type of diving: Everything for all abilities from reefs, banks, caves and vertical walls to blue holes, wrecks and bluewater dives. But shark-feeding dives - where divers get bumped by huge Caribbean reef sharks - are the ultimate buzz for thrill-seekers. Dolphin dives are another attraction. Technical diving available.
Major diving areas: Numerous diving centres throughout the islands, including New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros, Exuma, Eleuthera, Bimini and Green Turtle Cay. Live-aboards visit islands and atolls further afield.
Cost: Moderate to expensive.
Seasons/climate: Tropical but can be affected by North American cold air systems and, from June to November, hurricanes. Diving at any time of the year.
What to wear: Out of the water - light tropical clothing. In the water - thin wetsuit or Lycra suit for protection from coral.
Hazards: Normal reef hazards. Keep arms firmly to your side on shark-feeding dives.
Currency: The Bahamian dollar. On a par with the US dollar, which is accepted everywhere.
Electricity supply: 120V.
Inoculations: None.
Visa required: No.
Getting there: Direct flights take 9-10 hours.
Tipping: Generally 15 per cent.
Information: Bahamas Tourist Office (0990 777700). Websites - www.gobahamas.com and www.caribbeansupersite.com/ bahamas.
Tour operators include: Hayes and Jarvis, Sport Abroad, Harlequin Worldwide, Divequest, Goldenjoy, The Barefoot Traveller, Crusader Travel, Club Med.

Cayman Islands
Marine life: Rich variety of life and coral on the reefs and walls in clear waters around the islands, plus plenty of turtles and large, cruising pelagics. But the Caymans are best known for rays, most notably stingrays.
Type of diving: Hardboat diving on locations from shallow reefs and channels to wrecks, caves, canyons and plunging drop-offs. The Cayman Islands suit all grades. Also live-aboards and deep technical diving.
Major diving areas: Grand Cayman locations include Stingray City, where divers can hand-feed stingrays like puppies, West Bay, North Wall and East End. Little Cayman and Cayman Brac also have many sites.
Cost: Moderate to expensive.
Seasons/climate: Tropical. Water temperatures range from 24°C in winter to 30°C in summer. Hurricanes may occur from June to November. Diving all year.
What to wear: Out of the water - light tropical clothing. In the water - thin wetsuit or Lycra suit for protection from coral.
Hazards: Normal reef hazards. Over-friendly stingrays.
Currency: The Cayman Islands dollar. £1=CI$1.30, US dollars are widely accepted.
Electricity supply: 110V.
Inoculations: None.
Visa required: No.
Getting there: Direct flights take about 10 hours.
Tipping: Generally 10-15 per cent.
Information: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (0171 491 7771). Websites - www.caymanislands.ky and www. caribbeansupersite.com/cayman.
Tour operators include: Hayes and Jarvis, Regal Diving, Aquatours, Sport Abroad, Harlequin Worldwide, Divequest, The Barefoot Traveller, Scuba Safaris, Crusader Travel.

Cuba
Marine life: Wealth of coral rich in vegetation and fauna, regarded by many as the best-kept secret in the Caribbean. Most reefs are relatively little dived as yet so are in outstanding condition. Expect to see gorgonia and sponges, fish including large schools of snapper, grouper, jacks, triggerfish, eagle rays, tarpon, moray eels, and angelfish, plus sharks and, at the 15m-deep La Corona reef, whale sharks. Black coral can be found in deeper waters.
Type of diving: A large diversity of sites for all grades of diver, although equipment shortages make it more suitable for the experienced. Coral gardens, reefs, gullies and valleys, drop-offs, wrecks - Cuba has them all in abundance. Mainly boat dives, also some live-aboards.
Major diving areas: Dive centres are located in tourist centres including Varadero, Cayo Coco and Cayo Largo as well as Faro de Luna and Santiago de Cuba on the south coast, and the Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth).
Cost: Moderate.
Seasons/climate: Tropical. Water temperatures range from 24°C in winter to 30°C in summer. Hurricanes may occur from June to November. Diving all year.
What to wear: Out of the water - light tropical clothing. In the water - thin wetsuit or Lycra suit for protection.
Hazards: Normal reef hazards. In the south of the island in the summer tiny jellyfish can cause nasty stings on exposed areas. Wear a tropical hood to protect the neck and face in jellyfish season, which is often known as agua mala, or Òbad waterÓ. Diving supplies are limited. Basic rental gear is available, but bring spares for your own equipment and photography gear as replacement parts are very expensive or not available.
Currency: US dollars are the only currency visitors can use.
Electricity supply: 110/120V.
Inoculations: None required but typhoid, polio and hepatitis A recommended for some areas.
Visa required: Yes.
Getting there: New British Airways scheduled service and direct charter flights take 9-10 hours.
Tipping: Generally 10 per cent. US dollars are worth their weight in gold - average Cuban wages are $10 a month.
Information: Cuba Tourist Board (0171 240 6655). Website - www. caribbean supersite.com/cuba.
Tour operators include: Hayes and Jarvis, Regal Diving, Goldenjoy, Scuba en Cuba.

Grenada/Carriacou
Marine life: Diverse undersea ecology with lush forests of soft corals, sea fans and gorgonia, and hard coral reefs. Plenty of reef life from seahorses to lobsters, turtles and rays, with large pelagics on the Atlantic side.
Type of diving: Varied reef and wreck diving to keep even the most discerning happy. Some Atlantic coast diving is in very strong currents.
Major diving areas: Numerous sites around the islands, but Grenada's star attraction is the wreck of the Bianca C - a former Italian cruise liner and the largest wreck in the Caribbean. Other Grenada sites include the Two Sisters drop-off and Kick'em Jenny for superb marine life. Technical diving available.
Cost: Moderate.
Seasons/climate: Tropical, warm from July to December with heavy rain at times. Diving all year.
What to wear: Out of the water - light tropical and casual clothing, but beachwear is not welcome in town. In the water - thin wetsuit or Lycra suit for protection.
Hazards: Normal reef hazards. Very strong currents and occasional rough water on Atlantic sites.
Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar. £1=EC$4.20 approx.
Electricity supply: 220/240V.
Inoculations: None required.
Visa required: No.
Getting there: Direct scheduled and charter flights, taking about 10 hours.
Tipping: 10-15 per cent.
Information: Grenada Board of Tourism (0171 370 5164). Websites - www. grenada. org and www.caribbeansupersite. com/grenada.
Tour operators include: Hayes and Jarvis, Harlequin Worldwide, Diversion Dive Tours, Tropical Places.

Curaçao
Marine life: The protected reefs of Bonaire and Curaao comprise pristine corals swarming with varied fish life. Coral species range from fire to staghorn, brain, elkhorn and star, with sponges, gorgonia and fish from tiny seahorses to barracuda, huge morays and nurse sharks off northern Curaçao.
Type of diving: Shore and boat diving for all abilities, with vibrant reefs and walls plus the odd wreck.
Major diving areas: More than 80 sites around Bonaire, mostly in the west, north and south and all round Klein Bonaire. Curaçao has 60 dive sites in three major diving areas, the best along the south-west coast, with the underwater park covering most of the southern area. Seas are very rough off the north coast, but there is diving for those who brave the surf and the currents.
Cost: Moderate.
Seasons/climate: Tropical, and below the hurricane belt. Average air temperatures of 28°C and water temperatures only a shade lower, with a constant trade wind giving the islands an arid climate. Diving is all year round.
What to wear: Out of the water - light tropical and casual clothing. In the water - thin wetsuit or Lycra suit for protection.
Hazards: Normal reef hazards. Rough seas and strong currents off northern Curaao.
Currency: Netherlands Antilles guilder. £1=ANG2.80 approx. US dollars are accepted everywhere.
Electricity supply: 110-130V.
Inoculations: None required.
Visa required: No.
Getting there: Flights via Amsterdam or several US cities.
Tipping: 10-15 per cent.
Information: Bonaire Tourism Authority (00 59 97 8322). Websites - www.interknowledge.com/bonaire and www. caribbeansupersite.com/bonaire. Curaao Tourism Development Corporation (00 59 99 61 6000). Websites - www.inter knowledge.com/curacao and www. caribbeansupersite.com/curacao.
Tour operators include: Harlequin Worldwide, The Barefoot Traveller, Scubaway, Divequest, Crusader Travel.

Tobago
Marine life: One of the Caribbean's finest diving locations, the mix of currents brings lots of nutrients and rich sub-sea flora and fauna. The healthy fringing and patch reefs support a multitude of reef life including nurse sharks, moray eels, turtles, large barracuda and tarpon, and giant manta rays.
Type of diving: Wreck and reef diving in the west to suit all abilities, Atlantic coast diving in sometimes very strong currents on the east making for great drift-diving.
Major diving areas: Former ferry, the MV Maverick, is a favourite on the west coast, where there are a number of reefs. Numerous dive sites on the east coast, which offers the best of the marine life.
Cost: Moderate.
Seasons/climate: Tropical, and outside the hurricane belt. Diveable all year but run-off from heavy rains during rainy season from April to October can reduce visibility dramatically. Sediment from the Orinoco River in Venezuela can also lower visibility. Best time is May to July.
What to wear: Out of the water - light tropical clothing. In the water - thin wetsuit or Lycra suit for protection.
Hazards: Normal reef hazards including stinging plankton. Watch out for the strong Atlantic currents.
Currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar. £1=TT$9.80 approx.
Electricity supply: 115V.
Inoculations: Typhoid and polio are recommended.
Visa required: No.
Getting there: Direct scheduled and charter flights, taking about 10 hours.
Tipping: 10-15 per cent.
Information: Trinidad & Tobago Tourism Office (00 171 370 5164). Websites - www.visittnt.com and www.caribbean supersite.com/trinidad and www. caribbeansupersite.com/tobago.
Tour operators include: Owner's Syndicate, Hayes and Jarvis, Harlequin Worldwide, The Barefoot Traveller, Scubaway, Divequest.

Mexico
Marine life: Mexico's Caribbean has outstanding reefs teeming with corals and fish life. On the western coast, the Sea of Cortez may be less clear, but its plankton-rich waters have colourful gorgonia, soft corals and huge kelp forests and are home to inhabitants including seahorses, mantas, sea-lions, whale sharks, and other sharks including hammerheads, oceanic whitetips and even great whites.
Type of diving: Reef, and wall drift-diving plus wrecks off the Yucatan Peninsula for all grades. Inland blue holes for the more adventurous. Baja California has sites from reefs, rock formations, walls and caves to shallow and deep wrecks, again suiting all grades.
Major diving areas: Mexico's Caribbean coast includes Cozumel for sites such as the Palanca, Santa Rosa, Paraiso and Chankanaab reefs; and Isla Mujeres off Cancun. The star of Baja California on the Pacific coast is Cabo san Lucas and the islands and sea mounts off La Paz, where divers can encounter whale sharks, mantas and hammerheads.
Cost: Yucatan - moderate. Baja California - expensive.
Seasons/climate: The Yucatan has a sub-tropical climate with diving all year, although hurricanes are a threat from June to November. Baja California is best dived in summer and into autumn, when the number of pelagics is at its highest. The region is hot in summer and calm weather is the norm, but tropical hurricanes and storms can occur from mid-May to mid-November, peaking in August and September. Cooler waters in winter mean less profuse marine life.
What to wear: Out of the water - light tropical clothing, warmer clothes in winter on the west coast. In the water - thin wetsuit or Lycra suit in Caribbean waters, and everything from a Lycra skin to a 7mm wetsuit in Baja California because of the variation in water temperature.
Hazards: Normal reef hazards off Yucatan. In Baja they include stinging hydroids, cone shells and great white sharks.
Currency: The peso. £1=Mex$15.00 approx.
Electricity supply: 110V.
Inoculations: Typhoid, polio and hepatitis A recommended. Malaria risk.
Visa required: No.
Getting there: Direct scheduled and charter flights to Cancun. Flights to Baja via Mexico City or US gateways.
Tipping: Generally 15-20 per cent.
Information: Mexican Tourist Office (0171 734 1058). Website - www.mexico-travel.com.
Tour operators include: Sport Abroad, The Barefoot Traveller, Scubaway, Divequest, explor Dive the World, Club Med.

Belize
Marine life: Belize's pristine 300km-long barrier reef is second only in length to Australia's Great Barrier Reef and boasts an extraordinary amount and variety of sea life, both on the reefs and off the steep gorgonia-festooned walls.
Type of diving: Everything from shallow reefs to atolls, deep canyons, walls and blue holes, suiting all ranges from novice to advanced. Shore and boat diving, plus live-aboards.
Major diving areas: Ambergris Caye for the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Turneffe atoll and reef, Half Moon Caye, and Lighthouse Reef for its famous Blue Hole - a 300m circular hole plunging 120m down. Also diving off capital, Belize City.
Cost: Expensive.
Seasons/climate: Tropical, with high temperatures and humidity. Dry and hot from January to April, and a monsoon season from June to September. Visibility remains good even during the rains. Water temperatures vary, but can be up to 26°C.
What to wear: Out of the water - light tropical clothing. In the water - thin wetsuit or Lycra suit for protection.
Hazards: Normal reef hazards.
Currency: Belizean dollar, tied to the US dollar at US$1=Bz$2.
Electricity supply: 110/220V.
Inoculations: Typhoid, polio and hepatitis A recommended. Malaria risk.
Visa required: No.
Getting there: Flights via Miami and other US cities.
Tipping: Taxi drivers are not tipped.
Information: Belize Tourist Board (00 501 27 7213). Website - www.belizenet.com.
Tour operators include: Reef & Rainforest Tours, Hayes and Jarvis, Regal Diving, Sport Abroad, Explorers Tours, Scuba Safaris, Scubaway, Divequest, Harlequin Worldwide.

Appeared in DIVER - June 1999