If you’re new to selling diving vacations, or are looking to get into the market, here are some options that MLT Vacations offers its travelers looking to dive some of the world’s best locations.
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Good to know: It’s difficult to pin down the exact demographic of a dive customer, but typically most are affluent because it is not a budget-minded sport. You also have to be at least 12 years old in order to be certified. Most people get PADI certified, which is the most recognized certification internationally. To get this certification, prospective divers must complete course work, pool work and then open water tests. It is recommended that travelers do the course work and pool work in their hometown, because who wants to sit in front of a computer screen or in a pool on vacation when the ocean is beckoning?
MLT has a recreational dive program bookable through WorldAgent Direct. Agents can book air, hotel and dive packages right through the portal. There are more expansive dive programs with Delta Vacations, if travelers want a more exotic destination or more specific services.
The four best dive destinations with Delta Vacations are Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize and Bonaire. This is because the water is impeccable, and there is plenty to see in terms of coral, fish and wrecks.
Cozumel
Cozumel is an island off the Yucatan Peninsula. There are a ton of hotel and restaurant options, as well as pro dive shops. The coral is brilliant, from green and purple to orange and pink. Cozumel is a top destination for drift diving, which is when a diver will submerge in the water and let the current move them along over the reefs. Through Delta, book the Reefs Drift Diving, which is a three-tank dive in Cozumel. Customers will have three air tanks on seven-hour excursion.
Some non-dive options in Cozumel include jeep tours, ATV tours and dolphin swims.
Where to Stay
Fiesta Americana Cozumel is a 3.5-star resort that reopened on September 1 after a complete renovation that modernized the property. there is a dive shop and dock right on site.
Secrets Aura Cozumel is a 4-star resort that is all-inclusive and adults-only. It is also a Gold Preferred Pick hotel, which means that agents receive extra Rewards to Go points when booking it. Clients also receive more bonus miles.
Grand Cayman
This Caribbean destination is best known for its wall diving. There is also a phenomenal wreck dive.
Non divers will love Camana Way at Camana Bay, Dolphin Cove in West Bay and the Bioluminescent Bay near Rum Point.
There are 13 hotels in MTL’s portfolio in Grand Cayman. The majority of these are EP hotels.
The Reef Resort - A Wyndham Affiliate is a 3.5-star resort located in the East End. Good to know: Besides the hotel and diving, there really is not much else out on this end of the island. The hotel is great for families and is all-inclusive. There are not as many divers on this side of the island, which makes it great to see a lot of different things.
Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort is a four-star resort right on Seven Mile Beach. It has excellent snorkeling, and this property has an optional all-inclusive program.
Belize
This destination is home to the famous Blue Hole, which is certainly on the bucket list of most divers. It is for a more experienced diver, as it is about a 90-minute to three-hour boat ride out to the hole, and it is very steep and rep diving. The Belize Barrier Reef System is the second largest reef system in the world, and is protected as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
Delta Vacations has 15 properties in its portfolio in Belize, all EP style. One of the most popular is Ramon’s Village, which is a three-star resort with thatch-roof Tahitian-style bungalows.
Bonaire
Thirty-five miles off the coast of Venezuela, there are no chain hotels or chain restaurants on Bonaire. It is a Dutch island, where English is spoken widely and US currency is accepted. It is all about shore diving on Bonaire, with more than 80 sites on the island accessible right from the shore.
Accommodations include both all-inclusive options and EPs, but travelers should note that the all-inclusive style in Bonaire is a bit different from traditional all-inclusives. This means three meals and three dives a day are often included, but alcohol is not.
Note: MLT and Delta Vacations have added new dive destinations including Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Croix.
Visit www.mltvacations.com.