I'm looking for a budget friendly 6 night scuba drip in April flying out of IAH.

I've done Cozumel many times so that's off the table.

I was looking at Belize but the extra flight to get from Belize City (BZE) to one of the islands seems like a pain.

I've done Roatan and that's still on the table but looking for something new.

When on these trips, it's only scuba/eat/sleep so other factors don't weigh in much.

I wouldn't typically associate Grand Cayman with budget friendly but we like staying at Ocean Cabanas Dive Resort to save money when we're there. Like you, we just want to dive and chill. We don't need a big hotel with spas and tons of amenities. They have one and two bedroom accommodations, both with full kitchens. The owners run the dive shop too so they pick you up and drop you off everyday (let them know in advance). We still rent a car so we can go get groceries and drive around the island. So while it may not be the level of budget friendly you're looking for, at least keep it in mind for future trips there.

Forget to add there's a great night dive spot just 2 minutes down the road.

The extra flight in Belize is super easy. Don't let it deter you.

I just looked and there is a ferry from Belize City to Caye Caulker for $25 each way and it only takes 45 minutes.

PlanoAg98 said:

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I just looked and there is a ferry from Belize City to Caye Caulker for $25 each way and it only takes 45 minutes.

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I have been planning a Belize trip and this option looks super easy and nearly stress free unless bad weather.

The Chicken Ranch said:

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The extra flight in Belize is super easy. Don't let it deter you.

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This is true...very easy. I have never taken the ferry, so I don't know how involved it is, but it would mean you have to travel from the International airport to the wharf in town, so keep that in mind. The puddle jumper flight to Ambergris is only 15 minutes and well worth it, in my opinion.

Can you put a price range on what "budget friendly" means to you? I know everybody thinks of Coz as very cheap, but when you start adding in hotel, taxis, meals out, etc. It is not necessarily that much cheaper than some of the all-inclusive packages you can get elsewhere. If you go at the right time of year, places like Cayman Brac can be pretty affordable and have better diving than Belize or Roatan IMO.

Have you checked out Bonaire? Direct flights from IAH and lots of dive options.

Regarding BZE, the local flight to Ambergris is really easy, and most of the places you would be staying will take care of setting it up for you. I think it was $120 each way when we were there in July. If you're going to Caye Caulker, the ferry might be an option but as stated previously, you have to get to the port to catch the ferry and personally, I wouldn't want to spend any time in Belize City outside of the airport. Been there, done that. Sketchy.

carl spacklers hat said:

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Have you checked out Bonaire? Direct flights from IAH and lots of dive options.

Regarding BZE, the local flight to Ambergris is really easy, and most of the places you would be staying will take care of setting it up for you. I think it was $120 each way when we were there in July. If you're going to Caye Caulker, the ferry might be an option but as stated previously, you have to get to the port to catch the ferry and personally, I wouldn't want to spend any time in Belize City outside of the airport. Been there, done that. Sketchy.

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I don't think there are any non-stop flights to BON from IAH anymore. I think United was the only one and they stopped earlier this year IIRC. Doing 6 night trips to Bonaire may be harder to get flights on as well because a lot of the flights there are Saturday only. So flying on other days limits the options.

Agree that the flight from Belize City to Ambergris is pretty painless. Same for flights from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac if you go that route.