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Travel: 10 best dive sites in North America

By WTOP Staff

Fun, sun, and…scuba? 

For many, a trip to the beach just isn’t complete without the possibility of a deep sea dive. Whether you want to explore ship wrecks, meet creatures of the deep, or wonder at gorgeous coral formations, scuba diving can be a fun and athletic opportunity while you’re on vacation. 

Getting certified is crucial before attempting a dive, and if you choose to give it a go, we’ve compiled some of the best dive sites in North America for you to visit. Some may not realize just how many dive sites await in our own backyard!

1. Dive: Half Moon Caye, Belize

Half Moon Caye in Belize offers divers the chance to go on a wall dive–a dive in which the vertical facades of the earth’s landmasses are explored. The depths at Half Moon Caye (and really at any wall dive) are tremendous, giving you the very correct feeling that you are staring into an abyss. The waters at Half Moon Caye are particularly clear, despite the depth, so you will be able to see all manner of wildlife, including loggerhead turtles, rays, barracuda, and eels.

Stay: Portofino Beach Resort

The professional dive shop on-site at the romantic and secluded Portofino Beach Resort is a major draw for adventure seekers.

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2. Dive: Blue Heron Bridge, Riviera Beach, Fla.

The Blue Heron Bridge dive is fairly simple: In only 12 feet of water, you get access to a plethora of wildlife, including flying gurnards, bandtail sea robins and striated frogfish. For first-timers or those looking to include a short dive into a vacation, Blue Heron Bridge is an excellent choice.

Stay: Delray Beach Marriott

Located right across the street from the beach, the sophisticated Delray Beach Marriott is just thirty minutes from your dive site.

3. RMS Rhone, British Virgin Islands

If you’re a fan of the 1977 film The Deep, chances are you’ve already glimpsed the RMS Rhone on the silver screen. But if you’d rather have an up close and personal view of the steamer, which sunk in 1867, then head to the BVI. The bow is largely intact, while the stern fared worse and remains scattered along the bottom of the ocean. Night dives here are particularly popular, as that’s when the coral formations truly come to life.

Stay: Bitter End Yacht Club

The Bitter End Yacht Club, snuggled into a steep hill on the scenic North Sound, is a relaxed, family-friendly resort in the BVI perfect for divers wanting a home away from home.

4. Gran Cenote, Riviera Maya, Mexico

At Gran Cenote, divers get the opportunity to explore one of the world’s best cavern dives. It’s a great introductory dive for first-timers as the shallow waters are clear and fairly shallow. You’re bound to spot snorkelers in the water as well. The beauty of the rock formations, particularly in the main cavern, are stunning.

Stay: Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa

The all-inclusive megaresort that is Dreams Tulum features a secluded location near Mayan ruins and your dive site.

5. Point Lobos, Carmel, Calif.

Point Lobos National Park is a gorgeous dive site fifteen minutes from Monterey (where many individuals go to get certified for the first time). The Northern California coastline is a popular spot in general for dives, but Point Lobos allows only fifteen scuba divers a day to enter the water, ensuring the reef structures remain unspoiled. In addition to the haunting kelp forests and myriad of smaller creatures you’ll see, harbor seals have also been known to swim by on occasion.

Stay: Hyatt Carmel Highlands

For unrivaled, awe-inspired views— aboveground—of the Pacific Ocean, the cliff-side Hyatt Carmel Highlands offers a luxurious stay before you head to the deeps.

6. Keahole Point, Hawaii

If you’re a manta lover, there are few better dive sites than Keahole Point on the Big Island of Hawaii. Night dives are particularly popular where mantas — some with a wingspan of 16 feet — glide eerily through the shadowy waters.

Stay: Royal Kona Resort

For its convenient downtown location, affordable rooms, and private lagoon access, the Royal Kona Resort is an excellent choice of stay on the Big Island.

7. Florida Keys, Fla.

The Florida Keys remain a popular diving destination for several reasons, perhaps chief among them the number of wrecks in the waters here. Some people search for gold or buried treasure among the trading vessels or lost pirate ships, but others come just for the history. The USS Vandenberg, a 523-foot-long missile-tracking ship just six miles off the coast, is a must-see.

Stay: Cheeca Lodge & Spa

One of the original luxury properties on Islamorada, dating to 1946 and earning plenty of celebrity cachet over the years, the Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a perennial favorite in the Florida Keys.

8. Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Mexico

If you’re dying to get up close and personal with a whale shark, then a summer trip to Isla Mujeres (the laid-back island off the coast of Cancun) is necessary. From June to September, these enormous ocean creatures can be seen in the waters around the island. These giants are of the gentle variety, no matter how intimidating their size might be, so divers are perfectly safe.

Stay: Hotel Villa Rolandi Thalasso SPA – Gourmet & Beach Club

Two big draws at the Villa Rolandi are a secluded location on a pristine (albeit somewhat small) white-sand beach and the “no children under 13″ policy—taking the kids for a dive won’t fly here.

9. Cocos Island, Costa Rica

For the true adventure diver, there are few spots in North America better than Cocos Island. Deciding to embark on a diving trip there requires some thought. Located 36 hours by boat from mainland Costa Rica, it’s a trek to get there. And, as Cocos is a national park and extremely protected by the Costa Rican government, visitors are strictly regulated. Dive trips can be organized, with many lasting several days–some up to 10 days. It’s more than worth it, however, as you get the chance to see huge schools of sharks, dolphins, giant mantas, and a variety of rays. The reef system is stunning and, if you look closely, you’ll see octopuses and eels darting here and there.

Stay: Si Como No Resort, Spa and Wildlife Refuge

A staple in the beautiful Manuel Antonio resort area, the 58-room Si Como No is carefully built into a lush hillside, which means great views and winding paths. If you’re planning on visiting mainland Costa Rica during your stay, this is a great choice near your boat to Cocos Island.

10. Ray of Hope, Bahamas

The ironically named ship Ray of Hope was purposefully sunk off the coast of the Bahamas in 2003. Since then, the ship has garnered many visitors–particularly those of the shark variety. Dozens of gray reef sharks now seemingly call the wreck home, making for a truly eerie and spectacular dive. For another popular dive into shark-infested waters, check out the Bahamas’ Tiger Beach, where striped tiger sharks lie in wait congregate.

Stay: Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbor

A small, isolated, time-share-style hotel with big, beautiful suites, and a marina, Old Bahama Bay is a good base for your diving adventures.

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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