Thanks Selena! I’ve considered Utila as I really loved visiting there but I think I’ve decided that I’m ready to go somewhere new…

Utila – my BF trained there, great atmosphere, cost effective and free dives for life. This means you can complete you 60 dives there or go on to train as an instructor in one go and complete all your dives too (though I imagine you have already completed your dives).

Or

Curaçao with Ocean Encounters, let me know if you need an intro

Well, I only did two dives there so I’m not the best source but I’m not sure I would say it was any more challenging than Koh Tao… But a definite yes to the similar atmosphere/nightlife. The Bahamas are a totally different animal, much more touristy. They are very diverse and every island is different but I don’t think you’d find what you are looking for there.

Hey Max, thanks for this comment! And I have your email in my “to reply” folder…

I am still considering Bali, although I should be more specific that I would head to the Gilis! I’m so sorry to hear about your friend, its always terrifying to get ill abroad. However, AIDS can certainly be contracting anywhere in the world, especially many of the countries we are considering for Divemaster courses.

I definitely agree with you that you’ve got to love the place and you put it well when you say more time is spent out of the water than in it! I think you would like the lifestyle in Utila but the diving was pretty on par with Koh Tao. So many decisions! Right now I’m focused on making my plans for the fall but pretty soon I need to begin investigating all this again…

This is not to put you off going to bali, going for a couple days is fine to get the feel of it (its incredibly cheap, and full of life) but for the 1 – 2 months youd probably like to spend doing your DM, i wouldn’t recommend it.

Ive been looking into south america.. venezuela, belize, playa del carmen (I love mayan history and diving the crystal clear fresh water cenotes would be unforgettable). I think playa would have a decent nightlife, same with venezuela.

I havent been to utila or honduras so i was also contemplating these 2 islands, but ive heard alot of mixed reviews seems like abit of a gamble. You only do your DM once!

Mozambique – Tofo seems like a small town deffinently not fraught with nightlife, i also here theirs people looking to rip you off around everycorner. But the diving is great and its all about experiencing africa.. seeing the mega fauna.. living with the african people. Ive been to Africa myself and am heading over to egypt this year…

Which leads me to… Red sea egypt: Now this is another wildcard but one ill be able to.. its a tourist hotspot frequented by europeans; particularly polish, russians, and the english. I hear its like the Bali of egypt. Warm waters, and decent nightlife could lead to a great DM experience. (ill see this all myself and get back to you in the next couple of months)

Ive left out south east asia.. why? well south east asia IS beautiful and cheap. Like yourself i fell in love with koh tao and i am so tempted to go back there to do my DM. However to settle into a place for 2 months id like somewhere intriguing with completely different culture that i havent experienced before.

Lets face it… Your in the water for a short amount of time compared to the amount of time you spend on land. It has to be a place that will keep you excited and bring you out of bed with a smile on your face. To me a nightlife is really important as i love meeting new people and living it up when i can, yet its just important to have heeps of marine life, clear vis, wrecks and preferably deep caves.

Ive got flexibility from Nov onwards to feb. Preferably i wanted to do it in december.. this limits the amount of places to do it however the above mentioned are warm year round, even in rainy seasons. If i was looking at doing it in June – july next year i probably would of been leaning towards greek islands, spain.

– just another hopeful, confused young and passionate diver trying to find the perfect diving, nightlife and mentally and emotionally stimulating country to do my DM!

If youd like to get in touch or if you have any recommendations im best contacted by email

Congratulations! It would be great to hear your thoughts on the S100, after some underwater use, via a review in a future post.

Happy snapping.

Actually, I ended up buying the Canon s100! I’ve been thrilled with it so far, but hopefully this suggestion can help someone else looking for an underwater camera…

Just an update to confuse you! The new ‘must have’ compact point and shoot is the Sony RX100. Prices seem expensive at the moment, but although some reviews in the UK quote around £500+ a quick search on the web produces prices of around £420.

Here are a few reviews:

https://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2012/07/26/the-sony-rx100-digital-camera-review-the-best-pocket-digital-compact-of-the-year-actually-ever/

https://www.divephotoguide.com/underwater-photography-scuba-ocean-news/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-rx100/

https://www.bluewaterphotostore.com/sony-rx100-olympus-omd

As yet no ‘cheap’ underwater housings and Sony don’t seem to produce their own yet. But I guess as the camera has just been released one shall have to wait for the demand.

Just to confuse you…