March 14th, 2010 | 
Author: I am becoming certified this month and my husband and I want to go somewhere reasonably affordable, but not the local quarry. 
Know any good places? I would prefer places where I can sleep in a decent hotel after all the swimming is done. (My husband wants to rough it on a canoe or something, but I prefer a more resort-like atmosphere.) Thanks!
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Hawaii – hands down.
Eliat, Israel is the world’s best! Cheaper? Couzmel, Mexico.
Hawaii or Australia.. are my favorites but there are many beautiful places to see and explore.. Man made lakes are great… They are dark and murky at times, but you can dive into some real beautys at times
Catalina Island, off the coast of southern California, is a great place to scuba. Clear water, great restaurants, you can tear around town on a bike or golf cart because there are very few cars there. It’s a fun vacation spot. I used to live there.
Bon Air! Check out www.buddydive.com. I have a friend who goes for 10 days every year. He’s been diving for over 20 years and says that this is the best!!!
I would say the Bahamas or in the Caribbean.I’m sure because my cousin went there and went scuba diving.The good part was that they had lots of fun and enjoyed their vacation.So I think you might enjoy it too.
Turks and Caicos
Beautiful By Nature
Relatively unknown except to scuba divers and lovers of beautiful beaches, the islands of Turks and Caicos are the Caribbean’s best kept secret. A visit here is ideal for romantics who seek a relaxing vacation in a peaceful, natural setting. The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of eight islands and many smaller cays at the southeastern tip of the Bahamas chain. Providenciales, known as Provo, is the most developed of all the islands, complete with an international airport and several major resort hotels. Breathtaking nature preserves have stunning sites including salt lakes, caves and limestone cliffs. The 200 mile Barrier Reef system surrounding the Caicos Islands is 65 miles wide. Here, seasonal divers can explore the vibrant marine life and tranquil waters with 200 feet visibility.
It may be pricer than you woudl like but well worth the trip.
BC Travel Company
Thailand – phunket & malaysia – Rendan & indonsian -Bali it not expensive & u don’t regert
Florida Keys.
Well I must say, Hawaii is pretty good but I just learned from a very very good friend of mine (believe me this guy has certifications up the wazoo) he has scubaed all over the world and he feels that the coast of Florida, preferably east of Alachua Florida is the best place to Scuba. There are places you can go, where you can Scuba underneath Florida.
But in the end, it’s where you feel your best experience is. No matter what any body says. Heck I have heard of people saying there best experience was in a river or a lake. So it’s ones own opinion.
but right here in Texas’s back yard in Oklahoma, Lake Murray is a sweet place to go and scuba. Good lodging, campling, cabins, whichever you preferr. Good atmosphere, and good clean water. But i’m sure you have already been there. If not, it’s right up the 35 North and in Oklahoma its 2 miles off 35N at exit 24.
Have a good dive.
To some extent, it depends how you define affordable and where you live.
Assuming you live on the west coast, Hawaii would fit the bill. Although diving isn’t cheap (plan on $90 for a two tank boat dive). Further afiled would be Thailand. Closer? There are the Channel Islands off California and Vancouver Island in Canada.
From the midwest or east, I would consider Bonaire (I go every year). As it is shore diving, you can dive as much as you would like for $100 a week. Great diving to BTW (not south pacific but…). For me, the trip prices per week out as follows (PPDO — not icnluding tax and airfare): diving $100; hotel $490 (a one bedroom unit, full kitchen, with an ocean view and two balconies goes for $140/night); truck rental $175 (the rental rates is $350 a week, including taxes and CDW).
Another great alternative (esp. from Texas) is Cozumel. Great diving and lots of lodging choices. Cheap air from Texas as well. A better option, I think, than the Florida Keys.