| Scuba diving vacations are a great escape from the | | | | You just have to decide what is most important for |
| everyday world. However, there are lots of options to | | | | you. For instance, if you like smaller resorts and small |
| choose from and they can get very expensive. | | | | dive groups, than an all inclusive resort may not be for |
| You can book each portion of the trip separately, you | | | | you. |
| can purchase a vacation package, you can stay on a | | | | Most all inclusives include non-motorized water sports |
| liveaboard, stay at an all inclusive or any variation of | | | | in the package. However, while most resorts offer |
| these options. | | | | scuba diving, you usually have to pay extra for it. If the |
| However, there are ways to reduce the cost of that | | | | resort does offer scuba diving in the price, you can |
| long-awaited vacation. In this article we are going to | | | | save a significant amount of money. |
| explore a stay at an all inclusive resort in the | | | | If you pay for your diving at the resort, my experience |
| Caribbean that includes scuba diving. | | | | has been that prices are pretty much market prices. If |
| They can be a great money saver but there are | | | | you do multiple dives you can usually get a discount, |
| some pros and cons to consider with this option. | | | | but that is typically the case for non-resort dive shops |
| Pros | | | | too. |
| * Don't have to worry about money while you are | | | | If there are a few divers, you can usually negotiate a |
| there | | | | better price. Many places we have been allow you to |
| * Usually cheaper than purchasing everything | | | | purchase a dive package (say 15 dives) and split the |
| separately | | | | dives among the different divers. It has always worked |
| * Stress free: No decisions to make about where to | | | | out well and we saved a fair amount of money. |
| go for drinks, dinner or diving | | | | Popular All Inclusive Destinations |
| * Usually a party atmosphere (can be a con too) | | | | Probably the most popular places (or at least those |
| * Security | | | | with the most resort choices) for an all inclusive |
| * Activities and entertainment are included (sometimes | | | | Caribbean scuba diving vacation are the Dominican |
| diving is included also) | | | | Republic, Jamaica and Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, |
| Cons | | | | including the ever popular Cozumel. In my opinion, |
| * Usually big resorts; grounds and dive boats can be | | | | Cozumel is the hands down winner as far as diving. |
| crowded (ever have to go out at 6 am to reserve a | | | | High End/Low End |
| lounge on the beach?) | | | | There is an all inclusive resort to fit every budget. You |
| * No incentive to leave the resort and experience the | | | | just have to decide what you want. What's more |
| local culture | | | | important to you? Would you rather have gourmet |
| * Have unexpected expense of going out if you don't | | | | food and premium drinks or would you be happy with |
| like the food and/or drink | | | | lower end offerings and more money in your wallet? |
| * Service is sometimes lacking since tips are already | | | | The answer can be different for each trip. |
| included (we always tip anyway, even if the policy is | | | | No matter where you go and which level of service |
| supposedly not to | | | | you choose, it is hard not to have a good time. So pick |
| * Not all islands have all inclusives, so island choice is | | | | a place, pack your scuba gear and get going! |
| limited | | | | |