Custom Itinerary
Friedlander Winter Beach Getaway
The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world and home to famous dive sites like the Blue Hole. Here, I like Turneffe Island Resort, a private island that specializes in fishing and diving. They have their own dive boats, and December is a great month to go diving. It’s accessible from Belize City via a 45-minute boat transfer. I’ve reached out, and they have a superior room and a private villa with five diving packages available for Dec 28-Jan 4, 2025. The rate is all-inclusive: $23,080 + 12.5% tax.
There are other good resorts in Placencia that are less remote but less expensive, like Turtle Inn or It’zana. I’m not seeing anything at Turtle Inn and would need to call, but It’zana has 2- and 3-bedroom villas starting at $3,200/nt.
Baja is an amazing dive destination with various underwater wildlife, including whales, sea lions, rays, and whale sharks. I work with a small charter company offering set departures and private boats. The only trip available in December is to Socorro Island to see sharks and manta rays. This starts at $3,995 per person for 9 days. If you wait until December, whale season starts in the Gulf of California. I had clients who were very happy with their Ultimate Whales trip at $4,995 per person for 8 days, but for a group, you can also charter the Mango Wind for a better price. I’ll need to get their latest rates.
Secret Bay in Dominica is the best place in the world to dive with sperm whales. Unlike other areas in the Caribbean, it has a Hawaiian island feel. Direct flights are from Miami. A two-bedroom villa with two kings and a sleeper sofa is available in late December for $4,319/nt, with a 7-night minimum stay.
St. Eustatius is a small, under-the-radar island off St. Kitts and Nevis. Golden Rock Resort recently opened to make some of the island’s renowned dive sites more accessible. Rooms start at around $640/nt in December. However, December can be one of the rainier months, and conditions improve quite a bit in January.
Tiamo Resort is probably the best option in Andros, Bahamas, with a dive center. In late December, they have good availability, and king rooms start at around $1200/nt. I also mentioned Kamalame Cay, which is also on Andros and has a dive center. It’s looking very booked up. However, they do have a luxurious 3-bedroom villa available December 16-21 for $4,465/nt.
Bonaire seems like a great dive-from-shore destination, but I haven’t found the perfect hideaway. I’ve searched Airbnb, and this house looks perfect – but it’s booked from December 8th to 31st. This other house is promising and available, but it has no reviews.