With winter waning and spring trying to push its beauty into the days, it is time to think about dive vacations with the one you love.  Divers are chaffing to get into that wet suit, grab their regulators and slide under the water to explore some of the world’s prettiest reefs.  But what about topside, in this article I will highlight some great spots for divers and particularly couples. First off: Not only is it the Soft Coral Capital of the World with over 4000 square miles of amazing reefs, 1000’s of species of marine life and warm welcoming water year round,  but it is one of the most romantic spots to dive into.  There are 333 Islands that make up Fiji, all welcoming and each with attributes all their own.  From bustling Nadi and Denaru to peaceful Yasawa all the islands feature amazing diving, rain forests, and resorts to romance the night away. Romantic over the water bungalows are popping up at all the 5 star resorts the traditional Bure hut with:

• Outdoor private showers
• Amazing native woven mats
• Tapa cloth ceilings
• Gourmet food
• Amazing sunsets
• Fantastic diving among the friendliest people in the world, what more could you want.

Looking for the perfect tropical wedding setting? Fiji offers easy qualifications and settings from Beaches, to Orchid Gardens and Traditional Churches.  Air Pacific offers several late night flights weekly from LAX enjoy a meal, a movie, and a nap and arrive the next morning in Fantastic Fiji!

Next we travel to the Southern Caribbean stopping in Romantic St. Lucia.  This small Windward Island is the newest hot spot for romance with 8 All Inclusive resorts including Sandals with over the water bungalows, Anse Chastanet with 600 acres of beach front and the Jade Mountain Resort over-looking the amazing harbor.  The twin peaks “The Pitons” invite sailors to the peaceful shores reminiscent of Tahiti. Diving is amazing with several ship wrecks to tempt exploration and the stunning variety of coral, sponge and marine life. Artificial reefs have developed around a number of sunken ships which have become home to huge gorgonians, black coral trees, gigantic barrel sponges, purple vase sponges and black lace corals. Exciting Caribbean diving trips will reveal turtles, nurse sharks, seahorses, angel fish, and golden spotted eels, to name but a few, among the dazzling cross section of Caribbean marine life. Just 3 ½ hours from Miami and prices from $250 round trip St. Lucia is truly an affordable romantic vacation spot this year. Third on my list is the amazing British Virgin Islands.  I have sailed around this island group on an old 3-masted schooner, dive the amazing Wreck of the Rhone, (A British Ship that split and went down in a Hurricane in 1867) and witnessed the most beautiful sunsets in my life. This small group of Islands borders the Atlantic Ocean just east of our US Virgin Islands.  Practically a throwback these islands have not allowed the huge growth other Caribbean destinations have enjoyed recently…Thus, the people are not jaded, the locations have not been overrun with huge hotels and the dive sites are pristine. Tortola is your first stop, and the main island for accommodations. 3 resorts and a myriad of small inns welcome you to this old British pirate port.   Stroll through the quaint streets, wander the white sand beaches and savor the fine cuisine. You can also:

• Choose to sail or ferry to the other islands
• Enjoy locations such as the Baths at Virgin Gorda for snorkeling
• Check out the Wreck of the Rhone for a fantastic day of diving
• Small islands like Peter Isle, Cooper Isle and Ginger Isle offer secluded beaches and clear crystal dive sites
• Or pamper yourselves at the new Scrub Island 6 star resort that boasts the most private romantic locations with a yacht club, marina, condos and private beaches.

The British Virgin Islands are a slice of paradise that is truly a must do for couple that dive and sail! Next is Roatan!  This small group of island resorts lays just off the coast of Honduras in Central America.  Yes, I know Honduras is not the safest place to visit these days, but you do not even touch the mainland!  Fly right onto Roatan and transfer to the resort of your choice.  Safe, secluded and amazing diving awaits you here.

• Resorts like Anthony’s Key that offer private bungalows and a small intimate atmosphere.
• Barefoot Cay,  a privately owned 4 acre island offering bungalows, cabana swim areas, heavenly beds on the beach and is situated behind an amazing reef, protecting the area from large waves.
• Pure Vida Resort offers just 25 rooms on a protected reef
• Coco View has wonderful bungalows over the water.

All of these resorts are small, intimate, and offer the tropical sitting your next romantic getaway deserves. Finally I cannot forget the Pearl of the South Pacific Tahiti.  2 Million square miles of amazing tropical waters, 113 islands with a land mass smaller then Rhode Island and tales of romance draw couples to the stunning sunsets and inviting waters, of Tahiti. The Area known as Tahiti includes the Society Islands, comprised of:

• Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and 3 more main islands
• The Tuamotu Atolls or “Tahiti’s Strand of Pearls
• The Marquesas, or “The Mysterious Islands.”

All have spectacular views, colorful marine life and inviting adventures.  Have your breakfast delivered via canoe to your over the water bungalow, stroll through lush forests, or have a private picnic on the beach of Bora Bora?  Divers will delight in warm clear waters, while swimming among colorful fish, and gliding manta rays.  Resorts include The Bora Bora Pearl Beach, La Taha Private Island and Spa, and Moorea Pearl Resort. We all dream of Tahiti, so let’s quite dreaming and follow the sun to  the South pacific and dive, dive, dive into your romance! If you’re interested in getting more information for your next scuba trip, you can contact Paula at www.seaquest-travel.com.

What do you think?

• Have you ever been scuba diving?
• What’s the most awesome place you ever visited?
• Would you ever consider scuba diving?